Hello,
My title for today doesn't indicate anything remotely edible. On second thoughts I did wish to slaughter it many times!! Anyone who has siblings would understand what I mean.
Yeah, today is all about my darling little brother. Actually, he's not little anymore; a tall, strapping young man (traitor! got the better height genes) but for me he will always be my itty-bitty bro! Younger to me by mere 18 months, but with the 5'11 frame, makes him pompous enough to lord around quite the contrary.
But he's my first friend, my partner in crime, my evil twin in all the plans we hatch (seriously we have a wicked penchant for those), my foodie pal; my buddy with whom I can discuss anything in the galaxy - GOT, superheroes, video games, crushes, relationships, world problems, politics, toilet humour; name and we can yap..
Of course it's never the rosy ride; silly squabbles, verbal lashing, cold shoulders, nasty tricks are a birthright of siblings across the world, we are no different. That lasted till I got married and suddenly we both were made aware; of the acute absence of the much taken-for-granted camaraderie we shared. Admittedly it wasn't some earth-shattering epiphany but it's the gradual realization & bittersweet musings of how such an annoying pest can become such a sorely missed soft toy which you have to live without, just because you grew up :(
It was his birthday yesterday (7 july) and I so missed seeing him - wanting to bake him a cake, hugging him tight to wish him, singing out loud in the most irritating tone 'Happy B'day song' (still did that on the phone), presenting his gift & the delight to see him open it.
For a person who bakes at the drop of a hat, couldn't muster the enthusiasm, knowing my bro will not be able to taste it 2000km away, sigh! I still remember the first cake I made for his b'day years ago, his that time favourite - Pineapple Upside-down cake (used to be his favourite, for him choices fluctuate faster than the proverbial Mumbai rains)
Was my first time with that tricky cake and was so proud to nail it for his birthday, after only one failed attempt. Heading to the grey matter that resides in me, had prepared batter for two cakes, first went kaput with the upside-down part but, the second one was a 'piece of cake' (pun intended)
Over the years have made my own tweaking to the original recipe, downloaded from the net. It's quick, easy & decadent.
All you need is for the topping, 500 gms of tinned/fresh pineapple slices, 10 gm butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar. For the cake, 1 cup maida (plain flour), 3 medium eggs, 150 gms butter (softened), 1 cup sugar, 1/2 tin condensed milk, 1tsp baking powder, 1tsp vanilla essence, 1/2 tsp pineapple essence.
Begin with caramelizing sugar at the bottom of your baking dish and spread evenly to form a crisp, golden layer. Drain the pineapple slices & lightly fry them in butter (helps cook the pineapple for a mellow bite). Layer as desired over the caramelized layer.
The batter - Mix butter, sugar & vanilla essence. Beat the egg whites frothy before you add to the butter mixture alternating with the flour. Finally add half tin of condensed milk, baking powder and vanilla essence. Pour the above mixture over the layered pineapple slices. Bake for about 30-45 mins in a oven at 180 deg. Once cooled gently upturn the cake to get the upside-down :)
So you thought 'no cake' for birthday? Nah, so what if couldn't bake one at home, we went to the supermarket & bought a mouthwatering chocolate cake slab. Which reminded me completely of my 'lil bro' - rich brown, warm, sweet, goey. We wish him all the happiness he deserves.
Hope you enjoyed this recipe, would love to hear your comments/feedback on the same.
Cheers!
My title for today doesn't indicate anything remotely edible. On second thoughts I did wish to slaughter it many times!! Anyone who has siblings would understand what I mean.
Yeah, today is all about my darling little brother. Actually, he's not little anymore; a tall, strapping young man (traitor! got the better height genes) but for me he will always be my itty-bitty bro! Younger to me by mere 18 months, but with the 5'11 frame, makes him pompous enough to lord around quite the contrary.
But he's my first friend, my partner in crime, my evil twin in all the plans we hatch (seriously we have a wicked penchant for those), my foodie pal; my buddy with whom I can discuss anything in the galaxy - GOT, superheroes, video games, crushes, relationships, world problems, politics, toilet humour; name and we can yap..
Of course it's never the rosy ride; silly squabbles, verbal lashing, cold shoulders, nasty tricks are a birthright of siblings across the world, we are no different. That lasted till I got married and suddenly we both were made aware; of the acute absence of the much taken-for-granted camaraderie we shared. Admittedly it wasn't some earth-shattering epiphany but it's the gradual realization & bittersweet musings of how such an annoying pest can become such a sorely missed soft toy which you have to live without, just because you grew up :(
It was his birthday yesterday (7 july) and I so missed seeing him - wanting to bake him a cake, hugging him tight to wish him, singing out loud in the most irritating tone 'Happy B'day song' (still did that on the phone), presenting his gift & the delight to see him open it.
Over the years have made my own tweaking to the original recipe, downloaded from the net. It's quick, easy & decadent.
Begin with caramelizing sugar at the bottom of your baking dish and spread evenly to form a crisp, golden layer. Drain the pineapple slices & lightly fry them in butter (helps cook the pineapple for a mellow bite). Layer as desired over the caramelized layer.
The batter - Mix butter, sugar & vanilla essence. Beat the egg whites frothy before you add to the butter mixture alternating with the flour. Finally add half tin of condensed milk, baking powder and vanilla essence. Pour the above mixture over the layered pineapple slices. Bake for about 30-45 mins in a oven at 180 deg. Once cooled gently upturn the cake to get the upside-down :)
So you thought 'no cake' for birthday? Nah, so what if couldn't bake one at home, we went to the supermarket & bought a mouthwatering chocolate cake slab. Which reminded me completely of my 'lil bro' - rich brown, warm, sweet, goey. We wish him all the happiness he deserves.
Hope you enjoyed this recipe, would love to hear your comments/feedback on the same.
Cheers!
Aww...Wish I had an AWESOME sister like you..who'd bake me such wonderful cakes...Thought I haven't tasted any of your cakes...Am sure they'd be as delicious as they look...I have a slightly dizzy memory that I might have tasted a chocolate cake once in Candies..Anyways I am still waiting to eat one of your mouthwatering (even looking at the pics makes me drool :p)..Not just one actually..I wish I could eat everytime you bake one :D..but seriously, looking at them gives me a lot of inspiration. I’ve always wanted to bake cakes….maybe I was too lazy to make one or I don’t have the kind of enthusiasm like you have…luv to see that kinda zest in you..Hope you keep this passion always alive…Certainly you will..waiting for the day you start your chain of bakeries and I get to eat them anywhere anytime..
ReplyDeleteBest of luck!! Keep baking!! :)
Thanks a ton Vikram for such lovely words... such encouragements from friends & family is what keeps my passion alive!
ReplyDeleteYes you definitely have eaten the Chocolate brownie in Candies :) and as promised this Christmas m definitely baking a cake for you!! Cheers!!!