GBBO Bake Along: Very Messy Chocolate Cake

So it's week one of my The Great British Bake Off bake along challenge. 

This weeks showstopper challenge was baking a chocolate cake. 

I'm not the great fan of chocolate cake (please forgive me) but I knew my brother would love it. Therefore I decided to bake this cake in celebration of my brother's GCSE results.

The challenge stated they wanted a huge over the top cake, using as many different types of chocolate as possible. My attempt is definitely nothing fancy but does contain plain, milk and white chocolate, so extra points from Mary for me.

I took the opportunity to use my Ghirardelli recipe book I bought in America, along with a standard chocolate cake recipe by Martha Stewart.

Recipe
Chocolate Cake 
Recipe Found here

1 Cup        Cocoa Powder
3/4 Cup     Coffee
1 Cup        Milk
2 3/4 Cup  Plain Flour
1 tsp          Baking Powder
1/2 tsp       Salt
1 1/2 Cup  Butter
2 1/2 Cup  Sugar
1 tbsp        Vanilla Extract
4                Eggs


1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius (350 fahrenheit) then line and grease two 8" tins.

2. Sift the cocoa powder into a bowl. Add the milk and coffee, let cool.

3. Sift flour, baking soda and salt into a bowl.

4. Mix together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time. Add into chocolate mixture.

5. Add chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.

6. Pour the mixture into your two tins equally.

7. Bake for 35 minutes then let cool for 1 hour on a cooling rack.


White Chocolate Filling

1 cup of whipping cream
6oz of White Chocolate


8. Start to whip the cream with an electric mixer until almost forming peaks.

9. Melt the white chocolate. Let cool.

10. Stir in the cooled white chocolate.

11. Use a pallet knife to spread onto the cake.

12. Sandwich the two cakes together.


Chocolate Icing
Found here

6oz Plain Chocolate
6oz Milk Chocolate
1 cup whipping cream


13. Melt together the plain and milk chocolate. Let cool.

14. Start whipping the cream until almost forming peaks.

15. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture.

16. Using a pallet knife, smooth over the cake as desired.

There you have it! A very messy and very chocolatey chocolate cake.

Bring on week 2!

Bake Along with The Great British Bake Off

Photo from The Great British Bake Off

So tonight on BBC 2 The Great British Bake Off series 4 begins!

I'm extremely excited about this and currently counting down the hours until 8pm (6 hours).

I've decided this year I'm going to do my best to bake along with the show. Each week I'll bake the 'Showstopper' from that episode, maybe with a few signature and technical bakes thrown in.

Keep your eyes peeled for my first showstopper attempt in the next few days.

On your marks, get set...bake!

What to take to University: The Full List

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST BY CLICKING HERE

Bedroom

• Bedding - Double check the bed size before you go, as sizes can range from single, 3/4 size to double. Don't forget a spare set for when you're washing the other!

• Duvet and pillows

• Mattress Topper - I bought an amazing mattress topper in my second year and it's the best thing I've done.

• Blankets 

• Cushions 

• Laundry Bag/Hamper 

• Coat Hangers - Lots of people forget these! I personally like the velvet kind, as it stops your clothes slipping off.

• Sleeping Bag - Always a good idea for if you have friends come to stay.

• Small bin - I didn't have a bin in my bathroom in halls so I bought my own.

• Decorative Items - Take some things to brighten up your room. I took an orchid for on my window sill, some pictures to put on my cork board and a few other bits and bobs to scatter round my room. (Take a look at Dormify on Pinterest. They have all sorts of tips on how to decorate your room.) 

• Photos from home

• Alarm clock - Just because you have an alarm on your phone, doesn't mean you will wake up. I personally like the sunrise clocks to make 9am lectures a bit more bearable.

• TV  - Lots of people take TV's to uni but personally, I made do with my iPad and laptop.

• Extension lead - There aren't always enough plugs in halls. Best to take an extension lead so you can watch the TV, do your hair and charge your phone all at the same time.

• Books

• Hot water bottle

• Door stop - Keep your door open when you first arrive is my biggest tip. That way your flat mates know you're in the room and can come and say hi. Alternatively you could use a crate of beer like my flat mate.

• Box of sweets/chocolates - I took a box of haribo along with me when I first moved into halls but chocolates could also be a good bet. It's a great way to get chatting and also wins you bonus points for providing sweets.

Clothes

• Casual Clothes

• Loungewear 

• Going out clothes

• Smart clothes - Suitable for a job interview. If doing a business course, you'll sometimes be required to wear smart clothes for presentations.

• Underwear and socks

• PJs 

• Dressing gown

• Slippers

• Swimwear 

• Gym clothes

• Winter clothes - Coat, hat, scarf, gloves etc. It can be easy to forget these when you leave in September. 

• Fancy dress - Including a white sheet, school tie, white shirt and any props you might have.

• Going out shoes

• Casual shoes

• Trainers

• Snow shoes/Wellies - It snowed A LOT during my first year and I had no suitable shoes

• University bag - Big enough to fit your books/laptop etc

• Night out bag

• Day time bag

• Large Travel Bag

• Gym bag

Kitchen

• Crockery  - Bowls, Plates etc

• Cutlery - Knives, Forks, Spoons. Take plenty, they have the tendency to disappear.

• Glasses - Normal water glasses, pint, wine and shot

• Mugs

• Kettle/Toaster- These are sometimes provided and although on this list, I'd still wait before you buy them. If you and your flatmates decide to buy one before you arrive you might end up with 6 toasters and 6 kettles in your halls kitchen. 

• Toastie maker - Again an amazing purchase I made in second year. Everyone in my house ended up using it! Endless possibilities for fillings and great for helping with a hangover. 

• Saucepans - One large and one small is enough

• Colander

• Sieve

• Frying pan

• Roasting Dish

• Baking tray

• Cupcake tray/Cake tin

• Tin opener

• Corkscrew / Bottle opener

• Vegetable peeler

• Cheese grater - I stand by my comment that this style of cheese grater is the best thing known to man. 

• Wooden spoon

• Spatular

• Whisk

• Masher

• Microwaveable bowl

• Measuring jug

• Mixing Bowl

• Scales

• Chopping knives

• Chopping boards

• Egg cup 

• Tupperware

• Travel Mug

• Refillable Water Bottle 

• Tin foil / Beeswax Wraps 

• Bin bags

• Drying Rack

• Cleaning products - You'll need all this when it comes to inspections:

              -Bleach
              -Dettol
              -Anti-bacterial wipes
              -Multi-surface cleaner
              - Cif Perfect Finish - great for bathroom grout 

• Washing up liquid

• Sponges

• Tea towels

• Oven Gloves

• Recipe Book - My mum wrote down the recipes for some of my favourite meals at home so I could recreate them. Alternatively, start a board on Pinterest for some meal inspiration now - it gets boring thinking of new meals every week. 

Bathroom

• Towels - Hand and Bath Towels. Again don't forget spares for when the others are in the wash and you have friends to stay. 

• Skin Care - Cleanser, moisturiser, make up remover

• Make Up 

• Hair care - Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo etc

• Hair accessories - Hair ties etc

• Hair dryer

• Straighteners/Curlers

• Shower gel/soap

• Hand wash

• Razor and shaving cream

• Deodorant

• Tooth Brush

• Tooth Paste

• Mouth Wash

• Floss

• Retainer

• 'Monthly Essentials' - Pads, Tampons, whatever your personal preference

• Manicure set

• Glasses/contact lenses

• Bathmat 

• Toilet Roll - Bring as many of those jumbo packs as you can

• Medication

• Painkillers

• Cold/Flu stuff  - Freshers Flu will get you.

• Antihistamines

• Plasters

• Gaviscon

Lectures

Buy all the stationery you need in one place HERE

• Pens and Pencils

• Sharpies

• Highlighters

• Pen pot

• Eraser

• Ruler

• Pencil sharpener

• Drawing pins

• Paper clips

• Stapler

• Hole punch

• Cellotape

• String

• Blu-tac

• Scissors

• Storage boxes - I keep all my stationary in a storage tower

• Magazine files - I use these to organise all my work for each module

• University Books - But don't rush out to buy the books on your book list. Chances are they'll be in the library, save yourself the money.

• Notebooks

• Diary

• Note Cards

• Post it notes

• Page markers 

• Envelopes

• Stamps

• Laptop

• iPad - Obviously not essential

• Kindle - I put pdf versions of my module guides on mine

• Dictaphone - Perfect for recording 9am lectures when you're half asleep or just use your phone. If you want to splash out have a look at Livescribe.

• Memory stick

• Headphones

• Printer, paper and Ink - 100% worth buying a printer, it will save you money on printing at the library. 

• Calculator -  Even if you're not doing maths!

• Spare batteries

Extras

• Passport and Driving License 

• Enrolment Documents - Read your information pack carefully

• National Insurance Number - If you get a job you don't want to be caught out if you've left yours at home.

• Student Finance Information - Even if you don't need it, it's nice to see when you're getting your next bit of loan through.

• Railcard  - Lifesaver! I got my railcard free with a Natwest student account but you can also buy them here. I've saved so much money on my 200mile+ journeys.

• Washing Powder 

• Fabric Softener

• Change for washing machines - Best to keep some change aside for this, that way you can't spend all your change on nights out.

• Safety Pins

• Sewing Kit

• Screwdriver - You won't believe how many times I've had to use a screwdriver in 3 years

• Playing Cards 

• Umbrella

• Amazon Prime Student - A six month free trial and then only £3.99 a month, Amazon Prime Student gives you free next day delivery on millions of items, exclusive student offers such as 10% off textbooks, access to prime video, prime reading and prime music and more. You can always cancel before the 6 months is up too! 

Click the banner below to get your free trial:

                                   

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST BY CLICKING HERE

What to take to University: The Boring/Important/Miscellaneous Stuff

• Passport and Driving License 

• Enrolment Documents - Read your information pack carefully

• National Insurance Number - If you get a job you don't want to be caught out if you've left yours at home.

• Student Finance Information - Even if you don't need it, it's nice to see when you're getting your next bit of loan through.

• Railcard  - Lifesaver! I got my railcard free with a Natwest student account but you can also buy them here. I've saved so much money on my 200mile+ journeys.

• Washing Powder 

• Fabric Softener

• Change for washing machines - Best to keep some change aside for this, that way you can't spend all your change on nights out.

• Safety Pins

• Sewing Kit

• Screwdriver - You won't believe how many times I've had to use a screwdriver in 3 years

• Playing Cards 

• Umbrella

Meet Marzie!

I feel the need to show off my new puppy, everyone meet Marzie.

I'm in love.

Expect a lot more photos of this little bundle of fluff.

What to take to University: Lectures

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Lectures

Buy all the stationery you need in one place HERE

• Pens and Pencils

• Sharpies

• Highlighters

• Pen pot

• Eraser

• Ruler

• Pencil sharpener

• Drawing pins

• Paper clips

• Stapler

• Hole punch

• Cellotape

• String

• Blu-tac

• Scissors

• Storage boxes - I keep all my stationary in a storage tower

• Magazine files - I use these to organise all my work for each module

• University Books - But don't rush out to buy the books on your book list. Chances are they'll be in the library, save yourself the money.

• Notebooks

• Diary

• Note Cards

• Post it notes

• Page markers 

• Envelopes

• Stamps

• Laptop

• iPad - Obviously not essential

• Kindle - I put pdf versions of my module guides on mine

• Dictaphone - Perfect for recording 9am lectures when you're half asleep or just use your phone. If you want to splash out have a look at Livescribe.

• Memory stick

• Headphones

• Printer, paper and Ink - 100% worth buying a printer, it will save you money on printing at the library. 

• Calculator -  Even if you're not doing maths!

• Spare batteries

What to take to University: Bath and Beauty

Bathroom

• Towels - Hand and Bath Towels. Again don't forget spares for when the others are in the wash and you have friends to stay. 

• Skin Care - Cleanser, moisturiser, make up remover

• Make Up 

• Hair care - Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo etc

• Hair accessories - Hair ties etc

• Hair dryer

• Straighteners/Curlers

• Shower gel/soap

• Hand wash

• Razor and shaving cream

• Deodorant

• Tooth Brush

• Tooth Paste

• Mouth Wash

• Floss

• Retainer

• 'Monthly Essentials' - Pads, Tampons, whatever your personal preference

• Manicure set

• Glasses/contact lenses

• Bathmat 

• Toilet Roll - Bring as many of those jumbo packs as you can

• Medication

• Painkillers

• Cold/Flu stuff  - Freshers Flu will get you.

• Antihistamines

• Plasters

• Gaviscon

What to take to University: Clothes

Clothes

• Casual Clothes

• Loungewear 

• Going out clothes

• Smart clothes - Suitable for a job interview. If doing a business course, you'll sometimes be required to wear smart clothes for presentations.

• Underwear and socks

• PJs 

• Dressing gown

• Slippers

• Swimwear 

• Gym clothes

• Winter clothes - Coat, hat, scarf, gloves etc. It can be easy to forget these when you leave in September. 

• Fancy dress - Including a white sheet, school tie, white shirt and any props you might have.

• Going out shoes

• Casual shoes

• Trainers

• Snow shoes/Wellies - It snowed A LOT during my first year and I had no suitable shoes

• University bag - Big enough to fit your books/laptop etc

• Night out bag

• Day time bag

• Large Travel Bag

• Gym bag

What to take to University: Halls and Bedroom

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Bedroom

• Bedding - Double check the bed size before you go, as sizes can range from single, 3/4 size to double. Don't forget a spare set for when you're washing the other!

• Duvet and pillows

• Mattress Topper - I bought an amazing mattress topper in my second year and it's the best thing I've done.

• Blankets 

• Cushions 

• Laundry Bag/Hamper 

• Coat Hangers - Lots of people forget these! I personally like the velvet kind, as it stops your clothes slipping off.

• Sleeping Bag - Always a good idea for if you have friends come to stay.

• Small bin - I didn't have a bin in my bathroom in halls so I bought my own.

• Decorative Items - Take some things to brighten up your room. I took an orchid for on my window sill, some pictures to put on my cork board and a few other bits and bobs to scatter round my room. (Take a look at Dormify on Pinterest. They have all sorts of tips on how to decorate your room.) 

• Photos from home

• Alarm clock - Just because you have an alarm on your phone, doesn't mean you will wake up. I personally like the sunrise clocks to make 9am lectures a bit more bearable.

• TV  - Lots of people take TV's to uni but personally, I made do with my iPad and laptop.

• Extension lead - There aren't always enough plugs in halls. Best to take an extension lead so you can watch the TV, do your hair and charge your phone all at the same time.

• Books

• Hot water bottle

• Door stop - Keep your door open when you first arrive is my biggest tip. That way your flat mates know you're in the room and can come and say hi. Alternatively you could use a crate of beer like my flat mate.

• Box of sweets/chocolates - I took a box of haribo along with me when I first moved into halls but chocolates could also be a good bet. It's a great way to get chatting and also wins you bonus points for providing sweets.

Kitchen

• Crockery  - Bowls, Plates etc

• Cutlery - Knives, Forks, Spoons. Take plenty, they have the tendency to disappear.

• Glasses - Normal water glasses, pint, wine and shot

• Mugs

• Kettle/Toaster- These are sometimes provided and although on this list, I'd still wait before you buy them. If you and your flatmates decide to buy one before you arrive you might end up with 6 toasters and 6 kettles in your halls kitchen. 

• Toastie maker - Again an amazing purchase I made in second year. Everyone in my house ended up using it! Endless possibilities for fillings and great for helping with a hangover. 

• Saucepans - One large and one small is enough

• Colander

• Sieve

• Frying pan

• Roasting Dish

• Baking tray

• Cupcake tray/Cake tin

• Tin opener

• Corkscrew / Bottle opener

• Vegetable peeler

• Cheese grater - I stand by my comment that this style of cheese grater is the best thing known to man. 

• Wooden spoon

• Spatular

• Whisk

• Masher

• Microwaveable bowl

• Measuring jug

• Mixing Bowl

• Scales

• Chopping knives

• Chopping boards

• Egg cup 

• Tupperware

• Travel Mug

• Refillable Water Bottle 

• Tin foil / Beeswax Wraps 

• Bin bags

• Drying Rack

• Cleaning products - You'll need all this when it comes to inspections:

              -Bleach
              -Dettol
              -Anti-bacterial wipes
              -Multi-surface cleaner
              - Cif Perfect Finish - great for bathroom grout 

• Washing up liquid

• Sponges

• Tea towels

• Oven Gloves

• Recipe Book - My mum wrote down the recipes for some of my favourite meals at home so I could recreate them. Alternatively, start a board on Pinterest for some meal inspiration now - it gets boring thinking of new meals every week. 

What to take to University Series

So over the next month I'm going to be doing a university series on my blog.

I know before I started university I was scouring the internet for packing lists and advice on what to take away with me. 

I'll be starting my fourth and final year of university this september (sniff), so I'm going to share the products I could not have lived without.

There will be several posts including the 'must have' items for your room in halls, lectures, beauty, clothes and more.

If there are any other things you'd love to see in this series, please comment below and let me know!

Quick Links

Halls and Bedroom
Clothes
Bath and Beauty
Lectures
Boring Stuff

I'm Homeeee!

So after spending the past 2 weeks in Florida I'm back in the sunny UK. For once we can actually say that without being sarcastic! It seems like the weather has been as good at home as it was in Florida.

I spent the flight home planning some new blog posts, so keep your eyes out for those!