Wednesday 20 July 2011

SHHHHHH it's a secret...Edinburgh Clandestine Cake Club

Edinburgh ladies (and gent) sure know how to make cake...and eat it too! Yesterday evening I attended (with some trepidation) the second meeting of Edinburgh Cakes Ladies' Clandestine Cake Club at Frederick's Coffee House.  I will not lie...I was nervous...as I tenderly wrapped my cake in foil and slowly made my way over the cobbled streets so as not to damage the icing too much I couldn't help but think about how my cake might stack up...was it really Cake Club worthy?  Only one way to find out...


The event was themed...The Last Cake on Earth...and the only stipulation...cakes must be full sized (no cupcakes).  I actually had a lot of trouble deciding what to make...lemon...vanilla...red velvet...chocolate? I finally settled on Nigella's Devil's Food Cake from her Kitchen book.  I love Devil's Food Cake...rich, moist chocolate cake with a thick, glossy chocolate ganache icing.  I'll be perfectly honest, before "practicing" for this event, I had only made Devil's Food Cake from a mix...sometimes Duncan Hines really is THE only option...but, I am converted, this cake is light, it is moist, it is full on chocolatey and the ganache is easy to make and even easier to devour!

Walking up the stairs to the cafe I was nervous...seriously...but upon seeing the tables of cake laid out before me and all the lovely ladies (and gent) snapping away like the paparazzi my nerves subsided somewhat.


At six o'clock on the dot the feasting began...and boy do these ladies (and gent) know how to eat cake! I was totally embarrassed by my lack of cake eating skills...seriously! I managed to make my way slowly through 4 slices...Lemon coconut, Red Velvet, Carrot Cake and then a lovely berry loaf cake.  I'll be honest, I couldn't even FINISH them all.  There was something like 25 cakes brought in total...it was incredible.

My cake club virginity truly became evident when people started taking tupperware containers out of their bags and choosing slices to take home....TAKE HOME! I hadn't even thought that there would be cake leftovers! I honestly underestimated the sheer amount of cake.  I snagged a largish slice of ginger cake, another bit of carrot cake and a little bit of my own to take home to enjoy when I can pace myself!

A big thank you to Allison for organising and to Frederick's for the venue (I'll be back...) and, of course to all the amazing bakers and eaters!!

14 comments:

  1. Oh WOW!!!!!! What a wonderful night out. We need to get one of these organised in Aberdeen - unless anyone knows of one already in existence?

    Look at all those beautiful looking cakes!!!!

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  2. This was such a great post---love the photo of all the cakes! This sounds like it could be the premise of the next blockbuster novel! It reminds me of the cake walks we used to have in elementary school...I can still see all the gorgeous cake prizes lined up on the table. Your cake looks incredible, I think the perfect chocolate cake was an inspired choice. Wish I could join!

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  3. Please do NOt...It was a great evening! There was a lady named Lisa who came from Aberdeen...maybe there could be something happening up your way soon! Check the Edinburgh Cake Ladies facebook page...you might be able to get in touch with her through there. Or...come down to Edinburgh for the next one :) x

    Sue...Those were all the cakes when I arrived...we soon needed ANOTHER table!!! As for the novel idea...I'm feeling inspired ;) Thanks for your lovely comments!

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  4. I'm seriously considering moving north of the border! How Fab!

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  5. how brilliant a clandestine cake club!! Now that is one club I'd love to join, but mighty dangerous for the waist line!

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  6. Ha ha, love these comments and your cake loving friends. Cake rules!

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  7. Victoria - thanks for the facebook link - think I will definitely lurk around there. I would think about helping set up an Aberdeen one but I just don't think my baking is up to scratch yet. Hmmm - I'll think about it - but will definitely keep my eyes peeled.

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  8. What a lot of cakes.....I bet yours was the best.... I usually make a victoria sponge cake and fill it with my home made jam for my husbands lunch box, but i am going to try making your chocolate cake instead.......xx

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  9. A Trifle Rushed...you are welcome any time!!!

    Two Hippos...there might be one for you and Miss T in London? and yes...waistlines are in danger...trust me!

    Miss Edinburgh...they are great aren't they!!! oh yeah cake rules!

    Please do not...um...your zebra/owl cake looked amazing! totally up to scratch!!!

    L.wilks11...let me know how it turns out! Nigella never fails me! mmmm i'd like some Victoria Sponge in my lunchbox :)

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  10. Wow !! what a post !!!!

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  11. Wow, that sounds amazing. I want to come!

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  12. Cherry...thanks!!! :)

    Jacqueline...keep an eye on the Edinburgh Cake Ladies wordpress blog for details for the next one!!! :)

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  13. Such a fab idea! Jac sent me the link over as I hadn't heard about it. Love your blog too ;0)

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  14. Chele...thanks for your comment! Hope you will be able to come to the next one!!! :)

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