Saturday, October 1, 2011

A RANDOM BAKE!




The P.R. fairies must know that I need some cheering up, as I recieved a number of exciting packages over that past few weeks - Catherine Fulvio's new book (loving it so far), some yummy Skooby Dooby Doo sweeties (had to fight the kids to get near them!!) and a beautiful baking kit from Avon.

The "Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Baking Set", is part of Avon's fund raising for Breast Cancer charities, it is such a fun way to gather money for a cause that is very dear to my heart, that I am really pleased to encourage you all to participate.  The pretty kits are available from Avon representatives or online here.  The reason I am so enthusiastic about this crusade is that so many people we know recieve the dreaded diagnosis of cancer, yet so many of them come through to lead full and happy lives - how can we resist putting our hands in our pockets for such a worthy cause.  My mother has had two battles with breast cancer, and while it was not an easy time, it is just a memory now - and how much better is it to have memories of a cancer battle rather than memories of a loved one?

When I gathered all of my magazine cuttings and scribbled recipes in order to choose this months Belleau Kitchen Random Recipe Challenge I was feeling all enthusiastic - for once I was guarenteed a recipe that I'd just love - I wouldn't have cut out the recipes otherwise - right?????  Well actually I had forgotten that mid diet I often cut out recipes that promise fantastic flavours with hardly any fat/sugar, but which usually are all promise and no delivery!  Well, of course it was one of these pages that emerged from my stash - but as you know I am an honest person (!) so that is what I baked.  And I have to say "Thanks Dom" because there is no way I would have baked these little cupcakes other than because I was challenged to do so, and they are lovely - moist texture and tasty (although next time I'll add extra cocoa powder).



The light cupcakes were the perfect opportunity to use the sweet little silicone cupcake holders which come in the Avon kit (along with a pink ribbon and a heart shaped cookie cutter), and then it occured to me that I could send off a half batch of the cakes to my friends sister, who is currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer.  How perfectly whole and fitting is that?  I know that when Mum was going through her treatment she found it very difficult to be enthusiastic about food, but sometimes a little something sweet would be enough to get her through - so I hope that the cupcakes I sent over were of some small help.  Vanessa over at Prepped (she has just published a cook book - it's at the top of my wish list, looks fantastic) has decided to continue with her wonderful, heartwarming challenge Random Bakes of Kindness and these little confections are my offering - I hope it's not too cheeky to submit one lot of baking to two challenges!!!!




If you are watching the scales, I would recommend these cupcakes - they aren't huge, but they are full of flavour and I think one (or maybe two!) would be enough to keep you on the straight and narrow! 

Raspberry and Chocolate Cupcakes
from a Slimming World recipe

2              eggs
6 tbsp       caster sugar
1oz/28g    low fat margarine* (I used LowLow)
2oz/57g    self raising flour - sifted
1.5 tbsp    cocoa powder - sifted
1 tsp         vanilla extract
32            fresh raspberries **

Preheat oven to 180 C
Prepare 8 cupcake cases

Whisk the eggs, sugar and margarine* until pale and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract.
Fold in the flour and cocoa powder gently.
Place 3 raspberries** in the base of each paper/silicone cupcake holder.
Divide the cake mixture over the raspberries.
Bake 15-20 minutes until firm and springy to the touch.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy!!

* This is the first time that I've used margarine in baking and it was fine - if you don't have any in the house I'm sure butter would work just as well and at only 28g it couldn't do too much harm to the diet!!

** I used frozen raspberries and while the cupcakes were delicious I think they would be even better had I used fresh.

22 comments:

Sue/the view from great island said...

Slimming chocolate cupcakes? I'm on board.
And I'm sure these cupcakes were very cheering to your friend's sister.

Jayanthy Kumaran said...

wow...absolutely fascinating n delicious..:(
Tasty Appetite

Karen S Booth said...

LOVELY baking kit and such pretty cakes too and they are SLIMMING? Yes please! A wonderful way to cheer up a friend ~ as well as enjoy random baking too.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Karen

Chele said...

They do look like splendid little chocolate cupcakes. Perfect.

Victory Rolls & Mixing Bowls said...

these are so cute! I've had my eye on the Avon baking kit. I'm so jealous of you P.R fairies, I could do with some! xx

Nom! x

Gloria Baker said...

Look georgeous Brownie I love them!!! so cute

Pam said...

Raspberries----perfect with chocolate! They look great!

Unknown said...

these look great - I have to say I am enjoying your recipes! beautiful little cakes. YUM!

Janice said...

A nice little recipe, fruit in cakes is often tricky but they look lovely.

Nickki said...

I love raspberries & chocolate together! Perfect combination :-)

Unknown said...

Wow. Great recipe. I often use margerine in baking (mum swears by it!) and it tastes great I think. Thanks for taking part and for being so honest! A little late but I'll add you to the list! Xx

Choclette said...

Your RBOK sounds very fitting and your low fat cakes do sound really good and I do trust your judgement, so I have bookmarked these and will give them a go (with butter of course).

Rose H (UK) said...

Ooh, your hear again tempting me into bad ways!
I've often used margerine, some recipes taste better believe it or not.
Thank you for your visit, the comment about breakfast made me laugh :o)

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Chocolate and raspberries go together so nicely. Any chance I get to eat them together I do. Great cupcake recipe.

Manu said...

Lovely lovely post!!! Have a nice evening

Nessa Robins said...

They look really lovely! I always bake my buns with flora light and it works so well. It's great to cut out a few calories and still have all the taste! How lovely to get so many goodies in the post. :)

Anonymous said...

Your cupcakes look great. I am a huge fan of anything raspberry and chocolate.

I love your post - I work in cancer support and October is our busiest month getting the word out about early detection through regular mammograms, etc. I know your friend's sister will love the cupcakes but she will love that you thought of her during this time even more.

Paloma said...

Love your cupcakes!!! Lovely pics too!!! I am now following you friend! :)

Paloma.

teresa said...

oh gosh, these look just wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Mmm, another recipe I'd like to try! I have just started a blog, please take a look if you get a moment http://fourteaspoons.blogspot.com/ :)

Colie's Kitchen said...

Hi this is Nicole from Colie’s Kitchen I just discovered your blog and wanted to drop by and say hi. I am now a new follower. I would love to have you stop by Colie’s Kitchen if you get a chance. www.colieskitchen.com

Gloria Baker said...

Brownie I send you a mail! gloria xxx