Chocolate

• Chocolate and Orange Marble Cake

  

  If you like Jaffa Cakes, this one’s for you. As with all baking, quantities need to be exact to make sure you get perfect results so getting a proper set of measuring spoons is a good idea.

  Takes: 1 hour 20 mins
  Makes: 8 slices

  • 175g (6oz) caster sugar
  • 175g (6oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 175g (6oz) self-raising flour
  • 1tsp baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 2tsp finely grated orange rind
  • 1tbsp cocoa powder blended with 2tbsp hot water

  For the icing

  • 100g (4oz) plain chocolate
  • 15g (1/2oz) butter
  • 1tbsp golden syrup
  • Strips of orange rind

  For decoration

  1. Put the sugar, butter, flour, baking powder and eggs in a bowl. Beat with an electric whisk for 3 to 4 mins until pale and creamy.
  2. Transfer half the mixture into a second bowl. Into this mixture, fold the orange juice and rind. Fold the cocoa into the first bowl.
  3. Spoon the two mixtures randomly into a greased, lined 18 x 25cm (7 x 10in) cake tin. Draw a knife through the mixture to create the marble effect.
  4. Bake at Gas 4/180°C/350°F for 35 to 40 mins until firm. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then turn out and cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. For the icing, place the chocolate, butter and syrup in a bowl over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove from the heat, stir until smooth and leave to thicken.
• Chocolate Cookies

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