Choc Cake

” I must admit this is one of the best chocolate cakes i have tasted – This cake recipe was given to me by Lythann Emslie- a good cook and not shy to have fun & experiment in the kitchen – i have changed it slightly and added some Orange Zest  -  this just takes the knock you going to get from all the chocolate .”

Answer :
Lumps usually form in a sauce when you add too much flour or cornstarch at once. Instead of adding a spoonful of flour to the sauce, rather melt two tablespoons of butter per cup of sauce and then add two tablespoons of flour bit by bit to the melted butter ? stirring continuously. When smooth, stir this mixture into your sauce bit by bit and cook on medium heat until it thickens.

You can also dissolve flour/cornstarch in a little milk before adding it to the sauce . But be careful when adding cold liquids to hot sauces ? the trick here is to remove the saucepan from the stove and add the liquid slowly in order to prevent lumps.

If you do happen to make a lumpy sauce and need to rescue it, invest in a very fine sieve and pour the liquid through it to remove the lumps.

Basic white sauce

Making your own vanilla extract: What better way to to say merry Christmas than a homemade edible Christmas gift? Find an ornate glass jar or bottle, 3 vanilla pods and a cup of vodka, rum or bourbon. Split the pods lengthwise, place them into the bottle or jar, pour the alcohol over the pods, seal tightly, give it a little shake and store in a dark cool environment for at least 8 weeks. Finish it off with a ribbon and gift tag or even a beautiful gift box. Your friends will love the personal touch!

Butternut soup is a favourite South African starter. The butternut has a flavour all on its own and it is great to serve it as a starter before a good roast beef or lamb.