Chocolate Tiramisu Layer Cake

I am an advocate for simple recipes with easy ingredients and high in flavor. But this recipe is not an easy one but the effort and hard work is all worth it if you are baking for a special occasion. I baked this cake for my husband who was traveling on his birthday… it is a 4 layer cake vanilla sponge cake soaked with coffee and Kahlua, crushed chocolate, cheese frosting, and soft dense chocolate cake. The flavours of chocolate and coffee go so well together… It took me 2 days to make this and to make it look sophisticated and a show-stopper, I wrapped it with chocolate lace and topped with raspberries and icing sugar! This is seriously one of my kitchen pride moment!!.... And the result is utter bliss!! I couldn’t think of a better cake for my birthday boy, who still has a huge grin on his face and hunts my fridge looking for leftovers…. 

If you have any love for chocolate coffee Kahlua cake and cheese frosting, this is the cake to go for!

Ingredients for plain sponge cake

§  Sugar ¾ cup

§  Vanilla 1 tsp.

§  Plain Flour 1 ¼ cup

 Baking Powder 1 1/2 tsp

§  Corn starch 1 tsp.

§  Eggs 6

     Ingredients for chocolate cake

·         3/4 cup Cocoa Powder

            ·         2 cups sugar (I used brown sugar)

·         1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         2 teaspoons vanilla extract

·         1 cup milk

·         1 cup water boiling mixed with 1 teaspoon of espresso powder

·         2 eggs

·         1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

·         1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

·         1/2 cup vegetable oil

Ingredients for Cheese Cream Frosting

·         Heavy Whipping cream 1 cup

      ·         Mascarpone cheese 16oz or Philadelphia Cheese

       ·         Powdered sugar 5 tbsp. or more as per your taste to sweetness

C     Coffee Or Espresso  1 cup (1 or 2 tsp. instant coffee powder mixed with water) with Kahlua (optional)

Servings: 10 to 12

       Method

T      To make chocolate cake

• Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or one 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
• Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of electric mixer 2 minutes. Stir in hot coffee mixture (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes for round pans, until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks.

To make the sponge cake

1.     Beat 6 eggs until foamy. Then slowly add the sugar and vanilla while beating the egg mixture.

2.    Now to add the dry ingredients. Sift the flour and cornstarch and fold it into the beaten eggs using a whisk.

3.    Prepare 2 round baking pans (9 inches in diameter) with parchment paper and grease it with butter. Pour the batter evenly between the two pans.

4.    Bake in a preheated oven at 176 degrees Celsius for 28-30 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool to room temperature.

6.    In a small bowl mix together the coffee and Kahlua and keep it aside

T    To make Frosting

Whip heavy cream in a bowl until stiff peaks are formed. Refrigerate this bowl of whipped cream.  In a separate bowl beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and add the powdered sugar and beat well till its smooth. Fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream with a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain. If this mixture is a bit runny refrigerate it till its set.

L     Layering

·         Start layering the cake in this order: a layer of chocolate cake, top it with cheese frosting

·         Then top it with a layer of sponge cake, pour a bit of coffee mixture on it. Then spread the cheese frosting. You can also add a bit of coarsely crushed chocolate like KitKat or Maltesers.

·         And continue the layers in the same manner till you spread the cheese frosting on top and sides.

·         Sprinkle Cocoa powder and garnish it with berries and dusted icing sugar.

·         I managed to make a chocolate lace to cover the sides. Please click here for the tutorial or you can pipe any icing and decorate the sides.

Tips:

• Bake the cakes in advance – preferably a day
• If you want to make this recipe kid friendly - minus the Kahlua. 

All the above pictures are copyrighted Tickled by Inspirations. 

Wedgwood – the Vibrance

The latest collection of Wedgwood had me swooning for more. Wedgwood trinket box and photo frame are one my priceless collection that I love. I think I have a love affair with fine porcelain and fine bone china. But when I saw the latest collection of Wedgwood, all I could see was elegance and the vibrant colours. 

Iconic English lifestyle brand, Wedgwood unveils Vibrance, a tableware and gift collection featuring designs directly inspired by the Wedgwood archive. Skillfully engaging a riot of colour with stylized florals and elegant gold, the collection represents the perfect fusion of style and functional design for the contemporary, bold consumer.

Reflecting current interior trends, Vibrance pays tribute to past, present and future expression through colourful tableware and beautiful, one-of-a-kind functional giftware. The collection’s aesthetic mixes floral design elements re-drawn and updated from Wedgwood’s impressive 250-year archive with modern, functional shapes to create timeless pieces for the contemporary home. Modern functional shapes to create timeless pieces for the contemporary home. A modern classic, the collection is perfectly suited for any gifting, dining or entertaining occasion.

For the bold and expressive consumer, the Vibrance tableware collection elegantly brightens contemporary living spaces with its array of eye-catching, heritage inspired florals and vibrant colours on a range of mugs, teacups, plates saucers, platters and bowls that will stand out in any interior setting.

Colour is the key in this collection as turquoise contrasts with black, white and gold for a modern update on statement tableware. The striking yet refined accessories collection comes in four distinct hues – deep magenta, canary yellow, rich tangerine and bright turquoise blue – all highlighted by gold mica detailing and finished with a decadent hand-gilded banding.

Each accessory item can be styled individually or displayed as a collection whether to complement a vivid living space or add a touch of colour to a neutral room setting.

The collection’s fine bone china and lacquer giftware range adds flair and charm to any style of home, combining striking geometric designs, luxurious gold and bold blocks of colour on parred-back, functional shapes. Black and white geometric patterns enclosed by the collection’s vibrant, animated hues create modern home décor pieces that are perfect for consumers looking to make a bold design statement. From picture frames and lidded boxes to trays and vases, the giftware range features decorative interior pieces that are beautifully boxed, offering the perfect gifting solution for any design enthusiast.

Check out their collection and click here to read more about Wedgwood.

All the above pictures are copyright Wedgwood

Bring some green into your space

As the weather is slowly changing for the better, I decided to bring some green indoors and I started with money plants. So I got some pruned money plant stems from my garden and all you need are some pretty glass vase or containers, some pebbles in it and water.  So for those who don’t have a green thumb, this is a pretty stress free thing to start with! No soil and all it needs are water and occasional change of water until the roots come out nicely. And then you can transfer to a pot with soil.  Another plant that is easy to manage is lucky bamboo. It just need little sunlight and water and helps with Feng Shui! So for today I am just going to work on money plant before I let more greens in….

All the above pictures are copyright Tickled by Inspirations

Creamy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken

This recipe is an instant hit with my family. And because it is so popular on Pinterest and other blogs, I just had to try out this recipe. Chicken and mushrooms work incredibly well together and when you top it with cheese it just takes you to another level of goodness!  The chicken once cooked is juicy and tender and definitely a meal to impress your friends, family, your date or guests. You can serve it with mashed potatoes and bread or some salad or rice

I am just going to provide the link where I adapted the recipe from and share a couple of pictures to drool. It is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. I added mozzarella instead of parmesan and it worked great as well!

Please click here for the recipe.

Tips

• You can add spinach to the sauce. 
• To add heat to the recipe you can add chilly flakes.

All the above pictures are copyrighted Tickled by Inspirations

Home Tour: Residence of Lisa Bielby

Today I have got another gorgeous home to share with you. This home is a picture of calmness that brings on the shades of monochrome and greys. I felt I could waltz around here humming to myself and soaking in the comfort of this home. You are bound to take away some inspiration from this beautiful home. The home is airy with white walls, pops of colour here and there to contrast the neutrals with elements of wood, textile and plants that give warmth to the space. Lisa Biebly, based in Liverpool, has drawn her inspiration from textures, design and textile. Have a look at her pretty home and get ready to soak in some serenity and let’s hear more from Lisa herself.

Tell us something about yourself.

 I am a primary school teaching assistant and have lived in Liverpool all my life. I live in a Victorian house in Birkdale close to the coast. My son is aged 17 and studying to be a graphic designer. Met my husband 28 years ago and we’ve lived in a variety of houses, including a city warehouse apartment, 200 year old cottage and now this house. I love period details in old houses and we’ve lived here just over 12 years now. 

Where do you draw your décor Inspiration?

I’ve always loved Scandinavian design and mid-century modern furniture. I get my inspo from magazines such as Elle Decoration, Living Etc, Pinterest and scrolling through Instagram. Love Design Sponge house tours too.

What is your favorite style and décor?

My Scandinavian roots (great grandparents were Swedish) have led me to a long love of Nordic design and lifestyle. I love crisp white interiors with pops of colour and furniture with clean lines. Favourite brands include, Hay Design, Normann Cph and Muuto. Simple, beautiful and functional. Fave Instagram accounts are @catesthill @teaandkate . 

Your favorite space or corner:

I love my L shaped grey sofa by the big bay window. It’s my favourite place to relax and read books/magazines. 

Any tips on decorating:

I adore Farrow and Ball paints as the pigment is so rich and the texture is just perfect. My home is overflowing with plants and cacti which add a lovely fresh feel to monochrome interiors.
I love up cycling old pallets for my garden which is a quick and easy way to add cheap chic. Finally, keep it light, bright and add colourful art to white walls to make them pop.

Thank you Lisa for opening up your home to me and my readers. There were so many inspiring details to take away!

For those who want to follow Lisa on Instagram, please click here.




All the pictures are copyrighted by Lisa Bielby.

Easy Fluffy Pancakes

Are you looking for that perfect recipe for pancakes that is quick to make and turns out fluffy? Well I am here with that perfect recipe. I love simple recipes, with minimum ingredients and definitely no-fail ones. This is one of them...  and it is not too sweet with enough of vanilla scent to make it delicious... And have it with loads of toppings. This is a family favorite!! And it is a perfect way to start your day!!

Servings: 8 to 10 pancakes each

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt or table salt

1 1/4 cups milk

1 large egg

4 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more for skillet

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1.       Make the batter by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder and the salt in a medium bowl. Warm milk in microwave or on top of stove until lukewarm, not hot. Whisk milk, egg, melted butter and the vanilla extract until combined. (warm milk avoids forming lumps).

2.       Heat a large skillet over medium heat. The pan is ready if when you splatter a little water onto the pan surface, the water dances around the pan and eventually evaporates.

3.       Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour milk mixture into the well and use a fork or spatula to stir until you no longer see lumps of flour. It is okay if the batter has small lumps, in fact you want that – please do not over-mix the batter. Lightly brush skillet with melted butter. Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to spoon batter onto skillet. Gently spread the batter into a small circle.

4.       When edges look dry and bubbles start to appear, turn over the pancake. This takes about 2 minutes. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked in the middle. Serve immediately with warm syrup, butter and/or berries or sliced bananas. 

Above pictures are copyrighted Tickled by Inspirations

Lettuce wraps

I wanted to recreate PF Changs lettuce wraps but I ended up making my version which tasted even better!! Lettuce wraps is a family favorite and it is a meal by itself. It’s easy to make, addictive and flavorful. And I love the combination of spicy with mild sweetness and the crunch. Get ready to wrap the lettuce around the meat like a burrito and enjoy!

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

·         1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame seed oil

·         1 pound ground chicken or turkey

·         2 cloves garlic, minced

·         1 onion, finely chopped

·         2 tablespoons soy sauce

·         1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

·         1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

·         1 tablespoon Sriracha, (I used sweet Thai Chillie sauce)

·         2 green onions, finely chopped

·         1 carrot, finely grated

·         Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

·         Chille flakes to taste

·         1 head butter lettuce 

Method:

1.       Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the chicken as it cooks; drain excess fat.

2.       Add garlic, onion, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, chillie flakes and sweet Thai Chillie sauce until onions have become translucent, about 1-2 minutes.

3.       Stir in green spring onions and fry about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

4.       To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, taco-style. And garnish with spring onions and grated carrot. 

Tips:

·         You can add vegetables like mushroom and bell-peppers to the minced chicken.

·         For more crunchiness you can chestnuts

Above pictures are copyright Tickled by Inspirations