Lemon Drizzle Cake

I've been super busy with work and lately it seems like the last thing I want to do when I get home is do more work on the computer, so I've gone a little MIA lately. I was thrilled to have a few lazy days catching up on everything. I also got do do some baking which I haven't had time for since i first moved in our house ages ago, it was Matt's birthday, we've both been a bit strapped for cash, I had really wanted to take him out for a meal. We ended up being a bit thrifty and going for a little day out and a coffee date and I made a first attempt at a lemon drizzle cake ( his fav) which is super easy and it turned out amazing (it's nearly gone already and I just make it last night!) But every recipe, and Matt, all seem to differ on the best way to make it. The one I based mine on is this one I found here:

http://www.theextraordinaryartofcake.com/2010/05/nigella-lawsons-perfect-every-time.html

Nigella Lawson - How To Be A Domestic Goddess

Lemon-Syrup Loaf Cake
125g unsalted butter
175g caster sugar
2 large eggs
175g self raising flour
pinch of salt
4 tablespoons milk

For the syrup:

juice of 1 and a half lemons
100g icing sugar

For the glaze:

juice of 1/2 a lemon
150g icing sugar

cook about 45 minutes at 180 degrees C or 350 F or until golden and cake tester comes out clean, then poke a few holes in it and slowly pour over the syrup, I used a bit less than the recipe said so it wasn't too overwhelmingly lemony or soggy.

It's turns out nice and moist, though I altered it the slightest bit. I coated the bottom of a glass dish with a layer of lemon curd (about the same amount as if you were putting jam on some toast) and I substituted a tablespoon of honey for a few grams of the sugar (mainly because we were nearly out of caster sugar, but I think it gave it a little something extra). I think Matt really enjoyed it. Plus it's super cheap to make since I had all the basics already and only had to get the lemon curd which only 60p, so it's a great dessert if you need something last minute.

I didn't really know what to get him, but since we haven't had much time for dates lately and have been stressed, I thought a day at Thorpe Park would be perfect, but this weather's been so cold we're saving it for some hopefully warmer days ahead.

Valentine's Day

I'm very glad to be having a relaxing weekend after a good Valentine's Day. It started out a bit stressful as I got off from my internship way late though and nearly missed our dinner reservation. My boyfriend texted me finally around my lunch hour to tell me to meet him at Covent Gardens, which is my favourite part of London.  I love it.  We had dinner at Bistro 1, the food was really good, I'd definitely recommend the homemade fish cakes, I also tried a bit of Matt's spinach and goats cheese pancakes which were really good.  The restaurant had a lovely cosy atmosphere and the staff was really great, we were on a bit of schedule and they got us our food really fast.

We were in a bit of a rush because Matt surprised me with tickets to go see Shrek the Musical afterwards.  I've only ever been to one West End show, which was Wicked on my 24th birthday (so amazing!). I've been wanting to see another ever since, though Shrek wasn't in my top 5.  I actually really liked it though, if you like the Shrek movies you'll like this.  It was lighthearted, silly, and just what I needed after a long day.

So it ended up being a really good Valentine's Day, probably the best one I've had!

Valentine's Day Outfit

It's Valentine's Day!  I'm not usually so excited about it but I have a date with my boyfriend after work in London, I just wish I knew what it is! He won't tell me!

Anyway this is what I'm wearing:

Hot Pink Jacket, H&M £24.99
Black Lace Dress, New Look, got it on sale for £10!
Black Heels, Dorothy Perkins, £30

And a diamanté heart necklace I got ages ago from my grandmother. I love mixing sentimental pieces with my new stuff.

I figure this will fit in no matter what we end up doing. I could probably even get away with wearing it to work, but it feels a bit more special if I change before. Expect another post soon about what I got up to on my big date!

Xoxo