by Tory Hayward

A Classic English Sponge… Tory-Style

Now look. I don’t want to boast or anything.  But I’ve got a bit of a reputation when it comes to baking cakes.

Yep… I have actually won an award for being The Worst Baker of Cakes Ever Seen. I. Am. That. Good.

Naturally I don’t let this utter lack of talent with things-bakery deter me.  Oh no siree.

Recently I decided to tackle The Classic English Sponge.

At first things started out ‘reasonably well.’  ‘Reasonably well’ in my world means I didn’t forget to add any ingredients.  In fact it all began so well I was fairly confident of that rare event… a baking win.

I really should’ve know better.

The trouble started when I took the cake out of the oven and turned out onto the cooling rack.  It became immediately obvious that the inside of the cake was still LIQUID.  I could tell this by the way the liquid part leaked rapidly across the benchtop, down the cupboard door and was helpfully tidied up by Sebby, my spaniel, as it dripped onto the floor.

Thinking quickly, I flipped the cake back into its pan, and shoved it back in the oven.  I ended up with this…

And when I turned it out again…

So I kind of squished it back together

And covered it in icing sugar

Should you wish to recreate this masterpiece check out my favourite Delia Smith Sponge recipe… http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/cuisine/european/english/classic-sponge-cake.html

Tory Hayward also writes as Caitlyn Nicholas. Look out for her new romantic suspense coming out next year.

The world is in peril, and only she can save it…