The past 5 years in Perth, I lived a pretty solitary life. With Si working away a lot of the time and both kids at school I threw myself into my work- writing, styling and shooting, solo. Like many other bloggers there’s no behind the scenes team cheering me on, or washing my dishes (I wish!). It’s just little ol’ me, which can get a little lonely at times. There were days whilst writing my books where I wouldn’t see another soul except for the kids and a quick hello to fellow humans at school pick up, if I was lucky. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fine being by myself and I actually crave the silence of my own company often. But I do miss the joy, spontaneity and excitement that comes from real human interaction, you know… the type that’s not via a computer or a phone screen!
This year has been very different to the past 5, in that, I’ve worked with and travelled alongside loads of different people, chatting to (for hour’s non-stop in some cases!) and forming many new friendships in the process. I’ve still done plenty of work solo (did I tell you guys I’m now writing, styling and photographing a regular column in Taste Magazine?), but I’ve also been out and about as much as I’ve been home. And it’s been an amazing, humbling and encouraging experience to meet so many new people. Being part of The Food Show has taken me to Christchurch and Wellington already and this year’s final show in Auckland is coming up at the end of July. I’ve also had the pleasure of travelling to Christchurch again recently (read my post here) and have just stepped off a flight home from Sri Lanka (more real soon!). I’m not going to lie, this year has been full on, not only work-wise, but family-wise too and I’ve had to step back from this space to keep afloat with other work commitments and to support my little family as they adjust back into New Zealand life (mostly it’s been great, but some days have been super rocky!). But of all the amazing thing I’ve done so far this year, it’s the people I’ve met who have enriched my life the most. The older I get, the more I crave these kinds of experiences. To be able to sit and chat with likeminded friends makes me richer than money could ever bring. People, experiences and love, always love, is all we really need aye? Oh, and cake.
I made this cake for my baby boy last month on his 8th birthday. It’s an old favourite that I’ve shared once or twice before, in different guises. It also happens to be the chocolate cake which I made for our surprise wedding all those years ago. I thought I’d share it again as I’ve had many requests for the green macha buttercream since posting on Instagram. There’s really nothing to it, but for those of you who like to follow recipes, here it is…
I cooked this cake in a 18cm round cake tin, lined high with baking paper. It still took the same amount of time to bake, but gave it a lovely height.
Serves 16
1 x flourless chocolate cake recipe (excuse the horrible old photos!), cooled
Freeze-dried black currants, optional (I used these ones)
Matcha buttercream
150g soft butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
240g (scant 2 cups) pure icing sugar (I use this one, which is slightly less refined than normal icing sugar)
1-2 teaspoon matcha powder (I use this one)
Beat soft butter using a handheld or stand mixer, until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and icing sugar and continue to beat until pure white. Add matcha, starting with 1 teaspoon, beat again and add remaining teaspoon if you’d like the colour darker.
Spread icing over the cake using a small off-set spatula or knife. Crush and scatter freeze-dried black currants over the top, if using.
Best eaten within 1-2 days of making.
Ps. The beautiful cake stand was sent to me by A Heirloom.
24 Responses
It's incredible the amount of energy even I, a confirmed introvert, get from spending time with real people, in real life! Glad for your success, and your busy year!
Nothing beats real human interaction aye?! Thanks a bunch for your support xx
I did not even realise you – one of my all time favourite food bloggers – were a fellow West Aussie, and so close to home. I don't really want to disclose, but head 440km north and you've hit my hometown! Everything you are doing now sounds super exciting, and now that I know, I'll watch for your articles in Taste, one of my favourite things. Beautiful photos and recipe, as usual Emma!
Thanks Rosie! Yes, we lived in Perth from 2011 until January this year when we moved back to NZ. ps I'm writing for Taste Magazine New Zealand, a totally different magazine from the 'Taste.com.au Magazine' over in Aussie. Most of the recipes will be available online, so I'll post links to them when they go up xx
My heart. It swells for you, woman. So happy to hear your life has been enriched by new people + experiences, and that you four are settling in nicely back in NZ. Big yes to more love and more cake. <3
Thank you my dear. It sure feels good to be home and to be meeting so many amazing new faces xx
This cake is utterly gorgeous…. so, so beautiful. I adore your photos. <3
You're too kind Abby, thank you xx
Working in my first job as a sales associate has also forced me to make connections and communicate with strangers–something that I have never thought I would be able to do. I love anything where you can explore new things and learn new things and meet new people!
Me too xx
The 'aye' tells me you are settling back in just fine xxx 😉
Haha. Too true. I nearly wrote 'right', then decided to go with my roots and use 'aye'. 🙂
Your cake looks absolutely amazing and the green colour simply gorgeous. It's very hard sometimes working on your own and I empathise with you. and writing is also hard but please keep going xxx
i especially like the crushed freeze-dried black currant idea. crazy brilliant application.
Simple but effective 🙂
THIS CAKE! SO DREAMY! Sums up all those emotions quite well, xx.
Very nice ! Working in an events promotion company, I can see that a lot of food related events have recipes with matcha, it's becoming very trendy in London
Valentin @ jorlio
I LOVE matcha frosting paired with chocolate cake. It's basically my repeat go-to cake combo! Now I can't wait to try your flourless chocolate cake version – those swirls in the icing make my heart pitter patter.
I can't stop staring at the colors. Just beautiful! Can't wait to hear about Sri Lanka!
Hi this recipe looks delicious & your photos are beautiful! I didn't realise you were also blogging from WA! I love your blog!
Hi, the way you describe this recipe just makes me believe it's not-so-difficult to prepare and cook, so I'll give it a try sometime this week. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, just don't want to mess with complicated recipes 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I made this! So goood. without the blackcurrants though, but still, so goood.
Can you please send me the recipe from your gluten free chocolate wedding cake?? I had it saved and now I can’t seem to find it on here. I was going to make a version of that for my baby shower in a week and half!! Thanks in advance!!
It’s still there https://www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com/2011/03/gluten-free-chocolate-wedding-cake.html For future reference you can search recipes using the button at the top right, or find them on my ‘recipe index’ page: https://www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com/recipe-index