This month I've made a cake which is, I think, rather better than the book it accompanies - at least, I know which one I've enjoyed more!
There's a scene in Iris Murdoch's The Nice and the Good in which walnuts have a certain significance; elsewhere in the book "The dark shut-in velvety smell of the raspberries hung over the kitchen table", so I've found a cake which combines the two and does so to great effect.
This is Sophie Grigson's American-style Raspberry Cake. As you'll see from the recipe there, an unusual sponge mixture enriched with Greek yogurt is topped with fresh raspberries and then a cinnamon-flavoured walnut crumble. It's really delicious! As to modifications, I'd say you'd need more rasps than specified (I used 225g), and I found it was perfectly cooked in only 30 minutes as opposed to the 45/50 the recipe says, but that's partly a matter of knowing your oven, and mine is fast.
Do try this cake - it's a big hit in this house - and the walnut crumble would be great with other fruits, too, such as plums or apples. (As to the book, thoughts on it here).
Sorry i didn't read the book, but will make the raspberry cake though later today. Thanks for the recipe.
Posted by: Carol | 29 August 2009 at 02:35 PM
Haven't read this particular book - yet. Just wanted to say how grateful I am for all your ideas on books - when I want to find a new book to read I always turn to your list of books you have read and so far have enjoyed them all and some have been firm favourites -
Daphne, Star Gazing, Hester's Story to name a few. Just ordered a couple more today. Thanks again.
Posted by: sarah | 30 August 2009 at 06:38 PM
Sarah, thankyou so much!
I'm always delighted when people enjoy books I've loved and raved about - it makes the whole thing worthwhile. The three you mention are super, aren't they?
Posted by: Cornflower | 30 August 2009 at 07:34 PM