Our Father's Day...

There's a reason we're smiling chocolately smiles today. Not only is it Father's Day in our part of the world, but it's also Liam's birthday-this means extra special chocolate cake for him!

Chocolate Birthday Cake

2 Tablespoons good quality cocoa

1 Teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups plain flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup castor sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

100 grams melted unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1/2 cup black instant coffee

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients, then mix them together using a dry egg

whisk. Think "airy"...

Beat the eggs, butter and vanilla together in another bowl, then add to the dry ingredients carefully.

Make up the coffee, then add the baking soda while it's still hot.

Mix everything together then pour into a very well greased cake tin.

Bake for about 40-50 min-until a skewer inserted comes out cleanly.

Ice and decorate when the cake is completely cooled. The shamrocks were Isla's idea-celebrating Liam's Irish-ness! Eating leftover icing, half of which ends up on your face and all over the kitchen cupboards then smiling a cute chocolately smile is optional. But recommended! Happy Father's Day everyone!