This sheet cake won the hearts of everyone who tasted it! It has the best of both: a tangy berry base and a sweet ganache topping. 

Buttermilk berry cake with whipped ganache

Makes 20 squares 

Ingredients

2½ cups (375g) self-raising flour
1½ cups (330g) caster sugar
½ Tbsp (7.5ml) bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp (5ml) fine salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (250ml) milk
1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
½ cup (125g) butter, melted
2 tsp (10ml) vanilla essence
½ cup (125ml) strawberry or raspberry jam
200g strawberries, tops removed and sliced 

For the white chocolate ganache: 

6 slabs (80g each) white chocolate
⅖ cup (100ml) cream
10g butter
Pink food colouring (optional)
Edible flowers, for decorating
Freeze-dried strawberries, for decorating (optional) 

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 35x25cm sheet tray with baking paper. 
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together all the wet ingredients and pour into the dry ingredients while mixing, creating a smooth batter. 
3. Pour batter into prepared tray.Dot jam over and swirl lightly using a spoon, to spread out. Scatter with strawberry slices. 
4. Bake for 28-33 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove and cool completely in the tray. 
5. Meanwhile, melt chocolate and cream over a double boiler until smooth — don’t overheat. (Alternatively, you can use the microwave, working in 30-60 second increments to avoid overheating and seizing.) 
6. Remove mixture from the heat and add butter, stirring to melt.
7. Add a drop of pink colouring, if using. Leave to cool at room temperature until semi-firm, or chill for 30 minutes to speed up the process. 
8. Whisk ganache with an electric whisk to create a fluffy spread.
9. Spread ganache onto sheet cake. Slice into squares.
10. Just before serving, decorate with edible flowers and sprinkle over crushed freeze-dried strawberries. 

Good idea: To save on cost, you can swap the ganache topping for a fluffy butter icing instead. 

Recipes & styling: Liezl Vermeulen
Photography by: Zhann Solomons

Also read: Tools that take our MK team’s baking to the next level 

The post Buttermilk berry cake with whipped ganache appeared first on MyKitchen.

Mayonnaise is a much-loved essential ingredient in almost every SA home. Creamy and delicious, it can be used for anything, and we’re about to prove it to you! You can use B-well’s luxurious Thick & Creamy Mayo for any one of these tips, tricks or recipes

1. RECYCLE & REUSE

Mayo is great for removing labels and the residue of label glue from plastic and glass containers, whether it’s a pickle jar or a coffee tin. We love repurposing these to help keep ingredients organised in the kitchen. Pull off as much of the label or sticker as you can, and rub a thick layer of mayonnaise over whatever’s left. Allow to sit for a few minutes before buffing off with a coarse cloth.

2. PERFECT CHICKEN STRIPS

Mayonnaise isn’t just the ideal dipping sauce for your chicken strips. Coating your chicken in mayo before rolling it in breadcrumbs and frying will help the crumbs stick fast to the meat, making it even crunchier. The oil in the mayonnaise also helps to prevent the chicken from drying out while it’s cooking. Delicious!

3. SHINE ON

Finger marks and smudges on stainless steel appliances or kitchenware can be frustrating, but a jar of mayonnaise and a soft dusting cloth are here to save the day. Smear a small amount of mayo on your cloth and use it to shine your stainless steel goods to restore them to their former glory.

4. STUCK ON YOU

Come rain or shine, winter or summer, South Africans will braai. But if there’s one thing that can dampen the spirits, it’s half of your gorgeous piece of fresh fish sticking to the braai grid when you try to burn it. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise onto your fish before popping it on the braai. It will prevent the skin from sticking and will add some extra secret flavour.

5. BUBBLEGUM DISASTERS

If you have little ones at home, you have probably had to deal with gum stuck in their hair or in your carpets or even a fluffy jersey. Massage a dollop of two of mayonnaise into the gum and the surrounding area, and it will work its magic in just a couple of minutes. The oil will help to loosen the gum and you’ll be able to pull it away with ease.

6. THE EASIEST CHOCOLATE CAKE

Although it may sound like a strange thing to do, replacing the oil and eggs in a chocolate cake with mayonnaise will help you to bake the best moist chocolate cake ever. The oil in the mayo allows for a rich texture and the tanginess brings out the natural sweetness of the chocolate.

B-well’s Rich & Creamy Mayo is dairy- and gluten-free and vegan, so this is an amazing swap to the perfect slice a possibility for a range of dietary requirements.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1½ tsp baking powder
⅓ cup cocoa powder
Pinch salt
1 cup B-well Thick & Creamy Mayo
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla essence

METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 180℃. Grease a 23 cm square baking tin.
2. Sift all the dry ingredients together.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the mayo, water and vanilla together.
4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
5. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 30 minutes, until cooked through.
6. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Top with your favourite icing.

Be a part of the #BWELLTasteOff on the B-WELL Foods Facebook page and stand a chance to WIN a B-well Mayo Hamper! They want to hear from YOU!

1. Find us on Facebook @B-WELLfoods
2. Tag #BwellTasteOff and tell us what you think of B-well Mayo.
3. Take the challenge! Post an image, video or comment about how much you love it! Make sure to use the hashtag!

You can also send them a WhatsApp on 060 582 3678 with your images, videos and voice notes!

Ts&Cs apply

Words: Kate Turner
Photography: Courtesy images; Pexels

The post Making chocolate cake and 5 other uses for mayonnaise appeared first on MyKitchen.