Just that bit friendlier (and a giveaway!)
Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 3:11PM 
It was the loaf pans, I think. They were at the start of all of this.
When I set about baking homemade sandwich bread, I tried Julia Child's recipe. A recipe which specifies a 8-by-4-inch loaf pan, instead of the more common (and larger) 9-by-5-inch variety. After baking my loaves and admiring their modelesque proportions (slim, tall), I was smitten. I took to baking many of my breads and cakes in these pans, thinking there was no harm in my fondness for foods on a smaller scale.
But those pans served only as a gateway to increasingly-elfin baked goods.
When baking a pound cake, I brought out miniature tube pans and split it into six. Banana bread was divided into eight little loaves to be tucked into lunches. My super-secret recipe Chocolate Crunch Bars were made in individual squares, rather than a monstrous slab. And then, of course, there were those Valentine's Day cupcakes.
Somewhere along the way of this Lilliputian baking, I had two realizations. Well, one realization, and one moment's pause. First, I realized I have amassed more than a few baking pans. Second, I became somewhat self-conscious about my weakness for the wee.
You see, dear reader, there has been some recent criticism of diminutive cakes.
I can agree that some cupcakes are over-the-top sweet, with such an excessive helping of tooth-aching frosting that they are nearly impossible to enjoy. And I do think that some bakeries have gone a trifle mad in their pricing of these cakes.
But I cannot subscribe to the theory that lies at the root of much of the disapproval. The objection of the individuality of the single-serving cake, a trait seen as embodiment of the "mine-all-mine" mentality that represents all that is wrong with the world.
In the eyes of these critics, the small is associated with the sole, and that is seen as sad. Lonely, even isolated.
And so, if no man should be an island, should no cake be a cupcake? Has this predilection for the compact been the result of a larger trend of greed?
Pshaw.
Now lest I ignite a debate on whether or not there is room in this world for a moment to treat oneself (I am firmly in the "yes" camp on that one), I will instead consider the fact that most of these criticisms are aimed at the purchase of cupcakes. There is no mention of making cupcakes; making them is another thing entirely.
Making small cakes almost always ensures sharing. The sheer number of of treats made in a single batch encourages generosity. Sure, a large cake can be doled out in slices and wrapped for giving, but most often it is served to those who happen to attend a specific event. In contrast, an armada of cupcakes (baked right in their travelling clothes) are perfectly suited to be sent out into the world - event or not.
You see, small cakes can be more approachable than one behemoth beauty. A layer cake on its pedestal is lovely, but a bit standoff-ish. All-too-often I have been at a party, admired the cake perched prettily on its stand, and noticed that nary a crumb has been touched. Unless the host serves, rarely does a guest feel bold enough to "be the first" to mar its pristine completeness.
But set out a tray of cupcakes, or single-serving squares, and they are scooped up before you can bat an eye.
Little cakes are just that bit friendlier. They do not stand on occasion. While a slice of cake may seem like it requires a holiday, a small cake slips easily into the everyday.
While we are at it, small cakes are cute and neat. Sure it is shallow, but even though I love some messy fun in the kitchen, I do believe that the recipients of my efforts appreciate the clean edges that personally-portioned baked goods provide. I am routinely inept at cutting straight lines, and so perfect shapes would surely be preferred over my mangled efforts.
But, all said, there is one trouble with making petite treats. Miniature baking pans are truly infuriating to keep clean. I have a serious case of dishpan hands from scrubbing all those teeny-tiny nooks and crannies.
I blame Julia.
Bittersweet chocolate cake
Adapted from a recipe for Chocolate Chip Mascarpone Cupcakes by Giada de Laurentiis. A note on its flavour; despite its appearances, this cake is not overly rich. It is the sort that is best with a cup of tea in the afternoon, or as a simple dessert. Canadians (and some Americans), will find the taste of this cake is strikingly similar to the chocolate glazed doughnuts from well-known national chain.
Ingredients for the cake
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup water, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Ingredients for the glaze
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 shot of espresso
around 1/2 cup of water
1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder
Make the cakes. Preheat an oven to 325°F (160°C). Butter and flour two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans, set aside.
Place the two types of chocolate in the top of a double boiler or a heat proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until melted; remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the water and sour cream to combine. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or whisk, beat together the sugar and oil until well blended, around 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla, then the cooled chocolate. Add flour mixture alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture and stirring until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Divide the batter between the two prepared pans and bake until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the loaves comes out clean, around 55-65 minutes. Remove from oven, cool 10 minutes in pan, then remove the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely (right side up).
For the glaze, take the shot of espresso and pour it into a 1/2 cup liquid measure. Add enough water to bring the level up to a 1/2 cup. Pour the water mixture, sugar and cocoa into a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer until the glaze is thick, about 5 minutes.
To glaze the cakes, set the cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, paint the glaze all over the top and sides of the cakes; carefully apply multiple thin coats for the finest finish. Let stand until set.
Makes two 8-by-4-inch loaf cakes.
Notes:
• If you do not like espresso, use only water for the glaze.
• The cake pictured was baked in a Nordic Ware Pro Cast Brownie Bundt pan (thanks Mum!). In this size, the recipe will yield about 36 cakes.
And now for the giveaway. The fine folks at Subscription.com were generous enough to offer me a complimentary magazine subscription. Sadly, I am unable to take advantage of their kindness due to international distribution restrictions. So, we thought to pass the offer on to you.
Subscription.com will give one reader a full-year subscription to the cooking/food magazine of their choice (as selected by the winner from their list of titles). There is no cost to be incurred by the winner, the only condition is that you must be is a resident of the United States or have a US mailing address. To enter, leave a comment at the end of this post, with a mention of your desire to be included in the draw, and I will compile these comments into a master list (this way, non-entrants can still comment if they'd like). A random winner will be selected and announced on April 21, 2009.
My apologies to Canadian and international readers for their exclusion. There will be some more giveaways in the future to make it up to you; please understand that I simply could not pass up the opportunity to share this prize.
Reader Comments (51)
mmm, just delightful. I'm an enormous fan of mini individual desserts and I'm hoping that will be the next trend, I love tiny little tarts, cakes and treats!
I also admit I love cupcakes, I make them myself though and when I saw them in the shops I realised how much frosting is usually piled on there. Golly gosh!
I heart cup cakes.
I heart frosting. To me, the more frosting the better.
I'd love to be entered in the drawing.
The grandness of a large cake certainly has its place, but I tend to agree; little cupcakes are more approachable, like a petit four. Speaking of, I have been baking French macarons all month and can confirm the little mouth-sized treats were quickly consumed!
What a lovely giveaway! I'm definitely "in" :o)
I've been on a mini-cake bender lately as well- I have a sweet little collection of vintage mini pans (tart and bundt) that we love. I'm not big on cupcakes, because I don't care for frosting, but a perfectly moist little cake, with some whipped cream or powdered sugar, is lovely!
We are a family of two so a mini-cake is perfect for our needs. I frost one and store the other(s) frozen(unfrosted)for another day.
Between cooking and photography I must subscribe to a dozen magazines. Another would be welcomed.
I think I'm perpetually fascinated by mini things. I love that they're just a few bites, and c'mon - they're just too adorable! Oh, and the giveaway sounds fabulous; the more food magazines I have, the better :)
I'm totally with you on miniatures, & have a complusive weakness for the wee...he he! This is a wonderfully written post, engaging & exciting. Please do enter me too, & I shall give you my sis's US address if the RIG shall gallantly choose me. I love the choc cake, espresson & all! YUM!
I like your thoughts about cupcake/ miniture cakes, etc. I have similar perspective on baking these and presenting them, pretty much whenever I Feel like and it is yes, rather more "approachable"!
Lovely post you have and thanks for including me with the drawing for the magazine subscription! That's so nice of you to share!
I can't be entered in the giveaway because I'm Canadian too, but I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your post. I think it is a shame when bakeries slather on cloyingly sweet frosting on a cupcake. I hate it when something so beautifully decorated doesn't taste as good as it looks.
Mini food everywhere wins!
I'd love to be reading a food mag right now!
I intend on trying this recipe. I love anything chocolate. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks for the chance.
I've been waffling back and forth whether or not to buy a mini-cheesecake pan. It is now safe to say that I will be making a trip to Sur La Table this weekend to purchase said mini-cheesecake pan.
I'd love to be entered in the drawing.
I'd like to enter, please!
And those cakes are adorable.
I love the new shrink it craze. For my October wedding we're serving all things mini during the cocktail reception: think pretzels and sliders and pulled pork and blt's and... so on.
I would love to be entered into the magazine subscription drawing. Thanks for passing it along!
what a delicious-sounding recipe...and twee foods are fun!
please include me in the drawing, too :)
Oh, I have a weakness for the wee too! (And the corresonding cupboard full of mini-pans to prove it.) Lovely post, Tara.
I totally agree with the argument in favor of making it mini. Cakes can seem so formal, in a way, and I do think they require a certain presentation. Little loaves are too small for people to care about looks!
Lovely! Can't wait to try this.And I'd love to be entered in your giveaway.
Here, here on the complaint about cleaning tiny pans! I adore the tiny cakes and tarts...and always wish for someone else to have to clean them! I just did some mini caramel cakes...cute little floral ones. Yum.
I would love to be in the drawing, too.
Thanks for your beautiful blog!
I think mini pans make everything just a little more fun (except for cleaning up). I'm so trying this as soon as Passover is over. Yum!
Please do enter me in the drawing.
These cakes look divine!
I love those mini bundt pans and have been drooling over all the different ones out there. Once I finally make up my mind I'm going to get one (or two! lol).
I'd love to be entered into the giveaway as well :)
I like individual treats since I live alone. This gives me the opportunity to indulge, to put a few in the freezer for later and to bring the rest to work. IT's a win-win for all.
I've love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks!
You lured me in with a great picture of a chocolate cake.. YUM!!
I'd love to win the mag subscription. ;o}
Please enter me in the drawing.
Everything is better when it's tiny. Babies, puppies, kittens, cakes...it all works.
I love your Lilliputian tendencies. This post is absolutely wonderful, adorable and endearing...just like a wee cake!