A moist easy moist German Chocolate Cake smothered with saffron coconut and cashew, almost like a coconut burfi on top. It’s simple to make and quite an addictive cake.
I wanted to tell you, and then, I’d tell myself, I’ll tell after my next deadline was met. Two weeks ago, at around noon, I heard a knock, I opened the door and was handed a big brown package. I opened it and there was a yellow note which said, “check and return by….”. It was my manuscript for review. It hit me. I am officially going to be a COOKBOOK AUTHOR!!
There, I said it and it feels WONDERFUL. Honestly speaking, one of the things I wanted to do was, to shout out loud and tell you all that someone wants to publish my recipes. I had to wait, and it was, in a way easy for me. I was overwhelmed and nervous with a giddy sort of excitement.
It is quite weird writing this or saying it aloud: I have always wanted to write a cookbook, even when I knew nothing about cooking. If I could go back in time and tell my younger self that I would be given an opportunity to write a book, I would have not believed it back then.
So when I was approached by the publisher to write this book,more than a year earlier, I was thrilled and overwhelmed. It truly dawned on me only a few months later, when my table of contents was due. What is it that I can give you, and to myself? After weeks of thinking, my editor and I decided on the theme which would be based on my blog. Isn’t that the most appropriate thing to do?
The table of contents was just the beginning, which, by the way, took me weeks. What was in store was long working hours, testing, re testing, eating, and writing. After almost a year of working on my little project, I finally get to talk about it to you, my friends.
I am psyched and excited about it. It has been my dream, but this book is becoming a reality only because of your support, love, and constant inspiration. You would’ve heard this before, but I’d like to stress it. THIS BOOK HAPPENED BECAUSE OF YOU.
I am looking at it as a book where I can go get inspiration and cook from. A book that I can gift to a friend who loves an Indian touch in any cuisine. A book which will help you plan a party or just a regular weekday meal. We love our traditional food, and I made sure to add in many traditional recipes with my personal twist. I love the amalgam of modern Indian cooking . You will see that in the book. I will talk about the process, how I was approached, title cover, the fabulous photographer, the theme of the book, maybe share the cover too, and all the details in later posts.
For now, I am grateful. The higher power is great, HE brings things to you when you need it the most. This book deal was a savior in a way, it came at a low point in my life for which I am very Grateful. The day I signed, I cried, I looked up, and thanked everyone who helped me make my dream come true.
Thanks to you.
Heartfelt thank you to all who keep cheering me on, and keep giving me the strength to continue what I am passionate about. I hope I can do each one of you proud. I hope you will love it as much as I do.
YAYAY!!! Now that was my giddy little news, and here is my new favorite dessert. If I could, I would share a slice with all of you and celebrate this news.
While I often appreciate a simple chocolate cake, I never deny a slice frosted with coconut. This is most lush when eaten warm, or at room temperature, which makes it an ideal all year around cake.
This cake is subtle and straightforward. I use a mix of buttermilk and banana,which makes it moist with a fruity touch. With this cake, I like some embellishments that complement, rather than echo, that coco-nutty sweetness. Turning to the freezer drawer, frozen coconut can save the day, cook it quickly with some cashews and cardamom, and add it as a frosting.
The sauce from the coconut mixture seeps into whatever it touches. Serve a slice; it’s so good, all in one. The chocolate, hint of banana, coconut, saffron, and nuts for gratifying crunch.
- ½ pkg. (2 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate
- ¼ cup water
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cups sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cups all purpose flour
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup fresh coconut/frozen or dried flaked coconut
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup white castor sugar
- ⅓ tsp cardamom powder
- 10 strands of saffron
- 12 cashews toasted and chopped
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Cover bottom of a 9-inch round pan with parchment; spray sides with cooking spray.
- Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
- In a mixing bowl, add the eggs, Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Beat oil and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
- Add egg whites; stir gently until well blended. Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pan. Cool cake in pan 15 min. Remove from pan on to wire rack; cool completely.
- In a sauce pan, add the coconut, evaporated milk, castor sugar, and bring it to a boil. Simmer it and add the cardamom and saffron. Let the mixture thicken, which will take 3-5 minutes stirring continuously. The consistency should be similar to a rice pudding, not too thick.
- After the cake is cooled. Slice it in the middle. Use the smooth side as the top of the cake. Place the bumpy top of the cake face down on a plate. Use ¼ of the coconut filling on the slice. Spread the whipping cream on top. Carefully place the top of the cake. Spread the remaining filling,
- Let it sit for an hour or two before slicing and serving.
Oh Asha, I’ve got a huge smile on my face right now and am SO excited for you and your new cookbook!! I can’t wait to get it into my hands and cook from it! You must be thrilled that that package finally arrived.. the hours, work, testing… it’s coming together and you’ve made it happen! YAY YOU!! I know it will be packed full of recipes I’ll want to cook again and again! I’m SUPER excited for this!! xo
Traci, thank you so so much. You words mean the world for me, Oh yes, so excited and overwhelmed at the same time. I can’t wait to share more with all. Thanks again for you constant support.
Lots of love and hugs.
xx
I am SO proud and excited for you Asha! I can’t wait to get my hands on your beautiful baby that you have produced. I’m sure it’s beautiful, just like everything else you create. Xo
Nisha, so very sweet of you to stop by to wish. Thanks so much and lots of love to you. xoxo
Hello Asha, success comes to those who know its value. I’m sure the amount of hard work you have put into every new venture that you took. I can wait to root, shoot and cook with it. God bless xx
Oh dear, thanks for stopping by to wish, so very kind and sweet of you. It’s definitely one of the most emotional projects so far, feels good. Thanks for your support.
xoxo
Congratulations, Asha! We love German chocolate cake, esp. that topping 🙂
Love the cake. Love the news even more. Can’t wait to see your book. Awesome awesome news. Congratulations. 🙂
I am SOOO excited to get my hands on this book — and I’m so excited for YOU!!! Congratulations on all of your hard work Asha!!! Sending you so much love!!! xoxo
Thanks Rebecca, it was a crazy hard year for sure. lots of love, xox
Oh Wow Asha. . .big congrats on your new book. I am so happy for you and I’m positive this treasured book will be filled with so many tasty dishes. Speaking of tasty dishes. . .how divine is this German Chocolate Cake with a twist? Really I could eat just that topping. . . it looks that good.
Thanks dear Lynn, I am pumped for the book and can’t wait to share, And yes, I always make a double batch of the topping for that reason,
Lots of love.
xx
This is SO EXCITING!!! We cannot wait to get our hands on your book and start cooking! Congratulations on all your hard work Asha, this is an incredible accomplishment! So happy for you!
This is such wonderful news, Asha!! So, so excited and i know it will be fabulous….can’t wait to start cooking from it!!!
Oh wow! I will say it again..congratulations on ur new endeavour! I am a huge huge fan and I think you know it already by now. Can’t wait to have the book in my hands..
Ur biggest fan!
Congrats! That’s exciting news! But you need to give us details — title, pub date, name of publisher, etc etc. 🙂 Anyway, love German Chocolate cake, and yours looks terrific. Thanks!
Asha, I’m beyond excited to hear this! I still remember commenting a long time ago that I was waiting for your book! Can’t wait to cook from it!
Wow Asha, this is big and exciting news my dear friend! For months I had a feeling you are working on a book. What a journey you have taken this year. I can’t wait to see it!!! Yay!!! So proud of you!
Oh Asha..this is such wonderful, exciting news!! So so well deserved..can’t wait for the book!! I’ll be keeping a close lookout for the launch date and wish you all the success for all the honest hardwork you’ve always put it into your blog and now in your BOOK (how amazing does that sound?!)..much love!!
Congrats Asha..I’m sure the book will be filled with wonderful recipes. Between the cake looks yummy. Can’t wait to try it. I see that you have mentioned oil in the recipe but the instruction says butter. Can you please clarify it? Also did you add cardamom to the coconut mixture. I see you have mentioned it above but don’t see it in the recipe. Also how much whipping cream did you use in the recipe? Sorry for the long list of doubt. I don’t want to miss out anything 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by and for pointing out the add ins. Please check it now and I have corrected it. There is no whipping cream in the recipe. Hope you get to make it, it’s an easy one and a good one.
Thanks again.
xx
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! CONGRATULATIONS Ash! This was long due;YOU DESERVE this. Your work is impeccable, both in terms of writing, recipe testing (tried and true) AND photography. We hope you will provide the photos for the book; we LOVE your pictures so much!
These are such GREAT NEWS, we ‘re so happy for you!!!
As for the “I hope I can do each one of you proud.” : you really shouldn’t worry about that. You already did it.
Sending you our love and a HUGE hug.
Mirella and Panos
PS of course the cake recipe is awesome as well:)
Congratulations!!! What exciting, happy news! You absolutely deserve it. You have such a unique – and authentic – voice. I can imagine how beautiful this book is going to be. Looking forward to seeing your book and getting the opportunity to read your stories and learn new exciting recipes. Keep doing what you’re doing. Congrats again!!!
I am sooooo happy for you Asha! I was wondering recently when are you going to publish one! The effort you put to keep your beautiful blog up with great and unique recipes is an inspiration for lot of us. The time, effort and dedication that you put for your passion is commendable. You rock gal! I cannot wait to get hold of your book :). All the best dear Asha!
Asha – congratulations! I finally sat down to read this post. So proud of you. YOur recipes are insane looking, and I’m sure they taste even better. I’ve seen some of your recipes, haven’t made, but your choice of spices is spot on. You have both north and south indian recipes nailed. Can’t wait! Also, this cake looks so good, you know how much fat is usually in German Chocolate, love how you toned it down. Nice job! <3
Asha, I’ve said it a bunch of times and I’ll say it a bunch more – Congrats friend! I cannot wait to see the success that’s waiting for ya – Cannot wait to get my hands on your book too!
As for this cake – I love you use of buttermilk and banana in it – and eating this warm would be decadent indeed!
So happy for you Asha. I believe you deserve every single bit of the success that is coming your way. Your passion for cooking , your vast talent and dedication is amazing. Congrats once again my dear. The book, I am sure, is a result the labor of your love and passion for cooking. I pray to God for your success. <3 Can't wait to grab a copy 🙂
The cake by the way sounds so good. It has all my favorite ingredients!
How exciting Asha. A big congratulations to you. You truly rock ? I can’t wait for your book to launch and get a copy for myself 🙂 I am sure it will be full of deliciousness? This cake looks totally divine.