Today started with one of the hardest moments I ever had in my life.
I actually was dreading to face this day for the passed two weeks!
My husband was sent off to one the countries where the UAE is part of the Peace Program there.
I used to feel for families with someone defending countries not their own but never did I realize how hard it is until this morning.
—-
For the passed to weeks I have been spending most of my time with A and the boys before he leaves. But even now it feels like it wasn’t enough. I guess that’s normal… what I’m feeling I mean…
When someone’s “your person”… your “go to”… I’m sure you know what I mean…
I pray to Allah that he stays safe until he comes back!
And to all Army wives, families and people who have loved ones in the armed forces all over the world: you are strong… you are responsible and you certainly have a big heart!
Count your blessings and make sure you thank god for them every day.
—-
Yesterday I woke up at 5:30 am to bake a sendoff cake for A.
A day earlier, we had planned to take the boys out next morning (which was yesterday). On the same day we went to buy a few things he needed for his trip and also some groceries.
As we walked down the aisles of fruits and vegetables, I saw some lemongrass stalks and knew I wanted to bake a cake with them. A. was questioning that! How will it taste? why a lemongrass cake? Is that even possible?!
But he knows how I get when I put something in my mind!
So I grabbed the stalks and yesterday… I used them to bake the cake!
Before I go on about the cake, I wanted to share with you a video of my Chouquettes with Saffron Custard which was run on Noor Dubai TV and Dubai One during the passed Ramadan.
The talented Reem Falaknaz shot, and edited it. I can’t wait to shoot another recipe with her this coming Monday!
I would love to hear what you think of the video
Back to the cake…
I’m glad it turned out very well. Everyone liked it!
The taste of the lemongrass was subtle and not overpowering.
I personally didn’t like how my drizzle turned out as I was in a hurry when I was making it. It should’ve been thicker.
Lemongrass Cake with Lemongrass Ginger Drizzle
INGREDIENTS:
For the Cake:
1/3 Cup Butter
1 Cup Caster Sugar
2 Eggs
2 Cups Flour
3 TSP Baking Powder
2/4 TSP Salt
3/4 Cup Milk
3 Stalks of Lemongrass, bruised and chopped
60g of Stem Ginger in Syrup (Drained and sliced thinly)
Long Strips of Lemon Peel (To Garnish)
For the drizzle:
3 Stalks of Lemongrass, bruised and chopped
300ml Water
5cm Piece Fresh Ginger, Sliced
Icing Sugar (Quantity Depending on how thick or thin you want your drizzle)
METHOD:
For the Cake:
Preheat to oven to 180C. Spray and line an 8″ round cake tin.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Process or blend lemon grass with milk. Drain to remove the lemon grass bits. Use the back of a spoon to press on the lemongrass to drain the excess milk.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs at a time and ensure they are well mixed.
Add the flour mixture alternating it with the milk mixture.
Beat on low speed to combine.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin.
Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a skewer is inserted comes out clean.
For the drizzle:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, lemongrass and ginger. Bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 3 minutes and then cover and set aside to infuse. Drain the tea into a bowl and discard lemongrass and ginger. Let it cool into the refrigerator.
Pour the desired amount of the lemongrass ginger tea and add the icing sugar. Mixing until the desired consistency is reached.
Wait until the cake has cooled completely and then drizzle on the cake. Place the stem ginger slices on top and scatter the lemon peel.
Serve at room temperature.
Comments on this post
Arwa I am making you lots of dua. You will be strong for your boys. Baking is anyways good action to but your mind in peace.
1. November - 3:45 PMI loved the video, hope it would have small english subtitles down then it would help us who don’t read Arabic well.
-Minna-
Minna recently posted..Naked Plate | From abattoir to table – Lamb Tagine on Feast of the Sacrifice in Dubai
I am sure you will be strong for your family, and I am sure your husband will return safely. Best wishes always.
1. November - 4:34 PMDevina Divecha (FooDee) recently posted..Cantonese food at Homey Chinese restaurant, JLT
Thank you very much Minna!
I appreciate that.
There is an English version but i’ll check if it’s online.
1. November - 5:02 PMThe recipe is also on my blog
Thank you very much Devina
1. November - 5:03 PMArwa, my prayers are with you and your family. In sha Allah, your husband will return safely. The flavours sound daring and beautiful and I am tempted to give it a try soon. The video looks beautiful, Do upload the recipe for the Saffron cream. I can never resist Saffron anything
Also may I ask where I can get my hands on that gorgeous looking Pearl Sugar here?
2. November - 12:06 PMSayana recently posted..Serving A Humble Farni
Thank you Sayana!
The flavours go very well together!
I will send you the recipe in a bit!
2. November - 4:28 PMArwa I LOVE the video ! It’s incredible, the recipe itself, the method, the technique of filming and presenting was an unconventional tutorial! We’re so used to seeing cooking shows in UAE a certain boring way, but this was fun, soothing and very informative !
Rooting for you and your amazing creations, best wishes and regards,
4. November - 7:34 PMShereena
Thank you Shereena!
I love the video too! Mashallah Reem is so talented!
6. November - 8:40 AMWe had another filming session yesterday and that went well.
Dear Arwa ,, Inshallah everything will be OK and time will pass so quickly and ur husband will return home safe inshallah , the video is so good mashallah , your friend is talented I would love to have her contact . and Mashallah you are so talented in cooking wallah you should have your own store and hen we will do business together
…… Keep the spirit up Inshallah everything will turn good for you . wish you all the best .
6. November - 12:34 PMThank you so much Rasha!
Inshallah it will all be fine.
You can contact my friend through the link I put for her blog!
7. November - 8:56 AMMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your children that all will be well while your husband is away.
I Love the video!
9. November - 3:32 AMMaureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted..Salzburger Nockerl
Is that you in the video? I like the video very much with the music and the style. Good white light and the grey blue backgrounds. The red golden clothes fit well into the topic and style. The way you shot the bowls with the content from above and how you placed them. The depths, the angle and viewer perspective and of course the stages with the cartoon pots. Unfortunately I don’t know to read the Arabic script so I wouldn’t be able to follow it, which is a pity because I believe people from all over the world would love watching it and would feel inspired to recreate the dish. =)
thanks for sharing this!
I am sorry to hear about the sudden huge change in your life Arwa, my thoughts will be with you and your family. Let’s pray for the best and a good future!
Your Lemon Grass cake sounds interesting, I d love to have it either with some dollop of cream or with Vanilla or butterscotch Ice cream. Thanks for sharing your recipe Arwa!
12. November - 6:47 PMThank you Maureen!
12. November - 7:34 PMI’ll try to get a copy of the English version!
I’ll try to get the English version of the video.
Thank you Helene for your sincere feelings!
I really appreciate it!
It definately isn’t easy but it’s something we have to cope with.
My father might be traveling to Goa for a wedding some time soon. I will contact you then since I would like to send you some stuff!
12. November - 7:40 PMArwa, you are so graceful, mashaAllah. You make the simple act of mixing in a bowl so elegant!
I pray that your husband returns back home to you safely and that you continue to bake such yummy delights for us to keep your mind occupied from missing him
17. November - 6:45 PMnadia recently posted..Dubai Marina Dinner Dhow Cruise
Arwa, the video is absolutely beautiful. So graceful and cherry. Inshallah things are going well without your husband around.
26. December - 5:39 PM