There was a delicious sounding recipe in today’s Guardian Feast, quite complicated but as I was having a day on my own, why not? I went into town and bought the odd bits I didn’t have and then went blackberrying to collect fresh blackberries for the Blackberry and Star Anise Chocolate Cake, recipe from Edd Kimber.
First I made some Blackberry jam, then the cake mixture (a very unusual method), then while the cake was cooking and the jam cooling, I made the chocolate ganache. Assembly came next and – wow! It’s the best cake ever!

Edd Kimber’s blackberry and star anise chocolate cake. Photograph: Lizzie Mayson/The Guardian. Food styling: Benjamina Ebuehi. Prop styling: Anna Wilkins. Food assistant: Julia Aden.
Mama Cormier
September 13, 2021 at 12:28 pm
Beautiful cake. Have you ever thought of entering the Great British Baking Show?
mybeautfulthings
September 17, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Thank you but I couldn’t stand the pressure! I love to cook and create in my own time. 🙂
Mama Cormier
September 18, 2021 at 12:54 pm
I have to agree about the pressure but that cake is perfection.
calvin
September 9, 2021 at 1:29 am
I’ll take your word on ‘”wow! It’s the best cake ever”. Unless of coarse your willing to fly me in a piece.
mybeautfulthings
September 17, 2021 at 7:07 pm
It’s all gone now but next time, I’ll send some through the ether! 🙂
utesmile
September 5, 2021 at 6:43 pm
What an amazing cake you made, I bet it tastes fantastic!
mybeautfulthings
September 7, 2021 at 1:06 pm
One of the best I have ever made! Truly delicious and worth the time. I shall certainly make it again. 🙂
commonprose
September 5, 2021 at 3:54 pm
So much effort, but, My!, what a gorgeous cake!
mybeautfulthings
September 7, 2021 at 1:07 pm
Worth every moment! 🙂
annemariedemyen
September 5, 2021 at 12:03 am
Your cake looks absolutely amazing!
mybeautfulthings
September 7, 2021 at 1:07 pm
It is or rather, was! 🙂
Judith Butler
September 4, 2021 at 9:01 pm
Good evening Sally, my goodness that looks absolutely gorgeous and very yummy!! Take care Love Judith x
mybeautfulthings
September 7, 2021 at 1:09 pm
If you like cake making, this is worth all the effort. It’s not difficult, just time consuming. Take care, too, in this uncertain world. With love xx