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May 3, 2010

Rum and Raisin Banana Cake



These days, I'm on a high. There are lots of things happening, lots of good things. I celebrated two very important milestones this weekend and it is time for the third. All of you know that I started this blog on a holiday we had about two days after I joined my “new” place of work. I completed three years with the company and that is a first for me. In one of the jobs I’d held earlier, I switched jobs before I completed three years. So it was special. 


There was also this other plan of mine which, with some planning, fructified about 8-10 years ahead of schedule. So, we had to celebrate both these events. What better way to celebrate anything than to go to Earth and let everyone there just pamper us. And that is exactly what we did.


Close on the heels of these two milestones, on this quiet Sunday afternoon, my dearly beloved, The Singing Chef, turned T-H-R-E-E.


While I’ve not paid as much attention to this blog in recent times, I think the nurturing it received in the initial years is what keeps it going. Year 3 had me meeting the original inspiration behind this blog, Nandita, for the first time. It was a very short visit, but one that had been pending for so long that even the half an hour felt worth the effort. It was in this year that my namesake, Arundati and her husband came and stayed with us. We got along like a house on fire, went shopping, cooked meals and did all those things that one does when friends come over. Including hours and hours of chatting. I met Sra in the comfort of my own home in Chennai and have received foodie gifts, including a whole stash of parchment paper from Deeba.


In Year 3, I got my first cheque from Adsense. Like the small cherry on top of your sundae, there was some monetary gain. But the real happiness still comes from the friends I’ve gained. From the adulation this blog receives. From the thrill that comes out of people cooking from this blog and sharing pictures of the food with me. From almost unknown people telling me that they scan my space before deciding what to cook for dinner. And for all this, I’m more thankful than ever.


It is thanks to all of you that I’m even blogging about a third birthday. So, please come and have a slice of this yummy Rum and Raisin Cake.




1 cup Flour
3/4 cup Wheat Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
2/3 cup Raisins (soaked overnight in dark rum)
3-4 Bananas (overripe), peeled
1/3 cup Oil
2 Eggs
Oil and flour for lining and dusting




Heat the oven to 350F. Grease and dust a cake tin. (I used two 6 x 6 tins)


Sift the dry ingredients together.


Combine the bananas, eggs, oil and brown sugar in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend all these to a rough paste. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and add the raisins. Mix well and pour into the prepared cake tin.


Bake for 35-40 minutes (or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean). Cool on a rack for a few minutes.


You'll find that a little sweetness goes a long way. Thank you - each and every one of you.

22 comments:

arundati said...

congratulations babe! am so glad you started this blog...and yes, the friendship will last much beyond the blog...love and hugs!

musical said...

Congratulations! Wish you lots more fun with this space. Lots of love!

Finla said...

Congragulations, for three yrs on the job and for you wonderful blog.
And a wonderful way to celelbrate with the cake, my way of celebration, they look absloutley delish.

Meena said...

lovely cake n congrts...will be back to check out more recipes!!!

sra said...

Congratulations on all the achievements, reading this post was nice as it's full of optimism and happiness.

Nupur said...

Happy Birthday to The Singing Chef and wishing you much joy and success in blogging and everything else!

FH said...

Congratulations on all the things you have achieved so far, hard work always pays. Hugs to you, you are a great person to know!:))

No wonder you are on "high", it's Rum cake!! Hahaha!!Looks yummy. I am making sour bread with Cranberries today, got to go and pick up Trisha from college, last day of first year. Time flies!! Won't be log surfing much today.

Sig said...

Congrats sweetheart... three years is a great accomplishment. Here's to many many more.

WinnyNinny PooPoo said...

Woo Hoo! congrats! and such a great recipe to celebrate with.

One of Your readers from across the ocean!

Emily

Unknown said...

Raaga, congrats on achieving all 3 milestones. Specially the blog turning 3. I love your blog and keep looking forward for your new recipes. Simply love the cake and enjoying my slice :)

Aps Kitchen said...

Heya!!!... I just prep eggless banana cake yest... nd we all loved it... I loved ur way too :)

Nandita Iyer said...

Thanks for the mentions - it was fun getting to know each other and the friendship now rising beyond the blogging bit-
COngrats on all three milestones - and hope to meet up for longer next time and enjoy your handmade pizza!

Raaga said...

Thanks all of you! You've given me a great year!

Unknown said...

congrats..love your blog..

Swapna said...

Wow...congrats and i hope all your dreams come true..

I will be definitely trying this cake... thanks...

Ms.Chitchat said...

Loved ur authentic raisin cake.

Joe Luzzi said...

Makinggg that

Chitra said...

hearty hearty congratulations Arundhati. You are my inspiration to cook food :)

Soma Pradhan said...

This is a nice recipe..thx for sharing dear

Divya Kudua said...

Where has my comment disappeared??Came to check the recipe and I can't see my comment here:(.I blindly trust all your recipes and every time I try something from here,it is a super duper hit.Rum N Raisin cake sounds perfect for the celebration!! Kudos to you!!

Miri said...

Congratulations!!!! :)

Just settled down after coming back from our vacation three weeks back and had a chance to browse here - so happy for you!

Sneha Nair said...

i am a new blogger.and when i followed your blog.i stopped wandering elsewhere..you are oh my god so interesting..sometimes i feel that am reading my own mind.just love the way you jot your thoughts.keep going.
with loads of love and hugs