5 Beautiful Things

Chocolate Cake

For four months – one third of the year – I allow myself to indulge in decadence with little or no restraint. From November 1 until March 1, I go a little overboard with chocolate, which is my one true weakness. Perhaps because there are so many special occasions during this period (from Thanksgiving to Christmas, birthdays to Valentine’s Day) or because bulky sweaters so fashionably and expertly hide the flesh during the winter, I throw all caution to the wind and give in to temptation.

I am especially vulnerable to the seduction of chocolate cake. I just cannot resist thick swirls of dark frosting slathered all over a moist and delicious cake. Set a slice in front of me and it will swiftly disappear.

So, before we have to show skin again, before the beach and the outdoors call on us to trim down and get serious about resisting such sins, I say go for it. Below are five of the most beautiful looking chocolate cakes I have ever seen. In order, they are: Chocolate Guiness Cake, Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake, Chocolate Orange Cake, Chocolate Beetroot Cake and Traditional Chocolate Cake.

Here is a link to my favourite chocolate cake recipe. I’ve made it several times and it never fails. It is Martha’s, of course, and it is moist and rich but not too heavy. The accompanying frosting recipe is courtesy of Matt Lewis of Baked. Happy sinning!