Beetroot (or as we would say in the U.S., "beets") and I go way back. As a child, I could not (or, more accurately, would not) tolerate beets - whether pickled or just plain roasted. It's probably an understatement to say I didn't like beets. I could tell you a story about one particular unfortunate encounter with beets, but then you wouldn't want to keep reading, would you?
As an adult, when I started traveling to Ireland, over time I became more exposed to beetroot. Mostly the pickled variety, but occasionally roasted as well. One dish I really liked, the recipe I am still searching for, was a beetroot and carrot jelly (jello, is U.S. terms). The beets and carrots were grated and added to a gelatin with, I believe, some orange juice or other orange flavoring. Quite tasty.
So, when I came across Arthi's website, Soul Curry, and the recipe she posted for Chocolate Beetroot Cake, it was bookmarked immediately for baking while in Ireland.
And what does one do while the cake is baking? Well, take a walk down to the River Blackwater, of course. It's just at the end of this field.
This was one of only a handful of sunny days while I was there. This photo was taken from the bottom of the field, looking towards what is called "the point".
Not too early to cut the hay, though. Looking from the County Tyrone side of the river across to County Armagh.
I didn't know until recently that buttercups are related to ranunculus - one of my favorite flowers.
Back to the cake for a moment. Although it's always important to have your ingredients measured and ready to go (mise en place), I found it to be particularly important with this recipe. Do take the time to get all the components ready prior to beginning this cake.
Of course, one of the most fun things about this cake is quizzing people about the ingredients. I assure you, they will not taste the beetroot - it simply adds a richness to the cake. But when they learn you've used beetroot, they'll be pleasantly surprised.
I hope you'll go out on a limb a bit and try this one; it's really worth the time!
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