Berlin Reified: Food, design and life in Berlin

Birthday cake! (Chocolate fudge cake a la Nigella)

Such a season of birthdays! Everyone seems to be having one at the moment, and for those seeking a special cake to take along for a celebration, may I heartily recommend Nigella Lawson's chocolate fudge cake (in either the cups or grams incarnation)? I was happy to have halved the sugar recommended for the icing; and can I share with you the delight of trickling freezer-chilled water into oil and melted butter? The fats seized up and became so white and fluffy, it was quite the pleasure of science in action.

Elders in bloom (Domäne Dahlem)

Rhubarb Tarte Tatin

For those of you eyeing the rhubarb in the shops unsure of what to do with those rosy stalks, may I heartily recommend a rhubarb tarte tatin? It was Everyday's idea, not mine, I should hasten to add, but having made one once with her (and her lovely seasoned cast-iron skillet) I was eager to try it again.

We weren't entirely convinced by the flavor of the star anise called for in the Guardian's recipe, but I wanted a bit of spice, so I threw in a few black peppercorns when making the second tarte, fishing them out before the caramel hardened; also, if you like me lack an overproof skillet, know that you can simply pour the liquid caramel into a baking dish and let it cool there, enjoying the tinkling music it makes as it cracks.