Every April, fearless young Finns unpack their kayaks and compete in water so cold that it gives me hypothermia just to look at it.
The Annual Icebreak competition takes place at the rapids close to the bay at Arabianranta, just a 5 minute stroll from our home. The competition takes place once the river ice has melted and the river levels rise late in April. The kayakers compete in downriver, slalom and freestyle events. I am not sure if the economy, a lack of interest or the water temperatures has dented the participation in this event. Certainly, in 2008, it was a much bigger, livelier event than this year. A pity, it is a thrilling event for spectators and I am sure the same applies to the participants. I hope it returns in full force in 2010.
The Annual Icebreak competition takes place at the rapids close to the bay at Arabianranta, just a 5 minute stroll from our home. The competition takes place once the river ice has melted and the river levels rise late in April. The kayakers compete in downriver, slalom and freestyle events. I am not sure if the economy, a lack of interest or the water temperatures has dented the participation in this event. Certainly, in 2008, it was a much bigger, livelier event than this year. A pity, it is a thrilling event for spectators and I am sure the same applies to the participants. I hope it returns in full force in 2010.
When you return from outside after standing around in the cold and, sometimes rain, it is nice to come into the warm apartment to a cup of hot lemon tea and a piece of warm cake with cream. I have had my recipe for quick hot Honey Brandy Cake all my life. It was passed on to me by my Mum. It is not only the ideal snack on a cold day, but a very quick lifesaver if you should get unexpected guests. It takes only a few minutes to mix and bakes while you are boiling the water for tea or brewing some espresso. It is equally delicious hot or cold with cream.
Hot Cake with A Honey & Brandy Sauce
Preheat your oven to 200 C.
Prepare a small tart pan by oiling it lightly and sprinkle some flour over the base.
Prepare a small tart pan by oiling it lightly and sprinkle some flour over the base.
For the Cake:
Sift together the following:
1 Cup Flour
4 Tablespoons Raw Sugar
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
1 Cup Flour
4 Tablespoons Raw Sugar
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
In another bowl or jug, beat together:
1 Egg
1 Cup Milk
1 Egg
1 Cup Milk
- Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in the microwave and beat into the egg mix.
- Make a well in the centre of the flour and add the wet ingredients.
- Mix well and pour into the tart pan. The batter is very runny.
- Bake for 20 minutes till golden brown and a test skewer comes out clean.
About 5 minutes before the cake will be taken out of the oven, prepare the sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 Tablespoons Butter & 3 Tablespoons Honey.
- Once the cake comes out of the oven run a sharp knife around the edge to loosen it to soak up the sauce.
- Prick the tart all over about 10 times with a fork.
- Bring the sauce to boiling point.
- Then quickly add 3 Tablespoons Brandy or Whiskey. You can use lemon juice if you don’t use alcohol. The sauce with boil up and froth.
- Pour it over the tart and let it soak in.
Pour the tea and serve hot with cream, ice cream or a cold berry compote.
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