Zodiac Kitchen

Gemini

May 21 - June 20

The intelligent and mischievous sign of the Twins is ruled by the swift planet Mercury. Streetwise and full of tricks, Geminis relish lively debate and are unrivalled in their command of language and information. Flirtatious butterflies who change their minds frequently to keep their options open, they constantly pass on ideas and make connections They are impossible to pin down but so witty that their pranks are nearly always forgiveable.

The Chatter-boxes of the zodiac enjoy tasty food, and will love the combination of hazelnuts, cream and chocolate conjured by Hazelnut Cake. Quick fingered Gemini is bound to steal a second slice - and then sweet-talk you into making another one!

HAZELNUT CAKE

Ingredients

50g (2oz) hazelnuts
125g (4oz) margarine
125g (40z) castor sugar
2 eggs
1 x 15ml spoon (1 tablespoon) coffee essence
2 x 15ml spoons (2 tablespoons) milk
125g (4oz) self-raising flour, sieved
1 x 15ml spoon (1 teaspoon) baking powder

Filling

150ml ( 1/4 pint) double-cream

Chocolate Icing

15g (1/2oz) margarine
125g (4oz) plain chocolate
1 x 15ml spoon (1 tablespoon) coffee essence
Few drops of vanilla essence

Method of preparation

Bake nuts in hot oven for 10 minutes. Remove skins with rough cloth. Reserve 8 for decoration, grind nuts very finely. Place nuts with remaining ingredients in mixing bowl and beat with wooden spoon until well mixed. Place in greased and lined 20cm (8 inch) sandwich tin, smooth top. Bake in middle of oven 180°C, 350°F, Gas No.4 for 25-30 minutes. Turn out and cool on wire tray. When cold, split and sandwich together with whipped cream, reserving some for decoration. To make chocolate icing: melt all ingredients in a bowl over pan of hot water. Gently stir together and pour over cake. Pipe on small whirls of cream and top with a hazelnut.