I've mastered the art of folding..... BUT....

[Cass72]

Last night I mastered the art of folding. Thank you Julia (Childs).

Today we are inviting our colleagues from "the other side" for afternoon tea. I announced yesterday afternoon that I would be making a sponge cake.

Last night after presenting my family with Beef Bourguignon served with Petits Pois I set about making my cake.

After preheating the oven, preparing the cake pan and measuring out all my ingredients so I could make my cake in "one continuous motion" I proceeded to beat the egg yolks and sugar so they formed ribbons and then beat the egg whites until they formed stiff peaks.

I then carefully folded a quarter of the egg white and a quarter of the sifted flour into the egg yolk and sugar batter. Then I added a third of each until it was all "just mixed".

I extolled my virtues to anyone who would listen.... no one did!

After gently putting my cake into the oven I put the mixing bowl into the sink, glanced at the kitchen bench and then... faaaaaaaaaaark!!! When does the melted butter go in?! Julia!!!!!

I quickly go to grab the cake out of the oven.

Mistake - the cake pan is quite hot so I throw it back into the oven and slam the door and then put my scalded fingers under cold running water.

DH is rather amused and is teetering close to a divorce!

He suggests I just leave it.

I can't!

I start the process again - this time remembering the butter! (I carefully re-read the instructions)

The first cake turned out to be a rather large Biscuit Ã* la Cuillière (or ladys finger biscuit) which I've since frozen and will use for a Tiramisu.

The second cake puffed nicely and only slightly sank in the middle (which apparently is to be expected). I can only hope it tastes as nice as it looks.

I was truly impressed with my folding technique - my egg whites retained enough volume to make my sponge (look like at least) a success!!

ps: I even went to bed loving my husband again....he was forgiven for his laughter!

[nothing2lose]

Goes to show how 'masterful' I am. I thought you were talking about folding pastry (like for spring rolls!!)

I forgot about your French foray!

I would not give your DH any just for being rude

[maybebaby2012]

and I'm boring, because at first glance I thought of the washing!

But this is the cutest post ever, I love that you kept trying. Sometimes I just have a big old tantrum, chuck everything in the sink and walk away!

Congrats on your successful puff!

[Phteven]

Well done. I thought this was going to be a thread about laundry

[nothing2lose]

Well, I have to admit my first thought was laundry but then I saw it was a post in the recipe section

[Netix]

Well done! I thought maybe you were folding pastries, but this is even better!