Full question
I bought the Simply Nigella cook book recently with the express idea of baking the Liquorice And Blackcurrant Chocolate Cake. I ordered the Lakrids Liquorice powder but have found it nigh on impossible to source blackcurrants whether fresh or frozen. I would even pick out frozen blackcurrants from a mixed berry bag, but alas, no one has any. So, do you think I could substitute with blueberries or redcurrants for that citric hit, but still fill with the blackcurrant jam?
Our answer
Nigella's Liquorice And Blackcurrant Chocolate Cake (from SIMPLY NIGELLA) is filled with blackcurrant jam and topped with a chocolate ganache icing. Nigella scatters blackcurrants on top for a slightly sharp burst but as blackcurrants can be difficult to find out of season the topping is optional and the cake is equally delicious without the blackcurrants. In the summer you may find fresh blackcurrants in farmers' markets and some supermarkets and it is possible in several countries to buy frozen blackcurrants on-line. Blueberries have a similar dark colour to blackcurrants, but are sweeter so won't quite have the same contrast. Sometimes the taste of blackcurrants is described as being similar to concentrated blackberries, so blackberries may be an option instead.
The cake is inspired by one of Nigella's favourite childhood sweets - liquorice and blackcurrant. So you could also vary the cake slightly by taking inspiration from other liquorice candies and use raspberries or black cherries instead. If you are a liquorice lover you may also like to try Nigella's Liquorice Pudding.
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