Kitchen Comfort - Pear, Hazelnut and Chocolate Cake

The beauty of a cold and Wintery Sunday afternoon at home is the chance to enjoy taking the time to bake a cake.  Filling the house with such a delicious aroma is one of life's simple pleasures that nurtures the soul every time.  This weekend I knew exactly what I felt like making - a favourite pear, hazelnut and chocolate cake from a recipe I adapted from one featured in a Good Food magazine supplement saved from ages ago.  It's a wonderful combination of flavours that work really well together to produce a fabulously moist and tasty cake that's very moorish.  Ideally the easiest and quickest way to make this is in a food processor.  If you feel like giving it a go, here's the recipe.  First heat the oven to 180 degrees C (fan 160 or Gas 4) and you'll need a 7" or 8" round cake tin lined or greased:

4oz whole hazelnuts
5oz self-raising flour
5oz butter
4oz golden caster sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
2 medium size pears (peeled, cored and chopped)
2oz dark chocolate (chopped into small chunks)

Method:

1. Grind the hazelnuts in the food processor and add the flour, combine
2. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture forms a crumb texture
3. Add the sugar and eggs. Pulse briefly and take the bowl off the base
4. Stir in the prepared pears and chocolate
5. Put mixture into tin, smooth over to make an even surface then bake in the middle of the oven for 50-60 minutes until firm to the touch.  Allow to cool in the tin 

Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection South-East Asia

Full of promise and anticipation new travel and cookery books are always tempting to buy, even though I already have a fabulous collection at my finger tips.  My latest purchase is the newly launched Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection to South-East Asia, probably my favourite area for travel globally.  Although illustrated with some appealing photographs the guide failed to inspire me to the extent I was hoping for.  Having travelled extensively in four of the six countries featured in the book lots of my favourite places were missing, some of which would be ideally suited to the chic boutique hotel style so favoured by Mr & Mrs Smith.  Perhaps they don't set out to be comprehensive in their reviews but I would caution anyone using this book to do their due diligence and research further afield for more insightful advice to aid planning your travels.  Time off is so precious and there's nothing worse than being in a destination only to realise that you would have much preferred to stay at a different property in the same location.  Cross-reference with the excellent pocket size Luxe guide series for up to the moment shopping, restaurant and accommodation advice.  Also check the mainstream travel guide titles for more in-depth information.  I always refer to the fabulous Conde Nast Traveller website too for very reliable and detailed information that always meets my requirements.

I do like the concept of the Mr & Mrs Smith "at a glance" index so if you're particularly interested in choosing somewhere e.g. with a super spa, or gourmet getaway this makes it easier to create a short list - but it would  be more efficient if the country was listed next to the property name.  In each country chapter the general introduction has some interesting facts, although just provides an overview.

Here are some of my insights and reasons why I wouldn't base my holiday choice on the Mr & Mrs Smith guide alone:

MALAYSIA - Bon Ton

A truly charming small resort of re-constructed antique wooden houses established on the site of an old coconut plantation by a lake full of beautiful water lilies.  I look forward to going back for more of the fabulous food and unique surroundings.  However, guests ideally need a car if they're keen to explore Langkawi as the property is in the countryside and not on the beach, although the reviewer's description of "white-sand-flanked surroundings" makes it sound more coastal.  (Admittedly it's only a few minutes drive away, but the local beach lacks hotel amenities such as sunloungers and shades if that's what you like, plus you need to take your own towels).  Next door to Bon Ton is another equally stylish collection of properties by the same owner and a sister location in Penang which deserves a mention.  I think Bon Ton is perfect for three nights and then to partner this with staying at a dedicated beach resort such as The Datai on the stunning Andaman coast for a few days, possibly returning to Bon Ton again for a couple of nights before leaving the island.  Bon Ton in itself is magical for a short break if you only have a few days to spare, but Langkawi also offers other wonderful locations to enjoy.

CAMBODIA - Siem Reap

Thankfully the Unesco World Heritage protection of the temple complex that everyone throngs to Siem Reap to see means that the unabated development of the town is kept at a distance.  I stayed at the De La Paix hotel which was very central and had an excellent restaurant specialising in Khmer cooking, the taster menu for which was a totally delicious dining experience and the highlight to my trip to Cambodia.  It's missing from the Mr & Mrs Smith guide but a real gem if you're heading in that direction.

VIETNAM - Hanoi

The Maison d'Hanoi Hanova Hotel in the guide does sound lovely, although I stayed at the grande dame of Hanoi - the Metropole, in the opera wing, which although extravagant was a fabulous indulgence and a great base to explore the city on foot.  I mention it on the basis that another of my favourite hotels - the Sukhothai in Bangkok, is reviewed in the Mr & Mrs Smith guide.  The Metropole is Hanoi's equivalent.  Also, as another benchmark if you like Raffles in Singapore then the Metropole is the place for you.

Hoi An

Definitely worth including in your Vietnam itinerary Hoi An is another Unesco World Heritage protected location and like stepping back in time.  There's a wonderful cookery school called Miss Vy's which is not to be missed for any foodie keen to discover the joys of Vietnamese cooking, including a morning visit to the vibrant local market.  Although the Nam Hai featured in the guide is super chic and on the beach which is perfect if you're in need of luxurious resort pampering, it's very much a couples type place and particularly expensive.  It's also driving distance away from the centre of Hoi An so you'd need a taxi / hotel transport to get there and back.  Personally I'd opt for the Life Resort ideally located within the old town of Hoi An and easy walking distance to explore everywhere on foot.

To finish... I realise the Mr & Mrs Smith guide is limited as to how many places they can feature and at the end of the day it's all down to personal choice.  The guide series has certainly opened up a much needed niche style to provide recommendations to a discerning audience.  In this new addition to the range the section on Thailand is best represented although if you're after spa nirvana you should go to Chiva Som at Hua Hin and that isn't featured.  Perhaps I expect too much from a specialist hotel collection book, but essentially I want a reality check as to key features / things to be aware of for each location, a low down on what the beach is truly like e.g. if jelly fish are a problem etc and not just a glossy description.