Coffee Walnut Cake

Dear Cathy

It is almost three weeks since my last letter and still no word from you.
I have tried to telephone several times to no avail. If only Margo still worked at The Exchange, she could test the line for me. I am writing this in a last ditch attempt to raise you, and if I don't hear from you forthwith, I shall assume that your dastardly neighbour has erected his new garden fence for more sinister reasons than either of us had imagined, and will report you to the police as a missing person. I hope I'm not too late. It would be a cruel blow if you were taken from us just as a new series of 'The Great British Bake Off' came to our screens (Tuesday 16th August, 8pm, BBC2). I don't know how I'd cope without you, mind you, I suppose your very expensive 'Titanium Kenwood Chef Major' would be looking for a new home. I see from the brochure that amongst other things the mixer has a 'pulse function'. What a sad irony that would be.

Anyway, must be strong and professional. On Saturday, we had Lois and Jeffrey over for elevensees as they will be looking after Professor McGonagall while we're in London next week. We went through the feeding regime and showed them how to close the cat-flap at night.
I made a Coffee and Walnut cake (p250). I didn't have the 8 inch tins stipulated in the recipe, and Mr Latte warned me that 7 inches would be inadequate, but the cake came out beautifully as you can see.

Speaking of Professor McGonagall, I was quite distracted last week by the Magical Quill Challenge to gain early access to Pottermore, the new online Harry Potter experience. I was fortunate enough to solve the clue on the second day of the challenge and find the Magical Quill, which means I am one of the lucky few who will be able to enter Pottermore ahead of the general public. I have even been given a special witchy name! More on this next time I hope. As I write, the children are running around the garden in little pointy hats shouting 'EXPELLIARMUS' at each other. How sweet.

Hoping to hear from you post-haste, your loving friend, Lucy. x


Notes to Self:

1 Must buy some 8 inch cake tins, a new pastry brush (have been using one of the children's paint brushes and the bristles are coming out) and another rubber spatula.

2 Find telephone number for Missing Persons Hotline - very important.

3 Check to see whether the Titanium Kenwood Chef Major comes with a liquidiser.