Down On Luck

It's a wonder how a game could unite or divide people. We might have different views over everything. But when it comes to soccer, most Malaysian are collectively supportive of the national team. It's like a plague.

The team spirit is so contagious that even if you are not a fan, you'll still got sucked-in right into it. Too bad that the high spirit was not enough for the team to stay on top. The loss against Syria wasn't so overwhelming. Somehow, it was justifiable compared to the loss against Bahrain.

It was like watching a disaster where you're helpless to do anything about it. The bad moves were made one by one, and Bahrain was taking full advantage of it. They scored three goals within few minutes interval when the game was less than 15 minutes left. It was so devastating to watch after that. But I had to give two thumbs up for Ultras Malaya - the national cheerleaders - for staying put until the end. They are truly the supporters the team needs.

Despite the defeated feeling the team and fans felt - me included - I've got something to lessen the ache. The cake was baked in hope to be eaten in a celebratory mood. Nonetheless, it works in soothing the sour mood... T_T

Pure Vanilla Cake with Glossy Chocolate Frosting
Adapted from Connor's, from Ria's
Makes one 9 inch round cake

• 2 cups all purpose flour 
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 vanilla bean

1. Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F). Grease and line with wax paper a 9 inch round baking pan
2. Heat milk together with vanilla in a heavy bottom pan over low heat until simmering. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain the milk, wash and wipe dry the vanilla bean. Air dry the vanilla bean so it can be reuse
3. Sift together the flour + baking powder + salt in a bowl
4. Cream butter + sugar with electric mixer until pale in color, about 3 minutes using medium speed
5. On low speed, add eggs, one by one. Beat well for 1 minute after each addition
6. Add in the flour alternately with milk in three additions. Starting and ending with the flour mixture
7. Pour into prepared pan and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turns out to cool completely on wire rack

Glossy Chocolate Frosting

Halved from the original

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream *I substituted with evaporated milk 
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Melt the butter in heavy saucepan over low heat. Add sugar and cocoa powder, then add evaporated milk. Mix thoroughly until everything becomes a hot, shiny chocolate mixture but don't let it come to boiling. Remove from heat to cool. Pour slowly over the cake and let the chocolate drip on the side. 

^_^ Enjoy!