I can't even express how much I love fall. I could wax poetic about it all day long. It refreshes me, renews my love for nature, makes me thankful to be alive. It makes getting in the kitchen so much more enjoyable with that cool breeze coming in through the window.
It feels like it's been ages since I was in my own kitchen, doing what I love the most. Measuring, mixing, photographing. It felt so, so good to at it again. I'd forgotten how much I love the process, scooping flour into the measuring cup, leveling off the top, packing the brown sugar, cracking the eggs. It's peaceful and therapeutic for me.
I even love the waiting, the anticipation of having something in the oven. I'm a compulsive checker though, pulling the oven door open every 10 minutes, even though I know I shouldn't.
Today has been a good day. As I sit here with an empty cake plate beside me, I'm incredibly thankful, for the weather, for my family, for good food.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously brush 12- to 15-cup nonstick Bundt pan with oil. Whisk 1 cup boiling water, cocoa powder, and 2 teaspoons espresso powder in 2-cup glass measure. Whisk 2 cups flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat 2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon vanilla in large bowl to blend. Add eggs; beat to blend. Beat mixture until smooth, about 30 seconds longer. Beat in half of flour mixture, then cocoa mixture. Add remaining flour mixture; beat to blend. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips. Transfer batter to prepared Bundt pan.
Bake cake until tester inserted near center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool the cake 10 minutes. Invert cake onto rack; cool 15 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, stir remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons espresso powder, and 2 tablespoons water in small saucepan over medium heat until sugar melts. Remove from heat. Add butter and remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips; stir until butter and chocolate melt. Cool slightly. Using spoon, drizzle icing over cake. Cool cake completely, slice, and serve.
Lovely photos Hannah. You're right, sometimes we take for granted the things we do but you enjoy and savor the moment of every action. Thanks for reminding us that. Your Bundt Cake looks fantastic.
This looks too perfect. All the flavours are things I want in my belly right now. I'm definitely going to try this out soon.
Another who loves that quote as much as me! I just posted it, too! This IS a wonderful time of year - and your cake sounds dreamy.
You had me at mocha! Yum... Saw the gorgeous cake pics on Tastespotting and FoodGawker. Looks so amazing!
Oooh, I love this quote - I've never heard it before! I love autumn so much too! This cake is absolutely gorgeous - can't wait to try it!
WOW your pictures are seriously amazing. Looks like a magazine photo shoot (and it should be!).
I made this exact cake (great minds think alike!) just last week and we devoured it.
Just stunning, I just love your photography.
I am a peeker too - especially when I bake bread and I know I am not supposed to!
another fall foodie. love your site. clean, simple, and what's not to love!
mmmm.. this looks amazing - its killing me right now because I have to be gluten free for a week or so! AHH!!
I love autumn as well, I love that quote up top, gives me good feelings... as do your photos.
What fabulous pictures! That Bundt Cake looks so good! I love those flavors!
Sites that have a unique way of combining all of what I enjoy myself seem hard to come by at times. Yours is wonderful. Your writing makes me wish I had more time for mine (I used to write quite often at my non-food blog) your photography is really inspiring, and the cooking is the perk. Breath of fresh air all in one package.
Looks wonderful, your photos are amazing! So carefully composed, and the lighting is gorgeous.
Lovely post, as always - and those pictures! Loving the white borders!
Chocolate and cinnamon. And mocha. Swoon.
I love how all your photos are antiqued! honey & jam is such a cute name too! I just love your blog! I'm so excited I found it!!
delightful. i'm a chronic oven-opener as well, and along those same lines, i also burn my mouth quite often because i just can't wait another second to have a taste! this is truly an awesome cake--bravo.
That quote is fabulous! thank you so much for posting it. i've already shared it with two fellow fall-lovers. I had a friend who reminded me of God's goodness by saying: Praise the Lord that He chose to make death so breathtaking.
Joanna: That's so true. He is amazing!
I love the George Eliot quote!
And Hannah, I have a question if you don't mind. This cake looks like the kind that calls for good cinnamon. Is there a specific kind or type or brand you recommend?
Good quality cinnamon is always a plus, but if you can't get your hands on any, that's okay!
I hope you enjoy the cake!
thanks for the recommendation, joanna!
I feel the same about fall :) Also, life is always better when you have an empty cake plate in front of you and a tummy full of delicious chocolateness.
your images were really inspiring. i just had to try this one. i made it last night and it's already 1/2 gone. we are really enjoying the rich flavors and the cinnamon is so fitting for autumn.