Chocolates. Marshmallows. Cakes.

Now let's get to a part that excites us all -- food. Here are some of my favourite recipes, the Pina Colada and the Corn Bean Salad topping the list.  After a long summer day, these items will be refreshing and sure to boost your energy levels.

Chocolates. Marshmallows. Cakes.
Is there a cake that reminds you of your childhood? As a child, my family and I simply loved a chocolate cake topped with melted marshmallows. Last night, a craving for a chocolate marshmallow cake hit me and the very next morning I began baking one. This cake is moist, super chocolaty, and sure to satisfy the soul. And, of course, it can be prepared relatively quickly. I am sure I have read this in a previous column of hers.

Ingredients:
I cup boiling water
2 cups sugar
1¾ cups flour
¾ cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or use 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar)
½ cup oil
1 tsp vanilla Chocolate Satin Frosting (see recipe below)

Method:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13"×9" pan. Bring some water to boil and keep it simmering while you make the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla and beat with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add 1 cup boiling water and carefully stir until the water is mixed in; beat for 1½ minutes.

Pour the batter into the 13"×9" pan (batter will be thin). Bake at 350 for 35-38 minutes or just until the top springs back when lightly touched. Make the frosting while the cake is baking. When the cake is done, pour the warm frosting over the hot cake.

Pina colada
Ingredients:
7 oz. fresh pineapples
2 oz. coconut milk
1 cup ice cubes

Method:
Add the pineapple juice, coconut cream and crushed ice to a blender; blend at high speed. Pour into a deep stem glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge, and serve immediately.

Pineapples contain serotonin, which is a chemical released when you are happy.  Also, pineapples contain Vitamin B1, which helps you relax. Coconut milk just contains many vitamins and minerals that rebalance you in seconds and help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Bean corn salad
This is a healthy and protein-packed dish. The salad is colourful, flavourful, and simple to prepare. It combines fresh sweet corn, tender black beans, crisp red peppers and zesty cilantro in simple rice vinegar dressing.

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen and thawed corn kernels
½ cup finely chopped red onion
2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar/white vinegar
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
4 cups no-salt-added cooked black beans, rinsed and drained (usually sold in cans)
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1/3 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp sugar (optional)

Method:
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add corn and cook for 1 minute, then drain well, rinse in cold water and drain again. (If using frozen corn, skip this step.) Meanwhile, rinse onions in cold water to remove some of their sharp, acidic flavour; drain well and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper to make a dressing. Add beans, corn, onion bell pepper and sugar and toss until just incorporated. Cover and chill for about 2 hours. Add cilantro and toss again before serving.

Chocolate satin frosting
Ingredients:
½ cup butter
6 tbsp buttermilk (or use 6 tbsp milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)
4 tbsp cocoa powder
1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups marshmallows (optional)

Method:
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, buttermilk and cocoa. Cook, stirring constantly, just until it comes to a boil; remove the pan from the heat. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until the frosting is nearly smooth (stir every few minutes while the cake finished baking). Add the marshmallows, then pour the warm frosting over the hot cake, gently spreading until it covers the cake evenly. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Now let me tell you the end of the story of this cake craving. I made the cake and had a big slice of the yumminess with a cup of black coffee. As I closed my eyes, I fondly remembered those happy days from childhood. Do let me know how your cake turned out. And if you have any further queries, please email me at [email protected]