Gluten-Free Mini Egg Chocolate Cake

I've been there for all the Easter trends – creme egg brownies? I obsessed and made countless trays in my uni kitchen. And caramel egg cupcakes – they were a hit with my colleagues a few years ago. But really, there's only one Easter treat that stands the test of time, and that's mini eggs. Mini eggs on shredded wheat nests, mini eggs straight in my mouth, mini eggs on top of this gorgeous chocolate cake!

Since working at Bean & Bread I have been experimenting with lots of new recipes with Jess, the owner, and this gluten-free mini egg chocolate cake has been a huge hit with our customers – both those with a gluten intolerance and without! The absolute dreamiest of buttercream frostings is only atop Magnolia bakery cupcakes (a casual 3,000 mile trip to New York) but a quick google search meant I could recreate it at home and... create something quite special. 

Tomorrow is the last day we'll be serving this cake at Bean & Bread (Good Friday, 9am-5pm) but the recipes are linked below so you can have a go at making it at home if you don't get a chance to try ours! Let us know what you think – @beanandbread_ @wnwrote

Gluten-free chocolate cake recipe via Doves Farm

Chocolate buttercream frosting recipe via Love is in my Tummy

Grain and Grind

My Grandpa and I have traditions. He is 89 and going to visit him in Glasgow has become a bi-annual (at least) occurrence – he is easy and pleasant company and I treasure every moment I get to spend with him. Firstly, we go to Morrisons to do a food shop, then we'll watch the soaps, drink lots of tea, eat Kit Kats (okay, that's just me) and, if I'm lucky, he'll make me his famous macaroni cheese for tea. Time spent in Glasgow is typically relaxed – a real break from my regular routine. Coffee and brunch must be incorporated, too, then, and having spied Grain and Grind on Tally's Instagram I decided to pay a visit after my Monday morning run (one habit I can't give up, no matter where I am in the world).

Since I ditched my 9-5 and started working in a coffee shop brunch has become a full-time hobby and I really can't complain. Food is one of life's greatest pleasures and, as one of the few things you can always rely on, I make a conscious effort to enjoy the very best of it.

The staff at Grain and Grind were some of the friendliest I have encountered in a while – super chill and accommodating but not overbearing. I took a seat by the window and ordered an oat flat white and the poached eggs and avocado with halloumi because treat yourself, and, can I just say, how perfect...

I don't know about you but sometimes when I go out by myself I feel a little self-conscious and can spend the entire time hiding behind my phone, but I felt at home at Grain and Grind and got to spend some time writing in my bullet journal, which always centres me. It was a calm space, yet nearly every table was occupied – I can imagine the buzz on weekends is just as delightful.

Every time I visit Glasgow I feel I could uproot and move to this beautiful city, spend more time with my Grandpa, find more time for solo brunches and the best coffee, but something bigger tells me the grass is always greener... so I think I'll stay put, for now, at least.