This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Before starting work at fashion magazine Runway, Andy Sachs is sweet, completely naive and views clothes as purely functional.
When she finally emerges from the Runway machine she is confident, sophisticated and bang on trend. But it comes at a price. That price is the life she shares with her boyfriend, Nate.
Their evenings are often shattered by the annoying ring of Andy's phone. Miranda Priestley, ruthless and demanding, wants Andy to fetch her dry cleaning. Or to create a science project for her children's homework. Or to obtain the next book in the Harry Potter series, even though it has yet to be released. Working for a demanding boss is one thing but when that work affects the life she has with her friends and boyfriend, then that's something else entirely.
On the evening of Nate's birthday, Andy thinks she's escaping from work early. She hasn't even left the building when her phone rings. It's Emily, the first assistant. Andy needs to come back to work and help her and Miranda with that evening's party. Andy can't leave work. So she stands up her boyfriend instead.
When she finally makes it home hours later she has a small cupcake for Nate, complete with candle. It's a little gesture to say sorry. She is sorry.
This is a quick recipe for those of us who've forgotten a birthday and need a token cake in super quick time. (If you want an American cupcake recipe go to the Sex and the City post).
Makes 6 very large fairy/cupcake cakes (but will depend on the size of your case)
Equipment
Mixing bowl, spoon, cupcake cases, baking tray
Ingredients
For cake
4oz sugar
4oz butter, softened
2 eggs, beaten slightly
3oz self-raising flour
1oz cocoa powder
For icing
8oz icing sugar
200ml warm water (add a little at a time, you might need more or less)
Method
- Heat oven to 180c or 160c fan.
- Cream the sugar with the butter.
- Stir in the eggs.
- Add the flour and cocoa powder until you have the cake batter. If it gets too stiff add a splash of milk.
- Half fill each cupcake case.
- Place in the oven for 20 minutes (if you use a smaller case they'll need less cooking).
- They will be done when you prod gently with your finger and the sponge springs back.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool.
- Mix icing sugar with the water to make a stiff but smooth paste.
- Spoon the icing onto the cooled cake. [Top Tip! If you want a neat finish with the icing gently and carefully slice off the dome bit of the cake which has risen in the oven.)
- Allow to set.
- Stick in a candle, light and away you go.
There you go.