I am nervous of large cakes................

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

and I have to make one for an event next month - big children's teaparty.

I need a foolproof yummy recipe.

I'd like to do something chocolately if poss.

It must rise (mine never do) and must not sink in the middle (mine always do).

[help]

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does it have to be one big one?

I don't have a recipe to hand right now but as for the rising/sinking thing... make sure you don't open the oven while it's cooking or it will sink!

Does it have to be something amazing? could you do a plain chocolate sponge and then sandwich it with nutella? Mmmmmmmmmm

Gosh I wish I was![grin}
I lurrve large cakes!!

Don't think I could eat a whole one though

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I think i can help you here... I make cakes every year for my kids birthdays and so far they have worked.... you can make them rise with baking powder and any dips can be covered in icing..

I am a crap cook so it can not be beond the wit of you!! Firstly, need to know what shape cake are you making... are you going for a number/ mould etc...

What is your vision?

sallystrawberry - it may come to that yet.

Thanks cod - I've got her old "Complete Cookery Course" book and its in there. Brill .

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Ooh, more helpers .

If I was more confident, I'd do something which made the children (including ds1 aged nearly 4) go "ooooh!", but I don't think I'm skilled enough!

A safe chocolate cake recipe is brill - I'll do a practice run.

Will check the tin size carefully cod - have made that mistake before .

I made Nigella's brownies this week (twice - eek) - they are so easy and so delish. She suggests stacking them up and sticking candles in them for a birthday which is a great idea. Once the candles are blown out everyone can tuck in straightaway. I did write out the recipe in my "I'm a domestic goddess" thread in "food" if you want it.