The past few days have been consumed in the fun of both written finals and practical finals in the kitchen. Ok, so maybe taking a written final isn’t ‘fun’ exactly… but it sure wasn’t the torture of a quiz on pharmacokinetics or medical biochemistry.
And a practical final in the kitchen? Three hours and a mystery basket- yes, I was literally given an actual basket, straw woven with a cloth napkin lining… full of obligatory ingredients… I was almost giddy! Definitely an intense few hours- unfortunately without time for photos- but in the end I was pleased with the final platings. Huge sigh of relief.
It would be lovely to tell you that I made this incredible pound cake as a celebratory dessert. But in actuality, it was a beautiful distraction as I was in the midst of study. This pound cake recipe had been posted in the last week or so by Sammie in her blog Sweet Samsations. And the moment she told me the dark swirl of marbling was Nutella, I was smitten. Copy and paste. And buy Nutella.
If you’ve met Nutella, then I don’t need to write another word. If you haven’t, it is the most glorious concoction of hazelnut and cocoa you’ll ever taste. Then why did I have to go buy Nutella for this cake? For nothing short of complete lack of restraint, I am no longer allowed to keep Nutella in my living space. Self imposed rule, of course, but strict nonetheless. Consider yourself warned.
And as for pound cakes… I think they get the short end of the dessert stick. With elaborately decorated cupcakes, trendy cake-pops and multi-layered confections, the pound cakes our grandmothers baked may seem less than glamorous. But there is something so comforting and nostalgic about a well-made pound cake. Moist, buttery and rich. And classic with a glass of milk or cup of coffee.
I’m fairly certain it’s hard to mess up a pound cake. Especially one containing Nutella. And fortunate for us, Sammie has already done all the work to tweak this recipe to marbled cocoa hazelnut perfection. Find her recipe here: Nutella Marble Poundcake. Make one in a bundt pan as I did or an angel food pan as she did, or even a classic loaf. Eat a slice (or two or three) and share the rest. You and someone else will both be glad you did~
Terrified Tastebud 
That looks divine!!! Also, I’m intrigued to know what was in you Mystery Basket – and what you conjured up?!
Hey, thank you! š It’s hard to go wrong with Nutella. I’m glad the basket was intriguing to you- I thought it was a blast actually! My basket included clams, asparagus, a bone in pork loin, and arborio rice. Also had access to other ingredients, which was extremely helpful! Nothing crazy like Fruit Loops as a compulsory ingredient š I began with an app of a clam version of a classic bouillabaisse… fish sock, white wine, tomato, shallots and fresh herbs… served with grilled baguette. I opted to remove the pork bone and served a mustard crusted, grilled chop with an apple gastrique sauce. Parsley, thyme and firm goat cheese risotto along with grilled asparagus finished off the main. I’d shaved the stems of the asparagus as they were slightly tough, so I did a quick fry of the shavings which became a light crisp garnish. For dessert I soaked diced pears and whole raspberries in vanilla sugar and white wine with a little cinnamon, nutmeg, clove. I baked a savory butter biscuit (almost flakey scone-like) and plated the biscuit and fruit, with fresh whipped vanilla cream, as a spin-off of a strawberry shortcake. š Really wish I’d had time for pics before my judging chefs started on them… I was quite pleased overall- could have used a little more acid in the bouillabaisse to bring out all the flavors a bit more, and my shortcake ended up slightly on the larger end of portion size… but all in all a win š Thanks so much for reading, W&C.
Everything and I mean everything looks better (and seems better) with Nutella on it!
You are a girl after my own heart!! Completely agree š
OMG! You had me at Nutella Pound Cake! Can’t wait to try this one.
You’re cute! It’s every bit as good as you think it is š Let me know if you whip this one up soon.
Will do!
It’s a good thing the markets are all closed…otherwise I would be searching the aisles for some nutella so I could recreate this mast piece IMMEDIATELY! Absolutely sinful…but oh so good…
Thanks for sharing!
Haha… and “sharing” is the key š Way too good (and rich) to keep to yourself! Your friends and neighbors will be happy if you do pick up some nutella one of these days. I did have to give most of it away quickly š
I am curious about your basket. Lol what was inside?
Forgive me for copying and pasting, but another reader asked the very same thing! I’m so glad the idea of the basket was as much fun to you as it was to me! It was so fun to cook with a little mystery š
My basket included clams, asparagus, a bone in pork loin, and arborio rice. Also had access to other ingredients, which was extremely helpful! Nothing crazy like Fruit Loops as a compulsory ingredient I began with an app of a clam version of a classic bouillabaisseā¦ fish sock, white wine, tomato, shallots and fresh herbsā¦ served with grilled baguette. I opted to remove the pork bone and served a mustard crusted, grilled chop with an apple gastrique sauce. Parsley, thyme and firm goat cheese risotto along with grilled asparagus finished off the main. Iād shaved the stems of the asparagus as they were slightly tough, so I did a quick fry of the shavings which became a light crisp garnish. For dessert I soaked diced pears and whole raspberries in vanilla sugar and white wine with a little cinnamon, nutmeg, clove. I baked a savory butter biscuit (almost flakey scone-like) and plated the biscuit and fruit, with fresh whipped vanilla cream, as a spin-off of a strawberry shortcake. Really wish Iād had time for pics before my judging chefs started on themā¦ I was quite pleased overall- could have used a little more acid in the bouillabaisse to bring out all the flavors a bit more, and my shortcake ended up slightly on the larger end of portion sizeā¦ but all in all a win.
Thank you so much for visiting and reading- it truly makes my day š
A really good answer, full of raliynatito!
there’s something so comforting and perfect about freshly baked cake and a glass of milk – love it!
You are so right! It’s classic š And I’m thinking sweet-hot chocolate strawberries wouldn’t be half bad with a glass of vino š
That looks heavenly! And I can just imagine that pound cake with almond meal instead of flour. holy mother of awesome cake, batman!
The link to your friends site isnt working Deb
That would probably up the ante and be fantastic indeed! I’m sorry the link didn’t work for you. Seems to have been working since- so sorry! š
I’m Loving a lot in this post! Not only the fact you’ve had finals and (are soooo close to graduation) but the pound cake, nutella swirl and the cutest glass in the world with the moo cow on the front for your milk! All gorgeous and I agree, this recipe from Sammie was awesome!
I love that you noticed the moo cow glass, giaff! But of course you would because you are so observant! I found it at a local hardware store of all places. Bought one for photos. Then went right back for another. Eventually someone might want to share goodies and milk with me… and they’ll need a moo cow glass too, cause i’m sure not giving them my only one š
I can’t believe finals are finished and class is so close to being over. A few week break and then pastry… š I could be a student forever if it weren’t for the net negative income š
How long is your program and when will you be finished? It’s a while, yet? I’m a bit jealous that you get more time š
Lol, I’m sure there’s someone out there who will definitely want to share some moo juice with you, (not only because you’re thoughtful and take pride in those special details) but for a million other reasons too! Plus we all know, the way to a mans heart is through his stomach! (obviously metaphorically and not literally!) š
You’re cute. My maman always said the same thing š I’m definitely ok with my own moo juice for now!
Looks divine!!! A cake with Nutella…yummyyyyyy…
Ti amo, Nutella š Not sure if that’s even close to grammatically correct…
it’s correct…:)
Now I really need to make myself some breakfast! Congrats on being done with finals. What a relief!
Thanks, Susie! I’m assuming you didn’t make pound cake for breakfast. But now that I think about it… š
Um -is anything ever bad with Nutella? What’s worse is that they sell it at Costco in GIANT containers. It’s mostly forbidden in my house. š
GIANT containers? That sounds awesome š Mostly forbidden… I like that.
Awesome job Deb! Thank you for making it!! I’m glad you loved it! Seeing your cake makes me want to make it again! hahaha.. š Yeah, I guess with Nutella we can’t go wrong eh? š
Thank you, Sammie, for such a super recipe! It has made it into my permanent file of all things wonderful in the kitchen š
I will make this! I love pound cake – rum butter is my favorite, in fact. š Looks so good. Thanks for sharing!
Rum butter sounds really, really good too! I’ll swap you a piece of nutella for rum butter? š
Skim milk again, you’re killing me! š
I can find fat and cholesterol in many other places š I LOVE skim milk.
haha I have the same Nutella rule! I bought it once for crepes a couple months ago and I’ve had to hide it from myself! Also, love that you had your own version of Chopped for your final. That must have been so nerve racking! Congrats on successfully completing them though!
I love that you hide things from yourself too š It’s not foolproof (darn memory) but it seems to help some at least ;). The Chopped final was pretty fun, but I’m happy it’s finished š Thank you so much for taking the time to read- you’re awesome š
This looks amazing! Now you just made me want to go out and buy a jar of Nutella! š
Heehee… I’m wanting to eat some now just thinking about it. It’s hidden. Not going to do it… š
Good to see a taelnt at work. I can’t match that.
Everytime I see one of your posts come through my inbox I immediately flag them! They all sound so delicious and this one especially delicious. My youngest LOVES nutella, actually we purchase the Almond version from Justin’s brand, and will go nuts for this recipe. I think we might need a piece of this today. š
That is such a huge compliment, Karista, because I think the same of your recipes! Don’t think there has been one yet that I don’t want to make instantaneously. I’m so glad to hear you like the Justin’s nut butters- they’re made here in Boulder. I actually buy them often because I like to support a local business, and because they’re DELICIOUS! They’re a very ‘green’ company and striving to be mores all the time. I like that as well. Your youngest definitely has good taste š
Thank you so much for the luck on finals… just received grades back today and I’m thrilled š Also excited to get those fingers dirty- wish you could just join me for a day on the farm. We could have some boot kicking’ fun!
LOL! Absolutely Deb! I think if I lived closer “boot kicking” fun would be in order š And I’m so happy to hear Justin’s is green! Makes it even better. Congrats on the excellent grades!!
Oh!! And good luck to you on finals!!
Wow. That looks so decadent. I can almost taste it! š
Wish I could just fedex you a piece so you and the husband could actually taste it š
Oooh, I’m not sure he’d get any…! š
That sounds amazing – frankly, too amazing for me to make it but yum.
Definitely understand :). I had premeditated sharing planned before the seal was broken on the jar…
Yum, yum, yum! Looks excellent! š
Thank you! It’s hard to go wrong with Nutella š
Yummy! A must-try especially as I am a big fan of Nutella. š
Let me know if you do! Loved your pics of Florence!!