Valentines Day is one week away, and many of you are wondering, ‘what can I do that’s special’? Well, TEENChef selected five random TEENs to participate in some Pre-Valentine’s Training Session.

For what you might ask?

Baking, of course, and to try their hands at a Marble Cake.

The Marble Cake is moist and delicious, but the real surpise comes with the strawberry swirls hidden in the batter. You can also experience this recipe, when train with is for V-Day.

Romanio Bassaragh

Romanio Bassaragh (RB) is a second year UTech student who studies Computer Science. Initially, a quiet one, but after some getting use to, he showed comfort in interacting, softly, with a permanent smile. He enjoys playing football, swimming and like any typical young individual, loves surfing the net. Romanio informs the ladies in a soft whisper that he is quite romantic.

TEENage: What does Valentine’s Day means to you?

RB: For me, Valentine’s Day is used to widely acknowledge love shared among persons. Not just love for spouse, but also for family and friends. Love, though, should be shared everyday and everywhere, not just on Valentine’s Day.

Dominique Roache

Dominique Roache attends Excelsior Community College where she is studying Hospitality, Tourism and Entertainment. She is quite a petite young lady but her anxiety, curiousity and interest in the kitchen is, well, oversized. This is explained by the fact that she loves to cook and try out new stuff. She also enjoys socialising, partying and reading. Dominique describes herself as spontaneous, vivacious and just different, not like any other. She sees herself in the future as ‘Executive Chef Dominique’.

To Dominique, Valentine’s Day means:

“A day filled with hearts, kisses, hugs and love. I don’t think anyone should be alone on February 14. Spouses and even friends should show each other love because it is a special day. It can be shown with the sharing of gifts to warm a heart. Happy Valentine’s Day, Beautiful People!

Stephanie Wilmot

‘Fashionably inclined’ is what best describes Stephanie Wilmot as she decks out in properly co-ordinated clothes matching from head to toe — literally. A part from the evident fun she has in dressing up, Stephanie enjoys singing, dancing, keeping up-to-date with music and their videos and texting among other socialising activities. She is a student at Wilmot’s Academy and HEART College of Beauty Service where she is studying Cosmetology. Stephanie believes she is unique, spontaneous and every man’s dream.

TEENChef asked Stephanie what Valentine’s Day meant to her and this is what she thought:

“To me, Valentine’s Day is all about love. It’s when most persons come together to become more intimate and emotional with each other. I, however, don’t think that we should wait until February 14 to show love. It should be given throughout the year. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!

Damar Wilmot

Damar Wilmot is quiet, shy and always smiling. He most times showed his interest by wearing a very curious facial expression and a slight smirk. Contradicting those observations, however, he enjoys dancing, singing, participating in various sports, partying, socialising and reading. Damar is a fourth form student at St. George’s College where he is focusing his studies in the Technical area and boasts of being a proud member of Hulk Ent. Dance Group.

TEENage: What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

Wilmot: Valentine’s Day is a special day for most persons. It is a day when two people share their love and emotions for each other with joy in their hearts and a warm smile on their faces. Although this is a special day, we should always show love to each other every day of our lives.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb All-purpose flour

1lb Strawberry filling

2 f oz Water

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 lb granulated sugar

1 lb unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

12 eggs

METHOD

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt on to a piece of parchment paper, set aside

2. Cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

3. In a blender add the water and the strawberry filling, puree and set aside

4. Add the eggs slowly to the butter and sugar mixture, fully incorporating them and scraping down the side of the bowl after each addition. Blend in the vanilla.

5. Add the sifted dry ingredients, mixing just to incorporate.

6. Divide the batter in half. Add the strawberry puree into half of the batter.

7. Using a folding method, gently blend the strawberry batter, back to the plain batter, incorporate only until they are nicely marblised.

8. Thoroughly grease two baking pans. Carefully divide the batter evenly between the pans.

9. Bake at 3500F/1750C. After about 15 minutes, or when a skin has formed on the baking cakes. Continue baking until a tester inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean.

10. Remove the cakes from the oven, set them on a cooling rack, and let them cool. Remove them from the pans. Serve or wrap them and store under refrigeration or in the freezer.

Today’s TEEN Chef Tip is courtesy of Executive Chef, Karl Thomas

1. Allow the eggs to come to room temperature to avoid breaking the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

2. Measure the flour and other dry ingredients by weighing them for the most consistent results. Once measured, sift together the dry ingredients to blend them and to remove any lumps.

NB: Do not attempt without parental supervision.

TEEN Chef wants to hear from you. Feel free to email us at lifestyle.teenage@gmail.com and share a recipe or give us an idea of what you want to see.