Although, it was still nerve-racking when I was told that I was going to be the first one up on the stage to start the ceremony. Yeah, no pressure at all! Thankfully I did not trip or embarrassed myself in anyway like I would normally do. When my name was called by the Dean, I walked on stage, I shook hands with the Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor (Steve Cram, BBC Chief Athletics Commentator and World Champion), I thanked my lecturers and I waved to my friends and family and fellow graduates. It was only for ten seconds or so or perhaps less, but it was just a great feeling hearing all the cheers.
In case if you are wondering I graduated in Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies from University of Sunderland. My dissertation focuses on the exploration of identity via food choices and eating culture (it's about food... Shocking! I know). The graduation was held at Sunderland's football ground, the Stadium of Light. And here's a narcissistic picture of me on the day:
OK, enough about the graduation, now time for cake. Packing is going and I am very pleased that it's almost done. I was cleaning my cupboard the other day and I found a bag of prunes that needs using and I just hate wasting food. I can't do it and won't do it. So, thank you to Google and Dan Lepard that I found this great recipe. It is not a summer cake, I know. Very Christmassy in fact.
The cake is moist from the prunes and not too sweet which I like. And after it bakes, the top is drenched with delicious brandy. Enjoy with your morning coffee whilst blogging like what I'm doing now; or in the afternoon with a glass of chilled sweet wine, Dan suggests.
Hazelnut Prune Cake
Recipe by Dan Lepard
For list of ingredients and instructions, click here.
Well, a huge congratulations is in order!! Way to go Michael! I bet it felt incredible to graduate and especially with something you obviously have a huge passion for!
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm not a huge prune fan, but this cake looks and sounds delicious!
Thanks Jenn! It was a wonderful day. The cake is delicious... give it a go, come on, you know you want to... :)
DeleteCongratulations Michael! What a wonderful achievement and I can imagine what a momentous occasion it would have been. And a beautiful cake to celebrate it with too! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorraine for your kind comments.
DeleteCongratulations, or I should say "CONGRATULATIONS."
ReplyDeleteTHANKS Stephen! :)
DeleteWow - worth all the work - to get to shake hands with Steve Cram. I'm a bit jealous. Well done - brilliant! I love the pic - you are just beaming.
ReplyDeleteSteve Cram is a legend! I was beaming because of the cider I had minutes before the photograph was taken :)
DeleteCONGRATS MICHAEL! sheesh I love that your dissertation's about food too. prune cake looks fab (apparently good for the bowels too heh, as my home econs teacher used to say). ok enough rambling, just wanted to drop a quick hello, congrats, and all the best x
ReplyDeleteThank you Shu Han. I'll remember that info about prunes :)
DeleteCongratulations on graduating!! I graduate next Thursday, I'm really scared I might trip!! x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you to then!! No, you won't trip. Have fun! x
DeleteCongratulation, Michael! You are so super SMART...and will achieve wonderful things in life!
ReplyDeleteLove your happy graduation photo, so amazing (time to change your profile photo, now)
Love the yummy prune cake, wish I had a nice piece right now; as I'm having my morning coffee!
Thank you Elisabeth for your kind words.
DeleteYeah, I think it's about time for a new profile photo :)
Congratulations - I think you looked pretty spiffy on the day!
ReplyDeleteThis cake would be one I'd love to eat. I'd probably add some cream but that's because I can't leave anything alone. :)
Thank you Maureen! Cream sounds really good with the cake. Must try that next time :)
DeleteMichael, that's such a lovely photo (and such a brilliant topic for a thesis - best to do one that you're REALLY interested in, right?) Best of luck for whatever comes next x
ReplyDeleteThank you Lucy. I had so much fun researching and writing the dissertation. I almost did not want it to end, almost :)
DeleteMichael, Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI like prunes and the cake looks delicious.
congrats Michael sorry its been so long and what a great topic, looking forward to seeing what you get up to next
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Michael! (I'd love to read your dissertation!) And I don't care if this cake is not a summer cake; a good cake is good any time of year.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Michael....what an accomplishment :)
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks interesting...hazelnut and prunes...
Hope you are still celebrating!