Rich Chocolate cake with Salted Caramel Filling – Nancy Birtwhistle

Ingredients

• 225ml whole milk
• 30ml lemon juice
• 300ml boiling water
• 3 tsp espresso powder
• 150g Chocolate – I have used many types but find a 75% cocoa solids works best
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp ground star anise
• 90g Cocoa powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• 300ml vegetable oil
• 420g Caster sugar
• 6 eggs
• 300g Self raising flour
• 1 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 250g Light brown soft sugar
• 150ml double cream
• ½ tsp salt
• 160g cubed unsalted butter
• 300ml double cream
• 300g dark chocolate
• 20ml brandy (optional)