Let me know if you make these and what you think of them. What are some of your favourite easy bakes?
Monthly Archives: May 2016
Nutella Brownie Baked Doughnuts
Win a Trip to Rome with Jones Bootmaker*
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I almost feel like I shouldn’t be sharing this as the more people who enter the lesser my chances, but I’m the generous sort so here’s a brief idea of what is up for grabs…
“We’re giving you the chance to win a luxury European city break to Rome for two, including
flights, transfers, four nights accommodation at a 5* hotel and excursions to: The Colosseum, The Vatican Museums, The Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica
and The Borghese Gallery and Gardens.
Plus
All entrants will receive 10% OFF their next purchase with Jones Bootmaker. You will receive an email qualifying you for the discounts within 24hours of entering.”
Just promise me one thing, if one of you, my lovely blog readers happens to win then please pack me in to your suitcase!
Posted in competition, competitions, giveaway
Celebrating the #QueensBirthday with Dr.Oetker
Dr.Oetker have teamed up with baking expert Juliet Sear to create a rather magnificent NINE tier cake encompassing union jacks, the Queen’s crown, bunting and of course corgis.
For the cupcakes:
10 x cupcake cases
75g/3oz baking margarine
75g/30z caster sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp Dr.Oetker madagascan vanilla extract
75g/3oz self raising flour
100g/3.5oz soft set strawberry jam (I opted for lemon curd here for a citrus kick)
To decorate:
Dr.Oetker coloured ready to roll regal-ice
Dr.Oetker bright writing icing
225ml/8oz double cream (I made a simple lemon buttercream instead in keeping with my citrus theme)
Preheat the oven to 190˚C (170˚C fan assisted oven, 375˚F, gas mark 5). Put the Baking Cases in 10 fairy cake tins. Put the margarine in a mixing bowl with the caster sugar, egg and Vanilla. Sift the flour on top and using an electric whisk on a low speed, gently whisk the ingredients together.
Increase the speed and whisk for a few seconds until well blended and creamy. Divide the mixture equally between the cake cases and smooth over the tops. Bake for 16 -18 minutes until risen and lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Using a teaspoon, scoop out a neat portion of sponge from the centre of each cake and fill with jam. Press the cut out sponge back on top to seal in the jam. Set aside.
To decorate, gently knead the red and blue Ready to Roll icing separately to make pliable, then cut each into 5 pieces. Form each into a ball. Cut a deep cross in the top of each and roll the base of each ball between your fingers to make it narrower than the top – they should look like tiny chefs’ hats.
Knead 50g (2oz) of the yellow Icing to soften. Lightly dust the work surface with a little icing sugar then roll out the yellow icing thinly to form a rectangle approx. 8 x 15cm (3 x 7 inch). Cut 30 thin strips, approx. 0.5cm (1/4 inch) wide – you will need 3 for each crown. Cross 2 strips across each ball and stick in place using a little water. Trim at the base if necessary, then press down on the top of each to make an indent in the top.
Secure another strip around the bottom of each, and trim as necessary. Gather up the trimmings and make small balls to decorate the top if the crowns, sticking them in place with a little water. Pipe Writing Icing dots on each to resemble jewels. Leave aside on a board lined with baking parchment until ready to serve.
Just before serving, whip the cream until firm enough to pipe and spoon into a piping bag fitted with a large closed star nozzle. Pipe a generous swirl on top of each cake and top with a crown. Your cakes are ready to serve and enjoy, and fit for The Queen!
Excitingly Dr.Oetker are also holding a competition where you can win one of FIVE four tiered versions of the Queen’s cake. To enter simply click on this link and get sharing how you’ll be celebrating. Whilst I’m at it I thought I’d share a couple of quick tips for hosting a party if that’s the route you go down…
1. Keep it Simple! No-one wants a fancy six course meal, stick to good old fashioned buffet style food (and get people to bring a dish with them). Nothing unites people more than bonding over cheese sandwiches and chocolate fingers!
2. Get Crafty! Decorating for a party needn’t be expensive, turn scraps of fabric in to bunting or dig out some old wool and make pom poms to hang everywhere. Cheap, cheerful and fun to do.
3. Save on Washing up by using paper plates and plastic cups/cutlery. Everyone’s exhausted after a good knees up and facing mountains of washing up will be a drag. Use disposable everything where possible and save precious time and energy for the celebrations.
Posted in baking, challenge, competition, recipes
Father’s Day Inspiration with House of Fraser*
Will I be going down the more traditional route this year? Not likely, but I do know that when my stash of quirky ideas runs out my Dad would be more than happy to receive any of these gifts instead.
Now I’ve just got to work out if my lovingly handmade gift is going to cut it or if I need to be heading to the shops instead!
Which parent do you find easiest to shop for? I know my best friend is in the opposite situation to me and has a nightmare of a time trying to pick out a present for her Mum!
Posted in family, gifts, inspiration, shopping
Etsy Introductions: Bumble and Moss
The first of these sellers is called Tina and she runs Bumble and Moss, an enchantingly named shop that sells the most fairytale-esque Botanical Inspired Jewellery. I purchased one of Tina’s necklaces at the market but could quite easily have taken home the lot. With each piece holding botanical and costal inspiration the necklaces are crafted from sea glass and naturally dried flowers.