Look what I've got!

Not the best picture I admit but apparently the best Victoria Sponge!!!
Yes it's true... I won the Victoria Sponge baking competition in the Village Show. The family were not as suprised as I was as its is their favorite bake. To celebrate this acheivement I shall be baking one for my next Afternoon Tea on 15th October at 2pm. Spaces still available.

A GBBO Challange

In case you don’t know, GBBO stands for ‘The Great British Bake Off’ of which I am an avid watcher. I did apply this year but didn’t even get a reply back, the family recon I need more of a back story so I’m not in the highest demographic, which leads to some amusing dinner conversations when they come up with various bizarre stories! Anyway, something they had on there recently was a Battenburg Cake which I hadn’t made before – so I gave it a go. I was quite pleased with the result and it didn’t last long so I guess everyone else liked it too.
You may notice from the picture the deliberate mistake……. The outside of the Battenburg is white – I used fondant icing instead of marzipan as marzipan is not very popular in my house. Why use something that no one likes just because its traditional!
I think a Battenburg may make an appearance at the next Afternoon Tea which is on 15th October.
Contact me to book your place.

Small but perfectly formed !

Definitely not me – too much sampling of the product! But they do say ‘Never trust a skinny cook!’ No, it was my last Tea Party in August. Due to a last minute cancellation there were only five guests. This does mean more sandwiches and cakes for everyone else. Mmmm. Although the small numbers, it was still enjoyed as much as usual and I actually managed to sit down for a cuppa and a chat too! Here are a few of the pleasurable treats of the afternoon. Lavender Shortbread, Fruit Tartlets, Rum and Raisin Cupcakes and Luscious Lemon Roulade. Next date for tea is Saturday 10th September at 2pm.

Afternoon Tea Updates

Well, I have done 2 Afternoon Teas since my last post and both were a great success! The first one, my American themed one had to spread on to two tables, one in the dining room and one in the hall. The favourite sandwich Pastrami on Rye and the favourite cake of the afternoon Pecan Pies.

The second was for the lovely ladies at the school enjoying the last day of term! The favourite cake of this group was the Tiny Meringues sandwiched together with Vanilla Cream (which this is not a picture of! - these are Baby Madeiras with Raspberry Crush. mmmmm)

It was suggested that I do a Favourites Menu for one of my Afternoon Tea dates. What a good idea!!!!!!! Watch this space for more details.
Next Afternoon Tea is 21st August - book now to secure your place.

Summer Cakes

Back in the eighties I used to buy Apricot Madelines, not the little shell shaped cakes but light sponge coated in apricot jam the covered in coconut. You don't seem to be able to buy these now so I thought I would give them a go. Am I glad I did, they came out really well and they look lovely and summery and will definately be on the menu of a future tea party!

Practice, Practice, Practice

My next Afternoon Tea will be held on Sunday, 10th July in Epsom and is called 'The Boston Tea Party'. I found a recipe for a Brooklyn Blackout Cake which I thought would fit into the theme, so I gave it a try this weekend. Well, you have to practice!

It is made of a light chocolate sponge, filled and covered with a chocolate 'custard' - that is quite a loose term because it contains no milk or eggs! The cake is them covered in cake crumbs. The results were a delicious cake that everyone enjoyed. I might make the sponge a bit thicker next time and I have lots of the custard left over, so I need to make less of that.

If you would like to come along and try the Brooklyn Blackout Cake book a place at my next Tea Party.

Cake, Cake and More Cake

Last Saturday I went to a meeting of the Clandestine Cake Club kindly hosted by Ms Marmite. I took along a Chocolate and Cherry Cake. Chocolate was the most popular flavour but there was also a Rainbow Cake, Cheesecake, Fruit Cake, Raspberry Cake and lots more. I tried to try all of the but only very thin slices and I shared those. After a few pieces I was kind of caked out but I soldiered on! I did take a few slices home as I had a full house all week end. It was my birthday on Sunday and guess what ....... more cake! ( thanks G)


In this picture you can see a Rainbow Cake, Salty Caramel Chocolate Cake, Elderflower and Raspberry Cake, and a Red Velvet Cake.

In this one you can also see and Apple and Raspberry Crumble Cake (delicious) and a Bounty Cake.


A little something for the journey home!