tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80650611514458782682024-03-13T23:44:26.664-07:00Amelie's HouseA blog about making and baking, my inspiration and anything else that pops into my head!Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-23216035058820398972018-03-25T06:07:00.001-07:002018-03-25T06:07:48.768-07:00Let's Be Cheerleaders!<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9ljceRgsqw/WrPfHzT6tcI/AAAAAAAAVS8/C_ByV0npeNcpbFYnWaI80TwxFQYVUlZ3wCLcBGAs/s1600/unicorn%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1245" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9ljceRgsqw/WrPfHzT6tcI/AAAAAAAAVS8/C_ByV0npeNcpbFYnWaI80TwxFQYVUlZ3wCLcBGAs/s320/unicorn%2Bcake.jpg" width="248" /></a>Hello, and welcome to Amelie’s House. It been a while since
I posted here - this is the place where my cake career initially began, as an
enjoyable hobby to scratch a creative itch while I was on maternity leave. If
you have followed my progress since then, you will have seen I have been lucky
enough to have that hobby become a full-time career (or, as you other professionals
will probably recognise, a <i>more</i> than
full-time career that eats into all my spare time as well). As you have maybe
seen, my work now takes up so much time that my blogging has been sadly discarded:
I do really miss it, but for now I have to concentrate on other things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why write a post now? Well, I want to talk about a few things
that have happened recently, and perhaps share some of my perspective. For those
that don’t know, I’m lucky enough to be a supplier to well-known store, and
over the weekend one of the cakes that I supply to them was featured on some
social media querying the pricing. In certain quarters the price shown became a
bit of a sensation, and I’ve had a lot of attention as result, so I want to
write a few things about it – some facts, and some feelings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So the first fact about ‘Unicorngate’ - I can confirm the pricing
shown was incorrect, by a large amount. To me that seemed obvious, but I didn’t
immediately say so because of the second fact, which is that I don’t set the final
pricing. That’s just not how a supplier relationship works. I negotiate a price
to create and deliver a cake, and whoever then sells it in their store gets to set
the price they charge to the customer. It isn’t up to me, which is why I didn’t
just come out and say I thought it was incorrect: that’s not my call to make.
And I’m very loyal to the stores I supply, so I’m not going to correct or contradict
or even discuss their pricing without talking to them first. (I’ve spoken to them
since, and they agree it was mislabelled, but I haven’t checked if it has
changed). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Contrary to some of the wilder ideas I read on social
media, what I make from designing, making, selling and delivering a cake (yes, I
drive each one into London myself) is a fair price. I’m not prepared to discuss
my pricing policies in more detail, nor how I justify the cost of my work - I
don’t feel the need to justify myself at all to anyone but my clients, friends
and family, who are tremendously supportive and proud of my achievements. And I
am not going to be an apologist for any retailer I work with, the one in question
is a fabulous store, and the staff who I work with are totally professional and
incredibly helpful. I am honoured to be one of their suppliers, to the extent
that when I see my products in their store I have an out-of-body experience and
am convinced it is just a dream.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alright, enough facts: the price shown for the cake was wrong, I
believe what I charge is fair, and even if the store goes on sell a thousand of
these cakes I will not be retiring to a villa with a huge stack of profits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I want to write about feelings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDIhmc2icRk/WrPgvvpfZ1I/AAAAAAAAVTM/KuOHgLFBkDw5vDsTPL2T4enhUl8LU8RQQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180219_070832_362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDIhmc2icRk/WrPgvvpfZ1I/AAAAAAAAVTM/KuOHgLFBkDw5vDsTPL2T4enhUl8LU8RQQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180219_070832_362.jpg" width="256" /></a>I’m writing this with some sadness in my heart, but I need
to express my disappointment at the response by a majority of the cake community
towards this issue. I have not seen all, or even many, of the posts and
comments as I do not belong to any of these groups, and how glad I am of that.
I uninstalled Facebook and Twitter from my phone for Lent, and it has been a
mental relief, and after this situation I very much doubt if I will be
installing them again soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am quite a private person, I don’t share many personal
photos of myself and family, I am not interested in being a ‘celebrity’. My consuming
drive is to create, to paint, to be an artist. So I have struggled all week
about whether I should respond at all because I know that I am opening myself
up to more criticism. However, I belong to a book club full of fabulous
supportive women, and this month we have been reading ‘Women and Power’ by Mary
Beard. It speaks on how women’s voices have been silenced throughout time, and
I found it both saddening and inspiring. So, I wondered, should I maintain a
dignified silence, or should I express my (strong) feelings on this subject? Well
obviously I have plumped for the second option, and if I was right to, I guess only
time will tell. Will my thoughts make a difference? I doubt it - if people are
prepared to behave in the way which they have behaved it seem unlikely one blog
post will change that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I do apologise for being so negative about this, but I am disappointed
in some members of the cake community with their response and I feel that the unwarranted
criticism I have received over this has gone beyond the actual issue. I am a
person (see the picture on the left), I am not a big corporation or a nameless face, I am one woman working
from my tiny kitchen at home trying to produce magnificent cakes, just like the
majority of you reading this. When you make negative comments or criticisms
about a product it’s easy to forget that there is a person who has worked hard
to create it. I have not had my feelings hurt by these comments, but then I am
lucky enough to have strong support from my circle of friends and family.
Others may not be so fortunate. This has been an interesting and difficult week
for me, and I feel that an achievement I was proud of has been a little dirtied
by a lot of uninformed and maybe unpleasant commentary from a community I
thought I was welcome in. It’s been a bit of an eye-opener…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9DtccCs5dI/WrPg4pd8-BI/AAAAAAAAVTU/V1wE2RarcJg463otuNWF2Qc5l2d2eLyuwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20171113_073249_496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9DtccCs5dI/WrPg4pd8-BI/AAAAAAAAVTU/V1wE2RarcJg463otuNWF2Qc5l2d2eLyuwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20171113_073249_496.jpg" width="256" /></a>But I will, at this point, take a moment to say thank you to
my cake ‘sisterhood’, the cheerleaders, the fabulous creatives who have
championed my cause and defended my corner. As I mentioned previously I haven’t
seen all of these posts, and I won’t mention anyone by name to spare their blushes,
but the support I have had from these people has been terrific. One lady in particular
is the most amazing, inspiring business woman I know. She actively supports and
encourages other business women, and spends a lot of her time educating women
to be more successful in business. I am privileged to count her as a friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And this is the nub of my post/essay/rant, why are we not <i>all</i> living like her? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Why aren’t we holding each other up, encouraging, supporting
and honouring each other? Being a small business owner is, as I’m sure you all
know, a difficult and challenging role. You work long hours, often for little
pay (despite what some may believe). Surely the least, the <i>very</i> least we can do for each other is to be kind, generous,
tolerant and caring, and not to rush to judgement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So in conclusion, let’s be cheerleaders for each other,
let’s celebrate each other’s good fortune and talent. In fact let’s create a
world full of fabulous rainbow, mermaid and unicorn cakes. And if you are lucky
enough to ever get to sell those cakes at the kind of margins that people seem to
think I can, then all you’ll ever hear from me is praise: more power to you,
and well done.</div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-86642779106830073522014-11-10T13:20:00.000-08:002014-11-10T13:20:42.129-08:00Scrapbook wedding cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vuViAk7zjA/VGEqcbBU6ZI/AAAAAAAAOoE/AXuygMzp17c/s1600/scrapbook%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vuViAk7zjA/VGEqcbBU6ZI/AAAAAAAAOoE/AXuygMzp17c/s1600/scrapbook%2Bcake.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was asked to create a cake by Brides Magazine to be part of a competition. The lucky couple will win a wedding cake in a design of their choice made by yours truly.</div>
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To advertise the competition I was asked to create a cake jam packed with details and illustrations. So I imagined the type of bride who loves Pinterest, and has a wedding scrapbook. Someone who has lots and lots of ideas about the details of the big day...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdOf47Zi9k0/VGEqcgtPxfI/AAAAAAAAOoM/EyJ1jxTyarM/s1600/scrapbook3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdOf47Zi9k0/VGEqcgtPxfI/AAAAAAAAOoM/EyJ1jxTyarM/s1600/scrapbook3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19u7uYdbFb8/VGEqcgcfvxI/AAAAAAAAOoI/yT3HjjQZG0A/s1600/scrapbook%2Bdetails%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19u7uYdbFb8/VGEqcgcfvxI/AAAAAAAAOoI/yT3HjjQZG0A/s1600/scrapbook%2Bdetails%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
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From the car to the buttonholes to the church.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTsWkLpb48w/VGEqb9z3NXI/AAAAAAAAOn8/pL2WTJJZ0-Q/s1600/scrapbook%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTsWkLpb48w/VGEqb9z3NXI/AAAAAAAAOn8/pL2WTJJZ0-Q/s1600/scrapbook%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I even added a cake!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFQZBiyKtTQ/VGEqb5arJgI/AAAAAAAAOoA/0o89iVlZtZM/s1600/scrapbook%2Bcake%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFQZBiyKtTQ/VGEqb5arJgI/AAAAAAAAOoA/0o89iVlZtZM/s1600/scrapbook%2Bcake%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I wanted the back and the sides of the cake to contain just as much detail as the front.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgCEWe4liok/VGEqbKW6OgI/AAAAAAAAOn4/KZy4OrFwtQg/s1600/scrapbook%2Bcake%2Bdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgCEWe4liok/VGEqbKW6OgI/AAAAAAAAOn4/KZy4OrFwtQg/s1600/scrapbook%2Bcake%2Bdetail.jpg" /></a></div>
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I topped the cake off with my imaginary bride and groom.</div>
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xxx</div>
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<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-91060180020386887582014-09-16T14:24:00.002-07:002014-09-16T14:24:57.583-07:00Hello Australia<div style="text-align: center;">
I am very excited, in fact I am throbbing with excitement! Australia...I am coming to get you! Well I'm coming to visit you on a small teaching tour. And the second reason that I am excited is that this tour is going to coincide with my book being launched in Australia. (I'm afraid that the UK and USA are going to have to wait for March for that one!)</div>
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Anyway if you fancy popping along, saying hello and learning how to paint onto fondant. Here are the details;</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9Zdm7zQDFM/VBilNgwRt5I/AAAAAAAANmk/FgSwA3mlmeA/s1600/ribbon%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9Zdm7zQDFM/VBilNgwRt5I/AAAAAAAANmk/FgSwA3mlmeA/s1600/ribbon%2Bcake.jpg" /></a></div>
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I will be at <a href="http://www.specialtreatsbycarolyn.com/classes.aspx">Special Treats by Carolyn</a> in Melbourne;<br />
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<li>24th of November the Paris cake</li>
<li>25th of November the Rose cake with a few Australian flowers thrown in for good measure!</li>
<li>26th and 27th of November teaching a four tiered vintage style cake with a painted ribbon topper.</li>
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Then I'm moving onto Adelaide to <a href="http://www.thecupcakelady.com.au/workshop.html">The Janet O'Sullivan School of Cake</a>;</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">29th and 30th of November the four tiered vintage cake</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">2nd of December the Paris cake</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1st of December the rose cake </li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCvaKJNBh9c/VBipJ6cBmPI/AAAAAAAANm4/BhBba2ucDyk/s1600/wedding%2Bfavour%2Bcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCvaKJNBh9c/VBipJ6cBmPI/AAAAAAAANm4/BhBba2ucDyk/s1600/wedding%2Bfavour%2Bcookies.jpg" /></a></div>
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Finally I am calling in to Sydney where I will be teaching at the <a href="http://fayecahill.com.au/workshops/">Fay Cahill School</a>:</div>
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<li>6th of December the rose cake class</li>
<li>7th of December the wedding cookie class</li>
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Come along and say hello, or should that be G'Day?</div>
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xxxx</div>
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ps you can find my book for pre-order <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Painted-Cake-Natasha-Collins/dp/1743361068/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410902546&sr=1-1&keywords=the+painted+cake">here</a></div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-7450833105406202732014-08-19T07:15:00.000-07:002014-08-19T07:15:45.791-07:00Speculaas biscuit recipe<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBGSKO9OmDU/U_JwxiQcRoI/AAAAAAAAFNg/XwpkUHN2xeQ/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBGSKO9OmDU/U_JwxiQcRoI/AAAAAAAAFNg/XwpkUHN2xeQ/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits4.jpg" /></a><br />
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When I was a child my parents took me on numerous holidays to Holland. My Mum's best friend lived there and we took advantage of her extra beds to explore the Lowlands. We frolicked in the waves of Bergen Aan Zee, buried my Dad in the sand, ate chips with mayonnaise (very exotic) and when we were tired out, we traipsed up to the cafe on stilts for a hot chocolate. I always found it very exciting that not only did the hot chocolate arrive with lashings of whipped cream (and the proper stuff, not squirted from a can) but nestling on one side of the cup would be a little red plastic packet. Gingerly tearing it open, I would immediately be assailed with the overwhelming fragrance of speculaas. This ever-so-foreign mix of spices had a taste that as a child of the 70's growing up in England I just couldn't place. It was so much more than cinnamon, and not at all like the traditional gingerbread flavours that I was more used to, it was the taste of holidays.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1568B16uDY/U_Na644GUzI/AAAAAAAAFOo/mKUgYWunWuU/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuit8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1568B16uDY/U_Na644GUzI/AAAAAAAAFOo/mKUgYWunWuU/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuit8.jpg" /></a></div>
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So when <a href="http://www.speculaasspice.co.uk/">The Speculaas Spice Company</a> asked if I would like to try their spice mix, I jumped at the chance.</div>
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I wanted to create a biscuit that would take me back to those childhood days in Holland so I used<a href="http://amelieshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/make-your-own-cookie-mold.html"> this </a>method to create my own molds. I made small rectangular mold with pretty detailing, just like the original biscuits of my childhood.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2F0-n8XTUZA/U_JwwJfT08I/AAAAAAAAFNI/auwdE56uKFw/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2F0-n8XTUZA/U_JwwJfT08I/AAAAAAAAFNI/auwdE56uKFw/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqyhC3ugU8Y/U_JwvfI67oI/AAAAAAAAFNA/PraGSQXVW14/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqyhC3ugU8Y/U_JwvfI67oI/AAAAAAAAFNA/PraGSQXVW14/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuit1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pei9FeM7dno/U_JwwiQGMoI/AAAAAAAAFNM/Md5Oe_MtMTw/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pei9FeM7dno/U_JwwiQGMoI/AAAAAAAAFNM/Md5Oe_MtMTw/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Recipe</span></div>
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Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>90g light brown sugar</li>
<li>3 tablespoons golden syrup</li>
<li>4 teaspoons speculaas spice</li>
<li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li>pinch of salt</li>
<li>100g unsalted butter</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon bicarb of soda</li>
<li>225g plain flour</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dz0H28fhAJs/U_NaimaQvuI/AAAAAAAAFOg/gkGZ4oLL-uM/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dz0H28fhAJs/U_NaimaQvuI/AAAAAAAAFOg/gkGZ4oLL-uM/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Method:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Place the sugar, syrup, spice, vanilla and salt in a pan and bring to the boil, take the pan off the heat.</li>
<li>Add the butter and stir until melted.</li>
<li>Dissolve the bicarb with a tablespoon of water and add it to the pan mix.</li>
<li>Pour the mix into a bowl and add the flour.</li>
<li>Stir together until you have formed a dough.</li>
<li>Wrap the dough in kitchen film and chill for at least an hour.</li>
<li>Roll out the dough to a thickness of 2mm, cut out the same rectangular shape that you used for the mold and press into the mold.</li>
<li>Place the biscuits on a baking tray covered with baking paper and chill for half an hour.</li>
<li>Preheat the oven to 175C, bake the cookies for 10-12 mins.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYu6Hga40oo/U_JwyFyTczI/AAAAAAAAFNs/AIFezqtlq4g/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYu6Hga40oo/U_JwyFyTczI/AAAAAAAAFNs/AIFezqtlq4g/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAesqCqaoW8/U_JwvbUUG_I/AAAAAAAAFM4/FB6jaw0nmJw/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAesqCqaoW8/U_JwvbUUG_I/AAAAAAAAFM4/FB6jaw0nmJw/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits%2B5.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can find lots of great speculaas recipes <a href="http://www.speculaas.co.uk/">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMliSPD4ERk/U_NaKvArrWI/AAAAAAAAFOY/sPfsr3JykPE/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMliSPD4ERk/U_NaKvArrWI/AAAAAAAAFOY/sPfsr3JykPE/s1600/speculaas%2Bbiscuits7.jpg" height="147" width="320" /></a></div>
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xxx</div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-60447607974656611302014-08-08T14:18:00.000-07:002014-08-08T14:18:08.458-07:00Salted caramel blondies recipe (from pin to win #2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRlVPJgxIw0/U-UtE9INx6I/AAAAAAAAFL4/BsUc0JuDsf4/s1600/blondies5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRlVPJgxIw0/U-UtE9INx6I/AAAAAAAAFL4/BsUc0JuDsf4/s1600/blondies5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Some time ago, whilst bimbling around Pinterest, I happened upon <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131589620337323343/">this</a> recipe. Now if you are in anyway like me, you probably pin many many sticky toffee-ish syle baked goods, and you probably do no more that just look at them salivating. I decided to be a bit more proactive with this particular recipe and make it. Since then I have made it around six or seven times, and for couple of those times I even shared the goodies with friends and family. Their reactions were initially 'mmm....mmmm....mmmmmm!', closely followed by 'where can I get the recipe?'</div>
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I have to warn you before you embark on baking these blondies yourself - they are like crack! You cannot stop eating them, so make sure you have a good crowd coming over to help you, or you may find yourself slipping in to a diabetic coma.</div>
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I have tweaked the initial recipe a little (mostly to add more caramel!) You will find that you are left with half a pot of the caramel sauce, but hey that's no tragedy right?</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Recipe</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMTqfpvo8VA/U-UtGspu3aI/AAAAAAAAFMc/cvcvffDeh_8/s1600/caramel+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMTqfpvo8VA/U-UtGspu3aI/AAAAAAAAFMc/cvcvffDeh_8/s1600/caramel+recipe.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2KBEwQUUCM/U-UtGS1NSgI/AAAAAAAAFMI/s4VpjDucx6Q/s1600/caramel+recipe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2KBEwQUUCM/U-UtGS1NSgI/AAAAAAAAFMI/s4VpjDucx6Q/s1600/caramel+recipe+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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To make the caramel sauce, put the water in the pan first, then add the sugar. Place the pan on a low to medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. DO NOT STIR!!! If you stir it the syrup will turn crumbly and fudgey. If you want to you can swirl the water and sugar around the pan a few times. When the sugar has dissolved turn the heat up and boil rapidly until the syrup turns a darkish golden brown. Take the pan off the heat and add the cream. You may find it bubbles up a bit so be careful. If you find that the caramel is a bit lumpy then return it to the heat and stir until smooth, add the salt and stir in well. Leave the caramel to cool slightly,</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHWQVtG2lM4/U-UtH_BvvxI/AAAAAAAAFMg/07-5rNkJ0z0/s1600/salted+caramel+blondie+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHWQVtG2lM4/U-UtH_BvvxI/AAAAAAAAFMg/07-5rNkJ0z0/s1600/salted+caramel+blondie+recipe.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHWQVtG2lM4/U-UtH_BvvxI/AAAAAAAAFMg/07-5rNkJ0z0/s1600/salted+caramel+blondie+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACucsZuUYm4/U-Us-7urX_I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/zYbV5JRBIn0/s1600/blondie+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACucsZuUYm4/U-Us-7urX_I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/zYbV5JRBIn0/s1600/blondie+mix.jpg" /></a></div>
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Preheat the oven to 175 C. Lin a 9" square tin. Beat together the butter and the sugars. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAi3KUFROKY/U-UtDPJFrJI/AAAAAAAAFLg/8l3Yp3Xnoxo/s1600/blondies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAi3KUFROKY/U-UtDPJFrJI/AAAAAAAAFLg/8l3Yp3Xnoxo/s1600/blondies+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Fold in the flour, baking powder and salt. Add half the dough to the tin, and smooth it over with a palette knife,</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDobTpLumac/U-UtDEv-DiI/AAAAAAAAFLc/INAhz_uGtRE/s1600/blondies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDobTpLumac/U-UtDEv-DiI/AAAAAAAAFLc/INAhz_uGtRE/s1600/blondies3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Pour in enough of the caramel to cover the dough but leave a 2cm gap around the edge. Add the remaining dough, I find it helpful to add it in small spoonfuls over the surface of the caramel.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqGAYcGQmP4/U-UtD_HMgWI/AAAAAAAAFLk/SrPy7FdRX3I/s1600/blondies4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqGAYcGQmP4/U-UtD_HMgWI/AAAAAAAAFLk/SrPy7FdRX3I/s1600/blondies4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Smooth over the surface and then scatter a pinch of sea salt over the top of the dough. Bake for 30 mins until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Leave the blondies to cool down in the tin, then place the tin in the fridge for an hour, before cutting into pieces. Eat until you pass out!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0cK_oBC5Do/U-UtGPWHZ2I/AAAAAAAAFME/9XuUd18L2Dg/s1600/cake+tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0cK_oBC5Do/U-UtGPWHZ2I/AAAAAAAAFME/9XuUd18L2Dg/s1600/cake+tin.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OuQQIMAwMNY/U-UtDGuZ-zI/AAAAAAAAFLY/8fqxpRhLzok/s1600/blondies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OuQQIMAwMNY/U-UtDGuZ-zI/AAAAAAAAFLY/8fqxpRhLzok/s1600/blondies.jpg" /></a></div>
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I hope that you find these blondies as delicious as I do. You can download a printable version of the recipe <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/172114141/Salted%20Caramel%20Blondies">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_LzEH6RRBI/U-UtE9Tp_RI/AAAAAAAAFL0/Lze4QVE14i8/s1600/blondies7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_LzEH6RRBI/U-UtE9Tp_RI/AAAAAAAAFL0/Lze4QVE14i8/s1600/blondies7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2wdFGuzrKY/U-UtEtiZYsI/AAAAAAAAFMA/ZBnqD4oUUqM/s1600/blondies6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2wdFGuzrKY/U-UtEtiZYsI/AAAAAAAAFMA/ZBnqD4oUUqM/s1600/blondies6.jpg" height="154" width="320" /></a></div>
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xxx<br /></div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-45196585466170311702014-07-29T11:50:00.000-07:002014-07-29T11:55:17.928-07:00Styled shoots<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been very lucky to be involved in some fabulous styled shoots recently, it's hard to have to wait to show you all the cakes I made until the shoots go live, but I can now show you these few.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoT7Sc6LAFY/U9fLHFJpgxI/AAAAAAAAFKI/OHY2a1SuASk/s1600/tunnels1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoT7Sc6LAFY/U9fLHFJpgxI/AAAAAAAAFKI/OHY2a1SuASk/s1600/tunnels1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAKetllwU8M/U9fLFaqMuRI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/FBKny_NDD54/s1600/tunnels+cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAKetllwU8M/U9fLFaqMuRI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/FBKny_NDD54/s1600/tunnels+cake1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_oW7gciKnk/U9fLHm2WnBI/AAAAAAAAFKM/GQSOEN3qLD8/s1600/tunnels+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_oW7gciKnk/U9fLHm2WnBI/AAAAAAAAFKM/GQSOEN3qLD8/s1600/tunnels+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjhNW9TPsdM/U9fLGXylhvI/AAAAAAAAFKA/el-voH4-eGY/s1600/tunnels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjhNW9TPsdM/U9fLGXylhvI/AAAAAAAAFKA/el-voH4-eGY/s1600/tunnels.jpg" /></a></div>
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First up is something a bit different for me...well to be honest when I am asked to participate in a styled shoot I always try to use it as an opportunity to create something I might never normally have the chance to. I had pinned <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131589620336623860/">this picture</a> some time ago, and I kept returning to it. I really wanted to create an abstract cake with lots of colour and texture. I showed the Pin to Erica from Mr and Mrs Unique, she thought a cake in that style would be perfect for her shoot at Tunnels beach in Devon...and she was right. You can see the whole shoot <a href="http://www.mrandmrsuniqueweddingblog.co.uk/2014/07/22/boho-beach-bridal-shoot-at-tunnel-beaches/">here</a>.</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Styling: <a data-role="Styling" href="http://www.mrandmrsunique.co.uk/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Mr & Mrs Unique</a></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Location: <a data-role="Location" href="http://www.mrandmrsunique.co.uk/venues/tunnels-beaches.aspx" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Tunnel Beaches</a></span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Models & Cupcakes: <a data-role="Models & Cupcakes" href="http://www.tattooedbakers.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Tattooed Bakers</a></span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alter: <a data-role="Alter" href="http://www.curiousfair.co.uk/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Curious Fair</a></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flowers: <a data-role="Flowers" href="http://rocknrosieflowers.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Rock n Rosie</a></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Table Styling: <a data-role="Table Styling" href="http://www.bluefizzevents.co.uk/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Blue Fizz Events</a></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rentals: <a data-role="Rentals" href="http://virginiasvintagehire.co.uk/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Virginia Vintage Hire</a></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make Up: <a data-role="Make Up" href="http://www.clairebowring.co.uk/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Claire Bowring Make Up Artist</a></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hair: Michelle McLeish</span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZXLMa2W7tA/U9fLLxj9o2I/AAAAAAAAFKY/aTc-QPEBkKQ/s1600/shower+biscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZXLMa2W7tA/U9fLLxj9o2I/AAAAAAAAFKY/aTc-QPEBkKQ/s1600/shower+biscuits.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfkRKUai7xA/U9fLMfHkmmI/AAAAAAAAFKg/sH2-7WhCwvs/s1600/shower+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfkRKUai7xA/U9fLMfHkmmI/AAAAAAAAFKg/sH2-7WhCwvs/s1600/shower+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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I made this cake for a wedding fair, it was inspired by the James Taylor song 'Shower The People You Love with Love', one of my favourite songs of all time. When Erica from Mr and Mrs Unique saw it she knew that it would be perfect for a Summery shoot she had in mind. I made some cookie favours to go with the cake. You can see the rest of the gorgeous shoot <a href="http://www.mrandmrsuniqueweddingblog.co.uk/2014/06/19/mr-mrs-unique-photo-shoot-lodge-farm-bnb/">here</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography: <a href="http://binkynixon.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Binky Nixon Photography</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Co-ordination & Styling: Erica @ Mr & Mrs Unique</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Venue: <a href="http://www.lodgefarmbandb.co.uk/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Lodge Farm BnB</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Models: Becky & Edd</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Table & Marquee Styling: <a href="http://www.whitebuttonweddings.co.uk/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">White Button Weddings</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Flowers: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBasementFlorist" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Basement Florist</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cake and Biscuits: <a href="http://www.neviepiecakes.com/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nevie-Pie Cakes</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tents: <a href="http://www.funkymonkeytents.co.uk/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Funky Monkey Tents</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dresses: T<a href="http://www.thewhitewardrobe.co.uk/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">he White Wardrobe</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stationery: S<a href="http://styleandjoy.co.uk/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">tyle & Joy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hair & make up: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovedolliemixtures" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dollie Mixture</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovedolliemixtures" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a75a95; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">s</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkxcJlntiLk/U9fLUI0oPUI/AAAAAAAAFK0/Y_KOpiJ4ZMU/s1600/wall+paper+cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkxcJlntiLk/U9fLUI0oPUI/AAAAAAAAFK0/Y_KOpiJ4ZMU/s1600/wall+paper+cake2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ydvyR2Glnk/U9fLT13TVZI/AAAAAAAAFKw/HDBu2_heS1k/s1600/wallpaper+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ydvyR2Glnk/U9fLT13TVZI/AAAAAAAAFKw/HDBu2_heS1k/s1600/wallpaper+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCw8hrco9Cs/U9fLU8_uJVI/AAAAAAAAFLA/0sI5QODDeQw/s1600/Untitled-1_Natasha.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCw8hrco9Cs/U9fLU8_uJVI/AAAAAAAAFLA/0sI5QODDeQw/s1600/Untitled-1_Natasha.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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This final cake is one I made for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetmagazines">Sweet Magazine</a>. I was asked by Fay Cahill (she was the guest editor) to create a cake in blush with ranunculous. I had had the idea to do a cake based on peeling wallpaper for a while and I knew that this was the perfect opportunity. If you are in Australia or New Zealand you can buy a copy of the magazine from your local newsagents or if you live further afield you can download a copy <a href="http://sweetm.ag/find">here</a>.</div>
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Photography - <a href="http://www.sharoncooper.co.uk/">Sharon Cooper</a></div>
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I shall be back soon with more cakey goodness!</div>
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-46442277783644663992014-07-22T01:12:00.000-07:002014-07-22T01:16:30.894-07:00Cakey catch up<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been some time, I know, since I shared my recent cakes with you. So this post my have to come in two parts! Unfortunately one of the downsides from my business Nevie-Pie Cakes doing so well is that I have less and less time to blog, which is one of my absolute pleasures in life. Hopefully now that the Summer holidays are here I will get a little bit more time to keep you up to date, but I'm not making any promises!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIi94KGykxI/U84Y5QLsV3I/AAAAAAAAFJI/4xhMHHv2DyE/s1600/art+deco+cake+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIi94KGykxI/U84Y5QLsV3I/AAAAAAAAFJI/4xhMHHv2DyE/s1600/art+deco+cake+web.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swcK0kqwC6w/U84Y6tr1dQI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/Q9dR3aO3sz0/s1600/art+deco+topper+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swcK0kqwC6w/U84Y6tr1dQI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/Q9dR3aO3sz0/s1600/art+deco+topper+web.jpg" /></a></div>
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This cake was for an art deco themed wedding with a portrait topper of the bride and groom. I had a really lovely email from the bride about her cake. '<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Thank you so much for our beautiful wedding cake! It looked absolutely stunning and tasted delicious - the lemon sponge with passionfruit curd worked really well and made for a summery and unusual dessert. We almost couldn't bear to cut it but had a small army of very over-excited children egging us on! It was a real pleasure to work with you throughout the design process and your attention to detail and skill made all my ideas for the cake come to life.'</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQeOXAe_yjQ/U84Y88tlznI/AAAAAAAAFJY/eC036VPii-Y/s1600/black+and+white+roses+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQeOXAe_yjQ/U84Y88tlznI/AAAAAAAAFJY/eC036VPii-Y/s1600/black+and+white+roses+web.jpg" /></a></div>
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This was a dummy cake made for a monochrome themed photoshoot. you can see the whole shoot on the <a href="http://www.bespoke-bride.com/2014/07/03/quirky-yet-elegant-monochrome-inspiration/">Bespoke Bride Blog</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY9hIV1jpLg/U84Y_dFX8AI/AAAAAAAAFJg/bM2KshIsPlI/s1600/blue+and+cream+wedding+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY9hIV1jpLg/U84Y_dFX8AI/AAAAAAAAFJg/bM2KshIsPlI/s1600/blue+and+cream+wedding+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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This cake was based on the couples wedding stationary and their flowers. It was a little bit stressful as I was on holiday the week of their wedding, but they really wanted a cake made by me. So we made lots of testers and came up with a cake that would still taste fresh two weeks after being made. I was relieved to hear after the wedding that the cake was perfect and tasted great,</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kol0Dfriveo/U84Z9jO7S9I/AAAAAAAAFJo/AsSZrmaY_bo/s1600/anenome+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kol0Dfriveo/U84Z9jO7S9I/AAAAAAAAFJo/AsSZrmaY_bo/s1600/anenome+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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A vintage style cake, again based on the wedding flowers, ranunculus and anenomes.</div>
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xxxx</div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-15222830913917444572014-07-06T06:46:00.000-07:002014-07-06T06:46:22.846-07:00Decorating cakes with real flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq7NUC8UDNg/U7hv5zO9cFI/AAAAAAAAFIc/pGSIAg-4srY/s1600/gooseberry+and+elderflower10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq7NUC8UDNg/U7hv5zO9cFI/AAAAAAAAFIc/pGSIAg-4srY/s1600/gooseberry+and+elderflower10.jpg" /></a></div>
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Edible flowers are a fast growing trend in the cake industry and one I heartily approve of. It really doesn't take long to whip up a cake, cover it with some lovely buttercream and then throw a handful of flowers over it for decoration, and it will look (and taste) amazing!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7bRoxOOnTY/U7hv7L8N0-I/AAAAAAAAFIw/XIoKifiRgoM/s1600/gooseberry+and+elderflower13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7bRoxOOnTY/U7hv7L8N0-I/AAAAAAAAFIw/XIoKifiRgoM/s1600/gooseberry+and+elderflower13.jpg" /></a></div>
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Many of the flowers in your garden will be edible, but some will have bitter tastes, and flowers such as chive flowers will have an oniony flavour. Never use a flower that has been sprayed with chemicals and double check anything you use before you eat it. You can find lists of edible flowers online,see <a href="http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blflowers.htm">here</a>, which will give you advice on what you can use.Many Supermarkets will now sell edible flowers in their salad section, you will also find companies online who can ship you boxes of flowers. You can also use crystallised flowers, again there are many online companies who will offer this service, I always use <a href="http://www.eatmyflowers.co.uk/">Eat My Flowers</a>.</div>
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To compliment your flowery cake I have created a summery flower-scented recipe for you, elderflower and gooseberry. You can use shop bought elderflower cordial, or you can make your own using <a href="http://amelieshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/elderflower-cordial.html">this</a> recipe.</div>
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I have to say a big thankyou to <a href="http://rebeccafennellphotography.co.uk/">Rebecca Fennell</a> for all these fabulous photographs.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuWqrgkjhbo/U7hv4hxepyI/AAAAAAAAFII/UMKS8sF3Zr8/s1600/Gooseberry+and+Elderflower+cake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuWqrgkjhbo/U7hv4hxepyI/AAAAAAAAFII/UMKS8sF3Zr8/s1600/Gooseberry+and+Elderflower+cake6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Ingredients;</div>
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Cake mix:</div>
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300g unsalted butter (at room temperature)</div>
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300g caster sugar</div>
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300g self raising flour</div>
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6 large eggs (at room temperature)</div>
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4 tablespoons of elderflower cordial</div>
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Filling:</div>
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450g unsalted butter (at room temperature)</div>
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450g icing sugar</div>
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4 tablespoons of elderflower cordial</div>
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4 tablespoons of gooseberry jam</div>
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Method;</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Preheat the oven to 200 degrees (Celsius) 175 for a fan assisted oven. Butter and line a 7" sponge tin.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Beat the butter and sugar together until they are creamed. Add the eggs one by one (if the mixture curdles, add a teaspoon of flour).</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sift the flour into the bowl and fold into the mixture with a spoon or spatula. Fold in the elderflower cordial.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Spoon the mixture into the tin and bake for 50-60 mins until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for ten minutes then turn out onto a cooling tray and leave to cool completely.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Mix all of the filling ingredients,except for the gooseberry jam, together and beat until creamy.</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUjYhJac1lQ/U7hv7aAJlFI/AAAAAAAAFI4/Fot51QwP9OE/s1600/gooseberry9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUjYhJac1lQ/U7hv7aAJlFI/AAAAAAAAFI4/Fot51QwP9OE/s1600/gooseberry9.jpg" /></a></div>
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Decorating the cake:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Cut the cake into three layers with a serrated knife or cake leveller, if the top of the cake isn't level you may need to level this too.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Take the layer that was the top of the cake, turn it upside down and place it onto a cake board or a turntable. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Using a spatula or palette knife, create a ledge of buttercream around the edge of the cake. This will hold the jam in place and stop it from mixing with the frosting on the outside. Spread the gooseberry jam onto this level of the cake up to the buttercream.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Take the middle layer and place it on top of the bottom layer.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Spread buttercream over this layer.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Take the final layer, turn it upside down, so that what was the bottom of the cake is now the top and place it onto the rest of the cake.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Spread a thin layer of buttercream on the top and sides of the cake with a palette knife - this is called a 'crumb coat'. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place the cake in the fridge for 15-20 minutes until the buttercream has hardened.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place four strips of greaseproof paper onto a turntable and put the cake on top of these.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Then with the palette knife spread and good layer - at least 2cm thick - of buttercream over the cake. Carefully pull away the paper to reveal a lovely clean edge.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Decorate your cake with the flowers.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Eat the cake!</li>
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I hope that this cake brings you a little bit of summer (if you are in the UK then it's probably raining and cold!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ9dzxdrbmk/U7hv6nAMbiI/AAAAAAAAFIo/waQkmU9acCs/s1600/gooseberry+and+elderflower12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJ9dzxdrbmk/U7hv6nAMbiI/AAAAAAAAFIo/waQkmU9acCs/s1600/gooseberry+and+elderflower12.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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(This project first appeared in the First edition of <a href="http://www.beatenandcreamed.com/">Beaten and Creamed</a>)</div>
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All photographs copyright <a href="http://rebeccafennellphotography.co.uk/">Rebecca Fennell Photography</a></div>
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xxx</div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-64283425575967379992014-06-24T03:26:00.000-07:002014-06-24T03:26:21.081-07:00Happy Holidays<h2 class="date-header" style="background-color: white; color: #e3809d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #67858f; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;">Tuesday, 24 June 2014</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="4806881432631222832"></a><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
Happy Holidays</h3>
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I know that it has been a little bit quiet here at Amelie's house. It's wedding season so I have been whipping up wedding cakes in a fog of icing sugar. And before I launched into full steam cake mode Mr Lemon Drizzle and I took our kidlets to the US for a couple of weeks holiday. We started in Boston, then moved on to Cape Cod finishing up in New York. It was blissful and I have spent the weeks since a bit depressed that I can't spend my time swanning around the world drinking cocktails and eating ice cream.</div>
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Remember the days before Facebook when you would visit friends or family and they would force you to sit and watch slide shows of their holiday snaps? Well this is the blogging equivalent! To be fair I did take millions of pictures and I am only showing you a teeny tiny portion of them, including a very fetching one of me looking wistful on the beach! </div>
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We went whale watching off Provincetown in Cape Cod. Apparently it is a really great year for spotting whales, we saw over twenty including this calf playing around and jumping (breaching) in and out of the water.</div>
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I hope that you enjoy my snaps of the US.<br /></div>
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And here is an instagram of a few of my souvenirs.</div>
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xxx</div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-641817001296459622014-05-15T12:43:00.000-07:002014-05-15T12:43:07.570-07:00Tie The Knot Carnival<div style="text-align: center;">
Last Sunday I spent the day at the Tie The Knot Wedding Carnival. I took a box of cake dummies and a box of cake samples and spent the day chatting to some fabulous couples and meeting some amazing wedding suppliers. Here are some photos of my stand.</div>
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All photography by <a href="http://binkynixon.com/">Binky Nixon</a></div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-39619262561900447492014-05-07T06:12:00.001-07:002014-05-07T06:12:50.733-07:00Shower the people you love with love<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the best aspects of participating in a wedding fair is being able to create a design that I have been wanting to make for a long time. There is a long list of designs in my head waiting to be brought to life and my life could never be long enough to make them all!</div>
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I will be at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TieTheKnotWeddingCarnival">Tie the Knot Eclectic Wedding Carnival</a> on Sunday 11th May at Hexton Manor. So I decided it was time to free this one thought from my overcrowded brain and make a cake!<br />
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It was inspired by the James Taylor song 'Shower The People You Love With Love'</div>
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I love James Taylor!</div>
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There is something (in the way he moves) about his voice, lyrics, music that fills me with happiness.</div>
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And this version of the song especially can move me to tears.<br />
xxx</div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-26375353030117514072014-04-17T14:19:00.000-07:002014-04-17T14:19:20.454-07:00No-sew Easter table runner (from Pin to win!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDWMZD0mMTM/U1A-RtVchwI/AAAAAAAAFAI/StCffFHE_mE/s1600/bunny+runner6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDWMZD0mMTM/U1A-RtVchwI/AAAAAAAAFAI/StCffFHE_mE/s1600/bunny+runner6.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have close to 4,000 pins on my many Pinterest boards. Most of them I have pinned with the hope that one day I will bake, make or recreate them.... but that day never arrives! Until now!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtM6ETFJpwA/U1A_9L062_I/AAAAAAAAFA4/Qq36Cyt95-0/s1600/bunny+runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtM6ETFJpwA/U1A_9L062_I/AAAAAAAAFA4/Qq36Cyt95-0/s1600/bunny+runner.jpg" height="320" width="156" /></a></div>
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I pinned this table runner (which I love) a good while ago and today I decided to make it! I wanted to give it my own spin (but you can get the original instructions <a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/2013/03/burlap-bunny-table-runner/">here</a>). So I made it with pretty spring-like floral fabrics, I am not going to pretend this a tutorial, it's more like vague descriptions and pretty photos, but hopefully it is clear enough to help you recreate it , if you want, and why not add your own spin. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDdWoE6tZwY/U1A-T1YEzJI/AAAAAAAAFAw/gtY5APn8fjE/s1600/bunny+runner8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDdWoE6tZwY/U1A-T1YEzJI/AAAAAAAAFAw/gtY5APn8fjE/s1600/bunny+runner8.jpg" /></a></div>
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As it is no sew, I didn't hem the runner, just tell people that it is 'rustic'. My runner is 40cm x 190cm, I made it long enough so that there is a slight hang over each end of the table.</div>
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Begin by making the pom-pom tails. Trace the pom-pom maker template onto very thick card and cut out. Wrap wool around the ears. </div>
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Tie a length of wool around the middle, take the pom-pom off the bunny ears and cut the edges. You may need to trim the pom-pom.</div>
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Choose your fabrics for the bunnies and iron them flat. I used bonda-web to attach the bunnies to the runner, it is also called wonder-web, but it may be called something different in other countries. It basically fuses two fabrics together. </div>
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Trace the bunny template onto the bonda-web, I had six bunnies on my runner, but you could have more, or less. Roughly cut out around the design then iron the bonda-web onto the fabric. Peel off the backing and then iron the bunny onto the runner.</div>
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Finally use the glue gun to attach the fluffy tails.</div>
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You can right click on the image above to download the template as a jpeg, or download a pdf <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/168633525/bunny%20runner.pdf">here</a>.</div>
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Then add some flowers, fluffy chickens and gorgeous props and voila! a very pretty Easter table.</div>
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xxx</div>
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ps You can follow me on Pinterest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/amelieshouse/">here</a>.</div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-80594648215832085352014-04-15T03:43:00.000-07:002014-04-15T03:43:03.586-07:00Simnel cake printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZraswts0sg/U0vl4EiQhrI/AAAAAAAAE-E/28BoVxV50AM/s1600/simnel+cake13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZraswts0sg/U0vl4EiQhrI/AAAAAAAAE-E/28BoVxV50AM/s1600/simnel+cake13.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now that you have made your fabulous and delicious simnel cake it's time to add the finishing touches.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIdhuOCWMYc/U0vlun923QI/AAAAAAAAE8U/esF71xHClnE/s1600/simnel+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIdhuOCWMYc/U0vlun923QI/AAAAAAAAE8U/esF71xHClnE/s1600/simnel+13.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have created a cake cuff which is suitable for any size cake, just add a ribbon to tie it around the cake.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f0loxxZ0aU/U0vl1fMOaWI/AAAAAAAAE9k/DPv1qvdxj2I/s1600/simnel+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f0loxxZ0aU/U0vl1fMOaWI/AAAAAAAAE9k/DPv1qvdxj2I/s1600/simnel+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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There is also a sign for the top of the cake. I used <a href="http://www.bakerandmaker.com/products/straws-floral-liberty-print-packs-of-25">these</a> straws from Baker and Maker, but you could use plain ones or even lollipop sticks. I used my glue gun to attach the sign.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc9gGn209Uw/U0vlwXjgdbI/AAAAAAAAE9M/3bIoZUBFeME/s1600/simnel+cake+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc9gGn209Uw/U0vlwXjgdbI/AAAAAAAAE9M/3bIoZUBFeME/s1600/simnel+cake+14.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can download your printables <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=168557469">here</a>, then just print them out onto card, cut out and add to your cake. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2V2QeEZKzAQ/U0vl41oygVI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/OlO_c7isOjI/s1600/simnel+cake15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2V2QeEZKzAQ/U0vl41oygVI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/OlO_c7isOjI/s1600/simnel+cake15.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then stand back and wait for the appreciative noises that your family will make.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFecuOuldWE/U0vl9KFYrII/AAAAAAAAE-8/3f-jDzqOVwc/s1600/simnel14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFecuOuldWE/U0vl9KFYrII/AAAAAAAAE-8/3f-jDzqOVwc/s1600/simnel14.jpg" height="382" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Easter!</div>
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xxx</div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-68829244826118871002014-04-14T09:01:00.000-07:002014-04-14T09:16:13.142-07:00Chocolate orange simnel cake recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSZRCOkErGc/U0vlwLidtTI/AAAAAAAAE80/SQ1o-e1KN0w/s1600/simnel+cake+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSZRCOkErGc/U0vlwLidtTI/AAAAAAAAE80/SQ1o-e1KN0w/s1600/simnel+cake+16.jpg" /></a></div>
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My kidlets have been on holiday for a week already, and thankfully the weather has been fabulous, so I have been able to throw them into the garden to play and keep them from under my feet. However one day last week my eldest was whisked away for a play date with a friend. My littlest kidlet is the type of child who needs a constant playmate, so I decided I would get her to help me make a recipe for Amelie's House, rather than play endless Pokemon battles.</div>
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I thought it would be good to make a seasonal treat, a simnel cake.</div>
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Simnel cake is a light fruit cake eaten at Easter. It has a layer of marzipan in the middle and is topped with another layer of marzipan and twelve marzipan balls. These represent either the twelve disciples or Jesus and the disciples minus Judas (depending on which version of the story you read).</div>
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As ever, I wanted to mix it up a little bit, I'm not one to stick to the traditional flavours. I asked LK what she would like to add, although I really didn't need to, I knew that chocolate would be high on the list. I threw in some orange and cinnamon too, and we came up with this recipe.</div>
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I made a 7" and 4" cake from this recipe, one for my family and a mini cake for an Easter present, you could probably get a 9" or 10" cake from the recipe.</div>
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Also the fan element is broken on my oven and while I am waiting for a brand spanking new one all my timings are a bit out as I have to use the conventional oven and it is not the best. So do keep checking on your cake when it is close to being cooked.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Ingredients;</span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnjR0E54q1c/U0vlyNyGAEI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/1hJg21fAlaE/s1600/simnel+cake+marzipan+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BnjR0E54q1c/U0vlyNyGAEI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/1hJg21fAlaE/s1600/simnel+cake+marzipan+web.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">Marzipan</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #444444;">(Obviously if you want to save some time then you can buy ready made marzipan)</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #444444;">90g icing sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">90g castor sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Grated zest of an orange</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1 egg lightly beaten</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">175g ground almonds</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">25g cocoa powder</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">500g marzipan</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Marmalade or apricot conserve</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #444444;">Sift the sugar into a bowl.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Add the egg.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Place the bowl over a pan of hot water on a cooker.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Whisk the egg and sugar together whilst still over the pan for about ten minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Take the bowl off the pan. Add the almonds, orange zest and cocoa powder and knead together until the marzipan is formed.</span></li>
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<h3>
<span style="color: cyan;">Cake Ingredients;</span></h3>
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<li>250g unsalted butter at room temperature</li>
<li>250g light brown sugar</li>
<li>5 large eggs</li>
<li>250g self-raising flour</li>
<li>Grated zest and juice of one orange</li>
<li>1 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li>250g mixed dried fruit</li>
<li>150g chopped good quality dark chocolate</li>
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<span style="color: cyan;">Method</span></h3>
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<li><span style="color: #444444;">Preheat your oven to 175C.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Butter and line 4" and 7" cake tins, or a 9" or 10" tin.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Place the fruit in a pan with the orange juice. Bring the liquid to a boil and then turn off the heat. Leave the fruit in the pan to cool. This will plump up the fruit and add a nice orangey flavour to the cake.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Cream together the butter, sugar and orange zest.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Add the eggs one at a time. If the mixture starts to curdle add a tablespoon of the flour. Beat the mixture until it is well mixed.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Sieve the flour and cinnamon over the mixture and fold in well.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Fold in the fruit, any juice that hasn't been absorbed and the chocolate.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Spoon half the mixture into the tins.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Roll out the chocolate marzipan and form it into circles roughly the dimensions of the tins. Place a layer of the marzipan on top of the cake mixture. Then spoon over the rest of the cake mixture.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Place a square of greaseproof paper over each of the tins, this will stop any fruit from burning.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Place in the oven. Cook the 4" cake for 60 mins and the 7" cake for 2 hours. Check the small cake after 45 mins, and the larger cake after 1&1/2hrs. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Leave in the tin for 10 mins then turn out and place on a cooling tray.</span></li>
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Once the cake has cooled down you can finish it off by adding the marzipan top.</div>
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The best way to do this is to use a kitchen blow torch, I however do not have one of these. Every year when I make my simnel cake I decide to buy one, but then I never do, so I am forced to use a grill.</div>
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Roll out the marzipan, I have used yellow marzipan here, but the natural is just as good. I used spacers to get the marzipan to a depth of 1/4". I then used the cake tin to cut out a circle that would fit on top of the cake.</div>
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Heat up the marmalade or apricot preserve in a pan and then brush a little on top of the cake (if you are using marmalade make sure you don't pick up any chunks of orange as this will give you a wobbly top!)</div>
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Then place the marzipan circle on top of cake/cakes. </div>
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Divide the remaining marzipan and make twelve balls.</div>
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If you have a blow torch you can put the balls on top of the cake at this point, use some of the marmalade to stick them together, then toast the top of the cake with the torch.</div>
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If you are using the grill method, first toast the top of the cake, then the balls separately. then when they are cooled stick the balls on the cake. It is a matter of minutes to toast, DO NOT LOOK AWAY, or you can be guaranteed it will burn. </div>
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I will return tomorrow (hopefully) with a downloadable cake collar and sign to make your cake even more Eastery.</div>
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xxx</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nb8dBJOHSI/U0vlvrwfkWI/AAAAAAAAE8g/lvYpwA4x6lo/s1600/simnel+cake+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nb8dBJOHSI/U0vlvrwfkWI/AAAAAAAAE8g/lvYpwA4x6lo/s1600/simnel+cake+15.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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ps, this is what you get when your kidlets help you out!</div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ZPJuLBR-X30%2FU0vl5qgtTWI%2FAAAAAAAAE-A%2FDd4_sjzWw_U%2Fs1600%2Fsimnel%2Bcake5.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPJuLBR-X30/U0vl5qgtTWI/AAAAAAAAE-A/Dd4_sjzWw_U/s1600/simnel+cake5.jpg" -->Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-52606644050739698792014-04-09T13:51:00.000-07:002014-04-09T13:51:57.899-07:00Cakey catch up<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a quick catch up with a couple of the cakes I have made in the last few weeks. I have also been making some dummy cakes for various photo shoots, but you will have to wait a while to see those.</div>
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The first is a Vivien Westwood themed cake I made for my gorgeous niece who turned eighteen and loves a bit of VW.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-7lwBlJCn0/U0WyWFRGLVI/AAAAAAAAE6k/CelCAfi-fwg/s1600/glastonbury+2+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-7lwBlJCn0/U0WyWFRGLVI/AAAAAAAAE6k/CelCAfi-fwg/s1600/glastonbury+2+web.jpg" /></a></div>
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This Glastonbury themed cake is a new version of one I made last year. this couple met at Glastonbury and got engaged there too. They picked various elements of the festival that were personal to them for me to paint, including the cider bus (the groom is from Somerset) and a bride and groom 'just married'</div>
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I'll be back soon with some Easter treats.</div>
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xxx</div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-22937462978194241552014-04-07T15:20:00.000-07:002014-04-07T15:20:26.742-07:00Afternoon tea at the Grosvenor<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQvnpQkcp1c/U0MgdX_CYHI/AAAAAAAAE6M/dm0JvlQk4_w/s1600/high+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQvnpQkcp1c/U0MgdX_CYHI/AAAAAAAAE6M/dm0JvlQk4_w/s1600/high+tea.jpg" /></a><br />
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I was very fortunate to receive an invitation to a special press launch for a <a href="http://www.paulayoung.co.uk/">Paul A Young</a> chocolate afternoon tea at the <a href="http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/longh-grosvenor-house-a-jw-marriott-hotel/">Grosvenor House Hotel</a>, London. I was so pleased that even though I was snowed under with work I was going to go and <i>nothing</i> was going to stop me! So I literally ran into town, sampled the amazing goodies and ran home back to the cake face.</div>
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I have loved Paul A Young chocolates since I first fell upon them (literally) and this was the <i>most</i> amazing afternoon tea ever.</div>
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Obvioulsy with Paul involved there was a chocolate theme running throughout the tea but there were other non-chocolate elements too.</div>
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To begin there was a glass of champagne, and an amuse bouche of melon, mango and pineapple. </div>
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To drink there was coco nib tea which is really delicious. It smells like the richest hot chocolate ever but tastes so light and refreshing.</div>
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Then the afternoon tea arrived..hurrah!</div>
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I love a dainty sandwich and these were delightful, there was a chocolate and cucumber one which sounds a bit of a crazy combination, but actually worked really well. The chocolate was thin and crispy, and the cucumber slices were salted.</div>
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I did sample quite a few sandwiches but I didn't want to fill up too much as there were many varied and gorgeous cakes.</div>
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I started with some feather light scones topped with traditional clotted cream and then not so traditional salted caramel...mmmmmmm...words cannot convey....too good....</div>
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There was a chocolate biscuit with Madagascan chocolate ganache scented with rose and raspberry.</div>
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Earl grey chocolate tart with a salted lemon truffle</div>
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Orange, English honey and geranium ganache, this was my favourite and I could have eaten a bucketful!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJj2sZudyuo/U0MgaYDeWbI/AAAAAAAAE5o/M8Y8Ar7Kd2Q/s1600/afternoon+tea4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJj2sZudyuo/U0MgaYDeWbI/AAAAAAAAE5o/M8Y8Ar7Kd2Q/s1600/afternoon+tea4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Battenburg</div>
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Pistachio and raspberry slice, these last two items were non-chocolate which was a nice touch as it prevented the whole tea from becoming too sickly.</div>
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To finish there were three Paul A Young truffles, which were, as ever were, amazing.</div>
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I had a really lovely tea, with all the elements presented coming together to create an afternoon tea with a twist, that is a fabulous indulgent treat. The service at the Grosvenor was perfect with the waiters and waitresses being lovely and attentive with being intrusive.</div>
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The tea will be available from April 14th and if you are looking for a special Easter treat (or even just a treat) then I would heartily recommend that you book as soon as you can! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3aw_mij_Y4/U0MgayotwVI/AAAAAAAAE5k/xW4EwHoDn8c/s1600/afternoon+tea5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3aw_mij_Y4/U0MgayotwVI/AAAAAAAAE5k/xW4EwHoDn8c/s1600/afternoon+tea5.jpg" height="200" width="172" /></a></div>
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Here is Paul himself, making sure we were all happy with his tea...which we were and then some!</div>
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xxx</div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-90157716078994118122014-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:002014-03-25T12:28:16.829-07:00Mother's Day cake and craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can still remember getting up early and picking a bunch of daffodils from the garden. Putting them in a vase and using them to decorate a breakfast tray which I would carefully carry up to my Mum who would still be in bed as a Mother's Day treat. Maybe it's the daffs, or the primroses or the crocuses but for me, Mother's Day always has a yellow hue. So when I was trying to come up with an easy project you to make for your own mums I knew that it had to be yellow.</div>
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At the same time that I was mulling this craft project around my head, I was asked by <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes.html">Waitrose.com</a> if I would like to try out one of their recipes to give as a Mother's Day present. They have some delicious sounding recipes for you to make, <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/d/delia_s_coffee_andwalnutspongecake.html#.UxYO-Pl_s6w">coffee and walnut</a>, <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/r/rhubarb_ginger_bakewelltart.html#.UxYPmPl_s6w">rhubarb and ginger tart</a> (this is a recipe I will keep for Father's Day!) and <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/v/victoria_sandwich.html#.UxYQvfl_s6w">victoria sandwich</a>. However it was the <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/l/lemon_drizzle_cake.html#.UxYOqvl_s6w">lemon drizzle</a> recipe that really caught my eye, I thought that this would be perfect for my project.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GLyKBsGaZQ/UzCVFxK-mPI/AAAAAAAAE38/mhfPFW_L2Vw/s1600/Mother's+day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GLyKBsGaZQ/UzCVFxK-mPI/AAAAAAAAE38/mhfPFW_L2Vw/s1600/Mother's+day+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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I tinkered a little with the recipe, I baked the cake in two tins (for speed), and I doubled the quantity of mascarpone. I then added four dessert spoons of poppy seeds to the mascarpone, and four dessert spoons of ready made lemon curd (I'm sure the homemade version in the recipe tastes divine, but I really had no time) I filled the cakes with the mixture and also added a layer on the top. The recipe includes a really good tip which is to add the lemon zest while you are creaming together the butter and sugar, this releases the lemon oils into the cake. I will always do it this way from now on. The cake tasted gorgeous! All it needs now is some decoration.</div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To make the paper wreath</span></h2>
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I used three different patterned craft papers, each was double sided and they were all yellow, of course you could use a different colourway if you prefer. Cut out 24 large petals, 30 medium petals,12 small petals and 18 leaves. </div>
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Make a slit in the middle of each petal. With a glue gun glue one side of the petal.</div>
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Fold the other side of the petal over the glue. Trim the edges.</div>
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Glue the petals together. Use five medium petals to make the centre group of the large flowers and the medium sized flowers, and six small petals to make the small flowers.</div>
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Glue six large petals on the outside of four of the medium sized flowers.</div>
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Make the centre of the flowers by cutting a strip of paper. Then snip slits along it's length, but not quite to the end, about 3/4 of the way across. Roll the strip around itself.</div>
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Glue the roll into the centre of the flower and fan it out.</div>
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Cover florists wire with green florist tape and make a circle large enough to fit on the top of your cake.</div>
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Glue the flowers onto the wire then glue the leaves onto the bottom of the flowers, this will sandwich the wire in between the flowers and the leaves.</div>
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Trim off any threads of glue that are hanging off the flowers and place the wreath on top of the cake.</div>
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Give the cake to your Mum and watch her eat it up!</div>
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(This is my lovely Mum!)</div>
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The bonus to this project is even after the cake has been gobbled up, your mum still has a pretty wreath to hang up!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpXgrPZLo78/UzCVEXDpk9I/AAAAAAAAE3k/VAwdnxce6-A/s1600/Mother's+Day+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpXgrPZLo78/UzCVEXDpk9I/AAAAAAAAE3k/VAwdnxce6-A/s1600/Mother's+Day+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can find the recipe <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/l/lemon_drizzle_cake.html#.UxYOqvl_s6w">here</a>, and you can download the template for the flowers <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=168131188&key=undefined&pass=undefined">here</a>.<br />
Waitrose.com have a special page dedicated to Mother's Day gift and homemade food ideas, they also have a sweet app where you can share your <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-align: start;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-align: start;">#thanksmum messages</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-align: start;"> which help form a </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-align: start;">giant flower installation</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-align: start;"> at Kew Gardens (and enter to </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-align: start;">win a prize</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-align: start;">). You can find the page <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/home/inspiration/mothers_day.html#.UzAmAYb6Wnx">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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Thanks to my Mum for being the model for this project!</div>
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Happy Mother's Day!</div>
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xxx</div>
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ps This is not a sponsored post but I did receive Waitrose vouchers to buy the ingredients for the cake.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JfX9jAc47o/UzCVG5qk-RI/AAAAAAAAE4U/vN4bocB5DF8/s1600/mothers+day5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JfX9jAc47o/UzCVG5qk-RI/AAAAAAAAE4U/vN4bocB5DF8/s1600/mothers+day5.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-51271595556760244732014-03-15T14:23:00.000-07:002014-03-15T14:23:22.397-07:00New Class for Squires<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7KtA_9KwyE/UyTD8ZNmMXI/AAAAAAAAE28/dRvnfaCcacc/s1600/Squires+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7KtA_9KwyE/UyTD8ZNmMXI/AAAAAAAAE28/dRvnfaCcacc/s1600/Squires+cake.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
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I was very honoured to be asked to go and teach at Squires Kitchen. So I created this pretty two tier cake for the class.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnax9EzEnoA/UyTD9fcQZ1I/AAAAAAAAE3E/RgWbkLCTsBA/s1600/squires+cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnax9EzEnoA/UyTD9fcQZ1I/AAAAAAAAE3E/RgWbkLCTsBA/s1600/squires+cake2.jpg" height="640" width="546" /></a></div>
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You can find the class details <a href="http://www.squires-school.co.uk/courses/view/painted-cakes">here</a></div>
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I hope that you like it and I'll maybe see you there!</div>
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xxx</div>
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<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-49333901119633049962014-03-11T14:19:00.002-07:002014-03-11T14:19:40.665-07:00Pretty painted cookie tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPxrhXALbfs/Ux99BX1yHFI/AAAAAAAAE2g/FHQ4KARzwTc/s1600/mother's+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPxrhXALbfs/Ux99BX1yHFI/AAAAAAAAE2g/FHQ4KARzwTc/s1600/mother's+day.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have created a pdf tutorial for this sweet cookie. The pdf contains the list of equipment, a template and instructions on how to recreate this cookie.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKrsexcMhVU/Ux9897ytRvI/AAAAAAAAE2M/NcXu80iyMWs/s1600/md.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKrsexcMhVU/Ux9897ytRvI/AAAAAAAAE2M/NcXu80iyMWs/s1600/md.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you wish you can alter the design slightly to make a pretty Mother's Day gift, or you can change the text to say 'Thankyou' or even 'I love You!'.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCag-b_SouM/Ux99BNoqgmI/AAAAAAAAE2U/aeyy6hfEPFo/s1600/mother's+day+cookie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCag-b_SouM/Ux99BNoqgmI/AAAAAAAAE2U/aeyy6hfEPFo/s1600/mother's+day+cookie2.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can buy the tutorial for £2.50 (Paypal will automatically convert it to your currency). The pdf will be emailed to you in receipt of the payment, if you are in a different time zone it may take longer (because I may be asleep!)</div>
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Happy painting.</div>
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xxx</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQGBff22llw/Ux99fEDyaHI/AAAAAAAAE2s/jza7uUQcuUk/s1600/cookiea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQGBff22llw/Ux99fEDyaHI/AAAAAAAAE2s/jza7uUQcuUk/s1600/cookiea.jpg" height="156" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-81022790054757400902014-03-10T12:54:00.000-07:002014-03-10T12:54:35.484-07:00Spring cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7DMgitpUY2g/Ux4UbWh8NFI/AAAAAAAAE1w/IS6TlcTt_1I/s1600/web+primrose+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7DMgitpUY2g/Ux4UbWh8NFI/AAAAAAAAE1w/IS6TlcTt_1I/s1600/web+primrose+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hurrah, Spring has sprung! After a truly miserable winter we have been basking in some spring sunshine. The birds are flitting about, the trees are blossoming and the daffodils are blooming.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsKIro0nHD0/Ux4Ua8TuqSI/AAAAAAAAE1s/b3LHI_32X2k/s1600/web+primrose+cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsKIro0nHD0/Ux4Ua8TuqSI/AAAAAAAAE1s/b3LHI_32X2k/s1600/web+primrose+cake+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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So how fitting is this little spring cake? I made it for a tutorial in the new addition of Pretty Witty Cakes Magazine, which you can download for...free! It's all coming up roses. Well, it may be a bit early for that particular bloom but it's definitely coming up primroses! You can download the magazine <a href="https://www.prettywittycakes.co.uk/pretty-witty-cakes-magazine?sid=4087">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzkwB1eRvEs/Ux4UbquYZQI/AAAAAAAAE14/56BURPkxGV8/s1600/web+primrose3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzkwB1eRvEs/Ux4UbquYZQI/AAAAAAAAE14/56BURPkxGV8/s1600/web+primrose3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Happy painting.</div>
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xxx</div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-40581271062656281812014-03-06T06:22:00.002-08:002014-03-06T06:22:49.629-08:00World Book Day 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byB9FBQAQgg/UxiBTBTbB5I/AAAAAAAAE0o/i8ZbTZSpjjw/s1600/wbday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byB9FBQAQgg/UxiBTBTbB5I/AAAAAAAAE0o/i8ZbTZSpjjw/s1600/wbday3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Yes, it's that time of day again! The day mother's around the world dread, when you have to transform your little darlings into the Gruffalo or Hermione or (if you are lucky, like me) a random child from a book who just wears normal clothes.It can only mean one thing...World Book Day!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9-GC6Ot27E/UxiBSryYoSI/AAAAAAAAE0g/nDIYFiTxfwc/s1600/wbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9-GC6Ot27E/UxiBSryYoSI/AAAAAAAAE0g/nDIYFiTxfwc/s1600/wbday.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the last few years I have made book themed cookies for my kidlet's classes to help celebrate this special day. This year my eldest kidlet moved up to a new school, and even though they are still dressing up I made the executive decision not to make cookies for her class, I'm a bit time poor at the moment.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouEgM_IgvXs/UxiBURjOjyI/AAAAAAAAE1A/eqL-ftJ8BSc/s1600/world+bookday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouEgM_IgvXs/UxiBURjOjyI/AAAAAAAAE1A/eqL-ftJ8BSc/s1600/world+bookday1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I asked my littlest kidlet what they had been reading in the class recently, I learnt that they had been bingeing on Roald Dahl...and why not, he's is brilliant and really appeals to the naughtiness of children.</div>
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So I made cookies using characters illustrated by Quiten Blake from 'The Twits' and 'George's Marvelous Medicine'.</div>
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I hope that your little ones have enjoyed World Book Day and are encouraged to keep reading.</div>
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xxx </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNVlcjPzJWs/UxiBSTbmeaI/AAAAAAAAE0c/qEvqfNWXJO0/s1600/wb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNVlcjPzJWs/UxiBSTbmeaI/AAAAAAAAE0c/qEvqfNWXJO0/s1600/wb.jpg" height="162" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see previous World Book Day cookies<a href="http://amelieshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/world-book-day-cookies-part-one.html"> here</a>, <a href="http://amelieshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/world-book-day-cookies-part-two.html">here</a>, <a href="http://amelieshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/world-book-day-2012.html">here</a>, <a href="http://amelieshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/world-book-day-2011.html">here</a> and <a href="http://amelieshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/world-book-day.html">here</a>. </div>
Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-33893344298606850812014-03-03T11:16:00.000-08:002014-03-03T11:16:45.709-08:00Hot Cross Pancakes<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, I know, it's been over a month since I visited Amelie's House, so you can imagine that I am looking very shame faced at the moment...but I do have a good excuse, I have been busy shooting pictures for my book (out next year!). It has been six weeks of very long hours and lots of hard work, but it has been totally worth it, because the pictures look fabulous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway I am having a few easy weeks for now and I thought it was time to meander back to a comfy sofa and spend some time here, and I have the perfect excuse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some time ago OXO sent me an <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">OXO batter dispenser and an OXO flip & fold omelette turner, they </span><span style="line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">challenged</span><span style="line-height: 20.8266658782959px;"> me to come up with a fabulous new pancake recipe for Pancake Day..as usual I have let it go down to the wire, but you should have all these ingredients in your pantry at home and it is a matter of minutes to whip up these delicious goodies.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Shrove Tuesday marks the start of the Lent period which finishes on Easter day. The supermarkets like to mark this period of time by filling groaning shelves with hot cross buns, a </span><span style="line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">small fruit bread bun traditionally eaten at this time of year. So I thought, why not link these two special days by making some hot cross pancakes?...and even though I say it myself, they are absolutely delicious, I am trying to stick to a wheat-free diet at the moment, but at least five of these little cakes made it past my defenses!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUq5a3YjYO4/UxTSwD4d-gI/AAAAAAAAEz4/s9eMZHXtkGc/s1600/pancake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUq5a3YjYO4/UxTSwD4d-gI/AAAAAAAAEz4/s9eMZHXtkGc/s1600/pancake6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.545454025268555px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Recipe</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Pancake ingredients (makes 10-12 pancakes)</span></span></span></span></h3>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">135g plain flour</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">1/2 teaspoon of salt</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">1 teaspoon mixed spice</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">1 tablespoon light brown sugar</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">130ml milk</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">1 egg</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">2 tablespoon melted butter plus extra for the pan</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">To make the cross</span></span></h3>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">2 tablespoons milk</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">2 tablespoons plain flour</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">For the sauce</span></span></h3>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">50g mixed dried fruit</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">2 tablespoons honey</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">grated rind of one lemon</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">1 tablespoon of lemon juice</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Method</span></span></h3>
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<li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Put the mixed fruit into a saucepan and cover with boiling water, leave for five minutes then strain. Put the fruit back into the saucepan with the rest of the sauce ingredients and heat gently</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Sieve the flour, salt, sugar and spice together</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;"> into a bowl.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">In a jug lightly beat the milk, egg and melted butter together. Pour onto the dry ingredients and beat together with a whisk or a fork</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Mix together the milk and flour for the cross, then spoon this batter into a piping bag and cut a small hole in the tip</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Heat a saucepan and brush the surface with melted butter. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">If you have</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;"> the OXO batter dispenser squeeze out enough batter to form a small pancake, or you can use a spoon.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">While the pancake is cooking on the first side pipe a cross on it's top. Then flip the pancake over once you see bubbles bursting on the top of the pancake.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">Pile the pancakes up as high as you can, and then drizzle the sauce over the top.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">I cannot stress enough how delicious these pancakes are, so if you have a greedy family you may want to make double quantity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">I hope to be popping in more often with some lovely recipes for you to try.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">xxxx</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOEizvQ2jY/UxTSw_Z-wuI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/Qimw7-gA9oQ/s1600/pancake7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOEizvQ2jY/UxTSw_Z-wuI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/Qimw7-gA9oQ/s1600/pancake7.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;">ps this isn't a sponsored post, but I did receive an OXO batter dispenser and an OXO Flip and turn spatula.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14.545454025268555px; line-height: 20.8266658782959px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-55798543642271026222014-01-24T14:19:00.002-08:002014-01-24T14:19:34.210-08:00Chocolate orange bundt cake recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnrvmjzGXiQ/UuLgfzfw-JI/AAAAAAAAEyc/BSXw6CIEQ4g/s1600/bundt+cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnrvmjzGXiQ/UuLgfzfw-JI/AAAAAAAAEyc/BSXw6CIEQ4g/s1600/bundt+cake+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Before Christmas (yes that long ago!) I received a present from <a href="http://www.natvia.co.uk/">Natvia</a>. They produce a natural sweetener as an alternative to sugar. Now I have to admit I think I am a full blown sugar addict, and there has been so much publicity about the health problems of too much sugar that I was pleased to try baking with this product.</div>
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They also sent me a bundt tin and a recipe for a lemon and poppy seed cake. I decided to tweak the recipe a little to make a chocolate and orange cake.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUijYPsmsLE/UuLgnuSTCdI/AAAAAAAAEzE/1CpVkHCWYFs/s1600/bundt+tin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUijYPsmsLE/UuLgnuSTCdI/AAAAAAAAEzE/1CpVkHCWYFs/s1600/bundt+tin3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvpbv5auTiY/UuLggMOUEUI/AAAAAAAAEyg/TH4vEYkRUF0/s1600/bundt+cake+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvpbv5auTiY/UuLggMOUEUI/AAAAAAAAEyg/TH4vEYkRUF0/s1600/bundt+cake+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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The result was delicious, after a good sampling I sent the remaining cake with Mr Lemon Drizzle to share with his work colleagues where it apparently 'went down a storm'. There are no calories in the Natvia, making it a great substitute if you are (like me) on a January diet.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph54cBayEQs/UuLglMzLMWI/AAAAAAAAEy0/sixEEgX2cF0/s1600/bundt+tin+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ph54cBayEQs/UuLglMzLMWI/AAAAAAAAEy0/sixEEgX2cF0/s1600/bundt+tin+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can download the recipe above.
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Happy baking.</div>
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xx<br />
ps, I have not been sponsored for this post but I did receive a sample of Natvia and a bundt tin.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVAoUh0VNSE/UuLglr2-DcI/AAAAAAAAEy4/fs6z3GwPD_k/s1600/bundt+tin+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVAoUh0VNSE/UuLglr2-DcI/AAAAAAAAEy4/fs6z3GwPD_k/s1600/bundt+tin+5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-38881980660707235332014-01-02T01:16:00.000-08:002014-01-02T01:16:09.343-08:001920's cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smYi66GpYe0/UsUtoV9KljI/AAAAAAAAEyM/lABN3l0x4jw/s1600/1920's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smYi66GpYe0/UsUtoV9KljI/AAAAAAAAEyM/lABN3l0x4jw/s1600/1920's.jpg" /></a></div>
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How is your New Year going so far? have you made any resolutions...have you broken any yet! I am still in holiday mode as my kids are not yet back at school and I have visitors. But I though that I would share my last cake of 2013 with you.</div>
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It was a birthday cake with a 1920's feel.</div>
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I really enjoyed creating this cake, I love the pattern on the back of the cake, and you can't go wrong with a bit of gold paint.</div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065061151445878268.post-55987077851679988752013-12-31T03:12:00.001-08:002013-12-31T03:12:55.660-08:00Cardamom thins recipe (biscuits to welcome in the New Year!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Surely there cannot be a better way to usher in the New Year than to be stuffing your face with sweet sugary goodness. Yeah sure, you could spend this time with all your loved ones and friends, having fun and creating treasured memories, blah-de-blah, etc etc. But why not also start 2014 in the manner you intend to see it out...or with one last hurrah before the New Years resolutions kick in. So here is an easy recipe to help you to quickly whip up a batch of goodies in time for tonight's celebrations. You can find the full recipe at the bottom of this post.</div>
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I received a mortar and pestle for Christmas, something that has been on my wish list for quite some time, so I wanted to utilise this in my bake, and cardamom conjures up the scent of the season for me, I love the little pods full of seeds which burst in little pops of flavour as you bite them. </div>
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As these biscuits are for New Years eve I wanted a little extra surprise, so I added a few pieces of popping candy to the center of the sandwich. If you can find chocolate covered popping candy use this, otherwise you need to create your own, or the pop will all be gone by the time you come to eating the cookie up.</div>
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Download the recipe by clicking on the arrow or click on the printer to print it out.</div>
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Happy New Year, thank you for all your support and encouragement this year, and here's to a fabulous 2014!</div>
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xxx</div>
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Natashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06687067686509263072noreply@blogger.com0