WE LIKE MARCHING

I run a toddler group for my Church and it is celebrating its 25th Anniversary tonight.  So I offered to bring a cake!

At the end of every session we sing some songs and 'We Like Marching' is always a favourite.

Once again I have been inspired by Lucie Attwell.  I wanted the figures on the top to mirror the illustrations so they are mostly painted as well.

VALENTINE INSPIRATION

As valentines fast approaches I have searched for some delicious items to inspire you.


This is such a beautiful object from Artmind.

I love this poster from Bubbo-Tubbo and check out her shop it's full of graphic (in a good way) goodies!

And who could resist this little slice of sweetness by Be Cheery.


This would be the perfect card for gamer geek Mr Lemon Drizzle.  It's by anemonelettepress.



Finally I couldn't resist this cute little fella from the fabulous Heartfelt Handmade.

BUTTERSCOTCH CUPCAKES

A few years ago I made myself a birthday cake, which did not go down well with Mr Lemon Drizzle as he had already bought me a cake, which while incredibly generous and thoughtful.was a SHOP BOUGHT CAKE!!!

Last year I did not make a cake so as not to rain on his parade, and of course no cake arrived.

This year I made the first strike and actually asked if there was to be a cake.

"I'll buy you one" he said

"I will not have a SHOP BOUGHT CAKE for my birthday!!!! Are you prepared to make me a cake?"

"No I am not"

So I let it be known to my family that I will make myself a birthday cake.  However as they are suffering from cake fatigue I decided to go with cupcakes.

I have adapted this recipe from a Nigella cake to make 12 cupcakes.

Beat the butter and sugars together until creamy.  Add the eggs and then sift in the flour and mix together. Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of cream until a soft dropping consistancy is achieved.  Divide between 12 cupcake cases.

Cook in a pre-heated oven 175 fan for 15-20mins, until golden brown and springy to touch.

For the frosting disolve the sugar in the water by heating gently, do not stir as this crystalises it.  Once disolved boil until it becomes a dark golden caramel.  (I use a sugar thermometer as it stops me worrying about temperatures.)  Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the cream, then leave to cool.

Beat the cream cheese and a third to a half of the caramel.  You may need to leave it to harden a bit before you top the cupcakes.

For a little extra naughtiness drizzle some of the caramel onto the cakes!

Enjoy!

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME!

Tomorrow is my birthday, so I thought I would make myself a virtual wish list, just to treat myself!

 I love graphic prints and this would make me very 'Happy Happy' in these dark winter months.  It is by farouche.

I thought I would need a little glamour to look good on my special day so this knecklace from Made With Love  would definately do the trick.

Then to feel extra cosy something beautiful for my house, so I'd need this gorgeous cushion (you can never have too many cushions!) from Helkatdesign on folksy.

Finally I am so in love with Agnes woolen wreaths, I love her colour sense and the quirky objects she finds, so I would definately love to treat myself to one of these!