Decorated: Sublimely Crafted Cakes for Every Occasion by April Carter

This evening I was lucky enough to be invited along to the book launch for the latest book by April Carter, Decorated: Sublimely Crafted Cakes for Every Occasion at Books for Cooks in Notting Hill, London.

Me, April and her amazing cake

 I met April back in 2012 when I attended her Cake Pop class at the Make Lounge in London. Before that and ever since then I have enjoyed following her blog Rhubarb and Rose and also her adventures via Instagram. 

 I'm very excited to now have my hands on a copy of her new book and looking forward to trying out some of the fabulous recipes. I might start with the Gingerbread Cake and Whiskey Caramel... what doesn't sound amazing about that!

Apple, Parsnip and Rosemary Syrup Cake tasters 

Sea-Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

I recommend everyone should put this on their Christmas list or just go buy it now.

Happy Baking x

The Cake Book by Cupcake Jemma

I have always loved Crumbs & Doilies and so when I saw that the lady behind it all Cupcake Jemma had written a cookbook I was very excited.
 

I bought The Cake Book in the summer; but its been a crazy summer and the book lived in a box for a few months. Since I've moved into my new flat I have been a little obsessed with it and I have made numerous of the delicious recipes.

The recipes in the book are fresh, fun and easy to do. There is also Youtube tutorials which are very helpful (listed below). It definitely makes it easier to visually see when caramel change colour to the lovely amber colour and how quickly it happens.

A couple of treats of I have made recently...

Lemon meringue cupcakes

I must say, homemade lemon curd is something I wish I had made a long time ago. Its incredible and simple to make.

And when my friend Jane was visiting from Australia, we decided to tackle salt caramel and made these delicious Caramel Mudslide cupcakes! So decadent.

Jane was a great bakers assistant...

and took her duties seriously ensuring the quality was up to scratch!

I highly recommend you checking out her Youtube page... I definitely want to try the Chocolate High-Hat Cupcake next!


Happy Baking x 

Konditor & Cook Baking Class

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to get a spot on the trial baking class for Konditor & Cook. It was a steal at £10, especially since we all came home with 3 cakes each.

My colleague Lucy came along and we spent 4 and a half hours learning “all about sponge”. I have made many sponges, but sometimes things just don’t turn out how they should and I’m always willing to find out why, so this class was perfect.

It was a busy few hours, but after all our hard work we each had a six inch curly whirly cake,

a lemon chiffon,

 and St. Clementine tart

to take home with us. Our teachers Lau and Marie were very energetic and had so many useful tips that I have already put into practice, though my egg cracking still needs work!

The best tip of the day (for me anyway as I really despise lining cake tins) was to use tin foil. No greasing, measuring or cutting needed!! It literally has changed my life.

 

If you haven't tried any cakes from Konditor & Cook then best you do, they are incredible. Or if you fancy leaning to bake them yourself, I would highly recommend one of their baking classes.

  Their cookbook is definitely on my Christmas wish list for anyone struggling to think of the perfect gift for me… and you might just get a cake from me in return!

Happy Baking x