Take One - post decorating class

I've had an opportunity to test my newly acquired decorating skills and purchases. Rather than use the colouring paste, I used the liquid food colouring I've had for a few years. It is messy, and goes everywhere - stained my fingers, and more difficult to work through. I did use fondant for the flowers/ hearts, instead of the marzipan we had on the course. It behaves slightly differently. I thought Janine Rose's cupcake recipe was okay - not remarkable, not bad. I think I'll try another recipe I have from my Apple Press book of 500 Cupcakes & Muffins.

cup cake decorating evening

Tonight I'm heading out for an evening of Cupcake Decorating with the ladies at Emporium Tearooms. Can't wait. I'm also delighted to have discovered, after much searching, a company that produce these tiny little fondant icing cutters for making flowers, etc. They are Stephen Benison. Hurrah!
And just look at these people's amazing collection of cupcake cases. Awesome.

busy busy

Last weekend was Calvin's Dedication service. I made some wonderful vanilla cupcakes, and then topped them with Nigella's Blonde icing (creme fraiche & white chocolate). I stepped out and purchased a wonderful book on Canapes by Eric Treuille - made a great carrot and spring onion fritata with feta cheese & black olives, home-made blinis with creme fraiche and salmon roe (from the Japanese shop in N Finchley). I also was brave and made Nigella's scones with cream and raspberry conserve. I am usually terrified of scones as mine turn into hard little cakes in the oven, but these rose so nicely - Yum!
Tonight we had friends for dinner, and since I had heaps of ingredients left from last weekend, pulled out an old trusty friend - Jamie Oliver. Made two of his recipes this evening: wonderful lemon & lime cream tart (8 eggs), and his Fish Kedgeree. All delicious.

Allyson's Dark Chocolate Tray Cake

Back in good ol' SA we have a supermarket chain called Pick'nPay. They have their own little cookery school - it's been going for some 20 years or more. Just like at Waitrose here, you can pick up a leaflet as you leave the store with some great recipes. Considering that these used to be photocopies, you'll have an idea of when last I took one. Today was our annual community Christmas day at church - when they throw the doors open to harrassed shoppers and exhausted parents - serve up lots of Xmas cheer, spicey apple drinks, and loads of home baking. I contributed with an all time CLASSIC which never fails : Allyson's Dark Chocolate Tray Cake. It's got lots of sugar, cocoa and buttermilk in it. And it is divine.
You bake it straight in a greased inch deep baking tray. You pour the icing on top (I did it while it was still warm). And it is moist and chocolatey and you can't go wrong. OK, I think I've sold it enough