Snickerdoodles

'A somewhat soft and cakey biscuit with a spicy, autumnal flavour'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p25

Another milestone reached in the French household last month, as my little man started school!  His first few sessions were less than 2 hours - by the time I'd got home and had a cup of tea it was time to go back! A few people asked me if I'd cried on his first day... I had to say no, firstly because I was excited for him and secondly because he was gone for less time than his pre-school sessions!  Anyway, after a week he went for his first full day.  I decided to go all earth-mother and make him a special snack for his return home... these seemed to fit the bill!  They were quick and easy to make, between household chores and looking after Megan.  And I reallly like the cake/biscuit hybrid.  Evan appreciated them too, which I certainly can't say for all my cooking! He was delighted the other day when watching Baby Looney Tunes, to hear that the characters were eating Snickerdoodles too!

• 125g (4 1/2oz) butter, softened
• 110g (4oz) caster sugar, plus 1 dstsp extra, for rolling
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 250g (9oz) plain flour
• 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 dstsp ground cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/GM 4. 
2. Cream the butter in a large bowl or in an electric food mixer, until soft.  Add the 110g (4oz) caster sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Sift in the flour; nutmeg; baking powder and salt, and gently mix together to form a dough.
4. Mix the dessertspoon of sugar and the cinnamon together in a medium-sized bowl.  Using your hands, roll the dough into walnut-sized balls then roll in the sugar and cinnamon mixture and place on 2 baking trays (no need to grease or line), each ball spaced about 3cm (1 1/4in) apart.  Flatten them down with the palm of your hand.
5. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until they feel firm around the edges.
6. Allow to stand for  2 minutes on the baking trays, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool.

I'll finish here with a picture of my handsome chap on his first day at school.  You wouldn't believe the coercion it took to have this taken (and that was just me!)

Carrot cake, and one fantastic day!

'Who doesn't love this classic cake? It's perfect just as it is with a cup of tea or coffee, but you could also try decorating it with candied violets to add a little visual 'oomph'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p67

OK, spot the deliberate mistake.  That's obviously not my carrot cake - it all got eaten before I remembered to take a photo.  You'll just have to trust me that I did make it!  One day in the summer holidays, Evan had 3 of his best pre-school friends (and their mummies) round to play.  The boys had a wonderful time running around, and splashing in the paddling pool... even though it wasn't very warm.  We mummies shivered just watching them, had a good chinwag and of course, ate cake!  

I'm not going to put the recipe here, as it's such a classic, most people have probably made something similar.  It's such an easy recipe - more or less throw it all in.  Grating the carrots is a bit of a faff, but the rest is simple.  Mind you, I have made carrot cake before and it didn't turn out so well.  I think I was a teenager then, the sponge turned out fine but I didn't beat the cream cheese well enough.  I was left with cheesy lumps in the icing, not pleasant!  Anyway, this time I made sure to give it a good beating and it was much better!  I didn't have time to try the candied flowers, but promise to try them out sometime as part of this challenge!

Right, on to yesterday.  If you read my previous blog post, you'll know that I was going to have lunch with Rachel herself! We enjoyed a 2 course menu, both of which were Rachel's recipes...

Wow, what an amazing lunch! I've never eaten Quinoa before, but definitely will again.  The lamb koftas had a lovely warm combination of spices.  And a delicious pudding too, the blueberries cutting through the richness of the bread.  As the event was sponsored by Bottlegreen drinks, the custard had Bottlegreen cordial running through it - an unusual touch but one I really liked.

After lunch, Rachel came out and did a talk about life at Ballymaloe; her new book; and the challenges of balancing a hectic working schedule with family life.  Following that, she was signing copies of her new book, 'All Things Sweet'.  Mum treated me to a copy as an early Christmas present, hooray lots more bakes to try.  Just need to magic up some more hours in the day!  Then on to the book signing.  I rather cheekily presented Rachel with both my new book and my copy of 'Bake', by now a bit tatty.  As soon as Rachel saw it, she said she loved how well used it was... which led me to talk about the blog.  She seemed genuinely interested, so much so that she now has the blog address.  Eek, no pressure or anything!  My 'Bake' book now has a very special addition...

What a lovely touch, I will treasure it always! As expected, Rachel was very easy to talk to and didn't seem to mind answering my baking questions.  I asked her why the fruit failed to sink in my Dutch Apple Cake... apparently floury apples such as Cox's don't sink.  Oh, and a question about my Almond Praline Cake... but I haven't blogged that one yet!

On that high, Mum & I spent a lovely few hours shopping in Cheltenham before returning to collect Megan from Great Granny's house.  She had been a little star for Grandpa and Great Granny, so a good day all round!

So after all that, I feel I have a new impetus for my challenge (which had slowed up a bit). Rachel if you do by any chance read this, I really appreciated your time and hope I'll do 'Bake' proud.

Back soon, with some 'new school' biscuits, almond praline cake and red velvet cake.  Tatty bye!

Baked aubergines with tomato, basil & pine nuts... oh and some exciting news!

'Best made in the summer with fresh basil and really ripe tomatoes, this is a lovely dish served on its own or as an accompaniment to roast lamb or chicken.  Try adding a few chopped anchovies or olives into the sauce'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p190

I made this dish one evening in the summer holidays (Yes, I really am that behind on my blog. Seems like a world away now, with the rain lashing down outside and the temptation to put the central heating on!) On that far off day, Evan had gone to stay at Grandma's for the night and Nigel was out working.  Evan is still a really fussy little soul, so this was a good opportunity to try something new without him moaning. Megan is still at the stage where she'll try most things, so I like to offer her as many new tastes as possible, and we very much enjoyed our meal for 2. I served it with pasta, to make it a more substantial dish... actually it would have been filling on its own.  I love really fresh Mediterranean flavours, so this was definitely a dish for me!

• 2 large aubergines
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 onion, peeled and finely sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed or finely grated
• 650g (1lb 6oz) good red ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• Pinch of chilli flakes
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 4 tbsp chopped or torn basil leaves*
• 1 ball of mozarella, torn into pieces, or 25g (1oz) grated Parmesan (optional)
• 4 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted (in the oven for a few minutes or in a saucepan, over a medium heat)

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/GM4.
2. Slice the aubergines in half lengthways and, using a teaspoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving a 5mm (1/4in) border around the edge intact.  Chop the flesh, then place in a sieve sitting over a bowl, adding a good pinch of salt to draw out any bitter juices.  Place the aubergine halves on an oiled baking tray, drizzle with a little olive oil and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a saucepan, add the onion and garlic, cover and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the onion is soft.  Add the drained aubergine flesh, the tomatoes, chilli flakes and sugar, and season with salt and pepper.  Cook over a low heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced.  Add the chopped basil and season to taste.
4. Spoon the tomato sauce into the par-cooked aubergines, then add the torn mozarella or Parmesan (if using).  Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the aubergine is cooked at the sides and the mixture is hot and bubbling.  Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts, and serve.

* I'd love to have a herb garden of my own, given more hours in the day.  Until then, I'm reliant on the supermarket variety.  I usually buy the growing pots when they're reduced (good old Co-op bargain shelf again!) I chop the leaves and keep them in re-usable containers in the freezer.  All ready to drop straight into whatever I'm cooking!)

OK, now to the exciting news, drum roll please... (any guesses?)... well, it is most definitely blog related.  Tomorrow I'm having lunch with Rachel herself.  No, really!  She's at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, promoting her new book, 'All Things Sweet'.  It's advertised as 'Lunch with Rachel', so I presume she's doing some sort of talk.  Maybe I'll even get to ask a question! I'm going to have to look back over my posts! Actually I have met Rachel once before, at the BBC Good Food Show. She came across as very down to earth and personable, just as she does on TV.  I've persuaded my Mum to come too (didn't take much!) so very much looking forward to a girlie day.  We're meeting at my Granny's house in Evesham, where Megan is being deposited for a fun day with Grandpa and Great Granny. Nigel and Evan are plotting some boy time after school, so everyone should be happy.

The dessert is a recipe from Rachel's new book.  Might just come back with a copy tucked under my arm!

Hope to be back soon, with lots to tell you. Bye for now!

Daddy's birthday cake

'This is such a great, simple, yet versatile chocolate cake. Add the finely grated rind of 1 orange to give the cake a chocolate orange flavour, or replace the vanilla extract with 1 tbsp of instant coffee powder for a mocha flavour.  This can also be turned into chocolate cupcakes if you wish - the recipe will fill 12 paper cases in a cupcake or muffin tray, and will take about 18-20 minutes to cook.  Ice them generously with the chocolate buttercream and decorate to your heart's content'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p69

In early August, my husband turned 40, ahem, something.  He asked for a chocolate birthday cake, so it was a perfect opportunity to try out Rachel's recipe.  Evan and I had a great time making it together.  I love it when Evan asks to bake - he's not really one to sit down and do colouring or crafty activities, so it's nice to have this time together... even if all he really wants is to lick the bowl! We decorated the cake with melted chocolate, and sprinkled it liberally with milk and white chocolate stars.  Here's the recipe...

For the cake

• 125g (4 1/2oz) dark chocolate
• 3 tbsp milk
• 150g (5oz) butter, softened
• 150g (5oz) caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 200g (7oz) plain flour
• 1 tbsp good-quality cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• Cocoa powder or icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

For the chocolate butter icing

• 75g (3oz) butter, softened
• 1 tbsp cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 175g (6oz) icing sugar
• 1 tbsp good-quality cocoa powder

• 2 x 20cm (8in) diameter sandwich tins

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/GM 4.  Butter and flour the sides of the sandwich tins, and line the bases with greaseproof paper.
2. Place the chocolate and the milk in a bowl, sitting over a saucepan of gently simmering water and heat until the chocolate has melted.
3. Beat the butter until very soft, then add the caster sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the melted chocolate.
4. Sift in the flour; cocoa powder; baking powder and bicarbonate of soda, and fold in gently to mix.  Divide the mixture between the tins, and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle of each cake comes out clean.
5. Remove the cakes from the oven, and allow to sit for a few minutes before turning them out of their tins and placing them on a wire rack to cool.
6. While the cakes are cooling, make the chocolate butter icing.  Beat the butter; cream and the vanilla extract until very soft.  Then gradually sift in the icing sugar and the cocoa powder, beating all the time, until it is all added.  Continue to beat until very soft, then whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
7. Once the cakes are cool, sandwich them together with the chocolate butter icing.  Place the cake on a plate or a cake stand and dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar, if you wish.

The cake came out really well, Daddy loved it and it was great to see the pride in Evan's face when he presented it to him.  It reminded me a lot of a chocolate cake that my Mum used to make - it was her party piece  (I've noticed that everyone's mum has their party piece - my mother in law always does a trifle; a friend's mum does a mean fruit cake... hmmm, I haven't found mine yet.  Maybe one of Rachel's recipes will become my 'piece'!)  If you'd like an alternative recipe, here it is and it's extremely easy...

Simply mix together 6oz self-raising flour; 6oz margarine; 6oz caster sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 1 tbsp hot water and 2 dessertspoons of cocoa powder.  Place into 2 round cake tins, then bake at 140C for about 20 minutes.  Turn onto a wire rack to cool.  Make up a chocolate buttercream using 2oz margarine; 4oz icing sugar and a little cocoa or melted chocolate.  Sandwich the cakes together with the buttercream, and decorate with melted chocolate.

Easy peasy! The credit goes to Stork margarine, as Mum got it from a Stork tub many years ago (hence the imperial measurements!) She lost the original recipe for a while, and was making it from memory.  It wasn't until she found the original, that she realised she'd been missing out the bicarbonate of soda for years.  It hadn't affected it! As for me, I've made it quite a few times and it's never failed.  Well, maybe just once.  Last year, an elderly lady who I knew very well from church, passed away.  We were all asked to contribute a cake for the funeral tea, and this is what I picked.  It totally refused to rise, even though I tried 3 times to bake it.  Agnes had a very dry sense of humour, and I'm sure she was playing tricks on me from on high! Anyway, I sandwiched 4 thin layers of cake together and nobody knew any different!

Light sweet scones

'My friend Oisin makes these divine scones. He uses a very light Italian flour, but you can use plain flour if you wish' 

Rachel Allen, 'Bake',  p31

In late July, we spent a lovely couple of days in Sutton on Sea, one of our nearest coastal resorts.  We were joined on the first day by Nigel's parents and nieces, so Evan had a wonderful time, frolicking in the sand with his cousins.  These scones were my contribution to our picnic lunch - filled with strawberry jam and clotted cream, of course!  I've never had much luck with scones before, but these really were light and well risen.  Everyone was very complimentary, including my mother in law, who is a longstanding member of the WI.  I'm sure she's tasted a few scones in her time! I used the light Italian flour, which Rachel suggests.

• 500g (1lb 2oz) light Italian, or plain flour
• 1 rounded tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 rounded tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 125g (4 1/2oz) unsalted cold butter, cubed (If you are using salted butter, decrease the salt to 1/2 tsp)
• 25g (1oz) caster sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 275ml (9fl oz) buttermilk or milk, plus extra for the egg wash
• 50g (2oz) caster or granulated sugar (optional)

6cm (2 1/2in) cutter

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/GM 7.
2. Sift the flour; bicarbonate of soda; cream of tartar and salt into a large bowl.  Using your fingertips, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.  Add the sugar and mix well.
3. Set aside about a third of the beaten egg, and combine the rest with the buttermilk, then add to the flour mixture and mix briefly to combine into a moist dough.  Place on a lightly floured work surface, and knead ever so slightly to bring together, then press or roll out to a thickness of 2cm (3/4in)
4. Using the cutter, cut out approximately 12 scones and place on a floury baking tray.  Add about a teaspoon or so of buttermilk to the remainder of the beaten egg, to make an egg wash.
5. Brush the scones with the egg wash (and dip the tops in sugar if you wish) then bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown on top.  Eat as soon as possible!

Rachel also suggests variations of cinnamon; orange; chocolate chip; sultana; cranberry or blueberry scones.  Definitely going to try some of these! Maybe a chocolate/orange combo would be good!

When cutting scones, I've heard that you should never twist the cutter as it stops them rising.  Can't remember for the life of me where I heard that - probably on the Bake Off.  Neither do I know the science behind it! But thought it would be a good tip to share with you all xx

Beginner's guide to breadmaking

So, who's enjoying the new series of Bake Off? Me, me, me!  I don't know what's behind the success of this little series... is it the ding dong battle between Paul and Mary, where she always balances his fiercest criticism with some kind words? Is it the different characters featured, some of whom seem very unlikely bakers? Or is it just that we all love a good slice of cake?! Whatever the reason, The Bake Off seems to have gripped the nation.  And in honour of last week's episode, I thought I'd write a blog on bread.

Firstly, a disclaimer.  I'm certainly no expert on breadmaking, really I'm a beginner myself. I just thought I'd share some of the tips that have helped me to get started.  I've picked these up from 3 sources.  Firstly, Rachel (obviously!)  Secondly, Paul Hollywood's 'Bread' book which I had for my birthday last year.  This has some really good pictorial guides, and he also suggests a meal to make out of each bread... so it's a really useful cookbook.  I went to see Mr Hollywood at De Montfort Hall in May, and had a great evening.  At one point they asked for volunteers to bake on stage with him.  I put my hand up, and my Mum, sitting next to me, looked horrified. 

 "Oh Heidi, you wouldn't?!"

Oh I would, I'd have loved it! Unfortunately for me, but fortunately for my Mum's embarassment, I didn't get picked.

Thirdly, a couple of years ago I did a breadmaking course at 'Jacques Bakes Cakes' in Hinckley. Now, my previous experience of cookery lessons had been in school.  I had some really scary teachers, and as I'm not the most practical person I often found myself getting shouted at.  At 14 (when school cookery lessons finished) I'd decided I was a rubbish cook. I only really started to enjoy it when I was away at university, and had to fend for myself.  So it was with some trepidation that I walked into Annaliese Jacques' cookery school.  As it happened, she turned out to be the antithesis of the scary school cookery teacher, as you can see...

As you can imagine, Annaliese's lessons were a lot of fun! She was patient and encouraging, and I went home with a yeast loaf; a soda bread and a batch of bread rolls which I was very proud of! I can highly recommend Annaliese's classes.  She doesn't just teach breadmaking either... she does cupcakes; macaroons; sugarcraft; preserves and more.  Her website can be found at www.landgirlscookeryschool.co.uk (They've moved premises since I went, and changed the business name)  I think my dear husband would quite like to do a course after seeing that picture of Annaliese with her... ahem... baps!

Right, to the point.  This is how I'd make a basic loaf.  The quantities are Rachel's, but the method is a mixture of what I've picked up.  Here goes...

1. In a measuring jug, mix 2 tsp sugar with 150mls (1/4 pint) warm water and some yeast - 2 1/2 tsp dried; 20g (2/3oz) fresh; or 1 1/2 x 7g sachets fast-acting.  Let it stand in a warm place for 5 minutes, or until frothy.  If using fast-acting yeast, there's no need to let the mixture stand.
2. Place 750g (1lb 10oz) strong white flour into a bowl.  Paul says there is really no need to sift flour for breadmaking, as modern flours are of such good quality.  Add 2 tsp salt.  Then, rub in 40g (1 1/2oz) chilled butter, and rub in until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.  Alternatively, you can add 4 tbsp olive oil.  In this case, make a well in the centre of the flour and pour the oil in.  Then, pour in the yeast mixture.  Take about 275mls water, and gradually add it, to create a soft dough  (You may not need it all).  When mixing in the water, keep your fingers stiff and outstretched - like a claw.  You aren't kneading at this point, just combining the ingredients.  
3. KNEADING Turn the dough out on to a lightly oiled or floured surface.  Just be careful if using flour, as too much will affect the recipe and your bread may not work!  I've gone wrong here in the past, so for that reason I prefer to use oil.  The dough will feel slightly sticky, but that's OK.  Stretch out the dough, fold it in to the centre and flatten it again, before turning.  Keep stretching; folding; flattening and turning for about 10 minutes.  You will feel the dough getting smoother and stretchier, 'like chewing gum' says Annaliese.  To test when you've kneaded enough, pull out a small piece of dough - it should stretch to at least 20cm without breaking. (Note that you can do all your kneading in a food processor fitted with a dough hook.  This should take about 5 minutes.  Be careful as it's easy to over-knead dough this way.  It's almost impossible when kneading by hand).
4. RISING Now, place your dough into a large, lightly oiled bowl.  Cover with a clean tea towel or cling film.  This protects the dough from draughts, and stops a skin forming on it, which would slow the rise.  Don't worry about putting the dough in a warm place, room temperature is fine.  A very warm environment would create a fast rise, and you don't want that.  The slower the rise, the tastier your bread will be (We once tried to make a fast, 1 hour bread in our breadmaking machine.  It was only fit for the birds, and I don't think even they were too impressed!)  So, leave your bread for 1-3 hours.  During this time, the yeast will be feeding on nutrients in the flour and producing carbon dioxide, which makes the bread rise.  Magic! The dough will double, treble or even quadruple in size.  You will eventually see creases starting to form in the top, and you'll know it's about ready.  Don't leave it too much longer, or you'll have a bitter; over-fermented bread.
5. KNOCKING BACK Turn the dough out, and then knock it down to release any air pockets.  (The idea of this is to create bread with a uniform texture).  Knead for 2-3 minutes, to get the yeast working again.  Then, fold the dough in on itself several times to create structure.  'Like folding paper' says Paul - the more times you fold it, the stronger it becomes.  Allow to rest for 10 minutes before shaping.
6. SHAPING Divide the dough in half (Rachel's recipe creates 2 loaves).  Shape each loaf into an oval, about 23cm (9in) long, before placing into a lightly oiled 13 x 23cm (5 x 9in loaf tin). Try to keep the dough taut and even as you shape it, as this will help to create structure.  You could also shape the bread into rolls or a plaited loaf (haven't tried this yet, but I do intend to as part of the challenge!)  Now, place a roasting tin in to the bottom of your oven, and preheat to 220C/425F/GM 7.  Nearly there!
7. PROVING This stage develops aeration and structure in your loaf.  Place the loaf tin inside a large plastic bag (I use a clean bin bag).  You need to form a sort of 'tent' over the loaf, so it has room to rise.  This stage should take about 30 minutes.  When the dough is fully proved, it will spring back slowly when pressed. 
8. BAKING Place your loaf into the preheated oven, and as you do so pour about 1 litre of water into the roasting tray.  The steam this creates will help to give a crispy crust.  Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, turning the oven down to 200C/400F/GM 6 after 15 minutes.  The bread should be well risen, golden in colour and sound hollow when you tap the base.
9. COOLING Turn out your loaf immediately, so that the base doesn't become soggy (Mr Hollywood and Ms Berry would not like!)  Allow to cool completely before eating.

And that's it!  I've discovered that bread making really isn't scary or complicated.  Yes it takes time, but most of that is waiting time.  It can be really therapeutic, and the results so much nicer than anything you'd get in the shops.

In another of Rachel's books (Everyday Kitchen) she suggests rising and proving bread in the fridge if you have time (you'll remember that a slow rise produces a better flavour) The rising takes 12-24 hours, and the proving up to 8 hours.  I'm thinking this could work well for me... I could make a batch of dough last thing at night, after the bairns are in bed.  Leave to rise until the following evening, then knock back; shape and prove.  The bread should be ready to bake the following morning.  I'll let you know what happens!

Bakewell Bars

'I love the classic combination of light almond sponge and buttery shortbread, sandwiched together with a tasty layer of raspberry jam.  You can use any type of jam you wish, of course - apricot would be a delicious alternative in this recipe'.

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p22

July marked a big milestone for my little chap, as he came to the end of his time at preschool. He's had a wonderful 2 years, and the staff have been fantastic... but onwards to the next chapter! Of course, his last couple of weeks were a busy whirl with leavers' sports day; final parents' evening; visits to 'big boy school' and meeting his new teacher.  By far Evan's highlight was the end of term trip.  This year's trip was to Twinlakes, near Melton Mowbray.  It's a theme park with farm animals; outdoor splash zone; indoor soft play and of course, plenty of rides.  The whole family went, and Evan had a wonderful time charging around.  Plenty of energy needed, so we took a nice big picnic.  These Bakewell Bars were my special treat!  Here's the recipe...

• 75g (3oz) butter, softened
• 25g (1oz) caster sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 175g (6oz) plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• Half a jar (approximately 200g/7oz) raspberry jam

Topping

• 100g (3 1/2oz) butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 2 eggs, beaten
• A few drops of almond essence
• 100g (3 1/2oz) ground almonds
• 100g (3 1/2 oz) semolina
• 100g (3 1/2oz) caster sugar
• Flaked almonds, for sprinkling

• 20 x 20cm (8 x 8in) square cake tin or, you can make double the quantity to fit a 23 x 30cm (9 x 12in) Swiss roll tin.

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/GM4.  Butter the sides of the cake tin and line the base with greaseproof paper.
2. First, make the biscuit base.  Cream the butter in a large bowl, or in an electric food mixer until soft.  Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.  Add the egg yolk and mix well, then sift in the flour and mix together to form a dough.
3. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured work surface to the right size to fit the base of the tin, and then press into the prepared tin.  Spread the raspberry jam over the top, then allow to chill in the fridge while you make the topping.
4. Place the melted butter in a bowl, add the beaten eggs and almond essence and mix well.  Stir in the ground almonds, semolina and caster sugar.
5. Take the tin out of the fridge and spread the almond dough over the jam, being careful not to mess up the jam up too much (I usually place the almond dough in dots over the jam, then join it all together using the back of a spoon).
6. Sprinkle the top with the flaked almonds and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and set in the centre.  Allow to cool in the tin, then cut into fingers

These were fantastic, really moist and pretty similar to traditional Bakewell tart.  They also brought back memories of Sunday teatimes at home.  Typically, we'd have ham sandwiches; a cup of tea and then a Mr Kipling's Cherry Bakewell or apple pie.  My brother really doesn't have a sweet tooth, but he loves both of those... oh, apart from the cherry on the bakewell.  Not keen on those, so I used to get an extra one!  Making (and eating) these bars really brought back memories of Sunday teatimes; Songs of Praise; Antiques Roadshow and Last of the Summer Wine!  Actually, I'm wondering if I could ice these bars, and top them with glace cherries, for that authentic Sunday experience?!  I'll let you know what happens!

I really struggled to find the semolina for this recipe, couldn't believe how elusive it was! Our 3 local, moderately sized supermarkets didn't have it.  I popped into our local healthfood shop, who didn't have it either.  However, the owner told me it's a typical Asian ingredient.  Never realised that, it always makes me think of British school dinners!  I was considering a trip to Leicester's 'Golden Mile' (famous Asian shopping area) to get some, but found it in a big Sainsbury's.

Chocolate & coconut bars

'These chocolately treats are perfect for picnics and parties'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake' p19

This post follows on from my previous entry (Dutch apple cake).  As part our church fundraising week, it was announced that there would be a bake sale.  This was to take place after the service, and before we went in for lunch and the talent auction.  Seemed a lot to fit in but hey-ho, double opportunity to flex my baking muscles!  Couldn't see much sign of a bake sale after the service, and I asked a few people - including the minister's wife - who all looked at me as if I was nuts.  Bake sale, what bake sale?!  Eventually I asked somebody who said "oh yes, that was cancelled as it was felt to be too much!"

Oops, must have missed that one! Still, it was an extra contribution for lunch and they were polished off, so my efforts weren't wasted.

I'd chosen to make these for the sale as Nigel isn't a big fan of coconut, so if I'd made them at home, would probably have ended up eating them all myself! (When we have a box of chocolates, he usually gets his mitts on them first and I get left with coconut; nougat and Turkish Delight.  Not that I really mind, any chocolate is fine with me!)  If you like Bounty bars, you'll definitely enjoy these.  They have an unusual crunchy texture from the cornflakes.  Here's the recipe if you'd like it...

• 225g (8oz) butter, softened
• 150g (5oz) golden caster sugar
• 150g (5oz) desiccated coconut
• 75g (3oz) crushed cornflakes
• Pinch of salt
• 150g (5oz) self-raising flour, sifted
• 25g (1oz) cocoa powder, sifted
• 175g (6oz) good-quality dark chocolate
• 18 x 28cm (7 x 11in) Swiss roll tin

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/GM4.  Butter or line the Swiss roll tin with greaseproof paper.
2. Cream the butter in a large bowl, or in an electric food mixer until soft.  Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.  Add the coconut; cornflakes and salt, then gradually add the sifted flour and cocoa powder and bring the mixture together to form a fairly dry dough.
3. Place the dough in the prepared tin, and spread it out evenly (Rachel suggests placing a layer of cling film over the mixture, and rolling it with a rolling pin or empty jam jar)
4. Remove the cling film, if used.  Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until dry to the touch.  Allow to cool in the tin.
5. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, then spread over the cooled biscuit base in the tin.  Place somewhere cool (preferably not the fridge) until the chocolate has hardened, then cut into about 16 bars.  

I'm thinking of trying out this recipe with cherries, instead of coconut.  I really love the combination of dark chocolate and cherries, although I suppose then I might have to share with my husband. Hmmm...

Dutch apple cake

'This cake has been made at Ballymaloe for years. We even have guests who ask for it specifically every time they visit. The fruit sinks to the bottom as it cooks, leaving a light sponge on top with a lovely sugary crust'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p49

We had a busy week at church in early June, fundraising for our linked charity 'The Centre Project'*.  'The Centre' aims to support vulnerable people in Leicester, in a variety of ways - including cheap hot meals; support and advice.  Like many charities, they have really suffered in the recession and lost some important grants.  So, for the last 2 years, we've had a dedicated fundraising week.  Last year, our minister spent a day wearing baked bean boots; this year he completed a series of walks around Leicester.  Both years, the week has culminated in an 'Auction of Talents', where church members pledge a talent that they can share with others, for example an evening's babysitting; a homecooked meal; a carwash... get the idea? I pledged a set of homemade cards (another of my hobbies) and a 'crafternoon', offering someone tools and tuition.  All money pledged goes to the charity.  It's a really fun way of raising money, and has been well supported both times.

This year's auction was held over a shared lunch, with savouries provided by the church and desserts brought by the congregation.  A good excuse to bake!  My contribution was this apple cake, and it went down pretty well! A versatile bake, as you could eat it cold; as a cake, or warm; with custard or cream (Or ice-cream, go on, knock yourself out!)  Very easy to make as well, and as we always have a glut of cooking apples from our tree, a recipe I will probably use often.  An added bonus is that apart from the apple, it is made from storecupboard ingredients.  Here is said recipe...

• 2 eggs
• 175g (6oz) caster sugar, plus 15g (1/2oz) extra, for sprinkling
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3oz butter
• 75mls (2 1/2fl oz) milk
• 125g (4 1/2oz) plain flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 small (or 1 large) cooking apples
• 75mls (2 1/2fl oz) double cream, to serve
• 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8in) square cake tin

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/GM 6.  Line the sides and base of the cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric whisk, whisk the eggs; 175g (6oz) caster sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture is thick and mousse-like and the whisk leaves a figure of eight pattern (this will take about 5 minutes).
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan with the milk, then pour on the eggs, whisking all the time.  Sift in the flour; cinnamon and baking powder and fold carefully into the batter so that there are no lumps of flour.  Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface.
4. Peel and core the apples and cut into thin slices, then arrange them over the batter.  They will sink to the bottom (this is meant to happen!)** Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.  Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/350F/GM4, and bake for a further 20-25 minutes, or until well risen and golden brown.
5. Allow to cool in the tin, cut into squares and serve warm.  It is delicious with cream!

* If anyone would like to know more about 'The Centre Project', please visit their website at http://www.centreproject.org

** Trust me, my fruit didn't sink!  This is the sort of thing that used to happen to me in school cookery lessons... the unexpected would always go wrong and I'd have a dragon teacher breathing down my neck! However, I was still pleased with my bake so there! Curious to know why it happened though? Maybe I'll ask Rachel if I ever get the opportunity to meet her!

Baked cheesecake

'This wonderful cheesecake is equally good made with other fruit.  Use whatever is in season, or whatever you happen to have in the freezer.  Raspberries and blackberries are particularly delicious'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p76

Well, just after Megan's dedication some friends who had been unable to make the party popped round for dinner.  Good excuse to try out a new pudding recipe! I've made cheesecake before, but never a baked version.

Rachel's original recipe suggests using blueberries, however I decided to make a raspberry version with some of last year's crop from the freezer. As I was making it, I realised that I was short of cream cheese, with no time to go out for more.  Oops! I happened to have a luxury raspberry amaretto yoghurt in the fridge*, so used this to make up the difference.  Bit of a gamble but it worked really well.  I also found a jar of raspberry coulis lingering in the pantry, and drizzled this on top.  Unusually creative for me!  The final result was very much enjoyed by all.  Here's the recipe for you...

• 175g (6oz) digestive biscuits**
• 75g (3oz) butter, melted
• 175g (6oz) blueberries, plus extra for decorating
• 450g (1lb) cream cheese
• 150g (5oz) caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• Icing sugar, to dust

• 24cm (9 1/2 in) diameter spring-form/loose-bottomed tin

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/GM4.  Butter the sides and base of the cake tin.
2. Place the biscuits in a food processor and whiz until quite fine.  Alternatively, place them in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin.  Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter and press down into the base of the tin so that it is nice and even.  Spread the blueberries over the base and allow to chill in the fridge while you make the topping.
3. Beat the cream cheese; sugar; vanilla extract and eggs together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.  Pour over the top of the blueberries and then bake in the oven for 40 minutes, or until it is pale golden and should only wobble very slightly when you gently shake the tin.
4. Allow to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen it and carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin***.  Transfer to a serving plate.  Sprinkle over a few blueberries, if you wish, then dust with icing sugar.  Cut into slices to serve.  This cheesecake is best eaten when it is at room temperature.

* The yoghurt was made by 'The Collective Dairy Company' and was a limited edition, so you might struggle to get hold of the exact version.  However, you could try any flavour which complements your cheesecake.

** Rachel suggests experimenting with different kinds of dry, sweet biscuits or cookies for the cheesecake base.  She gives the example of a chocolate biscuit base, omitting the fruit. I've seen recipes which use ginger nut biscuits; rich tea or chocolate chip cookies as the base.  See what you can come up with, and let me know!

*** Removing a biscuit-based dessert from the tin is something that has always foxed me.  I usually wimp out and just serve it from the tin! However, here I tried one of Rachel's tips which worked well.  When using a springform tin, turn the base upside down before pressing in the biscuit base.  This gives you a flat surface, rather than one with a lip.  Makes perfect sense when you think about it!  I've also found that with some recipes, you need to add a little more butter to the biscuits than stated.  If the base is still a bit crumbly when pressed down, it will probably fall apart when you try to serve it.  But if it does, don't get too stressed (unless you're trying to win the Bake Off!)  It's the taste that counts!

Fairy cakes

'These are the prettiest little cakes for a birthday party or just for a special treat; they are also known as butterfly buns' 

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p39

Right then, part deux of Megan's party food (see previous post).  When I was planning her dedication party, I had grand plans to make fancy, girly pink cupcakes.  In the end I was pushed for time, and just had time to do these.  I also wanted to do fancy piped icing, but didnt have time to work out how to use a piping bag.  I ended up just spooning the icing on, and adding some lovely 'strawberry glimmer crunch' that I picked up in a supermarket.  They looked OK I think, and tasted lovely.  

Being totally truthful, they didn't actually make the party.  By 2am on the day, I'd just finished icing the main cake and was crawling into bed (at which point Megan woke for a feed... grrr!) Didn't have a spot of energy left for the cupcakes.  I ended up icing them the next evening, and they went to Megan's singing group and to pre-school for Evan's teachers.  They were much appreciated!

Well, if you're decidely more organised than me, these are definitely worth making alongside a celebration cake.  As they use all the same ingredients, I just whizzed the batter up in my KitchenAid straight after making the cake.  No need to wash the bowl out.  And I just made up a load of buttercream, which i shared between the cake and fairy cakes.  For that, I use a recipe from my Great British Bake Off cookbook... it adds a little melted white chocolate which makes it extra yummy (and extra naughty... but who cares when you're celebrating?!)  I won't include the fairy cake recipe here, as I'm sure most readers will have made them at some point.

Going back to the piping bag issue, it's something I do intend to master by the end of this challenge - and will need to when I come to making profiteroles.  It's got me thinking of which other skills I'll need to master. So after a flick through 'Bake',  here goes...

1. Rolling a Swiss roll or roulade
2. Making praline
3. Removing a biscuit based dessert from the tin (more about this next time!)
4. Making meringues
5. Making a steamed pudding
6. Making yeast bread
7. Using fresh yeast
8. Making a plaited loaf
9. Making sourdough bread
10. Jointing a chicken
11. Collaring a cake tin
12. Making shortcrust pastry (Hooray, tick, made Quiche Lorraine)
13. Making choux pastry
14. Making hot water crust pastry
15. Making puff pastry
16. Making flaky pastry
17. Piping, including making a piping bag
18. Making American-style frosting
19. Making creme patissiere
20. Making crystallised flowers
21. Making chocolate curls
22. Making marzipan
23. Making candied peel
24. Preserves, including jam; marmalade and curd, and sterilising jars.

Hope that's given you some insight into what's coming up.  It seems like a long list, but I'm looking forward to mastering (or maybe just attempting) all these new skills!

Party food!

OK, so I'm going to cheat a little here and blog 3 recipes in 1.  I have 9 recipes to write up, and thought this was the best way to catch up!

On 18th May this year, we had Megan's church dedication.  For anyone who doesn't know, this is a Baptist version of a christening.  We don't baptise babies - instead we have baptism by full immersion, as adults.  Here's me being 'dunked' in 2003...

The dedication is a sort of 'welcome to the church', and a bit less formal than a christening.  We had a lovely day - the sun shone brightly and many friends and family members came to celebrate with us.  And of course, there was plenty of food.  The week before truly was a 'baking frenzy', as I filled up the freezer with lots of make ahead treats.  From Rachel's 'Bake', I made the following:

• Chocolate and vanilla marble cake.  I forgot to photograph this, but you'll have to believe me!  It's such a simple, classic recipe that nonetheless tastes fantastic.  I froze it for about a week beforehand, and it came out well.  I've never frozen cake before, but certainly will again if we're expecting visitors or planning a party. *
• Banana and chocolate loaf.  Another really simple recipe, that froze beautifully.  Here is the evidence!  I've made banana loaf before, but the chocolate added another depth (and many more calories I guess, but who's counting?!) *

• Carrot and pecan squares.  These are similar to carrot cake, but use wholemeal flour to produce a denser bake.  The recipe is supposed to make 16 squares, but I cut them very small and made about double that.  We were worried that there wouldn't be enough food so I was trying to stretch it... needless worry, we were eating leftovers for a week!  Anyway, I digress.  I'll share the recipe here, if you fancy a go.  You will need...

175g (6oz) wholemeal self-raising flour

1/2 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp ground ginger

50g (2oz) raisins (optional)

150mls (1/4 pint) sunflower oil

150g (5oz) soft light brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

225g (8oz) carrot, finely grated

50g (2oz) shelled pecans, chopped, plus 25g (1oz) for sprinkling

For the cream cheese icing

75g (3oz) chilled cream cheese

25g (1oz) softened butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

75g (3oz) icing sugar, sifted

20 x 20 cm (8 x 8in) square cake tin

To make...

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/GM4.  Butter the sides of the cake tin and line the base with greaseproof paper.
2. Sift the flour; salt; baking powder and spices into a large bowl.  Add the raisins (if using) and mix well.
3. Whisk the oil; brown sugar; eggs; vanilla extract; grated carrot and chopped pecans in a separate bowl, then mix in the flour and spice mixture.  Spoon into the prepared tin and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until springy to the touch and a skewer, when inserted in the centre, comes out clean.
4. Allow to cool, then remove from the tin and place on a serving plate. 
5. To make the icing, beat cream cheese and butter together until combined.  Add the vanilla extract and sifted icing sugar, and mix to combine.  Should be smooth and quite thick.  Using a palette knife, spread over the cooled cakes, dipping the knife in hot water if the icing is hard to spread.
6. Sprinkle the cake with chopped pecans, and cut into squares to serve.

Rachel says that these cakes would be equally good un-iced, but who could resist a good dollop of cream cheese icing?!

Here are my finished cakes, all ready for the party...

As Rachel would say, "yum!"

I also made Rachel's fairy cakes for the party, but they can wait for next time!  I'll close with a photo of the party girl, who had a great time and certainly enjoyed sampling some cake.  The dress was mine, made by my mum when I was about 2.  A real family heirloom!

Until next time!

* I've decided not to share all 3 recipes on here, for several reasons.  Firstly because it would make a really long blog!  Secondly, as they are recipes that most of you will be familiar with (or something very similar at least!)  Thirdly, I never intended to share every recipe as I'm not sure if that counts as plagarism.  Although you could probably Google any of them these days so maybe it doesn't matter.  But just to be on the safe side!

Apple & oat crumble, and Megan's new adventure!

'Adding oats to a good old fashioned crumble gives a lovely nutty flavour and crunchy texture'

Rachel Allen, 'Bake', p81

Firstly, many apologies for the long break in blogging.  It's been such a busy couple of months - in May we had Megan's dedication (Baptist version of a christening) which gave me plenty of excuses to bake, but no time to blog!  Once I'd caught my breath from that, it was time to prepare for our first family holiday abroad.  We had a wonderful time, just returning last Friday.  I'm now trying to ignore my huge stack of ironing and catch up here!

Well, this bake happened over 2 months ago.  For once, it was nothing really new for me.  I have a very similar crumble recipe, which I got from a 'healthy heart' leaflet that I picked up in a GP surgery once.  It really does add something to the classic crumble recipe.  For anyone who'd like to try it, Rachel's recipe is as follows...

• Place 100g (5oz) plain flour and 1tsp ground cinnamon (optional) into a large bowl.  Add 75g (3oz) chilled, cubed butter and rub in until it resembles very coarse breadcrumbs.  Don't overwork, or you'll lose that lovely crunch.  Add the oats and sugar, and mix to combine.
• Sprinkle over stewed apple and bake at 180C/350F/GM4, for 15 minutes (small crumbles) or 30-45 minutes (large crumble) until golden.

Easy peasy!  Rachel suggests serving it with whipped cream or ice cream, but I do enjoy a good dollop of custard with my crumble.

This was one of Megan's first weaning foods, and she loved it!  We're doing baby led weaning, as we did with her brother, so a word on that if you're not familiar with it.  Basically, it involves forgetting purees and just letting baby share your food.  That's it!  There are very few hard and fast rules, apart from that the baby should always be in control and choose how much they eat.  The theory is that the baby learns to control their own appetite, rather than being persuaded to have 'just one more spoonful'.  Some also say that it produces less fussy children.  Unfortunately this didn't work with Evan!  He'd eat anything and everything until about a year, and then found his stubborn little personality.  I'm sure this is common for a lot of children, baby led weaned or not!  So I'm making the most of Megan at the moment, while she'll try anything and everything.  We're having lots of fun!

Anything goes really, with baby led weaning.  There are a few things they can't have, such as added salt and honey (before a year).  It's best to start with 'sticks' of food that stick out from a closed hand, as intitially they can't open their fist to get food inside.  So carrots; broccoli; strips of melon; slices of apple; asparagus {if you're feeling posh!) are all good.  And lack of teeth doesn't seem to be an issue!  Evan didn't get a tooth until he was 9 months, but he could have a good munch on an apple.  Megan loves meat at the moment, and she still hasn't got any teeth.  Here's a photo of her enjoying that yummy crumble...

We did 'loaded spoons' for the custard, so filled the spoon and let her take it to her own mouth.  She did really well for not quite 6 months.  And she was able to pick up large lumps of crumble with her fingers and shovel it in!   Messy but lots of fun.

Here are some of her other first foods... 'Dippy egg'; stir fry with noodles; and calamari in Menorca.  The latter kept her amused for ages!

So there you are, a little digression this time, but I hope you've enjoyed it!  If anyone wants to find out more about baby led weaning, I can highly recommend the forum at www.babyledweaning.com/forum.

Back soon (I hope!) with some of the party recipes that we enjoyed at Megan's dedication.