Iced Fancies

I have recently attempted to create some Fondant fancies but there is some way to go yet...not least to try and make the sponges a little smaller as they were hardly dainty!

Also need to get my finer piping icing skills better honed .....I will be calling upon my mother rather soon for tuition I think.

Still - the children enjoyed them and it was therapeutic to a degree....the DVD and some Star Wars re-enactment was taking place at the same time which did require a certain level of attention.

Carrot Cake

To start the beginning of my Easter weekend holiday, I felt compelled to do a little baking and tried a new carrot cake recipe.   I'm not sure that I will use this recipe again as it was such a faff to create...separating the eggs, then whisking the egg whites was a little over the top I felt.  Also, the cake baked rather a "deep caramel" colour which I do not think really looks that appetising although in fairness, the cake was very moist and tasty.

I did have fun making the marzipan carrots though.

This recipe came from the My Cake Decorating magazine which is available off the shelf and does seem to provide good ideas to spruce up the odd afternoon bake session.

Strawberry Cake Time

Yes - I know what you are thinking....this whole sponge cake thing is going a bit far but I was in a desperate rush to whip up a quick cake for friends who came to visit on the weekend and when one only has 30mins before #1's piano lesson, what better way to listen the the practice notes of "Jelly on a Plate" (played ultra carefully by a right hand) whilst quickly beating the cake mixture to creamy loveliness in the kitchen......a great stress reliever too!!

Lemon Cake Time

Ahhh - the joys of a real cream cake.

I would like to say that I actually made the Lemon Curd as well but I would be lying and instead used a Waitrose special.

The versatility of a classic Victorian Sponge cake should not be underestimated when it comes to easy peasy desserts.

The joy of cake decoration!

I have fond memories of watching my mother make wonderful celebration cakes for other people and like the "Cobblers children who go unshod" cannot distinctly remember a specific celebration cake of my own. Clearly I am still bitter about it and do not wish to pass on my angst in the form of "birthday cake" memoirs!

I was foolish enough to ask what they both wanted and felt that it was all too easy to go and buy a tooth decay laden sponge from the supermarket so instead I created my own dental nightmare for the following requests.

I would like a Sea Adventure cake please Mummy!

Please can I  have a Princess Crown cake?

Please can I have a Chocolate Castle?