Christmas Day!

I know it's Christmas day and I should be preoccupied with watching The Snowman and helping to peel sprouts, but I had to share some wonderful gifts I received today that I know you will all love too! (I am, however, watching The Nutcracker ballet with a set that is tickling my sweet tooth!)

From the lovely man who always helps me to stir things for the treats I make for this blog, I got this amazing book.

This book is definitely a must have for anyone in love with baking. From the introduction with a myriad of tips on how to make the perfect cakes and any type of icing you can imagine, this book has everything. It covers the old favourites like iced fairy cakes and croissants all the way to savoury delights like Italian pesto muffins.

The pages are clear and easy to understand and each recipe comes with a mouthwatering and inspiring photo.

BAKE ME I'M YOURS...

From a good friend of mine who slaves alongside me in the bakery where I work bought me this delicious book dedicated to cupcakes.

This gorgeous little book is packed full of recipes for every occasion. It was a shame I got this book today because it has some delightful ideas for cupcakes to celebrate Christmas day.

Tasty Stocking Fillers

Baking is a messy business! Stay scrumptious with these adorable nail files and lip balms. (Also from the lovely chap who bought me the 1001 recipes book)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM CAKE AND SAUCER!

Xmas Cookies!

I should apologise for being such a slack blogger recently but the NCTJ exams meant I had to take a break from the oven for a while...but I'm back!

I've just put some stained-glass (it's not real glass but sweets!) cookies in the oven and the recipe will be up here in time for Christmas!

Sophia's NY style blackberry swirl cheesecake!

It was Thanksgiving the other day and my lovely cousin who lives in the USA made this cheesecake with her mum/my aunt. It looked so good I had to post it on here!
I've made a few changes as it's an American recipe so people everywhere to make it!

Ingredients (serves 16)

• 8 oz. Honey Maid Graham Cracker Crumbs/digestive biscuits
• 3 tablespoon sugar
• Tablespoon of melted butter
• 4 packs of Philadelphia cheese / 5 packs of cream cheese - 8.oz per packet (the weight of packet depends on where you live...)
  
• 8oz sugar
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla
  
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup of blackberry jam

How to bake

• Preheat the over to 325F/gas mark 3
• Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil, with the ends of the foil extending over the sides of the pan.
  
• Mix the cracker/biscuit crumbs with the butter and press firmly onto the bottom of the pan.
  
• Bake for 10 minutes.
• Beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended.
  
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each egg is just blended.
  
• Pour mixture over the crust.
• Drop small spoonfuls of jam over the mixture. Cut through the mixture several time with a knife to create a marble effect.
• Bake for 40minutes or until the centre is almost set.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
  

Animal Print Cupcakes.

All I can say is...
THESE ARE STUNNING!

They were made by deathbycupcake on flickr for her friend's 40th birthday.

I have to try and make some! When I do I will post my attempt on here. (Don't hold your breath for success!)

Cappucino Birthday Cake

This Cappuccino Cake is for my coffee-loving brother who recently turned 28.
The original cake was from BBC Good Food, but I couldn't help but add my own twist to it with some Malteasers and chocolate shavings for decoration.

Here is the cake we will be making...

Ingredients

• 250g pack butter , softened
• 250g light soft brown sugar plus 2-3 tbsp
• 300g self-raising flour
• 4 eggs , beaten
• 50g walnuts , toasted and finely chopped (a food processor is easiest), optional
• 200ml very strong coffee (made fresh or with instant), cooled

Decoration

• 500g tub mascarpone
• 2 tbsp light soft brown sugar
• cocoa powder or drinking chocolate to decorate

How to bake Cappuccino Cake

1. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.
2. Butter 2 x 20cm sandwich tins and line the bottoms with greaseproof paper.
3. Beat butter and sugar together with electric beaters until pale and creamy.
4. Add the flour and eggs in one go and keep beating until evenly mixed. Fold in the walnuts (if using) and half of the coffee (or all the coffee if you want a plain mascarpone icing)
5. Spoon the mix into the prepared tins and bake for 25-30 mins or until golden and well risen.
6. Leave the cakes in their tins for 5 mins before turning onto a wire rack. Leave to cool completely.
7. While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Tip the mascarpone into a large bowl and beat in the sugar . Use about half of the frosting to sandwich the sponges together then, using a palette or cutlery knife, spread the rest of the frosting over the top of the cake.
8. Decorate with by shaving chocolate on the top with a grater. (Add Malteasers if they sell them where you are in the world for extra decoration).

If you're making this cake to eat at home, it will keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Cupcakes and hip hop

Roman is as Roman Does by Themselves
Including cupcakes!
http://www.drownradio.com/2009/11/10/themselves-new-video.html

Valentine's cupcakes

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you my Valentine's Day post! It's just a few days away now, but there's still time for all of you romantics out there to prepare.

I've picked a selection of photos that show the endless ideas to impress your Valentine with. There's something for everyone, from cute pink fairy cakes to utterly sinful chocolate cupcakes.

Valentine's Day is one of those occasions where making something yourself, however unsuccessful it is, is truly appreciated. So this year, take inspiration from these amazing cakes and have a go at making something beautiful for your loved one!

My Sweet and Saucy

These cupcakes by My Sweet and Saucy are simply stunning. They manage to be detailed and intricate yet elegant at the same time. If you're feeling brave, here is the tutorial on how to make them. They are by far my favourite.

Kumquat Cupcakery

These pretty cupcakes are perfect for those who prefer a more subtle approach to celebrating Valentine's Day. These mini-cupcakes are from Kumquat Cupcakery in NYC.

If you really want to go alternative this Sunday, they also sell maple bacon mini cupcakes!

Tortentante

Sometimes, you just need to let your partner know...

By Tortentante

Abbietabbie

Abbietabbie is a lady I found on flickr who describes herself as someone "who makes cakes as a hobby", which goes to show you don't have to own a bakery to put a lot of effort into what you do! Her other cakes are very impressive, but I love how simply and effective these are.

Breeleed

Breeleed made these beautifully iced cupcakes for her grandma, which reminds me of when my mum used to send cards to my brother and I pretending they were from secret admirers.

Mirabelle

If you are secretly admiring someone and feel it's time to let them know, just say the words Belgian white chocolate ivy leaves on a ganache glazed chocolate cake and watch them fall in love with you. You can thank me with an invite to your wedding.

Tasquah

Red Velvet cupcake filled with Barvarian cream and frosted with cream cheese, butter cream and topped with chocolate swirls and a dark chocolate dove heart...

This cupcake makes me want to hyperventilate...

Taking the big step of sharing these with someone definitely shows you love them.

Here's some more inspiration that Blogger won't let me share...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebleedingheartbakery/4284503761/in/set-72157623235332164/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pastrychef_gaby/3679336257/