Valentines cupcakes - pre-blogging excitement

I promised that I would show you some cupcakes I found that are perfect for Valentine's day. Then I found some more, and more, and more...

So I'm just going to do a post about all the Valentines cupcakes that I find I instantly fall in love with...it's likely there will be quite a few...

Don't forget to check back for my Valentines extravaganza at the beginning of February!

(Also to my darling boy friend who I expect to read my blog religiously, HINT ;] )

Absolutely LOVE this cupcake by Bakerella!

She's the one who came up the ingenious idea of cake pops which are adorable. The portions are pretty ingenious too seeing as its January and cakes are a bit naughty this time of year...

Hello Kitty cake pops, what's not to love?!

I digress. This cupcake is stunning and links nicely into the whole rockabilly trend that's going on at the moment.

Perhaps a nice idea for a less conventional Valentines day gift? Personally I'm not into the whole teddy bear and chocolates thing...

Speaking of Valentines, nearer the occasion I will post some amazing Valentines cupcakes I found a while ago. They are beautiful and worth the wait. Watch this space.

Pacman cookies

I wish I'd thought of this!

Turn a tulip shaped cookie cutter upside-down and voilà, pacman cookies!

Banana and Chocolate Mascarpone Crepes

Unfortunately I haven't been as attentive to my poor blog than I would like to be recently. I have my first NCTJ shorthand exam in two days and duty calls! I still haven't made a single recipe from the cookery books I got for Christmas.

However, I can't help but notice how utterly sinful and delicious these banana and chocolate mascarpone crepes I found on foodbuzz are!

Even though I don't have time to make them, that doesn't mean you can't have a go!

Here's the recipe!

Photos and verdicts are welcome!

Beardyman Kitchen Diaries

It ain't all about the bakin'!

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!