Despite only drinking decaf, we’re big fans of coffee in this house, so what better way to accompany a nice cuppa than with a slice of coffee and walnut cake. It’s a deservedly classic combination that makes a great pick-me-up when you need some sugar and caffeine (although you could make it with decaf too!). I don’t mind walnuts, but I’ve never been that much of a fan of the bitter taste that the skin gives them. Even when toasted in the oven, I find they make my mouth go dry. I am, however, partial to a pecan – I…
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Continue ReadingI can’t claim that these are entirely my idea, but they’re as close to it as I’ll get! Having received a sneak peek recipe from my insider friend at Quadrille, I was keen to give Fiona Cairn’s masala chai cake with ginger fudge frosting (from ‘The Birthday Cake Book’) a go. I’ve long been a fan of the chai latte, particularly on cold autumn days and pre-Christmas shopping trips – so this sounded right up my street. As expected, the cake was lovely, and tasted just like my much-loved chai latte, although personally I’m not a fan of too much…
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Continue ReadingAs soon as I saw Cox Cookies & Cake by Eric Lanlard and Patrick Cox, I had to buy a copy. As a designer myself, I couldn’t help but love the padded cover, pink edged pages and ‘sexy, seductive’ photographic styling – and the tongue in cheek, slightly smutty humour tickled me too. A collaboration between master pâtissier Eric Lanlard and footwear designer Patrick Cox, the book documents some of the popular bakes sold in their Soho shop, including the Buff Man Cakes, Cheeky Cakes and Titty Cakes. Definitely buns with va-va-voom! With a visit to a sweet obsessed friend…