Holiday Cake

This last few days it has been raining and it's put me in the mood to start to make some Christmas treats, as that time of year is getting close now! I'm also going to make some hand made Christmas cards to send to my friends back in the UK. The mail has been so unreliable, I had better make sure I send them early this year.

The cake is baked in a very traditional European Bundt tin, which is most noticeable for it's decorated sides and the fact it has a big hole in the middle! The tins come in many different sizes and shapes, some like buildings or mountains, but all look spectacular. They can be a bit tricky to use as the cake mix can tend to cook more quickly in the thinner parts of the cake, so it can take a bit of experience until every cake turns out looking good, and cooked evenly. Bundt cakes are thought to originate in northern Europe and Scandinavia, but became popular in the USA after a national competition contestant won second prize with a bundt cake in the 1960's.  

When this cake is first turned out of it's mould, it can look a bit dull and uninteresting, but just wait untill you see the transformation as the "snow" falls onto the tree-tops! I always sing the classic Christmas song Let it Snow, Let it Snow while the snow is falling ;)  

This cake is normally baked as a fairly plain cake, but this time I gave it a seasonal twist and added a walnut filling, which tasted amazing. I really enjoy this with an espresso martini, or with my morning coffee. 

This month there will be lots of cake tasting to get ready for the Christmas Soirée, as I hold the same Soirée every year, and this cake has been requested on the table by my friends, they love it, and it makes an impressive centre-piece to any table, I hope it can be on your table during this festive season too!

Vanilla Strawberries Cake with Meringue Topping

Making this cake was a bit of a marathon for me as it took two and a half hours to finish, but it was worth every second. The joining of sweet strawberry jam and the vanilla inside this cake gives it an amazing flavour. The cake was finished with a velvet coating of Italian Meringue, then decorated with glazed strawberries. I piped the meringue in little onion shapes to match the strawberry shape, and I'm sure you'll agree the contrast between the bright red and white is delightful. This cake is well suited as a dessert cake, as it has a rich and moist texture.

This cake contains dairy products, so is best to keep it in the fridge and to consume within 2 days.

Moelleux au Chocolat (Moist Chocolate Pudding)

This is one of my favourite chocolate puds, fit for any serious chocaholic! The rich glossy melting middle is to die for, and it can be served straight from the oven, cold, or warmed through in a microwave or conventional oven. Which ever way you choose, this pudding will not disappoint any chocolate lover. I'm thinking of trying a different version with a caramel sauce in the middle.

I used 72% of cocoa solid chocolate to make this delicious dessert, which is quite high because the intense chocolate flavour is diluted with the flavours from the sugar, flour and butter. I love to serve this to friends when they visit, as the moist center with the oozy chocolate comes out like lava from a volcano, and when you spoon it in your mouth, your heart feels like it's being melted by chocolatey lava!

If you decide to serve this dessert, make sure your main course is not too rich, because this pud packs a punch of overwhelming chocolate flavour, both inside and out. It will definitely satisfied your guests.

This dessert could be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or for those concerned about their waistline, a little creme fraiche. 

Lemon Meringue Tartlets

I got this recipe from my friend in Paris, she taught me how to make this fantastic classic French tartlet in the traditional way. The meringue that tops this tart is hand finished with blowtorch to give a dramatic look that could easily be served in a restaurant, and would impress your guests at any dinner party.


The base is similar to sponge cake, but this dish hides a secret! Hidden in the middle is a little oasis of lemon curd that is the surprise for everyone. The meringue is super-smooth and light in texture, having been whipped into soft peaks, then layered onto the base to cover the lemony surprise. When the tartlet is fully assembled, the pure white meringue is browned by using a blowtorch for that professional looking finish.


This tartlet is was my friends' good treat they loved it when I had that during my dinner party because of the sweet lemony taste it is a good idea to draw a finishing line to the dinner party.

Visitandines

This flavoursome treat is great idea for offering to visiting friends and family, as its named visitation. It has crunchy edges and soft in the middle almost chewy texture in the middle.

The ground almond makes it very wholesome nutty flavour and the lemon zest complements with a little hit of lemon aftertaste that blends very well with almond. You can dip into any no sugar coffee such latte or long black. It makes the coffee flavoured and sweetens the coffee too!

These lovely French biscuits are ideal to keep in your biscuit tin or store cupboard, ready for when you feel the need for that little bit of sweetness.

Avelinettes, Rich Chocolate Truffles

It's a little late for valentine, but if you could wish to have valentine any day you like, you could, if you try this French nut truffle! It has all the walnut, hazelnut, almond flavour ground inside it, and the velvet-smooth truffle is coated with pure cocoa powder. Is perfect for an after dinner light snack, or you can serve as the sweet snack after dinner party when served with coffee, or even on it's own as a special little treat.

When you bite it you will taste the rich deep flavour of the bitter cocoa powder that coats the truffle, then the romance comes with the sweetness of the sugar and the aroma of the nuts, it feels like someone came along to give you the most sweetest moment of life; just like your wishes of valentine that you could never had. This will definitely fulfill you more than anything else. Would you like to have a valentine right now?

These delicious hand-made truffles are supplied in individual little cases, and can be ordered in time for your special occasion, or why not just treat yourself to a small quantity for those moments when you need cheering up! Please contact me for details.

Lemon Drizzle Cake

A lovely lemon cake with a crunchy top. It's really easy and travels well, so if you're currying favour with the boss, it's a good one to take into the office! The acidity of the lemon is matched very well with the sweetness of the sugar for a very flavoursome taste. The contrast between the moistness of the inside of the cake, and the delicious crunchy top makes this cake one of the most popular treats I can offer.

It goes very well with a cup of English Breakfast Tea or Earl Grey. If you prefer coffee, it is definitely the Kenya region coffee that's the best choice. A sip of Kenya Coffee then a little bite of this cake, the coffee certainly will bring out the flavour of lemony citrus taste. 

Chocolate Loaf

A mouth watering Chocolate Loaf served with melted chocolate. The melted chocolate is a delightful extra indulgence for an after-dinner treat, but this very light cake can of course be eaten at anytime of the day.  The chocolate chips inside the cake simply burst with rich chocolatey flavour. This versatile loaf can be enjoyed on it's own, with some butter or with the delicious glossy chocolate sauce.

Sometimes in the middle of the night I can't resist to pinch one slice from the kitchen to fulfill my chocolate temptation. Can you handle your chocolate temptation? Order some today, and test yourself!

Chouquettes (Sugar Puff)

This is a Viennoiserie type of small bite-sized portion of choux pastry that is sprinkled with pearl sugar or can be covered with chocolate chips, and sometime filled it with custard, mousse or dipped into chocolate too. Chouqeuttes originate from Italy and the French took it to their home and shared it.  Have this during your tea time will definitely make your day. 

Chouquettes can be ordered direct from me, they're ideal for a special dinner party, and can be supplied with a choice of fillings to suit every taste!

Petit-four Chocolate Peanut-Butter

I made these using 72% cocoa chocolate for the topping because the sweetness from the peanut butter goes so well with the melted chocolate topping, indeed if you want to make this for kids you could substitute with a sweeter chocolate bar, as these were made for the appreciation of serious chocolate lovers! I loved to embellished these with gold and silver balls for the seasonal glitz. This also complements the flavour of a Long Black Coffee too.

Chocolate Pistachio Fudge

When I was making this on a rainy day, it felt like I was making a real festive treat. All of my friends and customers have really loved this combination of rich chocolate the Pistachio nuts. The chocolate melts in the mouth, and the nuts give a lovely crunch. If you can have a latte with this, you will love it, or just enjoy as an after dinner treat! 

If you'd like to sample a batch of these delicious treats, please contact me for details. I'm able to supply these to order, freshly made! They'll keep in your fridge for a few days too, that is if you can stop yourself from eating them all!

Madeleine

So, for the first post on my new Blog I decided to post 3 examples of sumptuous French Madeleines.

Madeleines are a very traditional French treat, great for snacking and a fantastic accompaniment for coffee. Baked in traditional shell shaped moulds, these mini sponge cakes have been enjoyed all over Europe for hundreds of years, and are available with many different flavourings to suit every taste.

The first photo shows a simple and classic melt-in-the-mouth vanilla Madeleine.

The second example is a richer Cocoa Madeleine, dusted with fine cocoa powder and flavoured with freshly brewed espresso coffee.

The third photo is a trio of indulgent Mocha and Chocolate Madeleines, a delightful blend of coffee and dark 70% cocoa chocolate. A real treat for when you need that little bit of self indulgence after a hard day at work!

The final photo is those are chocolate lover, it is definately a good treat with two Coffee-Madeleines sandwich with the chocolate cream, it looks like a black pearls in the shell. The first bite of it with the ozzy chocolate that came out from the side that you got a reason to lick the figure too.

Keep following this blog for more examples of Madeleines and many more traditional patisserie treats. If you'd like to actually taste anything you see, please contact me for a price list and your delivery options.