Lemoncurd Cake

Since I realised I was gluten intolerant, I have made the same cake over and over (a chocolate brownie recipe on the back of the Doves Farm flour), whereas previously I would make lots of varieties of cake.

I think I have been slightly worried if other recipes would turn out. Making a christmas cake with gluten free flour and it being a great success has made me decide, if I see a recipe I fancy trying just go for it! :-)

I don't know why but I always feel I am nurturing my family when I bake, same if I make porridge, pancakes, rice pudding or Sunday roast!! ;-)

So, at weekend I made this gorgeously moist lemoncurd cake, I used bog standard lemon curd for the main body of the recipe, but for the top I used extra special 'Limun' a gift from a friend!

Recipe;
3/4 jar of decent lemoncurd
6oz sugar
6oz soft butter
3 eggs
8oz self raising flour (I used Doves Farm Gluten Free)

Heat the oven to 160C/325F/Gas Mark 3
Line an 8"/20cm cake tin with baking paper

Beat half the lemoncurd with the sugar and butter.
Add the eggs and mix one at a time.
Fold in the flour.
Put into your prepared tin.
Drop the remaining lemoncurd in teaspoons over the surface.

Bake for around 45 minutes, checking for browning half way through and covering if necessary with tin foil.

Cool, put the kettle on, sit yourself down and enjoy!

XX

Quintessentially English

This weekend has been extra special. My boy and his girl are home for Christmas. 

My brother and his lovely wife and gorgeous new baby girl are home from America. 

& all is right in my World.

It's been a whirl of a weekend, kicking off with the most quintessential of English pastimes - 

Afternoon Tea. 

Near my home the tearoom is the perfect place to escape. It is also a gift and furniture showroom, so perfect for last minute gifts ;-)

Decorated in the most gorgeous wallpapers with amazing lightfittings.

& perfectly chintzy too!

En famille - my heart is full....

 It is so nice to have babies in our family again! Especially when as cute as this in Christmas jumpers.....and sharing first smiles :-)

 & here's what I wore. This dress was the perfect throw on. Eye catching animal print with pockets. Bagged in the sale at Wallis & worn with Lola Cruz boots and blinging bracelet!!

Wishing you the happiest of weeks!
XX

Chocolate Hedgehog Cake

I thought I'd share with you the cake my children would demand for their 

birthdays when they were small. 

They thought I was the most wonderful, clever Mama in the world when I produced it!! 

Aaaahhhh, too cute!

I made this last week for my Son's 21st - and guess what - 

they loved it again and proudly told their partner's what a wonderful, clever Mama I am!! 

The mixture is a basic sponge recipe - just add cocoa powder to a pale brown - 

it will go darker as it bakes as you can see below....bake in a moderate 

oven for 35 minutes until springy to touch.

Butter icing to decorate - again with added cocoa powder :-)

Add 'spikes' using Minstrel's and Button's, shape a nose with the butter icing.

Ta-dah - simples!
XX

Weekend Wanders

On Sunday I wandered over to my lovely friend Kate's house, to support a 

Charity Event combined with a jewellery party combined with a lets get together

 before the country goes mad in December afternoon!

Kate was raising money for North West Air Ambulance. 

Friends had made scrumptious cakes, there was a raffle and a wonderful lady was there to sell her bespoke jewellery. 

Very Kerry has just started to sell on Etsy and her jewellery is beautiful. 

So, so pretty and delicate, which I loved.

You can ask for any design you wish and Kerry will oblige.

Loved this - reminded me of Chinese pottery!

 Treat to myself! :-)

Cosy crochet scarf.

 Very Kerry @ work!

Designer lollipops! Nom, nom :-p

 & Cake...

 How cute is this Owl tea cosy? Had to include him!

 My Buys :-)

Thanks Kate for a wonderful afternoon!

What wandering have you done lately?

XX