New Class Coming Up - Vintage Cupcakes

Our new class is called Vintage Cupcakes.

We will be using new moulds, cutters and embossers, along with mastering new skills with lustres, pastes and royal icing.

Come and learn some new decorating ideas to perfect your Cupcakes.

Pastel shades, flowers, bunting, buttons and bows.

The next two Vintage Cupcake Classes are on:

Monday 1 October 11am - 1pm  £50

or

Saturday 13 October 11am - 1pm  £55

Our Coach Trip to The Cake and Bake Show

We had great fun on our Colourful Cupcakes Coach Tour to Earls Court last weekend.

Twenty five of us left Newbury Wharf at a rather early Sunday hour, and made it to Earls Court in good time (thanks to Weavaway Travel) to queue ready for the opening hour. 

Most of us rushed straight to the main theatre area for Mary Berry's 11am demo.

It was well worth the wait to see the lovely lady in person, and as a baking bonus, her demo was gate crashed by Paul Hollywood.

The pair of them have a great banter and friendship, and the audience was used to vote for Paul wearing a) polo shirts or b) smart shirt, as Mary prefers him in a smart shirt.  The audience agreed too!

Mary demonstrated a Hazelnut and Raspberry Meringue Roulade

And Paul was there to taste .... 

Mary also made a delicious chocolate cake, which was shared amongst some very lucky children in the front row.

There were plenty of stalls to look around during the day.  At lunchtime it was incredibly busy, but you could go and listen to talks, see demos, queue for book signings etc.

I really enjoyed the Squires stand and Peggy Porschen stand.

It was good to see what the new trends are, have a look at new products and to have the opportunity to ask questions at the various stalls.  There's always a new gadget that needs explaining!

In the afternoon I sat down with my cuppa to watch Edd Kimber (2010 GBBO Winner) do his demo and answer any GBBO questions we had.  He has a new book out, which is obviously so good, it completely sold out! 

I saw Eric Lanlard demonstrating some decorating techniques to a small group.

One of my favourites of the day was Paul A Young, who makes fine chocolates and truffles, he has stores in London.

He was an excellent speaker, and had made over 3000 truffles for the show classroom events and tastings.  The way he described the ingredients and the flavours with such passion (and excitement!) was wonderful. 

If you are in London, please visit, they are divine.  (Islington, Soho and City)

I loved the creativity of these party tables from Tempting Cake.

We nearly didn't make it out of London as Tina was very busy cuddling Paul Hollywood!  She swooned the whole way home on the M4!

Our two mini bakers Georgia and Freya were over the moon to meet Mary and to have their photos taken with her AND get her autograph! 

The Show was a complete sell out, and I know it will be even bigger and better next year.

Cupcakes to Cornwall

I've just taken a short break with a friend to St Ives in Cornwall.

My Favourite Place!

We stayed at Little Leaf, a great B&B at the top of town which has the most stunning views.

Brilliantly run by Lee and Danny, a couple who escaped London to start a new life.  I have followed their blog since they started their new venture and now in their second season I finally got to meet them.

And of course I had to take Cupcakes .... with little leaves on!

I can really recommend staying there, they have thought of everything, and they make the most amazing breakfasts, huge and delicious. 

St Ives gave us 3 beautiful days of sunshine.  Red skies at night over Porthmeor Beach, bright turquoise and blues followed us on our coastal walk from Zennor to St Ives, and there was crystal clear water in the Harbour on our final morning.

I'm now refreshed and ready to start the Cupcake Term!

I'm looking forward to our "Class Trip" to the Cake and Bake Show on Sunday, I'll blog next week to let you know how we got on!

Raspberry Cupcakes

My Raspberries are finally ready for picking.

These Cupcakes are delicious, I made a vanilla cupcake and popped a raspberry on top before baking.  I didn't cover it, I just left it on the top of the mixture, it sinks into the middle during the bake.

I found some natural raspberry flavouring to beat into the buttercream and they tasted delicious.

Another option would be to use some raspberries to make a natural puree; push the raspberries through a sieve and stir into the buttcream, either fully to make a lovely pink colour, or as a marbly pattern.

Pinky Hen Party

We had a great afternoon on Saturday for Bex's Hen Party.

Wonderfully and secretly organised by Chief Hen, who had even made these stunning aprons for them all.  (I loved them, very pink, very me!)

Hard at work, they made some stunning Cupcakes, taking advantage of all the decorations, sprinkles and fresh raspberries on offer.

Here are the finished boxed Cupcakes ready to go.

I hope you enjoyed the rest of your weekend!