Monday 21 January 2013

Week 47 - Shortbread

Traditionally associated with Scotland, classic shortbread is perfect for a
vintage afternoon tea wherever you are  - The WI Vintage Teatime
Faff Factor = 8
Bake = 7
Keeping Up Appearances = 8
Total score = 25/30
A few years ago I bought my mum the classic shortbread mould from Lakeland hoping that she may get the baking bug.  Sadly that idea never materialised and whilst rummaging through mum's cupboards the other month I found the said gift still in its box.  A lucky find for me as I've been wanting to have a go at making shortbread on my challenge and this gave me the opportunity to do it in style.
All of my books contain nearly the exact same recipe for all butter shortbread and I decided to give the WI book another outing from the shelves.
The mixture came together very easy, I do love getting my hands dirty, however I did add a little milk as it was not binding together as directed by the recipe.
Once baked I left it in the mould to completely cool before tipping out. I think this is a glorious moment when you tip out a cake, turn over a tart or this case the mould to see if the underside (now the topside) looks good.  I was mildly disappointed to find I did not press the mixture in enough on certain areas but once I sprinkled with caster sugar that kind of covered up the imperfection.  Also I think I placed too much mixture into the mould as it was rather thick and the very centre was not quite cooked through, but the boys said it tasted of cookie dough and not to fret. Phew, my critics saved my day.
I personally thought it was a little tasteless and could do with something added.  I may have to investigate a little further to see what I can add and give this one another go to try and get the texture, impression and taste just right for me.
Ohh, and notice my new tea towel, all the way from Fortnum and Mason from my little Christmas trip . It is the Jubilee commemorative tea towel for the bargain knock down price of £2.50 from £15.00.  Just love a bargain:-)
Toot Toot
Lynetta Xx
 

Friday 18 January 2013

Never plan for the 18th!!!!

Note to self: Never plan a jolly with friends on 18th of December or January, as yet again the snow has stopped play.
Just wanted to document the fact that the white stuff has landed this winter and bought disruption all around.  Will we ever learn to accept that life must go on.
Will be back pretty soon with some form of update.  It's been a long time in the making as I've had a little break from the computer.
Be back soon..
Lynetta Xx

Friday 4 January 2013

Week 46 - Christmas Slice Traybake

Christmas slice traybake - from the book Cookies, Muffins and Cakes
Faff Factor = 9
Bake = 8
Keeping Up Appearances = 9
Total score = 26/30
With the breakdown of my cooker and the long wait fo receive my new one I missed the opportunity to bake a Christmas cake this year. I had high hopes and plans to make a spectacular one and even decided on the design too, good job I didn't bake one as with being given 6 boxes of chocolates, 2 boxes of biscuits and a tin of Ameretto biscuits I just don't think I could of eaten anything else.
But Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a Christmas cake so I scoured my books and went to one I've not used before, Cookies, Muffins and Cakes.  It's a fab book and includes many recipes for traybakes which I've not really given a thought to, until now. 
This bake is a brilliant throw it all in mix and bake. I've heard this method can sometimes make for a dry cake but I wasn't dissappointed one little bit. I topped the cake with a very thin layer of marzipan, a thin layer of foundant icing and I finally used some sprinkles my friend Sarah bought back for me from her Disney trip last year .
All in all a quick bake.  I will make this again next year and will be including my grand design on top so watch this space in December.  When I do bake again I will soak the fruit for an hour or two just to get some moisture and another flavour into the cake.  It was not dry but I felt lacking something to give it the special Mmmmm..
A great litte cake that lasted over the christmas period.  I'm glad I cut into very small slices as it  was easy to eat with a cuppa without feeling guilty.  I know a few friends found them pleasing when popping round to.
Off to try and get some energy to bake the last 6 cakes for my challenge.
Toodle Pip
Lynetta Xx