Readers,
Tonight’s post is nothing new. It’s
a long forgotten bake from the archives. But as I’m feeling miserable and dreaming of
summer days, I’m bringing these out to cheer me up.
Last year, my granny/baking
mentor/generally awesome old lady moved to sheltered flat. It may not have been under ideal
circumstances, but her new home is an ideal social hub – she goes to exercise
groups, plays bingo, has been to the cinema and for every resident’s birthday,
they have a party.
I was asked to make a cake for the
occasion and as it was her friend’s birthday the next day, something suitable
for the day after.
A Victoria Sponge always goes down
well– so I kept the cake simple – lashings of buttercream and Mackays Strawberry Preserve with Champagne as the filling. Fondant icing and yellow
daisies were all individually pressed over the top, and then the cake was
finished with a yellow ribbon to cheer everyone up.
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Close up of the daisies - I iced a white centre in each flower |
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Pearl hearts as a topper on the cake |
I used my Butterfly Birthday Cake recipe to make the cake and then decorated it from an idea I had in my head.
I guess this post is less instructional
and more about encouraging people to consider making an occasion cake. Two cake pans and the right ingredients will
get you started. The cake has no
additives or preservatives if it’s made by you. It’s personal and I can guarantee
that the recipient will be touched by the effort you've made.
Likewise, a muffin tin, paper
cases, scales and ingredients will have you on your way to making
cupcakes. They are by no means a
difficult bake – heck, go for an all in one method if you are a novice. Or for the more adventurous, go the traditional
route – there’s a cupcake recipe here for you to try.
Here's the cupcakes I made for my Granny's friend. Simple vanilla sponge, pink vanilla buttercream, with a pink butterfly and edible pearls on the top.
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Butterfly Cupcakes |
Decorate how you like – I've made everything from
an Elmo theme, to flowers and garden cakes, to race car cakes and a wedding tea
party for a colleague. Some may say
cupcakes have had their day, but let’s be honest, there’s nothing nicer than handing
someone a little bag of cakey deliciousness!
So as I lie on the couch in a very
cold and damp Scotland ,
at least looking at these cakes reminds me of summer days and sunshine. Why not
try these for yourselves for someone special’s birthday. I’m sure they’d go down a treat, or alternatively
treat yourself, have your cake (and eat it!)
Here’s some cupcake inspiration…
enjoy!
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Cakes for a colleague who got married last year - office tea party |
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Mum's Birthday treat |
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Cupcakes for a Burns Night fundraiser |
Ideal for Valentines, or those who hate piping! |
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Butterfly cupcakes for a fundraising dinner for TCCL(or great for a wedding) |
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