Classic Victoria Sponge

It’s strawberry season and I’ve been throwing together a lot of cakes and treats recently. AClassic Victoria Sponge is always a tea time winner, and has to be one of my favourites. A light and fluffy sponge filled with fresh strawberries and vanilla cream with a hearty dusting of icing sugar to finish. I must say the summer fruity filling with freshly whipped vanilla cream take this traditional cake to new heights.

Empire Biscuits

Empire Biscuits are typically considered to be a traditional Scottish snack. Two layers of crunchy shortbread, sandwiched together with a dollop of raspberry jam in the middle, topped off with a drizzle of icing and a glacier cherry on top. Although, I don’t like glacier cherries that much so I opted for a fruity jelly tot decoration instead. I love the rustic, messy look, to me, it adds a touch of character and charm. 

Fluffy Vanilla Marshmallow

Everyone knows that marshmallows are the classic component to a mug of hot chocolate or the perfect toasted, gooey treat to round off a barbecue in the summer months. So when I realised they could be made at home, it had to be done. The process was a bit messy but these are my pillow soft, fluffy, chewy, vanilla treats, and they were most definitely worth the effort. 

Banana Mini Muffins

   

 

Recently I have been going bananas (Pun intended) but they are amazing! Banana Muffins are essentially the little sister of the of Banana Loaf, and they’re a snap to make. When pulled from the oven, they’re golden brown crusts are delightfully crisp and chewy yet the body of the muffin is lovely and moist. Topped with freshly whipped up Caramel Buttercream, they are simply delicious!

Banana Bread

Banana Bread is incredibly quick and easy to make and there's no better way of using up really ripe bananas. Easily adapted, you can chuck in a handful of blueberries, chocolate, fudge chunks or just whatever takes your fancy. This moreish loaf makes for a scrumptious weekend breakfast served with fresh coffee or can be enjoyed as a tasty snack throughout the day. 

Fabulous Chocolate Brownies

Over the past year I have baked a lot of snacks for my family, friends and colleagues and without a doubt the most popular goodies are my Chocolate Brownies. These squidgy cake squares are rich, moist and chewy. I like to change them up a bit and throw in some extra chocolate or fudge chunks. They are outrageously tempting fresh from the oven, served with a glass of cold milk. 

Gooseberry Cheesecake

It wasn’t until quite recently I discovered exactly what a gooseberry was. In fact it was the day I went strawberry picking, I also picked Gooseberries. Then came the dilemma of ‘what on earth do I do with gooseberries??’ After a little online research I discovered that when cooked down with a little sugar, they loose their sour grape flaour and become sweet with a zesty oomph! Perfect for trying out my first ever chilled cheesecake. Ginger nut biscuits were used for the base to add more flavour and crunch. I was happy with the flavour and ease of making chilled gooseberry cheesecake even though it had a somewhat messy appearance. This slice was served with balsamic strawberries. Yum! I will definitely be exploring the world of cheesecake in the future. 

Raspberry and White Chocolate Cupcakes

Can’t decide between chocolate or fruit filled treats?, then you don’t have to. Raspberry and White Chocolate Cupcakes combine the berry freshness of raspberries which compliment the delicate white chocolate in these light and airy jam filled beauties. These were made as a scrummy summer barbecue dessert served with ice cream but perfect with a nice cuppa tea too. 

Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

Easter celebrations are never complete without enjoying a fine home cooked roast with the in laws. I chose to add to the selection of yummy desserts by bringing along some rich Chocolate Cupcakes with freshly made Vanilla Buttercream to get the perfect flavour balance. Aptly decorated with chocolate shavings and mini eggs. What’s not to love? 

Strawberry Jam

I love a bit of strawberry jam slathered on toast, mixed in my porridge or on a freshly baked scone. So after I had been strawberry picking I decided to give jam making a go. I scanned the interweb until I decided on a simple 3 ingredient recipe. Best to start off basic in the world of baking I think! Strawberries, sugar and lemon juice bubbled away to make this fruity batch of Strawberry jam. It’s jammin’!