Sophie Collage and Bunting

Before Sophie was born I wanted to create some personalised artwork and matching bunting for above her cot. I found some gorgeous scrapbooking papers in a local craft shop so decided to use them for both the framed picture and bunting, so as to tie it all in together.

I didn't manage to finish the picture in time as Sophie arrived early but I've been able to finish it off recently and really pleased with the result. I used a mixture of the papers I found along with different fabrics and ribbons. I personalised it by embroidering her name and date of birth onto a piece of linen fabric.

I love the framed picture and feel it's a great keepsake which will last for years to come.

Apple Upside-Down Cake

Another recipe worth sharing is for this Apple upside-down cake I got from an Easy Food magazine. 

I forgot to add the ground almonds into the mixture though so instead sprinkled flaked almonds on top whilst it baked and added more once out of the oven. Then finished it off with a sprinkling of icing sugar.

I turned mine around because the almonds looked better on top I thought. So this one I made isn't technically upside-down! Whichever way you choose it'll still taste as good!....try it warm with custard, yummy!!

200g butter
200g caster sugar
4 eggs
225g self-raising flour
25g ground almonds
3 eating apples, thinly sliced
3 tbsp golden syrup

1. Heat the oven to 180c/gas mark 4
2. Line a deep 20cm spring-form cake tin with paper and grease it. (I used a sandwich cake tin and it came out fine)
3. Whisk the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy
4. Mix in the eggs then fold in the flour and almonds. If needed, add a little water to make the mixture easier to spoon into the tin.
5. Line the base of the tin with layers of apple slices.
6. Add the golden syrup then spoon the cake mixture on top.
7. Bake for one hour. Cool the cake in the tin, turn out onto a wire rack and remove the paper.

I found because I used a sandwich tin there was a bit too much cake mixture. I made a few cupcakes with the excess. I sprinkled cinnamon, flaked almonds and granulated sugar on top before putting in the oven. Once cooled I made a few holes in each with a fork and dribbled some golden syrup over the top :)

Fun Birthday cake for Daddy!

I let Joshua loose on decorating this cake for Daddy! I used the previous recipe but used food colouring to colour the buttercream icing. Joshua then added lots of sweets to the top!

I created the swirly ones by using ready to roll icing. I coloured half of it and rolled the plain and coloured together and sliced. I think they look quite fun!

Don't think i'll be putting green buttercream inside a cake again though. It may have tasted good but it did look a little strange!!

Cake, cake, cake!

I just have to share this recipe for Victoria sponge cake, its amazing! So easy to make by simply adding everything to the bowl and mixing. It rises so well too and makes a very impressive cake.

I've now used the recipe to make a couple of cakes and cupcakes too :) I'm really getting into this baking malarkey whilst on maternity leave. Often with Joshua lending a helping hand....and helping me to create more mess in the kitchen!!

I've banned myself from baking for the last week or so though as it's doing nothing to help me loose this last bit of baby tummy ;) That's the only problem with baking. I love to bake but also love to eat my creations too!!

Anyway, here's the link....Check it out, it's a must!

http://www.howtomakecakes.co.uk/2007/09/back-to-victoria-sponge.html