Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake

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Hello lovely readers. I have a confession to make. A big one. This Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake is definitely not perfect! However it is delicious.

Image showing a cut slice of the Bundt Cake.
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake perfectly baked by my friend David.

Look at this Bundt beauty. Doesn’t it look lovely, all snowy white? Perfect yes? Now look at the photo below. Oops nope! Well, it stuck – a bit. Just a little bit. Although you would never know from looking at it though, would you? So I’m here today to tell you that us Food Bloggers get things wrong sometimes too. I know exactly what I did wrong with this cake, I’ll explain that to you later.

Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake

Imperfect Is Okay

Most importantly, in our sleek, perfect, Instagram age, I do think it’s important to be real and honest. So my cake stuck, but I fixed it. And I am so glad I did as this Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake is absolutely beautiful and tastes amazing. I have had more serious disasters than this before and I tend to post them on Twitter as ‘Epic Fails’. Like the adaptation on my Sticky Pecan Sultana Buns!

Wanting to use up some of the many apples that we have had from our two trees this year, I decided to incorporate some freshly grated apple into the bun recipe. Firstly, even with the addition of lemon juice, the apples turned a murky brown colour – not great for blog photos. Still I carried on. The buns were very far from sticky. Soggy more like! They were an ‘Epic Fail’!

Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake moist and definitely more-ish. www.feastingisfun.com
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake

Icing That Covers Any Imperfections

Not all failures are un-mendable though. Only a small part of the bottom (top when turned out) of this cake stuck. This was because I had put the hidden lemon curd layer too near the bottom and it sank through the batter and adhered to the tin.

I have addressed this in the method, so although the photos show exactly how this cake was made, the method corrects the mistakes I made. This also includes over-fillng the Bundt tin! I should have used a bigger tin or left some of the cake batter out, instead of using it all. Bundt tins should never be filled more than three quarters full.

So I hid the stuck bit of cake the best way I could – with icing!!

Thick, luscious, lemon icing, draped over a moist lemon cake with a hidden lemon layer inside. If you like lemon flavours, you will go Bonkers over this Bundt!!

With the new method this cake bakes perfectly, however, whenever you are baking, sometimes things don’t always go to plan. So if there are any hitches that can be covered or concealed, go ahead. Sometimes though, if it’s cooked through but wont hold together, make a big jug of custard and have it for pudding!

Recipe : Makes one 10″ Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake

225g/8oz Caster Sugar

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter (plus 4tbsp extra for greasing the bundt pan)

4 Large Free Range Eggs

225g/8oz Plain White Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

1/4tsp Salt

5tbsp Lemon Curd – I use Waitrose own brand

1 Whole Lemon – scrubbed with a brush under running hot water

225g/8oz Icing Sugar

Method : Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan oven, 350F, gas mark 4

You can use an 8″ Bundt tin (as I did) just don’t use all of the batter – or use a 10″ Bundt tin. (Alternatively called a 6 cup and 10 cup bundt pan from Nordicware).

Making The Lemon Cake Batter And Filling The Bundt Pan

  • First of all melt 4tbsp of butter and thoroughly grease the Bundt tin, using a brush. Alternatively use Wilton cake release/bake easy, taking care to brush the inside of the bundt tin thoroughly so that it is completely covered.
Ensure the Bundt pan is well buttered.
Ensure the Bundt pan is well buttered.
  • Place the caster sugar and butter into a large bowl and beat until light and fluffy.
  • Sift all of the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl.
  • Add the 4 eggs.
  • Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth batter. This is known as the ‘All-in-one method’.
  • Zest the lemon, either using a fine grater or lemon zester (which is what I used), the latter gives delicious long strands of zest, visible in the cake. Squeeze one half of the lemon.
Add the zest of the whole lemon and half of its juice to the batter.
Add the zest of the whole lemon and half of its juice to the batter.
Mix the zest and juice into the cake batter.
Mix the zest and juice into the cake batter.
Half full the Bundt pan with the cake batter.
Half fill the Bundt pan with the cake batter.
  • As you can see my tin is not half full so just pretend it is.
Spoon the lemon curd on top of the batter, ensuring that it does not touch the side or centre of the Bundt pan.
Spoon the lemon curd on top of the batter, ensuring that it does not touch the side or centre of the Bundt pan.
  • Use a teaspoon to add the lemon curd into the centre of the cake batter.
Cover the lemon curd with the other half of the cake batter, ensuring you do not fill the Bundt ton more than 3/4 full.
Cover the lemon curd with the other half of the cake batter, ensuring you do not fill the Bundt tin more than 3/4 full.
  • As you can see my tin is almost full. This resulted in me having to slice off about 1″ of cake, once it was cooked, to be able to remove the cake from the tin. Don’t overfill the tin.

Baking The Lemon Bundt Cake

  • Place the Bundt tin into the centre of the oven and bake for 50 minutes.
  • Note – a skewer cannot be used to test if the cake is baked because of the lemon curd layer.
  • The cake is baked when it is golden brown, slightly coming away from the sides and with no visable wobble. If you are unsure, return the tin to the oven for a further 5 minutes.
  • As soon as the cake is baked remove from the oven and leave to cool in its tin for 15 minutes and then turn out onto a cooling rack.
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake allow to cool for 15 minutes before turning out.
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake you can see where the cake stuck.
  • You can see the area at the top of the photo where the cake stuck. Fortunately I was able to remove the stuck piece of cake and press it back onto the top of the Bundt.
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake the icing will hide the small area that stuck!!
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake the icing will cover the area that stuck.

Making The Icing And Decorating The Cake

Add enough icing powder to the lemon juice to create a thick, lump free glaze.
Add enough icing powder to the lemon juice to create a thick, lump free glaze.

Place the juice of the other half of the lemon into a small bowl. Add 200g of the icing sugar and stir thoroughly. The icing should be very thick and need encouragement to drip. If the icing is not thick enough add the rest of the icing sugar.

Drizzle and drape the thick, lemon icing over the cake. I used 2 teaspoons, one to add the icing and the other to start/stop the drape effect.

Drizzle and drape the thick icing over the cake in an uneven pattern.
Drizzle and drape the thick icing over the cake in an uneven pattern.

Looking at the cake above, nobody would ever guess at the minor mishaps that had taken place!

Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake add some white sprinkles and you have the perfect cake! www.feastingisfun.com
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake add some white sprinkles and you have the perfect cake! www.feastingisfun.com

I’m a sucker for sprinkles and sparkles. I finished this cake with some white sugar sprinkles.

Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake absolutely perfect for sharing. www.feastingisfun.com
Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake absolutely perfect for sharing. www.feastingisfun.com

The taste of this cake was amazing. Very lemony without being over tart, or over sweet. A beautifully moist cake that, as a family, we all loved and needless to say it didn’t last long!

Have you ever had any memorable baking disasters? Have you managed to fix a mishap, without anyone knowing? Do you have any to ‘fix’ tips? Please share them?

If you like the recipe for this Luscious Lemon Bundt Cake then you will may also enjoy these:

Caramel Crunch Chocolate Bundt Cake

A chocolate Bundt Cake covered in chocolate ganache and topped with pieces of crunchy caramel.
Caramel Crunch Chocolate Bundt Cake

Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake

A coffee and walnut Bundt Cake baked in the Heritage pan from Nordicware decorated with a maple syrup drizzle
Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Lemon and blueberry cake baked in the blossom bundt pan from Nordicware. Covered in a fresh lemon glaze and decorated with small white sugar paste flowers.
Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Baking Bundt cakes is so easy as the bundt pan creates the cake shape as it bakes. So if you are like me and not very confident at decorating cakes, bundt pans are the answer! While the cakes included in this post all have some form of icing or drizzle, they don’t have to be. Because a light dusting of icing sugar, or edible glitter, such as this Chocolate Cherry Chiffon Bundt Cake, is all that is needed to accent the baked cake. So you can be confident of creating a show stopper without the stress of cake decorating!

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

The header and first photograph are curtesy of my friend David Bartonmus, a talented baker among his other talents. Why not take a look at his blog.

Pinterest image with graphics.

 

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Homemade Chelsea Buns

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Hi, so it’s mid November and the excitement for Christmas in our house is definitely building. We all love Christmas, even though we still have our daughter’s and my birthday to celebrate in December, before Christmas. These amazing Homemade Chelsea Buns are perfect for baking any time of the year, but especially in the run up to Christmas. The scent of cinnamon and bread, fills the house as these buns bake in the oven.

FF Homemade Chelsea Buns

I love the build up to Christmas. Stir up Sunday when we make our Christmas cake, advent calenders, present shopping, decorations. Spending time with friends and family, getting excited together.

As a family we all love each single thread that pulls together and makes a complete Christmas. The spicy scents, wafting from the kitchen, that evoke memories and shared experiences.

FF Homemade Chelsea Buns
Homemade Chelsea Buns

Creating a surprise

Our children and their parents, love these Homemade Chelsea Buns with a big mug of steaming coffee, or hot chocolate, for breakfast. Unravelling the light, spiced dough and uncovering juicy, plump, sweet, fruits. Sticky and sweet. Traditionally Chelsea Buns are finished with a sprinkle of sugar, however since discovering how good they taste with a lemon drizzle on top I wouldn’t want to make them any other way.

One of my favourite things to do at the weekend is to sneak downstairs, whilst everyone else is still asleep and make something scrumptious for breakfast. and that is exactly what I did a couple of weeks ago. I couldn’t sleep, so I snuck into the kitchen, fuelled by hot cups of tea and baked these Homemade Chelsea Buns.

Everyone was so happy when they awoke to the scent of home cooking and found a big plate of warm buns, waiting to be devoured, on the table.

Unfortunately, due to the early morning light, the photos weren’t great. Shame eh? So I made these again during the day and they were gone by the following afternoon! Happily I had snapped some photos, before they were all munched.

FF Homemade Chelsea Buns
Homemade Chelsea Buns

I wouldn’t want you to limit making these only over the festive season. They are however, a wonderful warm up to full on Christmas cooking and baking.

Recipe: Makes 12 Homemade Chelsea Buns

For the buns

500g/1lb 2oz  Strong White Bread Flour I use Shipton Mill (organic white bread flour)

10g Fast Action Dried Yeas – I use Allinson Dried Yeast in the green tub or sachets

250ml/8fl oz Whole Milk – at room temperature

2 Large Free Range Eggs

25g/1oz Caster Sugar

50g/2oz Unsalted Butter

10g Salt

225g/8oz Dried Mixed Fruits – alternatively, if you are not a fan of vine fruits, dried figs, dates, apricots and cranberries all work extremely well in this recipe.

100g/4oz Soft Light Brown Sugar

4tsp Cinnamon

For the glaze

150g/5oz Icing Sugar

Juice of 1 Lemon

Method: You will need a buttered or baking parchment lined 10″ x 12″ baking tin at least 2” deep (25cm x 30cm x 5cm).

Making the bun dough

In the bowl of a bread maker or a stand mixer, with a dough hook attached, add the milk, lightly beaten egg, caster sugar and yeast.

Add the flour, salt and butter.

Switch the bread maker cycle to dough and press start.

With a stand mixer, lower the dough hook and mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are combined. Continue mixing for a further 10 minutes. Turn the mixer off. Place all the dough into the bowl, cover with a clean cloth and leave until doubled in size – approximately 1-2 hours.

While the dough is proving mix the dried fruit, sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl. Set to one side.

Mix the dried fruit, sugar and cinnamon together.
Mix the dried fruit, sugar and cinnamon together.

When the bread maker has completed its dough cycle, restart for 2 minutes, to mix and knock back the dough.

With the stand mixer, once the dough has doubled in size, remove the cloth and turn out the dough on to a floured surface.

Shaping and filling the buns

  • Turn the bread out on to a floured surface and form into a ball.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.

 

  • Roll the dough out into a rectangle 12” x 9” (30cm x 22.5cm)

Roll the dough out into a rectangle.

 

  • Spinkle over the spiced fruit and sugar mixture so that it evenly covers the dough.

Sprinkle over the fruit/sugar mixture.

  • Roll the dough up as tightly as possible.

Roll up the dough as tightly as possible.

  • Ensure that the seam is underneath.

Ensure the dough seam is underneath.

  • Cut the rolled dough into 12 even portions. I find the easiest way is to cut the dough in half, cut each half in half and then cut each portion into 3.

Slice the rolled dough into 12 even portions.

  • Place the buns into the buttered/lined baking tin.

Pack the Chelsea Buns into a buttered pan.

Cover with a clean cloth, leave in a draught free place until doubled in size – approximately 30-45 minutes.

FF Homemade Chelsea Buns

Baking the buns and adding the lemon drizzle

  • Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan, 10 minutes before the buns are ready
  • Place the tin in the middle of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • The buns are cooked when they are golden and well risen.
  • As soon as the buns are baked remove from the oven.
  • Lift the baked buns out of the tin or use a pallet knife to loosen and lift the buns from the tin.
  • Place on to a cooling rack.
FF Homemade Chelsea Buns
Homemade Chelsea Buns
  • Weigh the icing sugar into a medium bowl. Stir briefly with a balloon whisk to break up any lumps.
  • Add the juice from one lemon.
  • Whisk the mixture together until it is smooth.
  • Either fill a small piping bag with the lemon icing, snip a small hole and pipe the drizzle diagonally across the buns, or use a spoon to drizzle over the icing.
FF Homemade Chelsea Buns
Homemade Chelsea Buns with a lemon icing drizzle.

Time to delve in and devour a bun. They are absolutely delicious warm. Whether it’s a family breakfast around the table, or after a long afternoon walk, these Homemade Chelsea Buns are perfect at any time!

These buns are at their best the day they are made. However a quick and I mean less than 10 seconds, ping in the microwave refreshes them the following day.

If you enjoyed baking these Homemade Chelsea Buns, you may also like:

Knotted Poppyseed Rolls

FF Knotted Poppyseed Rolls
Knotted Poppyseed Rolls

English Muffins

FF English Muffins
English Muffins

Sticky Pecan Sultana Buns

FF Homemade Chelsea Buns
Sticky Pecan Sultana Buns

Creating memories and new traditions is important to me. Food plays a crucial part in that. As we sit round the table for dinner, in front of the telly with snacks, or at the beach with a well packed picnic I am always aware that these will be the times we remember. One special memory, is of a bonfire night, spent with my sister and her family, toasting s’mores around the fire and laughing. That is when feasting truly is fun!

Whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Sweat yeasted rolls filled with spices and dried vine fruits, overlaid with descriptive text

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Chocolate Sparkle Cake

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Ooh hello my lovelies, have I got a treat for you today? Yes of course I have and a dazzling one at that. Welcome to my Chocolate Sparkle Cake!

A sparkling star covered celebration bake perfect for bonfire night, New Year’s Eve and Halloween.
Chocolate Sparkle Cake

It’s ok you can read through once you’ve looked at all the photo’s – I would!!!

So, this cake was inspired by Bonfire Night ( November 5th if you’re not from the UK). Our children were being taken to an amazing fireworks party by my wonderful sister and brother-in-law, along with their cousins.

While they were out I wanted to make a cake, that on their return would make them say “Wow” and remind them of the fun they’d had.

Chocolate Sparkle Cake

It has to be chocolate:

So being our children meant this had to be a Chocolate Cake. I wanted a deep, chocolatey, moist cake, smothered in thick, glossy, chocolate ganache and then topped with as many sprinkles I could get my hands on.

Thus the Chocolate Sparkle Cake idea was formed in my head.

A slice of dreamy Chocolate Sparkle Cake.

And, knowing that I didn’t want a layer cake, it was important to ensure the cake itself was as moist as possible. Since adding cocoa to any batter has a drying effect, so to counter that I added sour cream.

I’d seen Ina Garten add it to many of her bakes and figured it was worth a try. Yep I was winging it yet again!

Oh my. I soo made the right decision. Because you cannot taste the sour cream in the baked cake, however, the baked cake has such a moist, tender crumb. This is one ingredient I will be experimenting with more, that’s for sure.

A chocolate cake decorated to look like a galaxy of stars.
Chocolate Sparkle Cake

What really sends this cake over the top flavour-wise is the addition of liqueur to the chocolate ganache. I happened to have an unopened bottle of Chocolate Bailey’s Luxe. So I added some. Mmm another brilliant decision, I was truly on a roll!

I only used a small amount and it is totally fine to leave it out altogether. Our youngest is 13 years old so I was happy for him to have a very small, diluted amount.

I would say that this cake is both decadant and rich. All three of our children and all the adults loved it. I’m not sure if it’s richness would be enjoyed by younger children, even with the absence of liqueur?

Recipe : Makes 1 x 10″ Chocolate Sparkle Cake

For the cake:

275g/10oz Unsalted Butter at room temp.

150g/5oz Soft Light Brown Sugar

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

5 Large Eggs – I always use free range

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey 

225g/8oz Plain White Flour

100g/4oz Cocoa Powder

2.5tsp Baking Powder

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

200ml/7fl oz Full Fat Sour Cream

Alternatively – Wright’s Baking Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix would also work really well for this cake if you haven’t the time or energy to bake from scratch. Follow the packet instructions for baking and then decorate as given below.

For the topping:

100g/4oz Dark Chocolate minimum 70% Cocoa

200g/7oz Milk Chocolate minimum 35% Cocoa

300ml/ 1/2 pint Double Cream

Optional – 2Tbsp Bailey’s Chocolate or Bailey’s liqueur

Assorted sprinkles, stars and ebible glitter dust

Method : Preheat the oven 170C/150C fan, gas mark 3, 325F

Making the Cake:

First of all, butter the base and sides of a 10″ Springform cake tin. Line the base of the tin with baking parchment paper.

Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt together. These are your dry ingredients.

Crack all the eggs into a jug, add the vanilla extract and lightly beat with a fork to break up.

In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

Add one third of your dry ingredients and mix slowly, as they start to incorporate add half of your eggs. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are almost incorporated.

Repeat this step again.

Add the last of the dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as the cake will be heavy.

Fold in the sour cream to the chocolate cake batter.

Delicious, moist, chocolate cake batter.
Delicious, moist, chocolate cake batter.
Fill the cake tin with batter and smooth the top.
Fill the cake tin with batter and smooth the top.

Place the cake tin in the middle of the oven and bake for 50 minutes.

The cake is baked when an inserted skewer comes out clean. If after 50 minutes the cake is still not fully baked, place back in the oven and re-check at 5 minute intervals.

As soon as the cake is baked remove the oven.

Don't worry about the small crack it will reduce and we are turning the cake over to frost!!
Don’t worry about the small crack it will reduce and we are turning the cake over to frost!!

Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before removing from the tin.

To remove, release the springform lever, remove the outer ring of the tin.

Place a cooling rack on top of the cake and invert.

The cake is now bottom side up on the cooling rack. Remove the tin base and gently peel off the baking parchment paper.

Place to one side and allow the cake to cool completely.

Making the topping:

Break or chop the chocolate into small chunks. Place in a heat proof bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water (double boiler), ensuring the base of the bowl does not touch the water.

Add the cream. And stir. The more you stir the glossier the ganache will be.

Keep stirring the chocolate/cream until the chocolate has completely melted.
Keep stirring the chocolate/cream until the chocolate has completely melted.
Remove from the double boiler, add the liqueur and stir well. Set aside to cool and thicken.
Remove from the double boiler, add the liqueur and stir well. Set aside to cool and thicken.

The ganache is ready to use when it is thickened but still pourable (but not runny).

Chocolate Sparkle Cake - have your frosting and decorations ready and to hand before you start icing the cake. www.feastingisfun.com
Chocolate Sparkle Cake – have your frosting and decorations ready and to hand before you start icing the cake. www.feastingisfun.com
Once completely cool place the cake on a stand or board.
Once completely cool place the cake on a stand or board.
Chocolate Sparkle Cake pour the thickened ganache onto the top of the cake. www.feastingisfun.com
Chocolate Sparkle Cake pour the thickened ganache onto the top of the cake. www.feastingisfun.com
Chocolate Sparkle Cake gently smooth the ganache over the entire top of the cake and push over the sides so it drapes over the edge of the cake. www.feastingisfun.com
Chocolate Sparkle Cake gently smooth the ganache over the entire top of the cake and push over the sides so it drapes over the edge of the cake. www.feastingisfun.com

I tapped the cake stand a couple of times against the table, to release any air bubbles trapped in the ganache. As a result, the swirled effect at the bottom of the cake was a result of my tapping!

Decorating the Cake:

Chocolate Sparkle Cake now get sprinkling! I started with white chocolate stars and the smaller edible gold stars. www.feastingisfun.com
Chocolate Sparkle Cake now get sprinkling! I started with white chocolate stars and the smaller edible gold stars.

Get creative, use whatever decorations you like. Because the chocolate ganache is so gloriously glossy, it provides the perfect canvas.

I finished the cake with a dusting of holographic edible glitter.

Because more is more. Right??

Chocolate Sparkle Cake with a galaxy of edible stars.

I almost called this Chocoale Sparkle Cake ‘Starry, starry night’ (Vincent), after one of my very favourite songs by Don McLean!

Because of the glossy, sparkly nature of this cake, as well as the moist, deep chocolate flavour, with a lingering background hit of Bailey’s, this could easily make a beautiful alternative to traditional Christmas cake.

When I look at this Chocolate Sparkle Cake it just screams ‘Party’! The perfect chocolate, celebration cake.

Chocolate Sparkle Cake

Everyone loved this cake and we also celebrated the safe arrival of a friend’s baby with a slice. Because it is a rich cake, a little goes a long way, meaning there is more to share.

Also, it keeps really well in a cake tin for 5 days. And yes it did last that long!!

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Chocolate Sparkle Cake you may also like these:

Black Forest Cupcakes 

FF Chocolate Sparkle Cake
Black Forest Cupcakes

Caramac Drizzle Rolo Caramel Brownies 

FF Chocolate Sparkle Cake
Caramac Drizzle Rolo Caramel Brownies

Chocolate Honeycomb Sponge Cake

FF Chocolate Sparkle Cake
Chocolate Honeycomb Sponge Cake

I love to celebrate special occasions with a cake. Do you?

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie x

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

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Steak Leek and Ale Pie

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Hi, this Steak Leek and Ale Pie has a golden pastry crust, under which are chunks of melting steak and leek sitting in a thick ale gravy. Homemade pie has to be at the top of my comfort food list. While the light, fresh salads of summer have now passed. As soon as Autumn arrives, with it’s blustery gales I want proper, nourishing, hearty food.

And I want, I need, this Steak Leek and Ale Pie.

Steak Leek And Ale Pie
Steak Leek And Ale Pie

Take a look at that golden crust. It is so inviting, willing you to cut in and discover the melting chunks of steak and leek beneath, sitting in a pool of thick gravy made with the ale. While I know making pastry completely freaks some people out, it really is worth having a go. Also, you can find a recipe for the pastry here.

As soon as you have a little time, maybe at the weekend, I really encourage you to make your own pastry. While it really isn’t as difficult as some believe, the rewards are very gratifying. Yet, if you cannot bring yourself to make your own pastry, then good quality, shop bought shortcrust or puff pastry will also work very well.

Steak Leek And Ale Pie
Steak Leek And Ale Pie

Celebrating British Leeks

Although I made this Steak Leek and Ale Pie for a mid-week meal, it will be replacing the occaisional roast on a Sunday too. Because, it really is that good.

Likewise, I have to mention the Leek Colcannon a fantastic dish of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage and sauteed leeks that I made to serve alongside this pie. Amazing!

And, if you are wondering why leeks feature in both dishes, November heralds the start of the British leek growing season. So keen to use seasonal produce, I came up with these two recipes for the British Leek Growers Association.

Recipe : Makes one Steak Leek and Ale Pie, serves 6

450g/1lb Shortcrust Pastry – to make your own you will need 350g/12oz Plain White Flour, 75g/3oz Butter and 75g/3oz Vegetable shortening – I use Trex

1kg/2lb Good Quality Beef Steak – I used rump, chuck or braising steak would work well

2 Tbsp Butter

3 Leeks

500ml/1 pint Light Ale

2 Bay Leaves

1 tsp Fresh Thyme – halve if using dried

1 Clove of Garlic

2 Tbsp Tomato Puree

1/4 tsp Nutmeg – I always use freshly grated

1 Beef Stock Cube – or I used 1 Knorr beef stockpot

2 Tbsp Flour plus extra for rolling out pastry

Sea Salt – I use Maldon

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 Medium Egg whisked with a little water for the egg wash

Method : Please read through before starting

Making The Pastry

For instructions on how to make the shortcrust pastry please see here.

If making your own pastry, make, cover in cling film and place in the fridge to chill.

Preparing The Steak

First of all, cut the steak into generous, one inch/2.5cm chunks.

Cut the steak into good sized chunks - 1.5"

Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.

Toss the steak in seasoned flour.

Toss the steak in the seasoned flour.

Place 2 tablespoons of butter into a large pan and melt over a high heat.

Brown the steak in batches.

Brown the steak in batches in a hot pan.

Place the browned steak onto a plate and set to one side.

Place the browned steak in a bowl and set to one side.

 

Making The Slow Cooked Pie Filling

First of all, prepare all 3 leeks by cutting off the tough, dark green tops and root. Starting at the top of the leek cut almost through and down two thirds. Wash the leeks under cold, running water to remove any dirt trapped between the leaves. Shake off any excess water.

Tip : I wash the leeks and leave them to drain upside down, before prepping other meat or vegetables.

Take one, large washed leek and finely dice it.

Take one large leek.

Finely dice the leek.

Add the diced leek to the same pan used for browning the steak.

Saute for 2-3 minutes over a medium heat until softened.

Add the diced leek to the pan used for browning the steak. Sauté for 2-3 minutes over a medium heat.

Pour in the ale and use a wooden spoon to scrape the crusty, tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Pour in the Ale and then, using a wooden spoon scrape all the crusty, tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Strip the thyme from its stalk and mince the garlic.

Strip the time from its stalk and mince the garlic.

Add the steak, herbs and garlic back to the pan. Then add an additional 500ml of water.

Add the steak, herbs and garlic back to the pan. Add an additional 500ml of water.

Slice the remains two leeks into one inch/2.5cm chunks and add to the pan.

Slice the other 2 leeks into 1" chunks and add to the pan.

Now add the tomato purée, stock cube and nutmeg.

Now add the tomato purée, stock cube and nutmeg.

Finally, bring everything up to a simmer and leave to cook on a medium/low heat, uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occaisionally.

At the end of the cooking time the beef should be meltingly tender and the ale gravy reduced by half. Check the sauce for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Assembling The Pie

First of all, remove the steak and leeks from the pan, using a slotted spoon. Place into a pie dish.

Remove the steak and leeks, using a slotted spoon and place into a pie dish.

Increase the heat under the pan and boil the ale gravy until it is reduced by half.

Reduce the ale gravy in the pan by half.

Pour the thickened gravy over the pie piffling.

Pour the thickened gravy over the pie filling.

Brush the egg wash around the rim of the pie dish, as this enableS the pastry to stick to the dish.

Roll out the pastry into a circle that is one inch/2.5cm wider than the top of the pie dish. Trim the pastry so that it has a neat edge.

Roll out the pastry so that it is 1" wider that the top of the pie dish. Trim the pastry so it has a neat edge.

Place the pastry on top of the pie dish and crimp.

Steak Leek and Ale Pie place the pastry on top of the pie dish and crimp.

To crimp I simply pinch between my forefinger and thumb all around the pastry edge.

Make 3 slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.

Brush the pastry with egg wash.

Cut out decorations from the leftover pastry and add place on the pie.

Finally, brush the pie crust again with egg wash.

 

Steak Leek and Ale Pie brush the pastry with egg wash and cut out decorations from the leftover pastry. Place on the pie and brush with egg wash.

Baking The Steak Leek And Ale Pie

Place the Steak Leek and Ale Pie on a baking sheet and place in a preheated oven, 200C/180C fan, gas mark 6, 400F. Bake for approximately 1 hour. The pie is baked when the pastry is golden brown and little bubbles of hot gravy or steam are bursting through the slits in the pie.

Steak Leek And Ale Pie
Steak Leek And Ale Pie

As soon as the pie is baked remove from the oven. Serve immediately.

Steak Leek And Ale Pie
Steak Leek And Ale Pie

While the leek in this pie lends a delicate onion flavour, it perfectly compliments the steak and ale. And, this Steak Leek and Ale Pie was thoroughly enjoyed by all in our house, including my very good friend and chief taste tester, who lives 2 doors away!

Also it would make perfect sense to double the quantities and make two pies. Since an uncooked pie will freeze beautifully, ensure it is absolutely cool before double wrapping in cling film and freezing for up to 2 months. So, why not pass the second pie onto a busy family, new mum, or friends. Because, the gift of a meal, even if there is no ‘special’ reason shows that you care.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Steak Leek And Ale Pie you may also like these:

Cream Cheese Pastry Mince Pies

FF Steak Leek and Ale Pie
Cream Cheese Pastry Mince Pies

Quiche Lorraine

FF Steak Leek and Ale Pie
Quiche Lorraine

Amazing Apple Pie

FF Steak Leek and Ale Pie
Amazing Apple Pie

While I enjoy coming up with new recipes and seeing successful results, nothing beats sharing the food I make with others. Seeing the smile on my neighbours face as I pass a slice of cake over the fence fills my heart with joy. Since I know not everyone enjoys baking, it’s rare to find someone who refuses a slice of something tasty. Sharing builds friendships and breaks down boundaries. Also, it can make someone feel thought about and special. And so I will continue to share. Since it brings happiness to both parties.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie x

While I was gifted with most of the ingredients for this recipe, all content and opinions are my own. I did not receive payment for this post. No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written consent of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

 

Steak Leek And Ale Pie sized for Pinterest with descriptive graphics.

 

 

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Leek Colcannon

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Hello to all my lovely readers. Since it is now officially Spring I’d hoped to be outside gardening. Instead it is wet and windy, so I am staying indoors. Retreating to the earth of our kitchen and making a big bowl of Leek Colcannon.

FF Leek Colcannon

An incredible side dish made with ultra creamy, mashed potatoes that are mixed with gorgeously green, savoy cabbage. Finally the addition sautéed leeks creates a flavour filled side dish.

This has fast become a family favourite. Since it is so versatile, an ideal accompaniment to sausages, homemade pie, chops, roast chicken. Alternatively serve on its own topped with an egg. Ultimately you have endless possibilities as to what you could pair this dish with.

FF Leek Colcannon
Leek Colcannon

Celebrating The Humble Leek

Did you know that the beginning of November heralds the start of the British leek growing season? Nope neither did I!!

I absolutely love leeks, with their delicate onion flavour and that is exactly what makes them perfect in this dish.

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made using mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale. While I challenged myself to come up with some recipes to celebrate the British leek, I knew it’s delicate flavour would perfectly compliment the traditional Colcannon dish.

Also using seasonal fruit and vegetables in my cooking is important to me and savoy cabbage is in season now, so my choice of brassica was decided.

Nutmeg also pairs beautifully with leeks and so I knew I had to incorporate that into the dish – thus the Leek Colcannon idea was born. Whoops there I go, having ideas again – fortunately this one turned out to be absolutely delicious.

Recipe : Serves 6 generous portions of Leek Colcannon

1.75kg/4lb Pre-peeled weight Desiree Red or potatoes suitable for mashing.

50g/2oz Butter plus 1Tbsp extra

300ml/10fl Double Cream or whole milk

1/4tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 Medium Savoy Cabbage

1 Large Leek

Method : Important please read through the whole method before starting.

Preparing And Making The Mashed Potatoes

  • First of all, peel and dice the potatoes into 1″/2.5cm chunks and place in a large pan, cover with water. If you wish to add salt to the water that’s fine, I left the seasoning to the end.
  • Bring the potatoes to the boil and the simmer until a fork easily pierces the potato chunks – it’s worth checking a couple.
  • Drain the potatoes and place back into the saucepan. Allow to steam dry for a couple of minutes.
  • Add the butter, 250mls of the cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Nutmeg is the secret to delicious tasting mashed potatoes www.feastingisfun.com

  • Nutmeg adds a subtle flavour that adds to the Leek Colcannon’s flavour.

Mash the potatoes, cream and butter until completely smooth.

  • Mash the potatoes, cream and butter together until completely smooth.
  • Add the rest of the cream if needed – the potatoes should be creamy, not dry. Check for seasoning and adjust as necessary.

Preparing And Cooking The Savoy Cabbage

  • While the potatoes are cooking you can prepare the cabbage and leeks.

Look how gorgeously green this beautiful Savoy cabbage is.

  • Vibrant, deep green leaves from the cabbage.

Remove 5 leaves from the cabbage and stack them.

  • Remove five leaves from the cabbage and stack them on top of each other.

Slice the leaves in half and then finely shred each half.

  • Slice the leaves in half and then finally shred each half.
  • Continue peeling off the leaves, stacking and shredding. I used almost all of the savoy cabbage. I left the very few inner, yellow leaves. If you have a large cabbage cut in half and use one half.
  • Place the shredded cabbage into a large saucepan, pour over an inch of boiling water from the kettle, clamp on the lid and cook on a high heat for no longer than 5 minutes.

Drain the cooked cabbage.

  • Drain the cooked cabbage.
  • Place the cabbage back into its pan and allow to steam dry for a couple of minutes.

Preparing And Cooking The Leeks

  • First of all trim the tough dark green top from the leek and also the root end.
  • Make a slit cutting almost through from the top of the leek to two thirds down.
  • Wash the leek under running cold water ensuring any dirt, trapped between the leaves is washed away.
  • Shake the leek over the sink to remove any excess water.

Tip : I wash my leeks, shake them and leave them upside down on the draining board to drain, before prepping other vegetables.

Cut the washed leek in half.

  • Cut the washed leek in half.

Finely shred the leek.

 

  • Finely shred the leek.
  • Place a tablespoon of butter into a shallow pan and gently saute the leeks until tender, over a medium heat.

Sauté the shredded leek for 5 minutes until tender and cooked.

  • Sauté the shredded leek for 5 minutes until tender and cooked.

Add the cabbage and leek to the mashed potato.

  • Add both cabbage and leek to the mashed potato.

Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

  • Stir all the ingredients together until combined.
FF Leek Colcannon
Leek Colcannon
  • Finally, decant the leek colcannon into a heatproof dish. Adding dots of butter and a final grating of nutmeg.

The Leek Comes was served with Steak Leek And Ale PieSteak Leek And Ale Pie alongside steamed carrots. Fortunately there was enough left over to make bubble and squeak patties for lunch the next day!

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Leek Colcannon you may also like these:

Walnut Pastry Crust Leek Stilton Tart 

FF Leek Colcannon
Walnut Pastry Crust Leek Stilton Tart

Homemade Cauliflower Cheese 

FF Leek Colcannon
Homemade Cauliflower Cheese

Roasted Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad 

FF Leek Colcannon
Roasted Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

I do hope that I’ve inspired you to try this delightful dish. Although I used double cream – well we were celebrating the start of the British leek growing season – milk is a perfectly fine substitute. Switching up the greens to Kale or Spring Greens through the growing season will be fine, just make sure they are cooked until just tender – I haven’t found a fan of overcooked, soggy cabbage yet!

Sammie x

The British Leek Association provided me with some of the ingredients for this recipe. All content and opinions are my own. I did not receive payment for creating this recipe. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

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English Muffins

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So today I have one of my greatest accomplishments to share with you. Welcome to my delicious, homemade, English Muffins.

English muffins
English Muffins

Honestly speaking, I am not really sure why I have hesitated so long before making these, all I can say is that I wish I hadn’t. Since these homemade English Muffins are a world away from their shop bought counterparts.

While I have eaten plenty of supermarket muffins in the past, I have always found them a bit heavy and dense and although they’ve been eaten and enjoyed I honestly couldn’t go back now, homemade is the way to go!

Homemade English Muffins
English Muffins

They say that Breakfast is THE most important meal of the day, a couple of these English Muffins will certainly keep you going until lunchtime.

Although we very rarely have tea as a meal anymore, these would be absolutely perfect. A plate piled high with warm, homemade English Muffins, butter, pots of jam, sliced bananas and a large glasses of milk. A scene straight out of an Enid Blyton book!

Freshly made English Muffins.
English Muffins.

I honestly cannot encourage you enough to make these English Muffins. The reward for effort put in is ridiculously good. These don’t require baking either. Just an iron skillet/griddle, if you own one, otherwise a heavy based frying pan will be fine.

A couple of tips:

The dough is quite sticky, but not unmanageable, as long as you dust your working surface well, with flour and polenta (cornmeal) and keep the dough moving whilst rolling out.

No fat needs to be added to the griddle. Simply follow the method and your English Muffins will be fantastic!

Recipe : Makes 12-14 English Muffins

350g/12oz Plain White Flour plus extra for dusting  – I use Shipton Mill 

7g/1 sachet Active Dried Yeast

1/2tsp Honey – the runny kind

7g Salt – I use Maldon 

1 Large Free Range Egg

200ml/7 fl oz Milk – whole or semi skimmed

7g/ 1/4oz Unsalted Butter

2-3 Tbsp Cornmeal/Polenta for dusting

Method :

Making The Muffin Dough

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or a bread maker,

Lightly whisk the egg into the milk. Pour into the bowl of your chosen machine.

Add the yeast and honey. Mix using clean fingers.

Then add the flour on top of the liquid.

Add the salt and butter.

If using a bread maker set the machine to dough cycle. Press start.

If using a stand mixer, mix on a low speed until all the ingredients have combined, then continue mixing for 5 minutes on a medium speed. Stop the machine, remove any dough from the dough hook and place back into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean, damp cloth and leave until the dough has doubled in size – approx. 1 hour.

When the dough cycle has finished, re-start your bread maker on the dough cycle and allow to mix for 2 minutes.

With a stand mixer, remove the cloth, mix with the dough hook for 2 minutes.

While the dough is proving dust 2 baking sheets with a 50/50 mix of flour and cornmeal (polenta is the same thing!).

Prepare the baking sheets by sprinkling with flour and polenta.
Prepare the baking sheets by sprinkling with flour and polenta.

 

Cutting Out The English Muffins

First of all, prepare the work top by dusting with the same flour/cornmeal mixture. Keep some to the side to use whilst working/rolling the dough.

Place the dough onto the prepared worktop
Place the dough onto the prepared worktop.
Roll out the dough, moving it regularly so it doesn't stick, until it is about 1/2 inch thick.
Roll out the dough, moving it regularly so it doesn’t stick, until it is about 1/2 inch thick.

Use a 2.5in (6 and 3/4cm) diameter, plain round cutter to cut the muffin dough.

Place the cutout discs onto the prepared baking sheets.
Place the cutout discs onto the prepared baking sheets.

Bring together the remnants of dough, left from cutting out the discs, knead back together and re-roll. Cut out the muffins as before.

Cover the baking sheets with a dry tea towel and leave the dough to rise, until doubled in size.

After 30-45 minutes proving the dough will have risen and have rounded edges.
After 30-45 minutes proving the dough will have risen and have rounded edges.

Cooking The Muffins

Preheat your griddle/heavy based pan on the hob, over a medium heat.

Place the discs onto a preheated skillet/griddle.
Place the discs onto a preheated skillet/griddle.
English Muffins cook for 5 minutes and then flip over.
English Muffins cook for 5 minutes and then flip over.

The English Muffins rise in the pan, as the cook before your very eyes. Our children were captivated! Either use a palette knife or fish slice to flip the muffins over.

They are cooked when they are well risen and set (you can pick one up and the sides hold their shape), both top and bottom should be golden brown and they will sound hollow when rapped with you knuckle.

Remove from the griddle.

English Muffins

Place the cooked English Muffins on a cooling rack.

These first 4 English Muffins were cooled for 5 minutes and then eaten straight away. Unbelieveably good.

Continue to cook the remaining muffins in the same way.

 

English muffins freshly baked on a wooden board.

 

Tasty Homemade Food

Finally and most importantly, these muffins lasted 5 minutes after I’d photographed them and then they were snaffled away to be eaten! Now that is definitely a sign of a great recipe.

Also, if you’ve never baked bread or cooked with yeast before, these English Muffins are the perfect starting point. No worrying if it is too early to open the oven door and take a peek, the cooking happens right before your very eyes. And if you are unsure if they are cooked through, remove one, cut through with a bread knife and check. What could be easier and more tasty?

And I can guarantee massive smiles all round when you serve up a big plate of these warm, delicious, English Muffins.

The muffins will keep for a couple of days in a bread bin and are delicious, split and toasted. Also, they be placed in a freezer bag, once absolutely cold and kept in the freezer for a month.

The gorgeous board that I’ve displayed the English Muffins on is from House of Frazer, that I picked up in the sale!

Have you put off making something, presuming it will be really hard, only to be surprised when you’ve taken the plunge and made it??

If you enjoyed making these English Muffins recipe you may also want to try other easy bread recipes:

Knotted Poppyseed Rolls

Knotted poppyseed rolls.
Knotted Poppyseed Rolls

Large White Bloomer

Large White Bloomer loaf
Large White Bloomer

Farmhouse White Loaf

Farmhouse style white bread loaf.
Farmhouse White Loaf

Please let me know if you make these, I love hearing from you?

Sammie x

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

 

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