Glazed Orange Bundt Cake

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There is something about the colour orange that I am drawn to. Orange can be warm and vibrant, bright yet soft. And, my first bedroom, when I was a little girl was orange, chosen because I had the most incredible, pale orange bridesmaid dress that I adored. Entranced by the colour then and now forty years later, I still love it. Especially when it is the shade of the navel oranges used in this recipe for Glazed Orange Bundt Cake. A delicious, fruit packed orange cake covered with a light, fresh orange glaze.

WB Glazed Orange Bundt Cake
Glazed Orange Bundt Cake so vibrant and full of orange flavour.

Going Off On A Tangent!

Orange is also the favourite colour of Peeta, a character in the Hunger Games Trilogy. Although not the bright orange of Effie’s hair, but the colour of a sunset. If you have seen any of the films, or read the books, this may make some sense to you.

I make no apologies for referencing the film, as I and my family are huge Hunger Games fans. Yet very few, if any, of the citizens of the poor, mining District 12 would have had the luxury of eating cake. Especially this totally delicious Glazed Orange Bundt Cake.

Finally, if, as I suspect, you are clueless as to what the last few lines mean, don’t worry! Most importantly, know that I love the colour orange in all its shades.

WB Glazed Orange Bundt Cake
Glazed Orange Bundt Cake perfect for afternoon tea.

 

Using A Cake Mix or Bake From Scratch

Since our son adores oranges, he is going to be absolutely thrilled when he gets in from school tonight and sees that I’ve made another Orange Cake. Using Wright’s new Orange Cake Mix to make this beautiful loaf, makes baking this cake so easy. From opening the packet to popping the cake into the oven takes less than 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can make this cake using this Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake recipe, using the exact same quantities of fresh orange.

A mere 10 minutes. And yes I’m repeating it because the reward for a few minutes measuring and mixing is massive. This cake incredible, packed full of dried fruit that add interest to the tender cake crumb. The orange glaze further enhances the tangy orange flavour, while creating a glossy finish. Baked in my pretty Citrus Bundt Tin from Nordicware, the detailed markings are clearly visible through the glaze.

WB Glazed Orange Bundt Cake
Glazed Orange Bundt Cake baked in the Citrus Bundt Tin with it’s beautiful markings.

Following the success of my Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt I wanted to make this Glazed Orange Bundt Cake. Since I had made a Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake I knew an orange glaze would also showcase this wonderful cake.

Since sharing the cakes made using the Orange Cake Mix from Wright’s, with family, friends and neighbours, a big thumbs up has been the overwhelming response. In addition to requests for more cake!

If you don’t usually use cake mixes, or aren’t a fan, why not give this Orange Cake Mix a try? You may be surprised and be reassured, I’d never recommend anything that I wouldn’t share with my family. Also, keeping a selection of Wright’s mixes stashed in the kitchen cupboard is simple as easy. Especially if unexpected visitors arrive, or the urge for cake strikes.

Recipe: Makes one Glazed Orange Bundt Cake serves 10

1 packet of Wright’s Orange Cake Mix

4tbsp Vegetable Oil – as directed on the packet

200ml Water – as directed on the packet

You will need cake release if a Bundt tin – I recommend Wilton , alternatively use a loaf tin which has been brushed with melted butter and lined with baking parchment.

200g/7oz Icing Sugar

1 Orange – you will need the juice of half

Edible glitter – optional

Making And Baking The Orange Cake

Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F.

  • Spray or brush the Bundt tin thoroughly with cake release. Alternatively, grease (with butter) and line with baking parchment a 2lb loaf tin.
  • Make up the cake batter according to the packet instructions. Alternatively follow the recipe substitution given.
  • Pour the orange cake batter into the prepared Bundt tin.
  • Place the tin in the middle of the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes.
  • The cake is cooked when it is a golden colour and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
  • As soon as the cake is baked remove the oven.
  • Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the tin before turning out onto a cooling rack.
WB Glazed Orange Bundt Cake
Beautiful Orange Cake
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.

Making The Glazed And Decorating The Cake

  • Sift the icing sugar into a bowl.
  • Add the juice of half an orange and mix using a spoon. The glaze should be thick, yet still drip from the spoon. Add more juice if required to obtain the required consistency.
  • Place the cooling rack on top of a clean baking tray. This is important as the glaze that drips through will be used to cover the sides of the cake.
  • Spoon the orange glaze over the top of the cake.

WB Glazed Orange Bundt Cake

  • Allow the glaze to drip down the sides of the cake.
  • Ensure the entire top of the cake is covered in glaze.
  • Carefully lift the cooling rack a little and scoop the glaze from the tray underneath. Use this to spoon over and cover the sides of the cake.
  • When the cake is completely covered in glaze leave to set.
  • Transfer the Glazed Orange Bundt Cake to a serving plate.
  • Sprinkle with edible glitter if desired.
WB Glazed Orange Bundt Cake
Glazed Orange Bundt Cake utterly delicious.

Slice and serve the cake with a lovely cup of tea or coffee and of course, guests. Since all food tastes infinitely better when shared!

Keep this cake in an airtight container and eat within 4 days. Also, keep refrigerated during warmer weather.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for my Glazed Orange Bundt Cake you may like these other fruity bakes:

Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt

Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt Cake

Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

 

Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

I hope that sharing some quick, easy, yet still completely delicious bakes helps you in your kitchen? My intention is to always create straightforward, easy to follow recipes that deliver consistently good results.

Also, I’d love to know your thoughts on this recipe and others posted here on Feasting Is Fun. Your comments are valuable and much appreciated.

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.

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Lemony Strawberry Pavlova

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Hello my lovely readers. I have a rare recipe on my blog for you today – a dessert. I was shocked when I realised just how few dessert recipes I have. It just goes to show, we may have cake or cookies in the tin, but I rarely make dessert, much to my Hubby’s disappointment. So in order to correct this I have made a delicious Lemony Strawberry Pavlova!

FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
Lemony Strawberry Pavlova so light and refreshing.

As you may be aware, I love lemons, especially in cakes like my Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes. This lemon pavlova is the stuff of fairies, rainbows and dreams. It is incredibly light, with a crisp, outer shell that hides a soft, marshmallow like interior. It really does melt in your mouth!

Slathering the top with dreamy, lightly whipped cream, fragrant strawberries and finishing with a limoncello sticky drizzle. This Lemony Strawberry Pavlova is the perfect dessert, especially on a Sunday after a roast.

FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
Lemony Strawberry Pavlova a generous slice!

Having made a few pavlovas now, I think that I’ve got them pretty much nailed. Yes I know that the weather, in particular humidity, can play havoc with them, but they are a fairly easy, foolproof dessert. The way I see it is this; if the worse happens and they crack and crumble, then make an Eton mess – whipped cream, crumbled meringue and fresh fruit. Altenatively if the cracking isn’t that bad, slather them with whipped cream and fruit and nobody will notice the disaster you have managed to avert 😉.

FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
Lemony Strawberry Pavlova look at the marshmallow inner, utterly melt in the mouth.

Fortunately this Lemony Strawberry Pavlova behaved. Today is a sunny dry day and apart from me using a new baking tray that was just a teeny bit too wide for our oven, hence this pavlova was cooked on a slant, it turned out beautifully. Better than that it tastes amazing. If you’ve ever eaten lemon roulade, then that has a similar texture to this pavlova.

When I first started making pavlovas I hadn’t any pictures to guide me through the process, so I’ve included a few so that you will know how things are supposed to look!

Also I managed to get hold of some early season British strawberries, they smelled so fragrant. This pavlova would also work well with Raspberries, Blackberries and Blueberries, so use whatever fruit is in season.

Recipe: Makes one Lemony Strawberry Pavlova serves 8

6 Large Free Range Egg Whites – the yolks will keep for a day in the fridge and I’m making ice cream tomorrow which they will be perfect for!

300g/10.5oz Caster Sugar plus 1tablespoon for the drizzle

2 Lemons

1tsp Corn Flour – also known as corn starch I use Dove Farms as it is gluten free

1tsp White Wine Vinegar

300ml Double Cream

300g/10.5oz Fresh Strawberries

50ml Limoncello – optional use water if preferred

Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan, gas mark 4.

  • Make sure the large bowl you will be whisking the egg whites in is scrupulously clean.
  • Cut 1 lemon in half and wipe around the inside of the bowl with it.
  • Separate the egg whites from the yolks and place the egg white into the clean, lemon wiped bowl.
  • Squeeze the juice of the cut lemon into the bowl with the egg whites, ensuring pips and pulp are caught by a sieve.
  • Start whisking on a slow speed and gradually build up to high.
  • Keep whisking until the egg whites have reached the stiff peak stage.
  • This is where, if you hold the whisk up the whisked egg white will not flop over
FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
This is a stiff peak – now time to start adding the sugar.
  • I couldn’t take a photo and hold the whisk up, but you can see the peaks in the bowl stand up and the egg white on the whisk didn’t move whilst I stopped to take a snap.
  • Resuming whisking on a high speed add the caster sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, or do as I did, pour it from a jug in a slow gentle stream so that it all becomes slowly incorporated into the egg whites.
FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
Beautifully glossy, satin meringue.
  • Once the meringue looks glossy, with a satin sheen, the meringue is mixed.
  • Add the corn flour and vinegar and gently fold into the meringue, so as not to knock out any of the air.
  • Draw a 25cm circle on a piece of baking parchment that fits onto a baking tray.
  • I drew round a 10″ cake pan.
  • Flip the baking parchment over and secure to the baking tray with a dob of meringue in each corner.
  • Scoop half of the meringue onto the middle of the disc.
  • Using a palette knife spread the meringue out so that it fills the marked circle, ensuring it is fairly level.
FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
The pavlova base.
  • Fill a large piping bag, fitted with a large star tip, with the remaining half of the meringue.
  • Pipe a swirl pattern around the edge of the pavlova base.
FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
Piped swirls around the edge of the base give this pavlova a very pretty finish.
  • Place the meringue into the hot oven and immediately turn the heat down to 150C/130C fan, gas mark 2.
  • Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • When baked the pavlova will have a hard outer shell with a hint of soft marshmallow deliciousness inside.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking tray.
  • Once cooled use a palette knife to slide under the pavlova and separate it from the baking parchment. Transfer to a cake stand or serving dish.
  • When ready to decorate, place the limoncello, juice of 1 whole lemon and tablespoon of caster sugar into a small pan. Bring to a bubble and reduce the heat until the liquid is about a quarter of its original volume.
  • Whilst the lemon drizzle is reducing, pour the double cream into a bowl and whisk until it has reached the floppy stage. It will not be stiff, just thickened enough to hold a figure of eight.
  • Spoon the whipped cream onto the inner part of the pavlova.
  • Decorate with strawberries.
FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
Concentrated lemon luscious drizzle.
  • The concentrated lemon drizzle should look like the picture above.
  • Drizzle it over the strawberries, for an intensely lemon flavour.
  • Serve immediately.
FF Lemony Strawberry Pavlova
Lemony Strawberry Pavlova pretty delicious.

The lemon pavlova can be made, unfilled a day in advance. Store on the original baking parchment, but loosen it first with palette knife, wrap in cling film. The cream can be whipped ahead of time and stored covered, in the fridge. Make the drizzle and assemble just before serving.

This Lemony Strawberry Pavlova is sure to wow any dinner party guests and your family. It is so light and the lemon so refreshing, it is absolutely perfect for dessert after a heavy meal, such as a roast or curry.

One bite of this delicious delight and my mouth felt cleansed and ready for a second, third……. 😉.

Whilst I am unreliable at the best of times, I really am going to try to make one dessert a month. Yes really, a proper pudding, or lighter dessert during the warmer months. My husband will be a very happy man!

Are you a dessert person? Do you look at a restaurant menu, pick your dessert and plan your meal around it??

If you have enjoyed this Lemony Strawberry Pavlova here is my other pavlova dessert for you to try:

Raspberry Chocolate Pavlova

FF Raspberry Chocolate Pavlova
Raspberry Chocolate Pavlova soo good.

I love reading your comments, thank you for taking the time to leave them and keep them coming please? I’m usually around on Twitter most days, so if you have any cooking/baking dilemmas send me a tweet and I’ll do my best to get back to you? I may not always have the answers, but I belong to an awesome community of amazing cooks and bakers. Between us there isn’t usually much that we can’t help with!

Have fun whilst you are cooking/baking and remember a feast can be improved with good company.

Sammie xx

 

 

 

 

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Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins

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I love a recipe that is versatile, which is exactly what the Cheese Bacon Breakfast Muffins recipe is. So, I took that recipe, fiddled a bit and the result was these utterly delicious Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins!

FF Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins
Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins perfect warm from the oven.

Although I had ordered the ingredients with last weeks shopping, intent on making them during the week, yet I got distracted by other things, until today. Boy was I glad I waited. The cupboards, well fridge are always fairly bare on a Saturday as that’s the day our shopping is delivered. Having Hubby here to unpack and put things away, saves me from spending the following day in bed!

I kid you not see Living With Seizures if you’d like to know more.

Both our girls were out very last night at a concert in London, so I knew the house would be fairly quiet this morning as they snoozed away upstairs. Little man was getting hungry and I suddenly remembered what I had stashed in the fridge. Phew!

FF Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins
Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins perfect for breakfast or brunch.

While the house is quiet I bake:

I made these Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins in less than 10 minutes, they cooked in 15 minutes. And I had enough for my photo shoot, while letting our little man munch happily away.

Oh my, these are good – I mean really, really, pass me another one good. Because of the Chorizo I was worried they may taste a bit like pizza, nothing wrong with that – but breakfast, hmm not so sure. That’s where the goats cheese kicks in and completely rounds out the flavours, bringing it back to breakfast, brunch time.

FF Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins
Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins

Back to the Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins – I cooked the chorizo first so that it would start to release it’s red paprika juices when mixed into the batter. Just a quick reminder, when making muffins don’t over mix the batter. A few floury streaks are ok. While the best, lightest, yummiest muffins come from just mixed, lumpy batter. It is true. Thank you to my friend Liz for her advice on this matter.

It’s definitely worth checking out Liz’s blog, she’s an amazing cook and baker, whose food is so mouth wateringly good. I should know I made her Carrot Soup! She’s a great girl with a wicked sweet tooth, balanced by lots of healthy, beautifully presented recipes. Pop over to Teta Lizza’s Kitchen and say hi.

Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins

Recipe: Makes 12 Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins

100g/4oz Sliced Chorizo

150g/5oz Goats Cheese

200ml Whole Milk

2 Large Free Range Eggs

5tbsp Vegetable Oil

350g/12oz Plain White Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

Good grinding of black pepper – to taste

1/2tsp Cayenne Pepper – plus a little extra to sprinkle on the baked muffins – I use Bart 

Method: Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan, gas mark 6, 400F

Making and baking the muffins

  • First of all, chop or dice the chorizo into 1cm pieces.
  • Cook in a dry frying pan until the chorizo starts to release its delicious paprika juices.
  • Remove and put on a plate to cool slightly.
  • Measure the milk into a jug. Add the 2 eggs and vegetable oil. Stir to combine – wet mixture.
  • Into a large bowl add the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Use a whisk to stir and combine.
  • Chop or crumble up the goats cheese into roughly the same sized pieces as the chorizo.
  • Add the chorizo and goats cheese to the flour mixture, stir to distribute – dry mixture.
  • Make a well in the centre of the dry mixture and pour the wet mixture in.
  • Stir with a fork until just combined.
FF Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins
Lumpy muffin batter makes the lightest muffins.
  • Line a muffin/cupcake tin with muffin cases – and yes I found mine!
  • Divide the batter equally between the 12 cases – ideally an ice cream scoop can be used – I forgot!
  • Place the muffin tin in the centre of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • Mine took 15 minutes.
  • The Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins are baked when they are firm to touch and golden on top.
  • When baked remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
  • Sprinkle the top of each muffin with a little bit of cayenne pepper.
FF Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins
Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins perfect to pack up for picnics.

These delightful Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins are best served warm and eaten on the day they are made.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and refresh by warming in the oven. Also, these muffins make a great addition to packed lunches, as a change from sandwiches or wraps.

If you enjoyed this recipe for Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins you may like these too:

Cheese Bacon Breakfast Muffins

BN Cheese Bacon Breakfast Muffins
Cheese Bacon Breakfast Muffins utterly delicious warm from the oven.

Super Light Scones

Cookies Super Light Scones
Super Light Scones

Toffee Banoffee Waffles

FF Toffee Banoffee Waffles
Toffee Banoffee Waffles serve straight away.

I must admit I’m yet to be converted to barbecues, yet I love nothing more than throwing a blanket on the lawn, or on rare good days, going to the seaside or park and having a picnic. Some of our best picnics have actually been in the rain, children sitting, welly boots on, on the flat boot of our car munching on scotch eggs, olives, carrot sticks and crisps. These Chorizo Goats Cheese Muffins will be a new and very welcome addition to our picnic outings!

Whatever you are making and baking have fun and remember that food always tastes better when it’s shared.

Sammie xx

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

 

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Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

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I love Spring and all the promise that it holds. Finally the sun is shining for longer than it is dark. Each tree and shrub holds on tightly to their buds, until bursting open to reveal blossom and lime green leaves. Daffodils still abound, their bright sunny faces shining, even when the sun is hidden by clouds. Yellow, for me is a warm happy colour and maybe that’s why I love these Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes so much?

FF Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Does this photograph make you feel happy? It certainly does me!

Lemon Drizzle is such a popular cake recipe and for good reason. The lemon in cakes wakes up our tastebuds in a sweet/sour heavenly combination. Whether in a large cake thickly drizzled with lemon icing or a thinner icing that soaks into the warm cake,  as here in my Lemon Drizzle Cake. There are many different methods and recipes for this delightful fruit and cake combination.

Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

For me though, these Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes completely steal the show in terms of cuteness!

The correct name for these individual portions of lemony loveliness is Bundtlettes. Slightly larger than a cupcake, with a central hole that is a common element of most Bundt cakes, these individual Bundts are adorable. They are certain to create avid conversation amongst whom ever they are served.

FF Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes
Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Remember you only see shadows on a sunny day!

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Photographer

Recently I joined a Food Photography Group on one of the social media platforms – and no I’m not going to say which one! Anyway, photographing my creations is a hugely enjoyable part of food blogging for me. Recently I tweeted that the most ‘cropped out’ feature of my photos were my feet! So in a bid to learn how to improve I joined this group.

FF Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes
Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Well, let’s just say, I don’t think we were of the same mindset!

I left after I’d posted my second photograph. It seems that whilst I was more than willing and still am, to learn by constructive criticism, there was a dogmatic sense of what was right or wrong. That’s fine, some people are very black and white, but I certainly did not join the group to be bullied!

The reason I mention it, is because, to me and others, the photograph above is perfect, precisely because it is imperfect – I’ll explain. Shadows are bad in food photography, neutral light against a soft background works best. Well maybe, yet it was a gloriously sunny day when I made these Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes and through my eyes, that is reflected in the photograph. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I hold no resentful feelings against the group.

I have giggled over one photo of mine that has received numerous positive comments and shares!! I’m an inclusive person and bullying, whatever the form it takes, will never be allowed to have a place in my life.

Recipe: Makes 12 Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Alternatively, halve the quantities if you only want 6.

You will need a Bundlette tin like this from Nordic Ware

FF Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes
Bundlette pan from Nordicware

Cake Release Spray – I use Wilton’s or alternatively use melted butter & flour to grease the tin (see note below)

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter – softened at room temperature

225g/8oz Caster Sugar

4 Large Free Range Eggs – I use Burford Brown eggs from Clarence Court

225g/8oz Plain Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

1/4tsp Salt

2 Lemons – scrubbed with a nail brush under hot water if waxed, then zested using a grater/lemon zester and squeezed.

200g/7oz Icing Sugar

Method: Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F.

Making And Baking The Mini Bundt Cakes

  • First of all, prepare the Bundlette tin by spraying with Cake Release. If you choose to use melted butter, brushed on and then coat in flour – NOTE there is a slight chance that the cakes may stick. I have had mixed results so recommend cake release.
  • In a large bowl add the caster sugar and butter.
  • Whisk/Beat until pale and creamy.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a separate bowl – dry ingredients.
  • Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients and 2 eggs to the butter/sugar.
  • Mix together until just incorporated.
  • Repeat the last 2 steps.
  • Add the final 1/3 of dry ingredients and the zest of 2 lemons.
  • Mix until all of the ingredients are combined.
  • Spoon the lemon cake batter into each individual mould in the Bundlette tin.
FF Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes
Fill each mould no more than two thirds full.
  • Smooth the top (actually it will become the bottom!) of each mould with a teaspoon.
  • Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • The cake is baked when it is golden brown and springs back from a light touch.
  • Once baked remove the cakes from the oven.
  • Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the tin before turning out onto a cooling rack.

Making the lemon drizzle:

  • Sift the icing sugar into a bowl.
  • Add the juice of 2 lemons and whisk until smooth.
  • Whilst the cakes are still hot, spoon the lemon drizzle over them (saving half for the other 6 Bundlettes).
  • The lemon drizzle will be absorbed into the hot cake and creates a fantastic crunch on cooling.
FF Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes
Drizzling the lemon glaze over a hot cake.
  • Rinse the Bundlette tin, dry, prepare, fill and bake the other 6 cakes – spooning the rest of the lemon drizzle over them whilst they are hot.
  • Leave the cakes to cool – if you can wait!

The texture of these Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes is wonderful. Beautifully light sponge with the added crunch that comes from the soaked in lemon drizzle. If you like lemon cake I guarantee that you will love these cute Bundlettes!

FF Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes
Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes perfect portions of sunshine in a cake.

With warmer weather promising, these Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes are perfect for taking on picnics, afternoon tea in the garden, o just because they taste soo darn good!

As soon as the weather warms up I love to spend time in our garden, listening to the birds, watching busy bees going about their business, enjoying the warmth that the sun brings. Oh and trying not to notice all the ‘jobs’ that need doing. I’ve got a trick for that, I just lay down on our swing seat and close my eyes 😉.

Do you feel better in yourself when the sun shines and the warmer weather arrives? I know I do!

If you have enjoyed these fruity Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes here are some more recipes you may like to try:

Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt Cake

WB Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt
Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt easy to make and easier to eat!

Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

FF Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake
Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

FF Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

I love baking in the sunshine with the back door open and in the midst of winter with the heating on. Today most certainly is on the chilly side, yet these Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes have brought some sunshine indoors!

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, please keep them coming? It is one of the best things about writing Feasting is Fun, interacting with you, my amazing readers. Also I’m on Twitter and Instagram, so put up a photo of your make or bake and tag me in. I love to see what you’re up to in your kitchens and I’ll be sure to give you a shoutout or retweet.

So, whatever er you are doing this weekend, I hope you have lots of fun and enjoy feasting on delicious home cooked food!

Sammie xx

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

Small individual citrus iced sponges baked in a Nordicware mould.

 

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Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake

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Does anyone still have chocolate left over from Easter? If so I have the perfect way to make it go further AND taste even more yummy. Meet my Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake.

WB Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake

The utterly mouth watering combination of Chocolate and Toffee all in one cake. If you enjoyed my Rolo Chocolate Cookies I’m pretty sure you’ll love this cake!

She is a beauty isn’t she?

This Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake is baked in the Nordic Ware blossom Bundt tin, so I decided that this cake is a girl. Well female….. oh dear it’s late, I’ve gone off on a tangent and I’m waffling again!!

WB Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt C
Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake topped with milk chocolate and bronze crunch.

The blossom Bundt tin is one of my favourites. While the melted chocolate and bronze crunch on this Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake look amazing, if you were pressed for time, a dusting of icing sugar and this cake would still win hearts – and tummies 😉

So what is it that makes this cake so easy??

Wright’s Baking Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix and their Toffee Cake Mix, combined.

Since the gorgeous fudgey chocolate works so well with the toffee, I honestly can’t believe that I didn’t think of it sooner.

WB Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake

Since I’ve already explained my stance on having a few, good quality packet mixes in the kitchen, while writing up my Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt, no further mention is needed. This cake came about as I had 3/4 of a packet of each of the mixes left after testing their suitability for waffles. Although, only the Toffee Cake Mix made it through as my Toffee Banoffee Waffles 

Choose Your Baking Method

  1. So you have a choice: weigh out 3/4 of each packet mix (375g) add together and make up according to adjusted packet instructions: 150ml per mix = 300ml of water and 3 tablespoons of oil per mix = 6 tablespoons.
  2. Or, mix both whole packets together and make up according to double the packet instructions. So 400ml of water and 8 tablespoons of oil. Fill the Bundt to the desired level and use the leftover batter to bake some cupcakes.
  3. Altenatively, a 10″ springform cake tin would be the right size to bake 2 complete packets of mix made up as per option 2.

So many choices! Also, I would like to add that investing in one Bundt tin is worth it, especially if cake decorating skills are not your strongest gift. Because the tins really do make any cake look beautiful, including this Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake.

Recipe: Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake serves 10

1 Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix from Wright’s Baking

1 Toffee Cake Mix from Wright’s Baking

8tbsp Vegetable Oil (6tbsp if making option 1)

Water

Cake Release Spray – I use Wilton’s OR butter and baking parchment for greasing and lining a 10″ cake tin

150g/5oz Milk Chocolate

Toffee Sprinkles or the Bronze Crunch which I bought from Waitrose – or a Crunchie bar broken up.

Making The Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 2

  • First of all, decide which option you will use to bake your cake.
  • Prepare the Bundt by spraying with cake release. Alternatively grease and line a springform cake tin.
  • Into a large bowl add the required amount of water and vegetable oil.
  • Add both the chocolate fudge and toffee packet mixes – remembering to weigh out 375g ONLY, from each packet if using Option 1.
  • Whisk according to packet instructions.
  • Pour the chocolate/toffee cake batter into the prepared tin. The Bundt tin should be no more than two thirds full.
WB Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake
Ready for the oven.

Baking The Bundt Cake

  • Place the Bundt tin in the middle of the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes – note: the baking time will be longer if using more cake batter.
  • The cake is cooked when an inserted skewer comes out clean.
  • As soon as the cake is baked, remove from the oven.
WB Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake
Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake beautifully baked.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the Bundt tin for 10 minutes.
  • Place a cooling rack on top of the cake and flip over.
  • Remove the Bundt tin and admire the beautiful cake!
WB Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake
Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake 

Decorating The Bundt Cake

  • Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.
  • Break up the milk chocolate and place into a heatproof, microwaveable bowl.
  • Zap for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring after each zap!
  • When the chocolate is almost melted, remove from the microwave and keep stirring, until it is completely melted.
  • Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the Bundt cake.
  • Finish with some delicious sprinkles. Alternatively, a crushed Crunchie bar would work beautifully with this cake.

WB Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake

Allow the chocolate to almost set before serving. Finally, the combination of toffee pieces and the delicious chocolate fudge work together so well in this Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake.

So, have you caught the Bundt bug?

This Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake is so easy to make. Here are some other Bundt recipes for you to try:

Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt

Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt


Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake

Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake

The Chocolate Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake was given to very dear friends, who had just lost a loved one. Simply making and giving a cake, during a time of grief, is one way to show you care. While nothing can replace their loss, or mend their heartbreak, taking time to bake a cake, which they can then share with visitors, brought a smile to our friends face when it was delivered.

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

Sammie xx

@sammiefeasting Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest

Wright’s Baking provided the cake mixes for this recipe. All opinions, content and photographs are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

 

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Perfectly Mashed Potatoes

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Thank you for stopping by to read this post and find out how to make Perfectly Mashed Potatoes. If you are curious as to why I should post such an easy recipe here’s my answer. Because everyone has to learn the basics. Including me. Since I wasn’t born with the knowledge of how to cook a roast, boil an egg or mash potatoes. I learnt, mostly, from watching my Grandma, whilst I was growing up.

FF Perfectly Mashed Potatoes
Perfectly Mashed Potatoes no fancy equipment needed!

Always an inquisitive child, I literally hung around her apron strings and learnt how to cook, bake, make preserves, prove bread and much more. My earliest memory is standing on a stall, shucking peas that my Grandad had freshly picked from the garden.

So a love of cooking, indeed, more being in the kitchen and making something, was present from a very early age. At home, I recall asking if I could peel some potatoes. I was given a bowl, full of cold water, to wash off the dirt, potatoes didn’t come pre-washed in the 1970’s and a small vegetable peeler. While a whole hour had passed and I still hadn’t finished! That didn’t matter, I was learning.

FF Perfectly Mashed Potatoes
Perfectly Mashed Potatoes creamy and delicious.

Especially in today’s world of convenience food and £1 packets of ready mashed potatoes available from the supermarket, learning how to cook basic recipes, isn’t always taught at home, in the way that I learned. So yes a recipe for Perfectly Mashed Potatoes, is here, because who doesn’t love mash???

Usually kitchens will have a potato masher utensil in them, if not they can be picked up, fairly cheaply, from any shop that sells kitchenware. I will not be using a potato ricer, hand whisk, kitchen stand mixer or any other contraption to make these Perfectly Mashed Potatoes, simply a potato masher. Because it is what most people have to hand and in my opinion, produces the best mashed potatoes!

So the only equipment you will need to make your mash is:

  • A sharp knife
  • Saucepan
  • Colinder
  • Potato Masher
  • Optional – vegetable peeler

Most kitchens will be equipped with this equipment, if not, each item can be bought inexpensively as mentioned above.

Recipe: Perfectly Mashed Potatoes serves 6-8 adults

2.5kg/5lbs Potatoes suitable for mashing – I used Albert Bartlett Elfe Potatoes – these have a particularly creamy texture and buttery taste, Rooster potatoes are also good for mashing. Any potato that is described as floury, suitable for mash can be used. However for the best mash I’ve tried I do recommend Elfe potatoes.

75g/3oz Butter

100mls/4fl ozs Whole Milk

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg – freshly grated is even better.

Method: Half fill a large saucepan with cold water

  • Using a vegetable peeler or small paring knife peel the potatoes.
  • Cut them into 5cm/2″ chunks as you go and immediately place in the pan of cold water.
  • NOTE: If peeled potatoes are left out of water they will start to turn brown.
  • Once all of the potatoes have been peeled and cut up, top up the pan with cold water, so that the potatoes are just covered.
FF Perfectly Mashed Potatoes
The potatoes are prepared and ready for cooking.
  • Turn the heat onto high on the hob and bring the potatoes up to a boil.
  • As soon as they are boiling turn the heat down and let the potatoes simmer for 15 minutes.
  • To test if the potatoes are cooked, insert a sharp knife into a couple of chunks, there shouldn’t be any resistance and the potato chunk may well break in half.
  • Once cooked drain the potatoes in a colinder and allow to steam dry for 5 minutes.
FF Perfectly Mashed Potatoes
Allowing the potatoes to steam dry makes better mash!
  • Empty any water from the saucepan the potatoes were cooked in.
  • Add the butter and milk to the pan and heat until the butter is melted.
  • I add 1/2tsp of sea salt, a good grinding of black pepper and the ground nutmeg to the milk/butter at this stage.
  • Take the pan off of the heat and add the cooked potatoes.
FF Perfectly Mashed Potatoes
Time to get mashing!
  • The next step is simply to plunge in with the potato masher and keep mashing until all the potatoes have broken down and you have smooth, creamy, Perfectly Mashed Potatoes.
  • I quite often get the children to mash our potatoes and yes, it does require a bit of elbow grease and effort (which with my back I’m not able to apply).
  • The potatoes are so beautifully soft and creamy, that they break down easily.
  • Serve the potatoes straight away onto dinner plates, or for special occasions, pile into a serving bowl, dot with a little extra butter and a light sprinkle of nutmeg.

Yes it really is that simple!

FF Perfectly Mashed Potatoes
Utterly delicious Perfectly Mashed Potatoes every single time.

Perfectly Mashed Potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to so many meals, made well they are delicious just on their own, perhaps with a little grated, sharp cheddar to top!

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Perfectly Mashed Potatoes, here are some other potato recipes you also may like:

Leek Colcannon

FF Leek Colcannon
Sautéed leeks and savoy cabbage mixed with mashed potatoes.

Baked Garlic Herb Potato Wedges

FF Baked Garlic Herb Potato Wedges
Baked Garlic Herb Potato Wedges

Tangy Lemon Potato Salad

FF Tangy Lemon Potato Salad
Tangy Lemon Potato Salad

Were you taught to cook at home, or are you just learning?

Thank you for all of you lovely comments, I get such a thrill knowing you have baked and enjoyed one of my recipes, please keep them coming.

Also it is great seeing all the pictures of your makes and bakes on Twitter and Instagram. Please keep them coming, tag me in and I’ll be sure to give you a shoutout or retweet.

Are there any other basic recipes that you would like to see on Feasting is Fun? Let me know and if I can, I will post them for you.

I always try to remember that everyone has to start at the beginning. Most of all the fun is in the journey and we are all here to support each other as we learn.

Sammie xx

@sammiefeasting Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest

The Albert Bartlett Elfe potatoes were won in a competition. All opinions and views are my own, as is the content of this post. Please see my Disclosure Policy

 

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Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup

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Finally Spring is upon us and with it some gloriously sunny days. However, being British and therefore brought up to talk about the weather, there have also been a few blustery downpours. Also, the sun, in April, not yet having had its chance to warm up our part of the planet, means there’s quite a chill in the air, when it’s hidden by clouds. Enter my Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup, perfect for warming you through, whether you’re chilly, or soaked through from a sudden downpour – April showers and all that!

FF Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup deliciously satisfying.

Quite honestly, this soup is so utterly delicious, it’s flavours intensified by roasting the butternut squash first, I am happy to make it all year round. Or at least when butternut squash is in season.

Living In The Real World

I am really working on trying to eat seasonally. While we did belong to a veg box scheme, with my health and body dictating what I am able to do during the day, too much was being wasted. And on that subject, I am, at present, propped up in bed, with my neck in spasm, due to a few violent seizures (see Living With Seizures).

Please don’t think I am writing this for you to feel sorry for me, nothing could be further from the truth. I just believe in honesty. Because, in our Instagram shiny, perfect world, it can lead to people feeling inadequate or broken. Whereas real life can be messy as well as beautiful. Health problems, relationship difficulties, family problems, financial issues. There’s a whole host of stuff that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ – I am generalising. While hubby and I are happy, we still have to deal with a lot, together. And I’m sure we are not alone.

FF Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup incredibly tasty and filling.

Comforting Food

A good meal like this Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup can feel like a warm hug, against the harsh realities life sometimes throws at us. I can’t even remember exactly when I made this soup, about 2 weeks ago I think! Yet I haven’t had the opportunity to write it up until today.

Also this the easiest soup to make and the flavour is out of this world good. Besides, who knew butternut squash could have so much more flavour, simply by roasting it? Oh and the garlic, which is left unpeeled whilst it roasts, turns into sweet little cloves of utter heaven. Roasted garlic is about as far away from the heat and pungency of raw garlic, as it is possible to be. Yet together these two ingredients make this utterly scrumptious Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup.

Recipe: Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup serves 4-6 people

1 Butternut Squash

2 Garlic Cloves

1 Onion

2tbsp Olive Oil

1 Vegetable or Chicken Stock Cube

Sea salt  – I use Maldon. and freshly ground black pepper

Optional – Parsely and Double Cream to serve

Method: Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan, gas mark 6, 400F.

Preparing And Roasting The Ingredients

  • First of all, using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the butternut squash.
  • Cut the squash in half and then cut the bottom half in half again so that the seeds can be scooped out.
FF Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash is such a beautiful colour.
  • Cut the butternut squash into 2.5cm/1″ chunks
  • Place the chunks of butternut squash onto a baking tray along with the 2 garlic cloves.
  • Pour over 1tbsp of olive oil and using clean hands toss the chunks so that they have a covering of oil.
  • Add a small sprinkle of sea salt (1/2tsp) and a good grinding of black pepper.
FF Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
The butternut squash chunks almost fill they baking tray.
  • Place the baking tray into the oven and allow to roast for 25 minutes.
  • While the squash and garlic are roasting, peel and finely chop the onion.
  • In a large saucepan add the other tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped onion.
  • Sauté over a medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent. Leave to one side.
  • The butternut squash is roasted once it has become tender.
  • As soon as it is cooked remove the baking tray from the oven.
FF Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
After roasting you can see how much the butternut squash has shrunk.

Making The Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup

  • The butternut squash has reduced inside and that means – concentrated flavour!
  • Place the saucepan containing the sautéed onion back over a medium heat.
  • Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skin and add to the saucepan.
  • Add the roasted butternut squash to the pan,
  • Cover with 1.5 litres of hot water from the kettle.
  • Crumble in the stock cube.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for a further 10 minutes, uncovered.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and blend using an immersion blender.
  • Alternatively allow the soup to cool a little and blend, in batches, using a blender.
  • Once blended add the soup back to the saucepan.
  • Check for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
  • Also, if the soup is too thick add a little extra hot water until the desired consistency is reached.
FF Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup just add crusty bread!

I like to serve this soup with a little swirl of cream and some fresh parsley to garnish. Adding a nice thick slice of my Crunchy Seeded Bread turns this Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup into a substantial meal. I love dunking bread into soup, do you?

Make Ahead And Freeze!

To store, cool the soup completely and portion into airtight containers or zip lock freezer bags. It will keep in the fridge for 4 days or the freezer for up to one month. Next time I make this Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup I am going to double up on the quantities. It only takes a little longer to peel and chop an extra squash and onion. While the oven is on, it makes sense to pop in two baking trays. And that way I will have lunch or a quick dinner, bolstered with some bread and cheese, for the days when I simply am not up to cooking.

If you have enjoyed this Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup here are some other delicious soup recipes:

Roast Chicken Noodle Soup

FF Roast Chicken Noodle Soup
Roast Chicken Noodle Soup great for using up leftovers.

Leek and Potato Soup

FF Leek and Potato Soup
Leek and Potato Soup velvety comfort.

Carrot Soup

FF Carrot Soup
Carrot Soup served with crumbled Stliton cheese.

Do you sometimes need a warm hug?

And what is your go to comforting food?

Thank you for taking time to leave a comment. Especially as I really enjoy reading them and hearing about your baking and cooking adventures. Likewise it’s been fantastic to see so many of you posting your makes and bakes on Twitter and Instagram. Finally, if you tag me in I’ll be sure to retweet and give you a shoutout.

So, wherever you are and whatever you are making I wish you all the very best and hope that you know you are loved and treasured, see Important Stuff.

Sammie xx

Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup has been entered into the No Croutons Required Link Up hosted by Jac at Tinned Tomatoes.

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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Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut

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Do any of you, my lovely readers have fears? I like to think that I don’t, yet I am never too happy with heights – the bridge in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’. I’m pretty sure I’d have to be blindfolded, gagged and carried across!! Another irrational fear I’ve had for a while has been baking with silicone. Because it looks like plastic to me and plastic melts in the oven – right? Well today I faced my fear and baked this delicious Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut using a silicone mould!

And guess what – it didn’t melt!

FF Raspberries And Cream Giant Doughnut

Yep you can always trust Sammie to NOT be at the forefront of new baking technology 😉.

I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally baked using a silicone mould. So much so that I have to agree with friends that bake with silicone all the time, they are an absolute dream to work with. I’ve had these silicone giant doughnut moulds since the January sales, I like to ease into things gradually!!

FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut such a light fluffy sponge.

Seasonal Fruit And Vegetables Are Unbeatable

When baking and cooking I really try to use seasonal fruit and vegetables. So this Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut has defrosted frozen raspberries in the middle. Because raspberries are most definitely not in season, however I find the frozen British raspberries from Waitrose are fantastic quality and perfect for use, as fresh fruit, during the colder months.

We grow quite a bit of fruit in our back garden, including raspberries, strawberries, cherries, apples, plums and pears – ooh blackcurrants, redcurrants and blackberries too. Last year wasn’t brilliant for raspberries in our garden, yet we had buckets full of cherries. Our children are duly dispatched to various neighbours houses, sharing the fruit.

FF Raspberry And Cream Giant Doughnut
Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut perfect for afternoon tea.

In a good year when there is an abundance of raspberries I always try to freeze some down. Usually there are only enough for our trifle on Christmas Day, as we love eating them fresh, or turning them into jam. Raspberry jam has to be my absolute favourite and I was going to make a small batch of fresh jam to use in this Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut – however, my body had other ideas.

Keeping Positive

Rather I focus on the positives, those being: this Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut is so easy to make, bake and decorate. And on top of that, once the doughnut is assembled and sliced into – well, the flavour is outstanding. Resulting in a sponge that is lighter than light, the ‘fresh’ raspberry tartness works well with the sweetness of the jam and the hint of almond in the glacé icing, adds that extra level of flavour.

Recipe: Makes one Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut

At a guess I’d say this should serve 8-10 people, but there again if they want seconds…….

200g/7oz Unsalted Butter – softened plus 1tbsp extra for grasing the doughnut moulds

200g/7oz Caster Sugar

1tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – can substitute for vanilla extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

5 Large Free Range Eggs

200g/7oz Plain Flour

1.5tsp Baking Powder

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

For the filling:

3-4tbsp Raspberry Jam for my homemade recipe see here

150g/5oz Fresh or Defrosted Raspberries

300ml/ 1/2 pint Double Cream + 1tsp Caster Sugar

For the icing:

100g Icing Sugar – sifted

1/2tsp Almond Extract – again I use – Nielsen-Massey

Pink Gel Food Colouring

Sprinkles of your choice

Method: Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F

Making The Doughnut Batter

FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
The two silicone doughnut moulds.
  • Grease both of the doughnut moulds with butter – remembering to grease the middle section that will make the doughnut hole.
  • Into a large bowl add the butter and sugar.
  • Whisk/beat together for 5 minutes. This is important as it will help the sponge be very light and tender.
  • Add the vanilla bean paste and whisk/beat for a further 2 minutes.
  • Add all 5 eggs to the bowl.
  • Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Whish/beat slowly until the ingredients have just come together.
  • Use a rubber/silicone spatula to give the mix a couple of stirs, ensuring all the ingredients, especially from the bottom of the bowl are combined.
  • Carefully spoon half of the batter into each of the doughnut halves.
  • Smooth the top of the batter for an even bake.
  • Place the doughnut halves, making sure they do not touch, on a baking tray and place in the middle of the oven.
FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
Fill each doughnut mould with half of the mixture.

Baking The Doughnut Halves

  • Cook for 40-50 minutes. Mine took 45 minutes.
  • The doughnut is cooked when it is golden and springs back from a light touch. You will also notice, from the picture below that the cake has started to come away from the side of the mould.
  • As soon as the giant doughnut halves are baked remove from the oven and place onto a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
Move the moulds onto a cooling rack.
  • After 10 minutes cooling in the mould has elapsed, gently tip each doughnut half out of its mould.
  • Allow to cool completely on the rack
FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
Two halves of a giant doughnut cooling on the rack.

Filling And Decorating The Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut

  • As soon as both halves are cooled the doughnut can now be decorated.
  • Place one half, flat side up, on a pretty serving plate, board or cake stand.
  • Carefully spread the raspberry jam so that it covers the flat surface.
  • Arrange the raspberries in a pattern, on top of the jam.
FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
The bottom layer is decorated.
  • In a bowl add the double cream and sugar.
  • Whisk until it just holds a stiff peak.
  • Fit a large piping bag with a #1M Wilton large star tip.
  • Fill the piping bag with the whipped cream.
  • Pipe a swirl pattern around the middle of the bottom layer.
  • Pipe stars all around the inside and outside edge of the doughnut half.
FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
Piped swirls and stars of freshly whipped cream.
  • Place the other doughnut half on top of the fruit and whipped cream, curved side facing up. You now have a giant doughnut!!
  • To make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a small bowl, add the almond extract.
  • Add 2tsp of water and mix, then add a tiny bit of pink gel colouring using a cocktail stick.
  • The icing consistency needs to be thick but still pourable – add a little extra water to achieve this.
  • Using a spoon, drizzle the thick icing over the top of the doughnut, as shown in the picture.
  • Finally add your sprinkles before the glacé icing sets.
FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
Finished with almond glacé icing and pretty pearlised sprinkles.

Serve the Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut sliced with a nice cup of afternoon tea.

FF Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut
Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut

If you have enjoyed this Raspberries Cream Giant Doughnut recipe you may also like these:

Raspberry Almond Cream Cake

FF Raspberry Almond Cream Cake
Raspberry Almond Cream Cake

Lemon Drizzle Whipped Cream Filled Giant Doughnut 

FF Lemon Drizzle Whipped Cream Filled Giant Doughnut
Lemon Drizzle Whipped Cream Filled Giant Doughnut

Black Forest Giant Doughnut 

FF Black Forest Giant Doughnut
Black Forest Giant Doughnut

While Sunday tea may not be a national tradition anymore, sometimes it’s nice to have a beautiful slice of something delicious, mid afternoon, just because you can!

Since I find baking a pleasure not a burden. Yet, sometimes it is nice to share things out, that way we all get to enjoy each other’s bakes!

Personally I’m all for tradition and think bringing back a proper Sunday afternoon tea, where all the family gathers together, is a brilliant idea. Perhaps not every week, although there is nothing wrong with that. Rather, once a month, with everyone contributing so that the burden of baking doesn’t fall on only one pair of shoulders.

Whatever you make and bake in your kitchen, remember feasting really is fun, especially when we share with others.

Sammie xx

 

 

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Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks

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Do you love the smell of coconuts? I do! And with coconut oil being hailed as the new all round, healthy oil, I was interested in what it would be like to bake with. So, after receiving a 250ml jar of cold pressed, organic coconut oil from the lovely people at Vita Coco I decided to make these vegan Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks.

Vegan flapjacks sized for Pinterest with descriptive graphics

Since having previously tried and failed, on two separate occasion to make flapjacks using honey, I knew I would have to go back to using sugar and golden syrup, if I stood any chance of these bars holding together. And switching the butter for coconut oil was also a risky proposition.

VC Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks
Medjool dates and Vita Coco coconut oil.

Since I was using beautiful medjool dates from the Medjool Date Co. I reduced the amount of golden syrup. The dates are so naturally sweet it didnt need the extra sweetness like my Cranberry Walnut Flapjacks. Also, flaked almonds added the perfect crunch, plus all their nutty goodness and flavour.

Three vegan flapjacks on a plate.
Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks

Finally, the swirl of milk chocolate gives the Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks a beautiful finish and let’s face it, a little chocolate always makes things better. Since these flapjacks are naturally vegan, use dairy free, vegan dark chocolate when sharing with those following a vegan diet.

Vegan flapjacks on a white platter.
Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks vegan and very delicious.

Wow!! These Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks taste amazing. I mean really, really good.

And I needn’t have worried about missing the buttery flavour of my usual flapjacks as these are packed full of chewy, nutty, flavour. Because my taste buds threw a party after my first bite, demanding another and then another bite.

So utterly delicious and clean tasting, if you get my meaning?

Recipe: Makes 16 Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks

225g/8oz One 250ml Jar of Vita Coco coconut oil

125g/5oz Light Soft Brown Sugar

75g/3oz Golden Syrup -light corn syrup

325g/11.5oz Rolled Oats – NOT quick cook oats

100g/4oz Flaked Almonds

125g/5oz Medjool Dates – seed removed and chopped into 1cm pieces

Optional – 100g/4oz Milk or alternatively Vegan Chocolate Sainsbury’s essential dark chocolate is Vegan

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

Making The Vegan Flapjacks

  • First of all, line an 8″ X 11″ – 20cm X 28cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment. While I didn’t grease my tin first, the baking parchment lifted out without any problems.
  • In a large, heatproof/microwaveable bowl add the coconut oil, sugar and golden syrup.
  • Place in the microwave and heat on medium, for approximately 3 minutes, until the coconut oil has melted.
  • Stir the coconut oil, sugar and golden syrup together.
  • Add the rolled oats, chopped dates and flaked almonds.
VC Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks
All the ingredients for Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks in one bowl!
  • Mix all the ingredients together so that everything is coated in the melted coconut oil and sugar mix.
  • Tip the flapjack ingredients into the prepared tin.
VC Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks
Tip the delicious mix into a prepared tin.
  • Using the back of a metal spoon, press the mixture evenly into the tin.
VC Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks
Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks ready for the oven.

Baking The Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks

  • Place the flapjacks into the centre of the oven and bake for exactly 20 minutes.
  • The flapjacks should be a golden colour once cooked. As soon as the 20 minutes has elapsed remove from the oven.
  • Finally, resist the temptation to cook them for just a bit longer. Since this will result in the flapjacks becoming very hard and not chewy, on cooling.
VC Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks
Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks leave to cool completely in the tin.
  • Leave the flapjacks to cool completely in the tin.
  • Once cooled remove the from the tin using the parchment to lift them out.

Cutting And Decorating The Flapjacks

  • With a sharp knife cut down the length of the flapjack block, dividing it in two. Next cut across the middle of the flapjack, creating four quarters. Cur each quarter into four bars.
  • Break up the milk chocolate and place into a heatproof, microwaveable bowl.
  • Zap for 20 seconds at a time, on high, in the microwave. Stirring as the chocolate starts to melt. When the chocolate is nearly melted remove from the microwave and keep stirring until it is completely melted.
  • Pour the melted chocolate into a small piping bag (or a freezer/sandwich bag).
VC Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks
The glass keeps the bag steady as you pour in the melted chocolate.
  • Cut the very end of the piping bag (or corner of bag), so that you have a small hole.
  • Pipe a pattern of your choice down the length of each of the Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks.
  • Leave to set.
Chocolate decorated flapjacks
Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks

Store the flapjacks in an airtight container for up to a week.

Coconut Oil A Vegan Substitute For Butter

While the coconut flavour in these flapjacks is subtle, it mixes well with the dates and almonds to create a really flavoursome bar. Especially ideal for mornings when you’re in a rush and need breakfast on the go, or for filling that mid afternoon hunger gap and seeing you through to your evening meal!

I am incredibly impressed with how well the Vita Coco coconut oil worked in this recipe and I shall most definitely be buying more and using it in other recipes. So providing the chocolate is vegan, these Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks they are vegan, dairy AND gluten free (providing you use certified gluten free oats).

Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks

Creating a recipe that is not only nutritious, tasty and easy to pack up and take to work or school, but that can also be enjoyed by more people is a fantastic feeling!

Do you have diet constraints?

Have you substituted coconut oil for butter in any of your cooking/baking?

Please let me know as I am new to baking with coconut oil and would love to hear any tips you may have?

If you have enjoyed these Coconut Almond Date Flapjacks here are a couple more recipes you may like.

Cranberry Walnut Flapjacks

VC Cranberry Walnut Flapjacks
Cranberry Walnut Flapjacks

Macadamia Nut Apricot Flapjacks 

Macadamia Nut Apricot Flapjacks
Macadamia Nut Apricot Flapjacks

Double Cherry Drizzle Oat Bars

Double Cherry Drizzle Oat Bars
Double Cherry Drizzle Oat Bars

Creating a vegan snack happened accidentally. Because the butter is switched to coconut oil and all of the other ingredients are gluten free and vegan I am thrilled that the resulting bake is so tasty. Since more people can enjoy this snack it fits in well with the theme of Feasting Is Fun.

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

Sammie xx

VitaCoco and The Medjool Date Co. provided me with coconut oil and dates which were used in this recipe. Also, all opinions, views, content and photographs are my own. I did not receive payment for writing this post. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Also, this recipe is an entry into the #Swearbyit challenge with Vita coco. Find more great coconut oil recipes and tips on using coconut oil at www.swearbyit.com.

Vegan breakfast bars with descriptive graphics overlay.

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Rolo Chocolate Cookies

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Ooh I am so excited to share this recipe with you. And, I may have just found the perfect chocolate/caramel cookie! Meet my Rolo Chocolate Cookies.

Since I have been wanting to make these cookies for absolutely ages, I  finally got round to it yesterday, while I was also baking my Chocolate Orange Citrus Bundt Cake.

Homebaked Cookies

While using the recipe from my Monster Mini Egg Cookies as a starting point, I jiggled things about a bit. Especially changing from light brown sugar to dark muscavado sugar and adding some cocoa, amongst other things. Resulting in my humble opinion, the best soft chocolate cookie that I’ve made so far!

R Rolo Chocolate Cookies
Rolo Chocolate Cookies unbelievably good.

Oh my, these Rolo Chocolate Cookies are the stuff of dreams. Or to put it in the words of our children, like the ones you get at Sainsbury’s!

Instead, the difference is that I know exactly what has gone into these cookies and their smell as they are baking. And as you may know, I adore the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, chocolate cookies are right up there with the bread, in terms of deliciously teasing aromas.

R Rolo Chocolate Cookies
Rolo Chocolate Cookies they really are as good as they look!

Because I am a self proclaimed Cookie Monster, sometimes I want a nice crisp biscuit that I can dunk in my cup of tea like my Lemon Shortbread Cookies and other times I want to bite into a soft, yielding cookie. Exactly the type of cookie that goes really well with a glass of ice cold milk – these Rolo Chocolate Cookies are it.

Chewy, ooey and gooey.

Yep I know that sounds like cartoon characters 😉.

So, if you like chocolate cookies, you’ll love these Rolo Chocolate Cookies.

Recipe: Rolo Chocolate Cookies makes 18-20

225g/8oz Soft Dark Brown Muscavado Sugar

150g/5oz Unsalted Butter- at room temperature

1Tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – I use Nielsen-Massey if you don’t have any paste you can substitute 2tsp of vanilla extract

1 Large Free Range Egg – plus 1 Large Free Range Egg Yolk

50g/2oz Cocoa Powder – I use Callebaut

225g/8oz Plain White Flour

1/2tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

1/4tsp of Sea Salt – I use Maldon 

4-6 packs of Nestle Rolos – depending on how decadent you want your cookies – I’m not going to lie, I went for the full 6 packets!!!

Making The Rolo Chocolate Cookie Batter

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

  • First of all, place the sugar and butter in a large bowl and whisk for 5 minutes until pale and creamy. Importantly whisking for 5 minutes and then again after adding the eggs is very important to the finished texture of the cookie.
  • Add the vanilla bean paste and the eggs and continue whisking for a further 5 minutes.
R Rolo Chocolate Cookies
This is how pale you need the whipped eggs, butter and sugar to be.
  • Sift in the cocoa, flour and sodium bicarbonate into the bowl.
  • Add 4 packets of Rolos.
R Rolo Chocolate Cookies
Everything in the bowl ready to become Rolo Chocolate Cookies!!

Portioning The Cookies On The Baking Sheet

  • Using a metal spoon, gently stir all of the ingredients together, trying not to bash the Rolos too much.
  • Line 3 baking trays with baking parchment.
  • Using a medium sized ice cream scoop, scoop mounds of cookie dough onto the baking trays. Leave a decent gap between each mound as these cookies spread.
  • Top each cookie with a single Rolo.
R Rolo Chocolate Cookies
Top each mound of cookie dough with an extra Rolo.

Baking The Rolo Topped Cookies

  • Bake the cookies in the centre of the oven for exactly 15 minutes.
  • The cookies will still be very soft after the baking time has elapsed.
  • As soon as the cookies are baked remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking tray.
R Rolo Chocolate Cookies
Rolo Chocolate Cookies cooling on the baking parchment lined trays.

Cookie Love

Once cooled store the Rolo Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container. It is important to separate each layer of cookies with baking parchment. Because these cookies can get very sticky where the caramel oozes out and like to hang on to each other in the tin.

I tell you this from experience 😉.

R Rolo Chocolate Cookies
Rolo Chocolate Cookies a delicious combination of chocolate and caramel in a cookie.

Also, if you have any Easter chocolate left, you could break it up and add it to these cookies instead of the Rolos, or melt it and use it in my Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites.

If you had a look of horror on your face when I suggested ‘leftover chocolate’ fear not I happily bought the Rolos for these yummy Rolo Chocolate Cookies!!

In our home we have have an ‘eating chocolate’ stash and a completely separate ‘cooking/blogging chocolate’ stash. Although sometimes the lines are blurred – when the need arises, either way!

So, can you keep chocolate in the house without it constantly ‘calling to you’?

If you’ve enjoyed these Rolo Chocolate Cookies here are some other cookie recipes that you may also like:

Chocolate Monster Mini Egg Cookies

Smartie Chocolate Monster Mini Egg Cookies
Chocolate Monster Mini Egg Cookies a delicious treat.

Cherry Bakewell Cookies

R Cherry Bakewell Cookies
Cherry Bakewell Cookies if you fancy a change from chocolate?

Bakery Style Soft Triple Chocolate Cookies 

FF Rolo Chocolate Cookies
Bakery Style Soft Triple Chocolate Cookies

I love reading your comments so please keep them coming. Also if you are on Twitter or Instagram please pop up a photo of your bakes and kitchen creations and tag me in. Since I really enjoy seeing what you’ve made and will be sure to retweet or give you a shoutout.

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

Sammie xx

@sammiefeasting Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest

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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