Snowy Black Forest Roulade

Happy holidays to all of my wonderful readers. Since we are all getting in the festive mood here at Feasting headquarters (home!) I have an easy to make and delicious gluten free dessert to share. While you can absolutely make this Snowy Black Forest Roulade with regular wheat flour, using a gluten free alternative ensures this dessert recipe is available to more people. And we are all about inclusivity here at Feasting is Fun.

FF Gluten Free Black Forest Roulade

Making A Genoise Sponge

Since I have never made a gluten free genoise sponge before, I wanted to attempt it. No fat is added when making a Genoise Sponge. Rather, whisking eggs and sugar until light and foamy. And then you carefully fold both the flour and cocoa powder into the mix.  Most importantly is to be careful not to knock out the whipped air. Resulting in a baked sponge that is beautifully light.

Cherry and whipped cream filled chocolate sponge roll. Topped with chocolate trees and a dusting of icing sugar snow.
Snowy Black Forest Roulade with gluten free option.

Because adding cocoa can have a drying effect on the sponge, I worried whether the cake would hold up to being rolled. Since a good roulade sponge  should withstand rolling, without cracking. So the possibilities of how wrong this sponge could go, seemed endless. Maybe this bake would fail? Yet the only way to know, was to try.

FF Gluten Free Dessert
Gluten Free Snowy Black Forest Roulade

Gluten Free Genoise Sponge Roulade

So, the gluten free chocolate genoise sponge was made and baked. And as you can see from the photos, it did indeed roll, without cracking and the flavour is utterly delicious. Light, soft, chocolate sponge, filled with kirsch flavoured whipped cream and soft, sweet cherries. One mouthful of this Snowy Black Forest Rouladand I  am  completely lost in one of my favourite flavour combinations.

Finally, my taste testers were happily enjoying eatythe roulade, completely unaware it was gluten free. A very positive sign. Since I have baked quite a few gluten free recipes, it’s a thrill when the texture and flavour are spot on.  A soft, yielding sponge, that tastes just like a sponge should. As a result of this bake I have plans to make another gluten rolled sponge, that is simply flavoured with vanilla or lemon.

I find that the proof of the pudding is in the eating! And when plates and bowls are left empty, I am satisfied that whatever I have made is a hit. Our children can be brutally honest, especially Snugs, our youngest daughter. She scored this Snowy Black Forest Roulade at 9 out of 10. Another success for the Feasting kitchen.

Recipe: Snowy Black Forest Roulade

1tbsp Unsalted Butter

4 Large Free Range Eggs

80g Caster Sugar

50g Gluten Free Plain White Flour – I use Doves Farm alternatively use Plain White Flour (for non gluten free Roulade)

50g Cocoa Powder plus an extra 2tbsp – I use Callebaut

1tsp Baking Powder – I use Waitrose as it is gluten free

Small Pinch of Salt – I use Maldon

300ml Double Cream

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

4tsp Icing Sugar

1 Tin Cherry Pie Filling (410g)

Optional 2tbsp Kirsch Liquer

100g Dark Chocolate

50g White Chocolate

Optional – White Edible Glitter

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

Note: To bake the sponge for this Snowy Black Forest Roulade you will need a baking tray that measures 38cm x 25cm x 3cm (15″ x 10″ x 1″).

Creating the Chocolate Genoise Sponge Batter

  • First of all grease the baking tray with butter and line the base with baking parchment.
  • Sift the gluten free flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt into a bowl.
  • Next, in a large bowl, or if you have a stand mixer use the bowl with the whisk attachment, add the sugar and eggs. Whisk continuously for at least 5 minutes, until the egg/sugar mixture has more than tripled in size. The mixture will be a pale cream colour that is very light and airy. It should leave a ribbon trail, that lasts a few seconds, after you remove the whisk.
  • Tip the sifted ingredients into the whisked egg mixture and using a large metal spoon, carefully fold the sifted ingredients in. The aim is to retain as much air within the finished cake batter as possible.
  • Once the ingredients are completely combined pour the mixture in to the prepared baking tray. Use a palette knife to ensure that the cake batter is evenly spread, ensuring that it reaches all of the corners.
FF Snowy Black Forest Roulade
Making the sponge batter and filling the baking tray.

Baking and Cooling the Sponge

  • Now place the baking tray into the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • To test if the sponge is baked press lightly in the centre, when baked the sponge will spring back. Note – be careful not to over bake as this will cause the sponge to be dry and it will then be harder to roll without cracking.
  • Finally, when the sponge is baked, remove it from the oven.
  • Next, allow the sponge to cool in the tin for 2 minutes.
  • While the sponge is cooling, lay a large, just bigger than the sponge, piece of baking parchment on the work top.
  • Dust the baking parchment with the extra 2 tablespoons of cocoa, so that it is evenly covered.
  • Now run a palette knife around the edge of the sponge and then turn it out on to the baking parchment.
  • Very carefully remove the parchment that lined the baking tray.
  • Starting at one side and using the baking parchment to help, gently roll the sponge, while it is still warm.
  • Once rolled, set to one side until completely cooled.
FF Snowy Black Forest Roulade
Please use baking parchment, my brain wasn’t working and I used a pastry mat. It worked absolutely fine but next time I will turn the sponge out on to parchment!

Making the Chocolate Trees:

  • While waiting for the sponge to cool, the chocolate trees can be made.
  • First you will need 2 small disposable piping bags to pipe the trees with.
  • Next break up both types of chocolate and place in heatproof, microwaveable bowls.
  • Heat the chocolate, individually, on medium until it has started to melt.
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
  • Now fill each piping bag with melted chocolate. Leave the chocolate to cool, until it is still liquid, yet warm, not hot, in the piping bag. As a result of leaving the chocolate to cool, it will be thicker and easier to control whilst piping the trees.
  • Starting with the dark chocolate, pipe tree shapes on to a non stick silicone mat, or baking parchment. The trees should be about 3 inches (7.5cm) high, please see the photo below.
FF Snowy Black Forest Roulade
Pipe the main trunk down then up and then pipe the branches.
  • Allow the dark chocolate to set and then pipe white chocolate on the top of each branch. Leave the trees to completely set before attempting to remove them.
  • It is inevitable that some trees will break as they are removed. This is great as most forest floors have fallen/broken branches on them. So they can be used to add further decoration to the roulade.

Filling and decorating the Snowy Black Forest Roulade:

  • In a large bowl add the cream, vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of Kirsch and 2 teaspoons of sifted icing sugar – a tea strainer is handy for sifting small amounts.
  • Whisk the cream until it just holds a stiff peak.
  • Unroll the chocolate sponge and then, using a palette knife, spread half of the cream over the sponge.
  • Decant the cherry pie filling into a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of kirsch and stir to mix.
  • Next, using a spoon, place cherries evenly across the sponge, then spoon the syrup in between the cherries.
  • Using the baking parchment roll the sponge into it a log, finishing with the seam underneath.
  • Transfer the Roulade to a suitable plate.
  • Fit a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then fill the bag with the remaining whipped cream.
  • Pipe single flower stars along the top of the Roulade and then along the sides.
FF Snowy Black Forest Roulade
Building, rolling and piping the Roulade.
  • To finish the decoration, carefully peel the piped chocolate trees away from the non stick surface.
  • Place the trees evenly along the top of the Roulade, pushing them into the piped cream.
  • Use any broken tree parts as forest floor decorations, anchoring them to the roulade with the piped cream.
  • Finally finish the dessert by sifting icing sugar snow over the Roulade, sprinkling edible glitter for added sparkle!
FF Gluten Free Roulade
Snowy Black Forest Roulade

Serve sliced with a smile!

FF Gluten Free Dessert
A slice of Black Forest Roulade.

All the flavour of a Black Forest Gateaux rolled into a stunning, Christmassy, Snowy Black Forest Roulade that is completely gluten free. A dessert that can be enjoyed by more people, without any loss of taste, texture or quality.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for this Snowy Black Forest Roulade here are some other gluten free recipes you may enjoy:

Lemon Ripple Ice Cream 

FF Lemon Ripple Ice Cream
Lemon Ripple Ice Cream

Raspberry Chocolate Pavlova

FF Snowy Black Forest Roulade
Raspberry Chocolate Pavlova gluten free.

Strawberry Whipped Cream Giant Doughnut

FF Snowy Black Forest Roulade
Strawberry Whipped Cream Giant Doughnut gluten free.

Gluten free recipes can taste just as great as their regular, wheat based counterparts. Also, creating recipes that can be made and eaten by people on a restricted diet, is an important part of what I do at Feasting is Fun. So you can look forward to more recipes being added, especially with Christmas not very far away.

Finally, when a recipe tastes as good as this Snowy Black Forest Roulade, there is no need to bake separate desserts. And that has to be a good thing, for both those on a restricted diet and the cook!

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

Sammie xx

I am submitting this Snowy Black Forest Roulade to October’s We Should Cocoa over at Tin and Thyme

FF Snowy Black Forest Roulade

Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake

Birthday season is upon us in the Feasting family. Cakes, bakes, canapés and celebration continue from now, right through to the New Year. Therefore, making this Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake with family in mind, resulted in a beautifully decorated, delicious cake, perfect for guys and girls of all ages.

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake delicious citrus flavours all the way through.

So the cake itself is made using Wright’s Baking Orange Cake Mix, to which lemon zest is added. Baked as a single cake, it is then sliced into three layers which are sandwiched back together using tart lemon curd. The result, a balanced citrus flavoured cake, that wakes up your tastebuds ready to party!

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake full of hidden fruit.

In addition, the decision to decorate the cake with piped buttercream roses, shows an increase in confidence with regard to piping. Creating an ombré effect, from pale lemon swirls to deeper tangerine lends a modern finish to this cake.

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake a stunning centrepiece perfect for celebrating.

Since piping this Heart Engagement Bundt Cake, crumb coating, covering the whole cake in a thin layer of buttercream, was not an option, it was a must. Resulting in a cake that looks much cleaner, more professional, as well as any gaps between the roses are already covered.

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake my entry for #GBBOTwitterBakeAlong

While not absolutely necessary, the added edible violas give the finished cake an elegant, yet natural touch. Their presence hints at the floral, citrus flavoured cake hidden by the piped roses.

Recipe: Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake serves 12-14

2 Packets Orange Cake Mix available from Wright’s Baking online shop you will need 1 1/2 packets of mix for this recipe

90ml Vegetable Oil – I use sunflower oil plus a little extra for greasing the cake tin

300ml Water

1 Large Free Range Egg

1tsp Lemon Zest – the zest of one regular lemon

Approx 1/2 jar Lemon Curd

For the ombre buttercream:

700g White Icing Sugar

350g Unsalted Butter – softened to room temperature

2tbsp Very Hot Water

Gel Food Colouring – Red and Yellow, or Orange – I use Wilton

1tsp Lemon Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

Optional – pesticide free viola flowers

Method: Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan, gas mark 3.5

You will need a 20cm/8″ diameter 8.5cm/3.5″ deep tin to bake this cake.

  • Starting with the cake tin, grease the entire tin and also line the base with parchment paper.
  • Into a large bowl add the water, egg, oil and one packet of the orange cake mix. Weigh the other packet of cake mix and divide in half. Add half of the packet contents to the bowl – it was approximately 260g. Please check the weight for yourself.
  • Whisk the ingredients together according to the instructions on the packet.
  • Finally add the finely grated zest of 1 lemon, approximately 1tsp, to the bowl. Whisk to distribute and combine.
  • Pour the citrus cake batter into the prepared tin.
FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Cake batter in the tin and ready for the oven.
  • Place the cake tin in the centre of the oven and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. Test the cake at 1 hour 20 minutes with a skewer. The cake is baked when an inserted skewer comes out clean.
  • As soon as the cake is baked remov from the oven, place on a rack and allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake

    Breath in the rich, citrus, homebaked aroma.
  • When the cake has cooled turn it out of the tin. Also if necessary, run around the outer rim of the cake with a palette knife. Doing this will loosen any slight sticking, that said Wright’s cake mixes are excellent and always turn out of the tin easily.

Preparing the cake for decoration:

  • During baking the cake rose slightly more in the centre. The cause may have been the addition of an  egg to the cake mixture, or, baking at a slightly higher temperature.
  • First cut off any dome on the top of the cake. Having a small rise in the centre is an advantage with the finished cake.
  • Slice the cake evenly into 3 layers. A serrated knife cuts cleanly through the cake, minimising crumbs.
  • Place the bottom layer, cut side up, on a board or cake stand.
  • Spread the bottom layer with an even, thin layer of lemon curd, so that it almost reaches the edges.
  • Next, place the middle layer on top of the bottom layer, matching up the sides.
  • Again, spread a thin, even layer of lemon curd on to the cake, keeping just inside the edges.
  • Finally place the top of the cake on to the middle layer.
FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Shaping, slicing and then reassembling the cake.

Preparing the cake:

  • Place the softened butter into a large bowl.
  • Sift the icing sugar into the same bowl.
  • Next add the very hot water and lemon extract.
  • Finally whisk the ingredients together, starting on a slow speed and increasing the speed, until you have a pale, fluffy, lump free, buttercream.
  • Remove 3 heaped tablespoons of the buttercream and set aside to crumb coat the cake. First place the buttercream on the top of the cake. Use an offset spatula to spread the icing across the top of the cake, gently pushing it over the sides. Rotating the stand, or board, gradually cover the sides of the cake with a thin layer of buttercream. Finish by dipping a palette knife into hot water, drying and running the hot knife over the cake, this will produce a smooth finish. Place the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set slightly.

Colouring the buttercream:

  • Divide the remaining buttercream equally, between 3 bowls.
  • Use cocktail sticks, gel food colouring and a teaspoon to stir, start colouring the icing. It is easier to achieve the lightest colour, which is piped on to the top of the cake, first. Doing so sets the shade and tint of the icing.
  • Following on, add more colouring to the next bowl, until the shade is correct. Finishing with the last bowl and deepest colour, add extra red and yellow gel until the desired deeper colour is obtained.
  • To pipe the buutercream, fit 3 large, disposable piping bags with large star piping nozzles – Wilton #1M. Fill each bag with a separate shade of buttercream. Label the piping bags light, medium, dark, so they are distinguishable.
FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Natural lemon flavoured buttercream and the 3 shades created for the ombré effect.

Decorating the Cake:

  • Starting right in the centre, on top of the cake, using the lightest shade, pipe the first rose. Begin in the centre of the rose, keeping pressure steady on the bag pipe a star, continuing into an e shape, then continuing round to form a rose swirl.
  • Continue working evenly around the centrally piped rose, piping more rose swirls. Carry on until the top of the cake is covered, or almost covered, in evenly piped rose swirls.
  • Following on, use the next shade darker, pipe rose swirls around and inbetween the lighter shade, then pipe evenly around the side of the cake.
FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
The image on the right shows the colour difference.
  • Complete the cake by piping the darkest shade around the base of the cake. The full ombré effect is then complete.
FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake very effective.
  • For the very best results place the piped cake into the fridge, or somewhere cold, for 30 minutes.
  • Just prior to serving add the edible violas.
FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake perfect with a Buck’s Fizz!

Beautifully baked, evenly distributed fruit, decorated with rose swirls, this Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake demonstrates how easy it is to create a sensational cake using a mix.

Because of my health limitations, creating this cake from scratch would be too much for me. Of most importance, my aim, to show how the ombré piping effect is achievable, at home, with a little practice. Secure in the knowledge that the cake underneath is reliably good. A couple of badly piped roses were removed, using a butter knife and re-piped. Practice and making mistakes is how we learn to improve our skills.

If you have enjoyed the recipe for this Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake you may also like these:

Strawberry Chocolate Vanilla Drip Cake

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Strawberry Chocolate Vanilla Drip Cake also uses Wright’s cake mixes.

Fluted Chocolate Lemon Marble Cak

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Fluted Chocolate Lemon Marble Cake.

Strawberry Sweetheart Cake

FF Orange Lemon Ombre Piped Rose Cake
Strawberry Sweetheart Cake

Beautiful cakes do not have to be difficult to create. Since I am most definitely not an accomplished cake decorator, I have learned a few decorating techniques that enable me to finish a cake to a good standard.

Most of all I hope you have been inspired to try out a new technique? Also homemade cakes taste infinitely better than their supermarket counterparts. While they are convenient, no amount of love, has, at any stage been added to the cake. Whereas baking at home creates a unique, delicious cake that will prompt huge smiles from the recipient and those who share in the celebration and cake!

Sammie xx

 

Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

I have most definitely fallen in love. The kind of head over heels, mind consuming, heart compelling love that completely takes over one’s life. And the object of my desire is orange, coincidentally my favourite colour, big and round. Pumpkin where have you been all my life? It would seem, puréed in a can, far, far away. Until now, where I can hoard cans of this delicious ingredient, ready to make Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins whenever I desire.

Autumnal bake with large orange squash.
Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

Americans, Canadians, no doubt many other countries have long known the delight that is pumpkin purée. While not the most compelling ingredient straight from the can, it lends a flavour and texture to bakes that other ingredients cannot.

Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

Late To The Pumpkin Party!

Since venturing into Pumpkin Spice World with my very first pumpkin bake, these doughnuts, I soon realised that I had uncovered an amazing ingredient. The tenderness, colour and delicate flavour that pumpkin purée lends to a bake is unique. Resulting in some of the best bakes I have ever tasted.

Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

So, now I have found a regular supplier long may this love affair continue. Since I intend to explore as many different bakes and desserts using my newly discovered love and they will be posted on here. Because sharing my passion seems only fair. Hopefully you will discover a love for all things pumpkin, by the time October ends.

Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

And as always, here on Feasting is Fun, sharing is a key part of my passion behind blogging. An example of how I share, just happened. Unable to drive at the present see here, I appreciate the Pharmacy, adjoined to my doctors, delivering my prescriptions. Just now, once I’d received my medications, I was able to share one of these Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins with the delivery lady. The perfect way to show my thanks.

Autumn breakfast bake in tulip wrappers. Sized for Pinterest with descriptive graphics.

Recipe: Makes 12 Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

100g/4oz Unsalted Butter melted and cooled

200g/7oz Pumpkin Purée – available from Sainsbury’s

150g/5oz Full Fat Natural Yoghurt – I use Yeo Valley

2 Large Free Range Eggs

125g/4.5oz Plain White Flour

100g/4oz Wholemeal Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

85g/3.5oz Chopped Walnuts

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

150g/5oz Soft Light Brown Sugar plus 1tbsp

2.5tsp Pumpkin Spice Mix see here if you would like to make your own

Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan, gas mark 3, 325F

Making The Muffin Batter

  • Firstly melt the butter in a heatproof, microwaveable jug and set to one side to cool.
  • Line a 12 hole muffin tin with cases, I used pretty tulip wrappers.
  • Next, in a large bowl add the flours, chopped walnuts, sugar, spice and salt. Stir with a balloon whisk to distribute the ingredients evenly and break up any lumps in the sugar. Dry ingredients.
  • As soon as the butter has cooled add in the yoghurt, pumpkin purée and eggs. Beat with a fork until the ingredients are combined. Wet ingredients.
  • Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and then pour the wet ingredients into the dry.
  • Mix until just combined. Over mixing will cause the muffins to become tough.
FF Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins
Bringing the muffin batter together.
  • Spoon the muffin mix into the muffin cases, distributing the mix as evenly as possible.
  • Finally, using the extra tablespoon of sugar sprinkle a little over the top of each unbaked muffin.
FF Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins
Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins ready for the oven.

Baking The Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

  • Place the muffin tin in the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • My muffins were baked at 25 minutes, but I started checking after 20 minutes.
  • Once baked the muffins should be just firm to the touch, without any visible wobble (this was present when checking at 20 minutes). The Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins will have a slight sparkle, or sheen to them from the additional sugar sprinkled just prior to baking.
  • As soon as the muffins are baked remove the tin from the oven.
FF Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins
Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins their smell will fill your kitchen.
  • Inhale deeply. The baked pumpkin spices smell of warm, comforting, welcoming food. Who needs scented candles?
  • If you have used the tulip style muffin wrappers I strongly suggest leaving them to cool completely in the muffin tin. Because, I find doing so prevents them from unwrapping themselves, as can be the case if removed whilst hot.
  • Regular muffin cases can be removed after cooling for 10 minutes in the tin. Place on a cooling rack.
FF Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins
Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins best served warm.

These delightful Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins are their best served warm. One of the benefits of using tulip style wrappers is that they unfold to create the perfect napkin, to hold and enjoy the experience of eating a muffin.

Pulled apart or bitten straight into, these muffins are all that is good about Autumn, wrapped up in an edible parcel. Also golden in colour, they imitate the autumnal palette, crunchy walnuts akin to walking through fallen leaves. Warm spices and tender crumb resemble falling into a big sofa near an open fire, after a crisp afternoon walk.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins you may also enjoy these:

Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts

Baked pumpkin spiced doughnuts displayed on a cake stand.
Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts

Autumn Apple Almond Cake

Gluten free apple and almond cake with a slice cut.
Autumn Apple Almond Cake a GLUTEN FREE recipe.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf Cake 

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf Cake sliced at one end to show the tender crumb.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf Cake

Baking these Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins releases the aroma of the pumpkin spice mix within, creating a welcoming ambiance in the home. When visitors arrive, or the postman knocks on the front door, I want them to feel welcome. Nurtured by the warmth of our home and good food, they leave contented and comforted.

While baking, making and creating in the kitchen, my aim is to convey love, acceptance and warmth through food. Since sharing the food made, is an extension of home and all it represents. Because, meeting another’s needs on both a physical and emotional level, while sharing time and companionship over a coffee and a home baked treat, shows food really can be so much more than fuel.

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

Sammie xx

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

Image showing partially eaten muffin with a pumpkin and basket of spiced pumpkin muffins. Sized for Pinterest with descriptive graphics.

 

Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts

Autumn is such a beautiful season. As leaves change through a rainbow of green, yellow, gold, orange and rust. Low sunlight casting a golden glow on days that are spared from wind and rain ravaged storms. Because Autumn is a season of transition. Summer salads gradually disappear, replaced by comforting soups, stews and roasts. While these Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts not only look autumnal, they warm the senses with long since forgotten spices.

Autumn squash donuts displayed on a small white cake stand.
Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts

Baking Blogger Inspiration:

Inspiration hit to make these Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts after reading a similar recipe from Baker By Nature. Although I had never baked with pumpkin purée before, the first batch had me hooked. Since, as is the nature of most bakers, after testing, the recipe needed a little tweaking to accommodate our family’s taste preference, a second batch was the made the following day.

Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts really are the beautiful ochre colour that can been seen in the photographs. Also the spiced sugar sparkles in the low afternoon sunlight. So, for once there wasn’t a temptation to sprinkle with glitter!

Baked pumpkin donuts close up for recipe header.
Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts

Pumpkin love

While the inhabitants of North America’s continent have been using pumpkin in pies, cakes and bakes for many years, over the pond we have been missing out. It seems that here in the U.K. we tend to carve out a stinky, cabbage smelling pumpkin at Halloween, without a thought to eating the flesh. Yes I know we eat butternut squash, in fact I put it in this Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup. Yet, I cannot feel as though we are losing out.

Pumpkin purée lends a tenderness to the crumb of these doughnuts that has to be tasted to be believed. Because the flavour is subtle, it allows the pumpkin spice mix to compliment, rather than overwhelm it. Finishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon spiced sugar creates the contrast in texture and awakens the senses. Resulting in a not quite as light as a fried doughnut, yet delicious in its own right.

Becky’s recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix:

4 tbsp Ground Cinnamon

3tsp Ground Ginger

2 tsp Ground Nutmeg

2 tsp Ground Allspice

1 tsp Ground Cloves

Mix together and store in an airtight jar.

Making the Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts:

Recipe: Makes 7-8 Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts

50g Unsalted Butter – melted and cooled plus extra butter for greasing the doughnut tin.

80g Pumpkin Purée – available at Sainsbury’s

145g Full Fat Natural Yoghurt – I use Yeo Valley

1 Large Free Range Egg

185g Plain White Flour

1tsp Baking Powder

1/8tsp Salt -I use Maldon

1.5tsp Pumpkin Spice Mix – Becky’s recipe

75g Soft Light Brown Sugar

To coat the Doughnuts:

60g Unsalted Melted Butter

75g Granulated Sugar

2tsp Ground Cinnamon

Method: 

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

Making The Pumpkin Spiced Doughnut Batter:

  • The baked doughnut tins I use are from Wilton and on testing did not need greasing. However, brushing the doughnut tin with melted butter is recommended.
  • In a large bowl add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and pumpkin spice. Stir with a balloon whisk, breaking up any lumps in the sugar. Dry ingredients.
  • In a jug or smaller bowl add the pumpkin, yoghurt, egg and melted butter. Whisk together lightly with a fork until the mixture is a uniform orange colour. Wet ingredients.
  • Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients in. Stir with a spoon until just combined. Similar to making a muffin mix.
  • Fill a piping bag, fitted with a circular nozzle, approximately 1.5 – 2 cm diameter, with the doughnut batter.
  • Pipe 7-8 doughnuts into the tins.
FF Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts
Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts in the making.

Baking The Doughnuts:

  • Place the doughnut tins in the centre of the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes – mine took 13 minutes.
  • The doughnuts will be firm, with a little spongy give when pressed, slightly golden and look a little crinkled on top when baked.
  • As soon as the doughnuts are baked remove from the oven and immediately tip out on to a cooling rack.

Coating The Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts:

  • While the doughnuts are cooking melt the butter to dip them in. 30 seconds on medium was sufficient in our microwave. Ensure the bowl is big enough to take a  complete doughnut if you choose to dunk.
  • Next place the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, ensuring it is big enough as before and mix to combine.
  • While the doughnuts are still warm, dunk, or as I did, brush all over with melted butter. Remembering to turn the doughnut to ensure even coverage.
  • Immediately after, either dunk the doughnut in the spiced sugar, or sprinkle over the sugar while the doughnuts are on the rack.
FF Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts
Coating the Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts in butter and spiced sugar.
  • Since trying both dunking and brushing/sprinkling methods, the second method is my preference.
  • In reality, brushing with butter used exactly the same amount as dunking them. The choice really is yours.
  • As a family, although utterly delicious, we decided that the first batch of doughnuts were too sugary. Yes that really is possible 😉.
  • Finally, when dunking the doughnuts in the sugar, the butter makes the spiced sugar damp. An example of this can be seen in the photograph below. Therefore, I decided to sprinkle them with sugar, resulting in less sugar sticking, whilst keeping its sparkly appearance.
FF Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts
Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts accompanied by hot mocha drinks with a dash of ginger syrup.

Serve immediately, with a warming drink.

Cafe culture at home

I heated a Chocolate Chip Latte Milkshake in a jug with a little extra milk, poured into fancy glasses and given a splash of ginger syrup. The drinks were then topped with mini gingerbread sprinkles. Resulting in a Cafe Culture experience at home. Alternatively, make a hot chocolate and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger spices.

Finally, for those of you who would rather not, or cannot, go out, especially when the weather is bleak, this is the ultimate, at home, Cafe Culture treat!

Pumpkin spiced donuts broken in half to show light and airy texture.
So light and fluffy.

 

If you have enjoyed the recipe for Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts you may also enjoy these:

Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

Spiced pumpkin walnut muffins in a basket.
Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf Cake 

Chocolate chip pumpkin loaf cake with one end sliced so the interior can be seen.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf Cake

Easy Blackberry Oat Muffin Recipe 

Blackberry oat muffins served with coffee in a lined tray.
Easy Blackberry Oat Muffin Recipe

 

When served slightly warm I think that these doughnuts truly are at their best. While the recipe makes 8 individual Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts unless you are baking for more I really wouldn’t recommend doubling it. Because the preparation time is scarcely 10 minutes max and these are definitely better eaten the day they are made. That said, kept in an airtight container they will last an extra day. Pinged for 10 seconds in the microwave and they are almost back to freshly baked tenderness.

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

Sammie xx

Why not take a look at my friend Becky’s blog?

It’s full of fantastic recipes and is written in a step-by-step style. Also, you are sure to enjoy her Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Bisuits.

 

Homemade Yorkshire Puddings

Homemade Yorkshire Puddings are golden, crisp, well risen, individual bakes of pure, indulgent, comfort food.

FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings

While no meal HAS to have Homemade Yorkshire Puddings, what they add, to a roast, bangers and mash, or cooked with the sausages as ‘Toad in the Hole’, is immeasurable. Ultimately, eating them with roast beef is the traditional accompaniment here in England. Rather like stuffing with chicken or turkey.

Actually, for me, Homemade Yorkshire Puddings me shouldn’t be uniformly perfect. Because part of their charm is the craggy appearance, some with a hole, others billowing  like cumulus clouds. Ready to soak up rich, meaty gravy.

FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Homemade Yorkshire Puddings little effort for big reward.

Yet in the U.S.A. our beloved Yorkie Puds, are called ‘Popovers’. A fantastic name that I think describes them perfectly. Since they literally popover the top of the muffin tin whilst they bake.

Since childhood I enjoy happily watching these incredible bakes, laying prostrate, in front of the oven, in awe at the ‘magic’ as they rise.

FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Homemade Yorkshire Puddings just add meat and gravy.

Made from a simple batter, these gravity defying delights enhance any dinner plate they grace.

Various methods as well as recipes exist claiming to be the ‘best way’ of making a Yorkie Puds. While my method is tried and tested over the years. I have found no difference in the final result, whether I rest or use the batter immediately. Finally, what I am sure of, is that this recipe consistently works for me.

Furthermore, a real bonus to making these is that they can be made ahead and even frozen. What’s not to love about these savoury wonders?

Recipe: Makes 12 Large Homemade Yorkshire Puddings 

Vegetable oil or Lard for greasing the muffin tin

3 Large Free Range Eggs

250ml Milk -Whole or Semi Skimmed

200g Plain White Flour

1/8th tsp Salt – I use Maldon

1/8th tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Pinch of Sugar

Method: Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan, gas mark 7, 425F

Making The Yorkshire Pudding Batter

  • In a large jug add the eggs.
  • Next add the milk, salt, black pepper and sugar. Whisk using a balloon whisk until the egg and milk are thoroughly combined and there are lots of bubbles.
  • Now add the plain white flour, sugar and salt and pepper. Continue to whisk, by hand, for a couple of minutes. The batter should be completely lump free. Cover and set to one side.
FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Steps showing the batter making process.

Baking The Homemade Yorkshire Puddings

  • Place a teaspoon of vegetable oil, or lard into a 12 hole muffin tin (or popover tin).
  • Put the muffin tin in the oven for 10 minutes until it is smoking hot.
  • Just prior to removing the tin from the oven, give the batter a quick whisk, in case it has settled.
  • Working quickly, yet safely, remove the hot muffin tin from the oven and pour the batter mix into each hole. The batter should fill each muffin hole by half.
  • Return the muffin tin back into the top of the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Filling the muffin tin with batter.
  • As soon as the Yorkshire Puddings are well risen, golden and crispy remove from the oven.
FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Homemade Yorkshire Puddings they simply cannot be beaten.

To remove the Yorkshire Puddings simply lift them out from the muffin tin. If any have slightly stuck run a butter knife between the tin and the pudding and it should release easily.

Serve straight away, or as I frequently do, place on a baking tray to cool. While  dishing up the roast potatoes, pop the Homemade Yorkshire Puddings back into a hot oven to reheat.

FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Homemade Yorkshire Puddings gloriously golden.

Make Ahead And Storage Instructions

Although our kitchen isn’t small, it does lack workspace. Yet being able to make these in advance, really is a huge help, especially if we have guests joining us for dinner.

To freeze, cool thoroughly, place in a freezer proof bag and keep in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat from frozen, place on a baking tray in a hot oven for 5 minutes. Once they are reheated they will taste as if you have just made them. No one will will ever know! Actually, I always make our Christmas Yorkshire Puddings ahead of the big day and freeze them. While I love cooking, I also want to have fun and enjoy myself too.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Homemade Yorkshire Puddings you may also like these.

Slow Roasted Cider Pork

FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Slow Roasted Cider Pork. Look at that crackling?

Garlic Rosemary Roast Potatoes

FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Garlic Rosemary Roast Potatoes.

Homemade Cauliflower Cheese

FF Homemade Yorkshire Puddings
Homemade Cauliflower Cheese

Because this is such a simple recipe, im always surprised that shop bought Yorkshire Puddings so popular. Since I like the slightly softer centre that comes with Homemade Yorkshire Puddings. For such a simple recipe I am amazed at the extra ingredients needed for their pre made, shop bought counterparts.

Baking and cooking from scratch will always be my priority. I hope that you too choose to try these?

Sammie xx

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

 

Iced Bakewell Tart

I adore Bakewell Tart. Especially the layers of pastry, raspberry jam and almond sponge combined, taste utterly delicious to me. Because I love the flavours so much I have a few ‘Bakewell’ recipes on here. Usually I am content to leave the top of the sponge covered in almond flakes. While following Mary Berry’s pretty iced tart last week, on the Great British Bake Off programme, I decided to try it out. Resulting in this Iced Bakewell Tart.

FF Iced Bakewell Tart

Everything you see on and in this tart is homemade, including the raspberry jam. Which, just happens to be my favourite and is incredibly easy to make, for the recipe please see HERE . I’ll put that into a separate post, otherwise this ones going to be miles too long, we just want to get to the part where we can eat this Iced Bakewell Tart!

Adding Fresh Flowers To Enhance The Photography

Having spotted a couple of open blooms open on my rose bush, I couldn’t resist cutting them and placing the vase next to the tart. They give the photos a romantic, afternoon tea look, echoing the pink icing on the top of the tart.

As much as I enjoy coming up with new recipes and testing them to ensure they will work as well for you as they do me, I’ve also grown to enjoy the photography side of my blog. Sometimes adding a single item can transform the ‘feel’ of a photograph. My slightly wind ravaged rose has added an element of beauty, but also imperfection, which I really like. Especially as I feathered the icing all in the same direction, more on that later!!!

FF Iced Bakewell Tart
Iced Bakewell Tart a delicious raspberry and almond treat for any special occasion.

The Importance Of Sharing A Meal

With Feasting is Fun, my aim is to make each meal, recipe or bake a feast. What I mean by that is this; when time is taken to prepare good, homemade food, it should be enjoyed and the atmosphere as we feast together should be fun. Conversation across the dinner table can be one of the most important parts of the day. People relax, enjoy their meal and open up about their day.

Sitting together as a family, at least one day a week, I believe is incredibly important for the health and well being of us all. Sharing a meal more regularly is preferable, however, my hubby doesn’t get in until late some nights and I realise we are not unique in that aspect of family life.

I honestly believe, that from sharing family time, over a meal, our 3 children have grown to enjoy the same foods and meals as us, their parents. Of course they all have their preferences and  there are certain ingredients they do not eat. What we enjoy is sitting with a curry, or a couple of pizza’s and some homemade coleslaw, at the weekend, feasting both on the food and each other’s company.

FF Iced Bakewell Tart
Iced Bakewell Tart skimping on the raspberry jam simply shouldn’t happen!

Weekend Baking And Afternoon Tea

That’s why I love the idea of afternoon tea. Usually at the weekends when we tend to eat our evening meal a bit later. Mid afternoon the kettle will go on, teapot filled and we’ll feast on whatever ‘mum’s’ been making that morning. Truthfully, most of what I make on those occasions doesn’t make it to this blog. I want to enjoy the company of my family. That said on occasions when I am taking photos, once I’ve said that it’s ok for everyone to help themselves it still amazes me how quickly a cake can disappear!

I take this as a good sign that it tastes great 😉.

This tart was baked in an 25cm/10″ x 5cm/2″ deep loose bottom tart tin, the same one I use for my quiches, see here.

Recipe: Iced Bakewell Tart serves 10-12

400g Shortcrust Pastry – in my opinion the Iced Bakewell Tart is sweet enough without using sweetened shortcrust pastry, see my pastry recipe here

3-4 heaped tablespoons Raspberry  Jam

175g/6oz Unsalted Butter

150g/5.5oz Caster Sugar

1/8th tsp Salt – I use Maldon

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I always use Nielsen-Massey extracts

1/2tsp Almond Extract

3 Large Free Range Eggs

100g/4oz Ground Almonds

75g/3oz Plain White Flour

1 tsp Baking Powder

For the icing:

350g White Icing Sugar

1/2 tsp Almond Extract

Alternatively for an un-iced finish you will need 25g flaked almonds

Method : Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan, gas mark 7, 425F

Just a quick note about the pastry case – usually I trim any excess pastry from the tin, chill for 30 minutes in the fridge and then bake. When I baked this tart I was really pushed for time, so baked with an overlapping of pastry which was them trimmed after baking. I would thoroughly recommend trimming the pastry prior to baking for a neater edge. I also had a couple of problems with the pastry sticking right near the top.

Making And Blind Baking The Shortcrust Pastry Tart Shell

  • Roll the pastry fairly thinly, about the depth of a £1 coin and line the tart tin – note when using homemade pastry I never grease the tart tin, however if you are unsure of how non stick your tin is brush lightly with some cooled melted butter.
  • Dock the bottom of the pastry case with a fork to keep it flat during baking.
  • Cut a large piece of baking parchment, screw it into a ball and then line your pastry tart case with it and fill with baking/ceramic beans.
  • Place in the middle of the oven and ‘blind bake’ for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes baking has elapsed, remove the tart from the oven. Lift out the baking beans using the baking parchment and place the tart back into the oven for a further 10 minutes, until it is golden and cooked on the base.

Making The Almond Cake Layer

  • In a large bowl whisk/beat together the butter, sugar and salt until it is very pale and creamy.
  • Add in the almond and vanilla extract and whisk/beat until incorporated.
  • Next add all 3 eggs and whisk/beat for a minute.
  • Remove the whisk, add in the flour, baking powder and ground almonds. Using a large spoon fold these ingredients into the mix until they are just combined.

Assembling And Baking The Bakewell Tart

  • Once the baked tart case has cooled slightly, spoon the raspberry jam into the centre and spread it, using the back of the spoon, so that it almost reaches the rim.
  • Now spoon over the almond sponge, starting from the outside and working towards the centre. The almond sponge will cover and seal the jam in. Thus stopping the jam from leeching out the side and on to the top of the sponge.
  • If you are baking an un-iced tart sprinkle the top with flaked almonds.
FF Iced Bakewell Tart
Lining, baking and filling the baked tart case.
  • Reduce the oven heat to 190C/170C fan, gas mark 5, 375F.
  • Place the jam and almond sponge filled tart back into the middle of the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the sponge is golden and firm to the touch, without wobbling in the centre – mine took 45 minutes.
  • As soon as the tart is baked remove from the oven and allow to cool.
FF Iced Bakewell Tart
Beautifully Golden this cooked Tart was quickly snapped with the #GBBOTwitterBake Along in case I ran out of time!

 

An in-iced Bakewell tart finished with flaked almonds.
Baked un-iced Bakewell Tart topped with flaked almonds.

Icing The Bakewell Tart

  • Sift the icing sugar into a bowl. Add the almond extract and enough water, I used approximately 30mls, to form a thick but pourable paste, once stirred together.
  • Remove 2tbsp of icing to a small bowl, add the tip of a cocktail stick, that has been dipped in pink gel icing and stir. Aim for a pale pink colour, however if you’d like a deeper pink, go for it! Place your coloured glacé icing into a small piping bag.
  • Keeping the 2 icings very separate, pour the pure white icing over the tart. Start in the centre use an offset spatula to push it to the edges.
  • Snip the end off of the small icing bag and pipe horizontal lines of pink icing across the white icing, separated by 5cm/2″, from edge to edge. Work fairly quickly as you want both icings to still be unset when you drag through, with a cocktail stick.

Feathering Piping Effect

  • Using a cocktail stick, again with a spacing of 5cm/2″, place the tip of the skewer at the top of the icing and drag it through to the bottom. Reversing from bottom to top next time. You can see, during the rush to complete my tart on time, I pulled my icing all in the same direction. Oh the pressure!
  • Below is a photo of my tart with my one directional feathering (if it can be called that) compare with the accurate feathering of my Cherry Almond Sandwich Cake.
FF Iced Bakewell Tart
You can see hire effective proper 2 directional feathering is here.
  • As the glacé icing is quite thick, leave for a good 2-3 hours before serving.

Place your Iced Bakewell Tart on a pretty plate or stand and serve with a drink of your choice. Mid morning with a steaming mug of coffee or a pot of tea mid afternoon.

FF Iced Bakewell Tart
Iced Bakewell Tart perfect at anytime.

If you enjoy the flavour of almonds and raspberry together, this Iced Bakewell Tart is really worth making.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Iced Bakewell Tart you may also like these:

Raspberry Almond Cream Cake

Raspberry Almond Cream Cake
Raspberry Almond Cream Cake

Bakewell Shortbread Bars

Bakewell Shortbread Bars
Bakewell Shortbread Bas

Cherry Bakewell Cookies

 

Cherry Bakewell Cookies
Cherry Bakewell Cookies

While talking about family time and feasting together, my intention certainly is not to preach. In truth, I eat far too many meals away from my family, in bed, due to my health. Rather what I’m trying to say I say, is, that when you have the opportunity, make the most of it!

Whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun remembering times spent and times to come feasting with friends and family.

Sammie xx

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

 

Homemade Cauliflower Cheese

Homemade Cauliflower Cheese has to be right up there on the list of all time comfort foods. Am I right? Because this is such an easy dish to prepare it makes it even more comforting. Rather than stressing in the kitchen using a gazillion ingredients with a complex recipe, you can relax while slowly steaming cauliflower and stirring the cheese sauce. Resulting in a dish that is as good on it’s own or as a side dish.

Homemade Cauliflower Cheese

Fresh, creamy white florets of seasonal cauliflower, lightly steamed and smothered in a thick, nutmeg scented, cheese sauce. And like a fluffy duvet, or wood burning fire, it wraps you in its warm embrace and brings you home.

Friends and family recall that Homemade Cauliflower Cheese reminds them of comfort food from their childhood. Perhaps back to a time when life seemed simpler? And while it isn’t something I make, or eat that often, when the gooey cheese sauce spreads slowly over my plate I am in comfort food heaven.

FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Homemade Cauliflower Cheese golden and bubbling comfort food.

The World Has Gone Crazy For Cauliflower

Since the humble cauliflower has been discovered as a carbohydrate substitute it is now used as a replacement for rice, pizza base, potato salad and other culinary substitutes. A quick look on Pinterest yields a variety of recipes. My Homemade Cauliflower Cheese recipe celebrates the humble cauliflower rather than trying to disguise it!

Tender, baked cauliflower, covered in a homemade cheese sauce, is for me one of the best ways to eat this delicious vegetable. While part of the brassica family, where cabbages, broccoli and brussel sprouts are its cousins, cauliflower has a slightly sweet flavour, not dissimilar to the thick leaves of white cabbage. And, cooked properly its texture is dense and meaty, making it a filling vegetarian dish when serving on its own.

FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Homemade Cauliflower Cheese so temptingly delicious.

I enjoy eating Homemade Cauliflower Cheese with a roast dinner, or sausage and mash. While the bubbling cheese sauce goes so well with proper gravy dinners, it is also unbelievably good with Yorkshire puddings. Likewise, it pairs extremely well when served alongside thick slices of home cooked gammon.

Recipe: Homemade Cauliflower Cheese serves 4-6 as a side dish

1 large head of Cauliflower or 2 smaller ones

75g/3oz Unsalted Butter

75g/3oz Plain White Flour

150g/5.5oz Mature Cheddar Cheese – grated – hold back 2 tablespoons from adding to the sauce, for sprinkling over the assembled dish – I use Wyke Farms

500ml Milk Whole or Semi Skimmed

1/4tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg – I buy Barts whole nutmegs and grate them myself on the coarse side of a box grater. Freshly grated nutmeg lifts the cheese sauce, subtly adding another level of flavour.

1/2tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Method:

Making The Cheese Sauce

  • First of all place the butter into a heavy bottomed saucepan and melt over a medium heat.
  • Add in all the flour, stir for a couple of minutes so that the flour and butter become a bubbling paste (roux).
  • Pour in roughly 100ml of the milk and stir vigorously. The flour, butter and milk will come together to form a thick clump.
  • Add another 100mls of milk and keep stirring until all the milk is incorporated.
  • Continue as before, adding the milk in 100ml quantities, stirring thoroughly. If you are worried that some lumps will not disappear simple switch to a balloon whisk.
  • After adding all the milk, you will have a smooth, thick-ish white sauce.
FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Showing the stages of making the white sauce.
  • Add the pepper and nutmeg to the bechemel (white sauce) and stir thoroughly. I generally don’t add salt as the cheese tends to lend its saltiness to the final flavour, however, a quick taste check once the cheese has melted will allow you to adjust the seasonings.
  • Take the saucepan off the heat and tip in the grated cheese. Stir until it is melted and you have a smooth cheese sauce.
FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Delicious Cheese Sauce ready for pouring over Cauliflower and baking.

Preparing The Cauliflower And Assembling The Dish For Baking

  • Prepare the cauliflower by cutting off most of the green leaves, breaking into florets, rinsing under a tap a and then steaming for no longer than 5 minutes.
  • Place the steamed cauliflower florets into an oven proof dish and pour over the cheese sauce.
  • Sprinkle over the reserved cheese, this gives the topping extra colour and gooey cheese!
FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Homemade Cauliflower Cheese ready for the oven.
  • When making ahead, allow to cool, cover in tented foil, so that the topping doesn’t stick to it. The dish can be left on the side for a couple of hours. Alternatively place in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 2 days.
  • Bake the Homemade Cauliflower Cheese in an oven, preheated to 200C/180C fan, gas mark 6, 400F, for 30-40 minutes. When the top is golden and bubbling and a fork can pierce the base of a cauliflower floret the dish is baked.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and serve.
Homemade Cauliflower Cheese

Homemade Cauliflower Cheese also goes well with fish dishes, such as smoked haddock, or any firm, white fish, especially when served with mashed potatoes!

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Homemade Cauliflower Cheese you may also like these:

Leek Colcannon

FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Leek Colcannon.

Perfectly Mashed Potatoes

FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Perfectly Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Rosemary Roast Potatoes

FF Homemade Cauliflower Cheese
Garlic Rosemary Roast Potatoes

As the nights draw in, I find comfort in warming, hearty food. That isn’t to say I don’t believe in balance, I absolutely do. So, on a day when we indulge in Homemade Cauliflower Cheese, we wouldn’t have dessert. That said we rarely do eat pudding, except perhaps on a Sunday, something I am working on! When it’s hot in the summer, my body craves salads and cold food. Yet as soon as the annual September chill hits the air I long for warming meals like Steak Leek and Ale Pie or Chunky Chilli.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in the kitchen, enjoy 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.

Chocolate Share Eclair Flower

Chocolate Share Eclair Flower individual choux pastry petals, filled with chantily cream and covered in chocolate, surround a filled chocolate profiterole.

During the nine weeks that the Great British Bake Off is aired, Renshaw Baking have been holding various competitions, to encourage bakers to get baking. For my part, as a blogger, I chose to take part in the blind, technical challenge. The result being my Chocolate Share Eclair Flower.

FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Chocolate Share Eclair Flower perfect for sharing.

True to the ‘technical challenge’ on the programme, I was given a list of ingredients and vague instructions on what to do with said ingredients!

I immediately recognised the recipe as being that for choux pastry, however, when making choux pastry you add water or milk and Renshaw had kindly left that part out!

Fortunately I have baked quite a few profiteroles and eclairs over the years and remembered the 2:1:1:2 rule – that is double liquid and egg to flour and butter. All good except the recipe called for differing amounts of flour and butter.

Aargh. Stay calm Sammie.

It does me good to have a good talking to myself and remember to relax and enjoy the process.

After a couple of trial bakes, both of which produced 8 even, straight eclairs, I knew I wanted to play.

FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Chocolate Share Eclair Flower 3D and fun to make.

I came up with the idea of creating flower petals, of two different sizes. The larger petals sitting on the base surrounding the central, single profiterole, whilst the five smaller petals sit on top and between the lower petals, creating a 3D flower, made from choux pastry.

Whilst making and baking my Chocolate Share Eclair Flower I stuck rigidly to the recipe, as they would have to do on the television programme. It was so hard not to add sprinkles, glitter, piped contrasting chocolate, but I didn’t. The instructions asked for our inventive interpretations of the recipe – I took that to mean design!

Below is the recipe and method. Written in bold is where I had to fill the gaps!

Recipe: Chocolate Share Eclair Flower

65g/2.5oz Plain White Flour sifted

Pinch of Salt – I use Maldon

50g/2oz Unsalted Butter – cut into cubes

2 Large Free Range Eggs – beaten and weighed = 110g

110g Water

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

5tsp Icing Sugar sifted

200mls/7fl oz Whipping Cream

100g/4oz Milk Chocolate chopped

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

Note: This recipe will yield 8 straight chocolate eclairs. Baking time is the same, simply pipe 8 even straight lines.

  • Line 2 large baking trays with baking parchment, set to one side.
  • In a large saucepan add the butter, salt and water. Place over a high heat.
  • When the liquid boils, turn the heat down to medium and add all of the flour.
  • Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes, keeping the pan on the heat. The mixture should be completely lump free and the flour will have had a chance to cook slightly – this needs to happen to ensure a good structure for the eclair.
  • Pull the saucepan off the heat and keep stirring to cool down the mixture.
  • Add 1/2tsp vanilla extract to the beaten eggs.
  • Add the eggs to the flour mixture and beat thoroughly to incorporate them into the mix, it can take a little time, just keep stirring with the wooden spoon and eventually everything will come together to form a thick, sticky choux pastry.
FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Making the choux pastry.
  • Spoon the choux pastry into a large disposable piping bag.
  • Cut approx 1cm off the end of the bag.
  • On one baking sheet pipe 5 tear drop shapes, approximately 10cm/4″ in length.
  • On a separate baking sheet pipe 5 more tear drop shapes, approximately half the size of the larger ones. Pipe one single profiterole, using a damp finger to press down any tip.
  • Place both trays, evenly spaced in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Do not open the oven during the first 25 minutes of baking as this could cause your piped choux petals to collapse!
  • After 30 minutes remove the trays from the oven and place the choux pastry petals and the profiterole on to a cooling rack.
  • Leave until cold.
  • FF Chocolate Share Eclair Choux Flower
    Piping, baking, cutting and preparing the choux petals to be filled with cream.
  • Whilst the pastry is cooling pour the whipping cream, 1/2tsp vanilla extract and 4tsp icing sugar into a medium bowl.
  • Whisk until the cream holds a stiff peak.
  • Spoon the cream into a large disposable piping bag.
  • Starting with the largest petals, using a serrated knife cut the petal in half, so that the cream can be piped onto the bottom half. Lay each petal down so that the bottom is cut side up and the top is cut side down.
  • Do the same for the smaller petals and make a small incision in the side of the profiterole.
  • Cut approx 0.5cm off of the piping bag and proceed to pipe cream, following the shape of the petal. As each petal is filled replace the top. When all the petals have been piped with cream, push the piping bag into the incision in the profiterole and fill with cream.
FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Filing and piping the choux pastry with chocolate.
  • Place the chopped milk chocolate into a heatproof, microwaveable bowl and zap on medium, in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirring after each zap. When the chocolate is fully melted pour into a disposable piping bag (or alternately you could dunk the petals in the chocolate).
  • Pipe chocolate around the choux petals and cover the top half of the profiterole in chocolate.
  • Use a butter knife to spread the molten chocolate on the choux petals.
  • Whilst the chocolate is still warm assemble your Chocolate Share Eclair Flower.
  • On a large flat plate or board place the profiterole in the centre. Evenly space the 5 larger petals around the profiterole. Carefully place the smaller petals inbetween and on top of the larger petals.
FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Chocolate Share Eclair Flower dusted with a little icing sugar.

Dust the centre of the choux flower with the remaining icing sugar and your Chocolate Share Eclair Flower is complete.

Place in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set.

Serve with friends and family, who will no doubt be impressed with your artistic flair. As the flower has now been submitted I have embellished it a little using some sparkles.

FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Chocolate Share Eclair Flower with sparkling pollen!

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like profiteroles or eclairs, so this is the perfect way to make them into something different, that can then be shared and enjoyed.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Chocolate Share Eclair Flower then you may like these:

Sticky Pecan Sultana Buns

FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Sticky Pecan Sultana Buns.

Homemade Chelsea Buns

FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Homemade Chelsea Buns

Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

FF Chocolate Share Eclair Flower
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

I hope I’ve shown you how easy it is to make and bake choux pastry?

It really is one of the easiest pastries to master and as you have seen can be piped into regular profiteroles, eclairs, or be more adventurous, it really makes beautiful hearts.

Whatever you are making, have fun. Let your creativeness flow and if you make a mistake, well bake it, eat it and try, try, try again. For me the fun is in the learning!

Sammie xx

Camp Coffee Ice Cream

Camp Coffee Ice Cream with crunchy chocolate coffee beans.

It is mid September and here in the south of the U.K. the weather is still relatively warm. Not that you need it to be warm outside to enjoy my Camp Coffee Ice Cream.

FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream

Yes, ice cream is great to have during the hot, Summer months, but I happily eat it all year round. This particular ice cream with its inviting coffee flavour (without the caffeine) would be so good scooped on top of a warm chocolate brownie.

FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream
Camp Coffee Ice Cream great all year round.

Chocolate and coffee are a classic combination, which is why I decided to add a good measure of chocolate coffee beans to this ice cream.

The delicious chocolate/coffee crunch against the smooth, silky, coffee flavoured ice cream, keeps this interesting on the palette.

Camp Coffee Ice Cream with chocolate coffee beans.

Making your own ice cream at home gives you complete control over the intensity of flavours. This Camp Coffee Ice Cream is how I’d drink my coffee, medium strength. You, however, can put as much, or as little Camp coffee as you like!

Churning this ice cream, in an ice cream maker, ensures it is silky smooth. If you like your ice cream just like that, leave out the chocolate coffee beans. Again, what you add is completely in your control.

So let’s show you how to make this delicious dessert, or fun treat.

Recipe: Makes 750ml Camp Coffee Ice Cream

300ml/ 1/2pt Double Cream

300ml/ 1/2pt Milk – Whole or Semi Skimmed

2tsp Camp Coffee – widely available in stores and online

4 Large Free Range Egg Yolks – the whites can be frozen for a month

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

1tsp Corn Flour – I use Doves Farm as it is certified gluten free

5tbsp Caster Sugar

100g/4oz Chocolate Coffee Beans – mine were from Waitrose

Method: Ensure the ‘Frozen’ container part of your ice cream maker has been in the freezer for 8 hours, overnight, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: For a step by step guide, with photographs, on making ice cream please see Very Vanilla Ice Cream.

Making the ice cream base

  • Pour the cream and milk into a large, heavy bottomed saucepan and place over a medium heat.
  • Heat the liquid until scalding point is reached – a rim of small bubbles will appear around the outside edge of the liquid – remove from the heat.
  • Whilst the liquid is heating place the egg yolks, corn flour, sugar and vanilla extract into a large, heatproof bowl. Whisk until the eggs are pale and have increased in volume.
  • With the whisk still running on low, slowly add the scalded cream mixture to the eggs, continually whisking.
  • Whisk thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined.
  • Tip the custard ice cream base back into the saucepan and place back over a medium heat, stirring constantly.
  • Before putting the pan back on the heat I quickly wash and dry the original bowl used.
  • When the custard has thickened and coats the back of a spoon remove from the heat.
  • Pour the custard through a wire sieve into the large heatproof bowl.
  • Add the Camp coffee and stir thoroughly.
  • Place cling film directly on top of the ice cream base, to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Allow the custard to cool slightly before placing in the fridge to chill thoroughly.

Churning the ice cream

  • Once chilled, set up your ice cream maker according to its manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Remove the cling film, stir the ice cream base and taste. If you wish to have a stronger coffee flavour add more Camp coffee, stirring and tasting until the desired strength is reached.
  • With the ice cream machine switched on and churning, pour the ice cream base through the opening into the bowl.
  • Churn for 15-20 minutes until the ice cream is thick, but not frozen solid.
  • Switch off the machine and remove the top and the paddle.
FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream.
Deliciously softly frozen Camp Coffee Ice Cream
  • Scrape as much ice cream as possible from the paddle (and then lick the rest off 😉).
  • Using a deep silicone spatula transfer the rest of the ice cream to a freezer proof tub.
  • Add the chocolate coffee beans and swirl through the ice cream using the handle of a wooden spoon.
FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream
The chocolate coffee beans add a final crunch to the Camp Coffee Ice Cream.
  • Clip on a tight fitting lid and place the Camp Coffee Ice Cream into the freezer for at least 4 hours, longer if it is very hot weather, so that the ice cream completely freezes.

To serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer 15-20 minutes before scooping. As your ice cream is homemade and therefore does not contain any artificial softeners, preservatives or additives, it will take a little while to soften.

FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream
Camp Coffee Ice Cream a delicious dessert.

I like to serve Camp Coffee Ice Cream in a pretty bowl for dessert, or in a cone if we are eating in the garden and enjoying the sun. It’s not unheard of to be handing cones full of ice cream, over the fence to our neighbours either!

It’s definitely more fun to share.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Camp Coffee Ice Cream you may also like these:

Blackberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream
Blackberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Chocolate Orange Ice Cream

FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream
Chocolate Orange Ice Cream

Strawberry Ripple Ice Cream

FF Camp Coffee Ice Cream
Strawberry Ripple Ice Cream

I have a thing for hot and cold food together. So my Vanilla Fudge Chocolate Brownies with a scoop or two of Camp Coffee Ice Cream and hot custard poured over, would be my idea of pudding heaven!

That is exactly why I enjoy cooking and baking so much at home. The flavours and combinations are limitless, plus it’s usually a lot cheaper to make it yourself and tastes a lot better. Why? Because you can make it exactly how you want it to taste.

Whatever to are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun creating you feast. Also if you have the means to share some of your bakes, it is so rewarding. Seeing someone smile as you hand them a slice of cake, knowing they have not been forgotten about, simply because the can’t get out and about. We live in communities. Let’s make someone’s day with a surprise treat?

Sammie xx

Camp Coffee Club  provided me with the Camp coffee to make this recipe. All opinions, views, content and photography are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes

Do you ever get the craving for chocolate cake? Well I did yesterday. So I whipped up these beautifully perfect, Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes. Exact replicas of a large Bundt cake, in single portion size!

FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes pretty delicious!

How cool is it that you get to eat a whole mini Bundt cake to yourself?

Yep, that’s what I thought.

FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes with their crown of fudge.

These beautiful cakes are baked in Nordic Ware’s 65th Anniversary Bundlette Pan. The correct term for these perfect, mini Bundt cakes is Bundtlette.

Bundt cakes have started to become very popular in this country, in part to celebrity chef endorsement and following bakes seen on the television programme The Great British Bake Off. However, only those baked in Nordic Ware Bundt/Bundtlette pans can be called Bundt cakes in this country, as Nordic Ware own the copywrite to the word Bundt.

You may see other tins, silicone moulds available, but please beware of cheap imitations. I have got on fine with some silicone ‘Bundt style’ ring moulds and created a lovely swirl ice cream cake for our daughter’s birthday. While the genuine, heavy duty, Nordic Ware tins may be more expensive, they will last you a lifetime, if properly looked after.

FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Undt Cakes
Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes – yes I used a cake mix!

I have made no secret of my belief, that every good kitchen should have a couple of great cake mixes stashed away in the cupboard, for those times when, for whatever reason, you are unable to bake from scratch.

Yesterday was one of those days for me. It’s been a difficult couple of weeks see here and yet I wanted to bake. Wright’s Baking came to the rescue with ther excellent Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix. I baked six Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes and some cupcakes, however, the mix should yield between 12-15 Bundtlettes. Just ensure the Bundlette pan is cooled, washed, dried and re greased between batches.

FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes couldn’t you just pick one up and take a bite right now 😉

While one of these cakes perfectly hit the spot yesterday, with a nice, hot cup of tea, I can’t help thinking that they’d make a great dessert. Hot, chocolate custard poured over, so the central hole is filled. Yes I am definitely going to try that!

Cute little Bundlettes make a pretty and interesting change from cupcakes. Don’t get me wrong I love cupcakes, with their myriad of frostings, these mini Bundts simply make an elegant change.

Change is good, right?

For those who are unable to get hold of the cake mix, use the recipe from here Chocolate Heart Cake.

Recipe: Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes – makes 12-15

1 Packet Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix by Wright’s Baking – available from most major supermarkets and via Wright’s online shop

60ml Vegetable Oil

200ml Water

200g Milk Chocolate

Mini Fudge Pieces – mine came from Asda

Method: Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan, gas mark 3.5

Note:

I use Wilton cake release for all my Bundt bakes (ensure the inside of each Bundt is covered with cake release, using a pastry brush), alternatively melt butter and brush the inside of the Bundlette tin, remembering the central pole and then lightly dust with flour, tipping out any excess.

  • Measure the oil and water into a large mixing bowl, add the contents of the cake mix and proceed according to the instructions on the packet.
  • Spoon the mixture into each mould in the Bundtlette pan, so that it fills if by half. Continue until all 6 moulds have equal amounts of cake batter in them.
  • Wipe any spilt batter from the top of the Bundlette pan.
  • Place the Bundlette pan in the middle of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The mini Bundts are baked when they spring bake from a light touch and a visibly coming away from the sides of the moulds.
  • Once baked remove the pan from the oven and allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Before and after baking.
  • After 10 minutes cooling, turn the Bundlettes out on to a cooling rack.
  • Allow the cakes to cool completely before decorating.
FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes ready to decorate.
  • Break or chop up the chocolate and place in a heatproof, microwaveable bowl.
  • Zap on medium for 1 minute in the microwave, stir and then continue heating, for 30 seconds at a a time, until when stirred, the chocolate has completely melted.
  • Pour the melted chocolate into a disposable piping bag and snip off the very end leaving a small piping hole.
  • Pipe vertically, starting at the top of each cake and following the lines down to the bottom. You can be exact or as free form as you choose. I was very tired when I piped these cakes, so some, the ones in the final photos, turned out neater than others.
  • Once all the cakes have been piped with chocolate, top with mini pieces of fudge.
FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Piping the chocolate on to the cakes and then topping with chocolate.
  • Leave the cakes so that the chocolate sets and then they are ready to serve!
FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes perfect for Afternoon Tea.

Serve your cakes on a pretty plate, with a hot drink and shared with good company.

I actually think these would be perfect for someone’s birthday, maybe at work, who doesn’t want a ‘big cake’ and lots of fuss. They are pretty and unique enough to let someone know they are special, without going over the top!

If you have enjoyed the recipe for these Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes you may also like these:

Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes

FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes

Marshmallow Frosted Mango Cupcakes

FF Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes
Marshmallow Frosted Mango Cupcakes – Gluten Free

While it is great to bake cakes for someone’s birthday, or a special celebration, sometimes it’s nice to bake them just because it’s Friday, or Monday and everyone at work could do with a boost to get them motivated.

Baking for others is something I absolutely love. Seeing the smile on their faces, knowing that you’ve thought about them, remembered that they’ve got ‘stuff’ going on. Although a mini Bundt cake, cupcake, or even great big grand gesture cake won’t make their problems disappear, it shows people that they’re loved and supported, no matter what.

I firmly believe a cake, baked for someone with love, when given, can say more than a thousand words.

Sammie xx

 Wright’s Baking provided me with the cake mix to create this recipe. All content, photographs, options and view are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.