edible gift – Feasting Is Fun

Cherry Bakewell Rocky Road Bars

When it comes to entertaining, especially during busy times of the year, it’s really handy to have a few no bake recipes tucked up your sleeve. Also, should you need to transport your creation, something that won’t leak all over the car and travels well is a definite bonus. These Cherry Bakewell Rocky Road Bars tick all the boxes and taste utterly delicious to boot!

Since McVities Digestive Nibbles became available I take full advantage of skipping the ‘biscuit bashing’ step. Similar to my recipe for Caramel Crunch Rocky Road Bars.Because anything that makes life easier is a bonus in my book. Chocolate covered biscuit balls combine with whole, toasted almonds, providing great crunch and texture. While the glacé cherries and mini marshmallows add sweet chewiness, held together in a thick chocolate sauce.

Finally each bar is finished with a double chocolate drizzle, flaked toasted almonds, more glacé cherries and sparkling silver balls. Most of all, the combination of ingredients ensures traditional cherry bakewell flavours are in every chewy, crunchy, delightful bite. Resulting in a delicious sweet treat that is as ideal to make and serve at home as it is easy to transport.

Each one of these Cherry Rocky Road Bars is a feast in itself. Also what better time to share these with friends and family, than over the holiday season? Since sharing food makes it taste so much better, these also make a great edible gift. Pop into cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon and give as gifts. A perfect festive treat.

Recipe: Cherry Bakewell Rocky Road Bars makes 24

For the bars:

200g/7oz Dark Chocolate minimum 70% cocoa solids

200g/7oz Milk Chocolate

100g/4oz Unsalted Butter

1/4tsp Sea Salt – I use Maldon

3tbsp Golden Syrup

100g/4oz Whole Almonds lightly toasted and cooled

3 Packs McVities Digestive Nibbles total 360g available from most supermarkets. Alternatively crush 360g digestive biscuits into roughly 1cm sized pieces

100g/4oz Glacé Cherries

175g/6oz Mini Marshmallows

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

For the topping:

100g/4oz White Chocolate

100g/4oz Milk Chocolate

50g/2oz Flaked Almonds lightly toasted and cooled

50g/2oz Glacé Cherries cut in half

Silver Sugar Balls

Method:

First of all line a 22.5cm x 30cm (9” x 12”) deep tin with aluminium foil.
Next, into a large microwaveable bowl add the milk and dark chocolate, broken up or chopped into pieces. Also add the butter and sea salt.
Heat the chocolate and butter in the microwave, on medium power for 30 seconds at a time. Stir the mixture between each heating burst. As soon as the chocolate and butter start to melt stir continuously until completely liquid.
Add the golden syrup and stir to combine. Stir in the almond extract if using.
Into the bowl add the toasted almonds, glacé cherries, digestive nibbles (or broken biscuits). Finally add the mini marshmallows.
Mix to combine all of the ingredients, ensuring everything is slicked with the chocolate mixture.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, pressing with the back of a spoon and making sure that the tin is filled evenly.

Break up the milk and white chocolate and place into separate heatproof, microwaveable bowls.
Heat separately, as before, on medium. Stir after each heating burst until the chocolate is completely melted.

Starting with the milk chocolate, use a teaspoon to diagonally drizzle the chocolate over the rocky road.
Continue with the white chocolate in the same manner.

While the chocolate is still un-set, sprinkle over the flaked almonds. Place the cherries evenly over the flaked almonds and finally scatter over silver balls for extra sparkle.

Cover the tin tightly with aluminium foil and place in the fridge, or somewhere cool to set. I actually placed the tin in our very cold porch overnight!
Once set, lift the block of marshmallow and chocolate loveliness out of the tin. Peel away the foil and place on to a board.
Using a sharp knife cut across the width of the block, dividing it into four equal portions. Cut downwards through the middle and then again through the middle of each larger quarter, creating 24 individual bars.

Serve on a pretty tray or platter. A silver tray highlights the silver balls on top of each bar, giving them a festive look.

Store in an airtight container, keep in the fridge during warmer weather. They will keep for up to one week, if they last that long!

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Cherry Bakewell Rocky Road Bars you may also like these:

Maltesers Popping Candy Cupcakes

Almond Cacao Nib Shortbread Bars

Double Strawberry Almond Muffins

Making food for others is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Since taking time to create something special to be shared amongst those you love, care and appreciate is not only fun, but also a great way to show that you are thankful to have them in your life. Especially during Christmas time, sharing is important. Helping us to not become self centered and to put others first. For the ultimate selfless act please see Important Stuff.

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 replicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Peppermint Candy Cane Topped Brownies

Chocolate and Christmas go together like strawberries and cream in summer. Add in traditional candy canes and you have an incredible combination. So using a fantastic Classic Brownie Kit makes baking these Peppermint Candy Cane Topped Brownies easy and a super delicious Christmas treat. And don’t worry if you can’t get hold of the kit, there’s a link before the recipe to help you make them from scratch.

While I enjoy baking from scratch, I am not averse to keeping good quality mixes and baking kits in the kitchen. Using the Classic Brownie Kit to whip up a batch of Brownies, makes the house smell amazing. Also, adding extra mint chocolate chunks and a topping of crushed candy cane turns these into a festive treat. Especially handy during the busy Christmas holiday season.

As soon as you bite into these rich chocolate brownies a range of textures hits your mouth. Soft fudgey chocolate brownie, crisp mint chocolate chunks, chewy crushed candy cane all blend together to create a flavour sensation. Perfect for a quick bake when unexpected guests arrive. Welcoming them in with the aroma of baking chocolate. Is there anything better?

Close up of broken candy cane on top of a chocolate drizzled brownie. — Peppermint Candy Cane Topped Brownies

Everything you need to bake delicious Brownies is included in the kit. Yet, if you are unable to get hold of the Classic Brownie Kit then please use the recipe for Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites. Either halve the recipe, or double the quantity of candy canes, chocolate drizzle and mint chocolate.

Recipe: Peppermint Candy Cane Topped Brownies makes 9

Classic Brownie Kit available from If I Knew You Were Comingalternatively use the brownie recipe for my Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites *follow the ingredient list and tin size for * recipe. You will make more brownies

2 Large Free Range Eggs

115g/4.5oz Unsalted Butter softened at room temperature

50g/2oz Dark Mint Chocolate chopped into chunks – I use Elizabeth Shaw Dark Mint Chocolates

100g/4oz Milk Chocolate

2 Peppermint Candy Canes

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

Making The Brownie Batter

First of all set out the baking tin included in the kit and place on to a baking tray. Alternatively line a 9” x 9” square tin with aluminium foil.
Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof microwaveable bowl and heat on medium powder until just melted. Stir until completely liquid and set to one side to cool.
Whisk the eggs and sugar together until fully combined.
Pour the eggs slowly into the cooled chocolate mixture and stir to incorporate.
Sieve the cocoa and flour into the chocolate/egg mix and fold in until just combined.

Pour the thick, chocolate, brownie batter into the prepared baking tin.
Scatter over the chocolate chips from the kit and the mint chocolate chunks.

Baking The Peppermint Brownies

Place the Brownies into the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
The Brownies are baked when the top is set and shiny with a slight crackle. There should be a very slight jiggle in the centre.
Once baked remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
As soon as the Brownies are cooled peel away the foil. Cut into 9 even sized squares and place on a cooling rack, spaced well apart.

Decorating The Candy Cane Brownies

Melt the milk chocolate for drizzling in the microwave and transfer to a small, disposable piping bag. Alternatively use a plastic zip lock bag and cut one corner off, leaving a small hole.
Take the candy canes and place in a small plastic bag. Place on to a solid surface and use a rolling pin to break the canes into small pieces.
Drizzle melted chocolate over each individual brownie, then sprinkle over some crushed candy cane.

Serve straight away, while the chocolate drizzle is still gooey. Leave to set before storing in an airtight container. Eat within 5 days.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Peppermint Candy Cane Topped Brownies then you may also like these:

Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies

Peppermint Sparkling Snowflake Cookies

Chocolate Christmas Pudding Cupcakes

Baking should be fun and not stressful. So having some reliable mixes and baking kits in the kitchen cupboard, especially during extra busy times of the year such as Christmas, simply makes sense. Also they make great presents for those who are just learning to bake. As well as being reliable the Complete Brownie Kit is also versatile see my recipe for Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Cheesecake.

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

Sammie xx

If I Knew You Were Coming provided the Complete Brownie Kit for me to make this recipe. I have not been paid to write this post. All content, opinions and photography are my own. No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Festive mint chocolate baked squares on a slate platter surrounded with silver tinsel — Peppermint Candy Cane Topped Brownies

Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake

Baking for someone I love has to be one of my favourite things to do. Especially when the recipient is my wonderful Father-in-law. Even more so when it is to celebrate his birthday. While I usually make him a Coffee and Walnut Cake, however, this year I’ve kept all of his favourite flavours and baked them into this beautiful Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake.

Using the Heritage Bundt tin from Nordic Ware, this cake is literally a twist on a classic, popular cake. While the distinct mould of the tin creates an incredible, swirl shaped coffee cake, which is defined with the maple syrup icing. Resulting in a stunningly outstanding cake.

FF Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake — **Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake** mesmerising.

An incredibly moist and delicious cake, that includes walnuts, it is also lump free. Chopping the walnuts very finely ensures their nutty flavour mixes well with the coffee and spices. While the maple syrup icing adds another layer of flavour. Resulting in a light, not heavy sponge, that tastes fantastic.

My Father-in-law is a very special and incredibly talented man. Much loved and respected, I consider myself to be very blessed to be part of his family. He is a wonderful Dad and Grandad, with a gentle sense of humour. And our children love to hear stories of his past adventures which span many centuries. Especially those of his time as a Pirate!!

No candles are needed to light up this dazzlingly, delicious cake.

Recipe: Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake serves 10-12

250g/9oz Unsalted Butter – softened to room temperature

250g/9oz Soft Light Brown Sugar

1/4tsp Sea Salt – I use Maldon

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

2tsp Camp Coffee or 1.5tsp Instant Coffee – dissolved in 1tsp water

5 Large Free Range Eggs

100g/4oz Plain Natural Yoghurt

75g/3oz Walnut Halves or pieces – chopped or processed until they are very fine. Similar in texture to ground almonds

1/4tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg

1/4tsp Cinnamon

200g/7oz Plain White Flour

3tsp Baking Powder

150g/5oz Icing Sugar

3tbsp Maple Syrup – I like Pure Maple

White, silver or golden sprinkles

Making And Baking The Bundt Cake

Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 310F.

Note: I always use Wilton cake release to guarantee a clean, sharp edged finish. Apply using a soft pastry brush, taking care to ensure every part of the Bundt tin is evenly covered. Alternately brush on melted butter in the same manner, followed by a light coating of flour.

First of all, prepare the Bundt tin as per the instructions above.
Whisk the softened butter, sugar and salt together in a large bowl for at least 5 minutes. The mixture should be light and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and the eggs to the bowl. Continue whisking until all of the ingredients are well mixed.
Now add the yoghurt, but do not stir.
Next add the finely chopped walnuts, then sift in the flour, baking powder and spices.
Use a metal spoon to fold all of the ingredients together until they are fully combined.
Spoon the cake batter into the prepared Bundt tin, pressing down to ensure the tin does not have any air gaps. Smooth the top of the batter.
Place the Bundt tin into the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
To test if the cake is fully baked, insert a wooden skewer. The cake is baked when the skewer comes out clean. Also the cake should spring back from a light touch and have shrunk away from the sides of the Bundt tin.
As soon as the cake is baked remove the from the oven. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes.
Finally, turn the Bundt cake out on to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before icing.

Adding The Decoration

First, sift the icing sugar into a bowl.
Add the maple syrup and stir well. And then add up to one tablespoon of cold, tap water. Stir well so that the icing is a smooth, fairly thick consistency.
Fill a small, disposable piping bag with the maple syrup icing.
To ice the cake, first place the cooling rack over a large baking tray. This will allow any excess icing to drip through.
Snip the very end of the piping bag off, leaving a 3-4mm hole.
With the cake in front of you, follow the line of one swirl and pipe the icing along it. Double back on yourself, piping over the original line to ensure an even finish.
Continue in the same manner until all of the swirls have been iced.
Finish the decoration by adding sprinkles on top of the icing. Start at the bottom and finish approximately two thirds of the way up the cake. Most importantly, make sure the sprinkles all finish at the same point.

To serve, place the cake on to a plate or cake stand. Since I do not have a cake lifter, two palette knives, positioned either side of the cake, make easy work of moving the cake.

No waiting needed! Since the icing sets pretty quickly, simply slice and serve, with a smile. Especially if baking for a celebration. It has been said, a celebration without a cake is simply a meeting.

FF Cake baked in Heritage Bundt Pan — Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake

If you have enjoyed the recipe for this Maple Syrup Iced Coffee Bundt Cake then you may also like these:

Mascarpone Topped Carrot Cake

Fluted Chocolate Lemon Marble Cake

Boozy Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cake

Although shop bought cakes may be convenient, nothing compares to the taste of a home baked one. And supermarkets definitely do not bake love into a cake unlike cakes baked at home. Most importantly, when made with love and given with a smile, homemade cakes are unique gift.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing a feast. Finally, remember that food tastes better when it is shared.

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 Toffee Crunch Bundt Cake

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.

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.

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

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.
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.
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.

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!

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.

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

Lemon Blueberry 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.

Strawberry Sweetheart Cake

So, this Strawberry Sweetheart Cake is what I bake for my wonderful Hubby, on Valentine’s Day. Vanilla flavoured sponge, split in two with a slathering of strawberry jam in the middle, sealed with buttercream roses. Because is a there a better way to say those three precious words ‘I Love You’ than with cake?

Since I’ve baked and created a few chocolate recipes for Valentine’s Day like Chocolate Heart Cookies, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites which are utterly delicious, for the day itself I wanted to bake a cake with simple flavours. Sugar and Crumbs sell are range of naturally flavoured icing sugars. And so to make the buttercream frosting for this cake using the Strawberry Milkshake flavour is delicious. The taste is truly like strawberry milkshake and makes this cake absolutely sing on your tastebuds. Alternatively you can use plain icing sugar and flavour it. Also, Foodie Flavours sell a great range of natural food flavourings.

Rather than cover the cake with a smooth layer of buttercream I chose to pipe roses over it. Although I am not a trained cake decorator, I promise that the piped roses are not difficult. Because if I, with my wobbly hands can pipe them, you can too. And the effect of the roses gives this Strawberry Sweetheart Cake a very professional finish. While only you and I will know how easy it really is.

Piping buttercream roses:

First of all fit a large star tip (I used a Wilton 1M piping tip) to your piping bag and fill with the buttercream. Practice on a clean plate first. Imagine writing the letter e, when you get to the end of the e you contine round in a complete circle. It is that easy!! A few practices, keeping the pressure on your piping bag steady and you will have piped roses! This cake is only the second time I have piped these roses! The first time was these Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes.

I will admit that piping the roses around the sides was a bit harder. So I piped either side of the heart first and once I’d got the hang of it piped the final rose on the point of the heart. Continuing with the same tip, I piped little stars in between the roses to fill in any gaps and then defined the heart by piping stars all the way around the top edge.

Strawberry Milkshake Sweetheart Cake — Strawberry Sweetheart Cake a view of the side – using piped stars to fill in any gaps.

A sprinkle of sparkle:

Finally, glitter, shiny hearts and more heart sprinkles finished this cake off beautifully. At least that’s what my hubby thought and this cake was made especially for him!

Baking for my family, as I’ve mentioned before, is one way I like to show them my love. This past year has been very hard on us all, due to my seizures (see here). Especially my hubby, who has looked after not only me, but our three gorgeous children, as well as holding down a demanding, full time job. Wanting to show my love for him on this particular day was very important to me and as a family, we all get to eat the cake, my way of saying thank you and I Love You all.

Recipe: Makes One Strawberry Sweetheart Cake serves 20

250g/9oz Caster Sugar

250g/9oz Unsalted Butter – at room temp.

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

1tsp Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract

250g/9oz Plain White Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

6 Large Eggs – I always use free range

200g/7oz Strawberry Jam

Assortment of sprinkles and edible glitter

For the buttercream

500g/1lb 2oz Strawberry Milkshake Icing Sugar – or alternatively use plain icing sugar and add your own flavouring to taste.

250/9oz Unsalted Butter very soft

2tbsp Boiling Water

Method: Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F – this cake is cooked low and slow.

Making the cake:

First of all butter and line the base of a heart shaped tin with baking parchment. If the tins are shallow split the mixture, so that it comes half way up your cake tin.
Into a large bowl add the butter and sugar.
Whisk until pale and fluffy – 5 minutes.
Add the vanilla and whisk to combine.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into another bowl (dry ingredients).
Add one third of the dry ingredients and 3 eggs.
Whisk slowly until combined.
Repeat using one third of the dry mixture and 3 eggs.
Whilst whisking slowly add the final third of the dry mixture.
Remove the whisk and give the bowl a thorough mix using a soft spatula, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.

Baking the cake:

Place the cake tin in the centre of the oven and bake for 1 hour 15 – 30 minutes.
The cake is baked when it is golden brown, springs back from a light finger press and an inserted skewer comes out clean.

Place the cake tin on a large trivet or cooling rack.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.

Filling and decorating the cake:

Once the cake is completely cold, tip out of the cake tin and place on a cake stand or board, so that the flat bottom is uppermost.

Slice the cake in half.
Lay the uppermost half on a spare board.

Spread the strawberry jam over the bottom half so that it doesn’t quite reach the edge.

Sing a spoon spread jam on to the bottom half of the cake.

Making the buttercream:

Place the very soft butter into a large bowl.
Sift in the flavoured, or plain, icing sugar into the bowl and add 2 tablespoons of boiling water (add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, or th required amount of flavouring, if not using flavoured icing).
Starting slowly, whisk the ingredients together, increasing the speed as the icing sugar becomes fully incorporated.
Continue whisking for 5 minutes, this will ensure the icing is smooth and light.
Fit a large icing bag with a large star tip.
Finally, fill the icing bag with whpiped buttercream.

Icing the Strawberry Sweetheart Cake:

Start with the surface of the cake and pipe a rose swirl at the top, where the dip in the heart is.
Continue piping rose swirls symmetrically, either side, of the heart.
Finish with a rose swirl at the bottom point of the heart.
For the sides, start at the top of the heart bump, on one side and pipe rose swirls around one side and then the other, leaving the bottom point.
Go back to the top of the heart and pipe one rose in the heart dip and and additional rose to fill in between the two roses.
Repeat on the other side.
Now pipe a rose swirl on the bottom point of the heart.
Pipes stars wherever there are gaps and visible pieces of cake on the top and sides, trying to keep the pattern symmetrical – especially on the top of the cake.
Also pipe stars on the top of the cake around the heart outline.

Finishing touches:

Now you can sprinkle away. I firstly gave this beautiful cake a good dusting of white edible glitter and then sprinkled two different styles of hearts over it.

Place the cake somewhere cool to set for a couple of hours. This cake spent the night in our porch, since it was particularly chilly February evening.

Because of the addition of boiling water into the buttercream mixture, this buttercream will not develop a hard crust. As this not only improves the texture whilst eating the cake, but also means that the buttercream is a dream to slice through!

This Strawberry Sweetheart Cake will keep in an airtight container, for up to 5 days, if left somewhere cool – I would advise keeping it in the fridge during the summer. Although, having just eaten a slice, I can’t imagine this cake hanging around for long, especially in our house!

Because making this cake is so beautifully easy, it would be perfect for birthdays, engagements, anniversaries and maybe even small weddings. Also, you can easily tint the buttercream with food colouring. I used Sugarflair and Wilton edible food colouring gels. You really only need a tiny (tip of a cocktail stick) amount to produce a beautiful pastel shade.

Whatever you are doing, whether alone or with others, I hope that you know you are loved, see Important Stuff.

If you have enjoyed this Strawberry Sweetheart Cake, then you may also like these:

Chocolate Heart Cake

Heart Engagement Bundt Cake

FF Strawberry Sweetheart Cake — Heart Engagement Bundt Cake

Raspberry Lemon Celebration Layer Cake

While I love baking, I also recognise that I am not the world’s best cake decorator. Yet with a little practice I have perfected, the very “on trend” piped rose technique. There is truth in the saying “A little practise goes a long way.” Especially when seeing the finished results and the delight on the recipient’s face when presented with a stunning cake. Most importantly for me is the love that goes into making, baking and decorating a cake.

Sammie xxx

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

Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites

Do you like chocolate? I mean really, really love it? Yes! Then you will go crazy for these Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites. The ultimate, easy brownie recipe!

Because these Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites are C R A Z Y good, which shouldn’t be surprising when you consider how much chocolate is in these little edible, morsels of happiness!

Although I have a few brownie recipes already on this site, such as Nuts About Brownies and they are all utterly delicious. Instead, I wanted to make a Brownie that stood alone on its own, deep, chocolatey merit. nuts, no extra topping, apart from the optional white chocolate heart. Just pure chocolate fudge brownie bliss.

And wow these certainly deliver. Above all these deliver on deep chocolate flavour, perfect amount of squidge, leavingyou wondering just how these Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites manage to hold together. Also they have a satisfying depth of sweetness, melting against your tongue.

FF Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites — Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites

So, if you want a straight up brownies, no faffing with nuts and the like, just one hundred per cent chocolatey goodness, this is the only recipe you need.

Finally one quick, yet impoarrant note, these brownies contain A LOT of chocolate, it really is worth using the best quality chocolate that you can afford. Because, it really does make a difference to the finished taste and texture.

Recipe: Makes 24 Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites

200g/7oz Plain Chocolate – minimum 70% Cocoa solids

200g/7oz Milk Chocolate – minimum 35% Cocoa solids

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter

4 Large Free Range Eggs

225g/8oz Dark Brown Sugar

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

300g/11oz Chocolate Chips or Chunks

75g/3oz Plain White Flour

1/2tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

100g/4oz White Chocolate – optional

Making the brownie batter

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

First of all line a 22.5cm x 30cm (9″ x 12″) deep baking tin with aluminium foil.
Break up the chocolate (or chop) into individual squares, dice the butter and place both into a heat proof bowl.Place the bowl over a simering pan of water (a double boiler) ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
Stir continuously until both the chocolate and butter are two thirds melted.
Carefully remove the bowl from the pan and continue stirring until the contents are completely melted.
Set the bowl to one side to allow the chocolate to cool slightly.

Into another large bowl add the eggs, vanilla and sugar.

Mix together to combine.
Whilst still slowly mixing pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the larger bowl.
Mix until completely combined – try not to incorporate too much air whilst mixing.
Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt into the bowl.
Add the chocolate chunks.

Using a large metal spoon, fold all the ingredients together.
Pour the brownie mixture into the foil lined tray.

Give the baking tin a good couple of sharp taps on the worktop. This will bring any air bubbles to the surface.

Baking the brownies

Place the baking tin into the oven and cook for 35 – 40 minutes.
Halfway through the cooking time remove the tin from the I’ve and give it another sharp tap against a heatproof surface.
The brownies are cooked when the outside edge has set and the top of the brownies has the familiar, sugar cracked look. There should still be a little wobble to the centre of the tin.
As soon as the brownies are baked remove the tin from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin.
Once cooled turn the brownies out onto a board and removing the foil.

Slicing and decorating the brownie bites

Cut across the brownie at 4 even spaces, then cut down at 6 even spaces. Now you have 24 delectable Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites! These truly are delicious as the are. Seeing as Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, I couldn’t resist piping some white chocolate hearts on them.

Simply pop some white chocolate, broken up, into a microwaveable bowl and melt using 20 second bursts, in the microwave until two thirds melted. Then stir continuously until the chocolate is a smooth liquid.

Spoon the melted chocolate into a small, disposable piping bag and cut the tip off, leaving a very small hole. I found it took a bit of practise, getting even hearts and that it was better if I piped the heart in one complete go.

However you pipe your hearts, your loved ones will enjoy these Chocolate Fudge Brownies Bites, not just because they taste so amazing, but more importantly because you have baked them with love, to show people they are loved.

Do you like to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your significant other, or with all of your loved ones?

If you have enjoyed these Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites you may also like these:

Caramel Crunch Rocky Road Bars

Bakery Style Soft Triple Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate Heart Cookies

I wish you all a very happy Valentine’s Day and sincerely hope you know that you are loved see Important Stuff.

Sammie xx

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

Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hi, I’m here to help put a smile on faces today. Since my Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for anyone who is feeling a little unwell, down or just needs a hug.

Our family had a barbecue over the weekend. While all of the cousins got together with Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents, sadly I was unable to go, due to still having daily seizures. Although the children went and as always, had the best of times. Everyone had to make their own kebabs, from ingredients laid out before them and then remember which kebab was theirs once on the grill! Afterwards our children came home happy, tired and full.

The next day revealed that our eldest had been bitten 30 times by Mosquitos and our other two had a fair few bites between them as well. All in all they were feeling pretty sorry for themselves. Because they were all tired and itchy and apart from administering antihistamines/cream etc. I decided to bake them these Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Mmm these Cookies certainly did cheer the children up and although chocolate isn’t my go-to flavour, I have to say they are delicious. Hubby snaffled one after work and also agreed they were yummy, while reaching for a second one!!

Easy to make, quick to bake, if you need cheer up food fast, these cookies are the way to go.

Recipe : Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookies makes approx. 24

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter – room temp.

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

1 Large Egg Yolk

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

350g/10oz Plain White Flour

100g/4oz each –

Plain Chocolate Chips

Milk Chocolate Chips

White Chocolate Chips

Optional – extra chocolate chips for topping the cookies.

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

Making And Shaping The Cookie Dough

First of all line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place the butter, sugar and salt into a bowl. Whisk until creamed together.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.

Next add the flour... — Next add the flour…

On top of the flour add the three different chocolate chips.

Mix until all the ingredients are just combined.

I used a 2" ice cream scoop to measure out identical scoops of cookie dough. — I used a 2″ ice cream scoop to measure out identical scoops of cookie dough.

Identical mounds of Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookie dough.

Lightly press on each mound of dough to flatten it.

For extra cheer I pressed a few extra milk chocolate chips into the top of the unbaked cookies.

Baking The Cookies

Place the baking trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
As soon as they are lightly golden remove from the oven.
While they will still feel soft if overcooked they will be hard.

Allow the Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookies to cool and firm up on the baking sheet for 10 mins.

Transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
As soon as they were just cooled the children tucked into the cookies.

Since I only baked half of the cookie dough the rest was wrapped up in cling film to form a dough log. This can sit happily in the fridge for up to a week, or double wrap and pop in the freezer. Allow to defrost and then slice and bake your cookies as above. Finally, with the refrigerated dough log I find it’s best to leave it out of the fridge for 15 minutes before slicing.

Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookie dough log.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookies you may also like these:

Extreme Chocolate Cookies

FF Cheer Up Chocolate Chip Cookies — Extreme Chocolate Cookies

Caramac Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies

While watching the children munch on their cookie big smiles appeared. Although the itching didn’t disappear their focus was on eating. A distraction that did indeed cheer them up.

Do you have a way of cheering people up?

Sammie xx

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

Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hello lovely readers, I do hope that your Saturday is a very good day. I always start my day with a cup of tea and cookie and my Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect with my cuppa.

So I’m going to be honest, I’m not a massive fan of dark chocolate, in any form, to eat, just as it is. Melted and mixed into a cake batter – not a problem – although if it’s a very chocolatey cake I usually don’t have more than one slice. Dark chocolate, although usually the best chocolate to use when baking, well, it’s just a bit too intense for me. Here, however, in these Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies it was absolutely necessary to use good quality, dark chocolate chips. Because the contrast against the sour, chewy, cherries balances the flavours in this buttery cookie perfectly.

You’d think with 3 growing teenagers in the house, everything I bake would get eaten and mostly it does! There have been a few failures over the years and I guess, because they’ve eaten good, home cooked food all their lives, they’ve become very discerning!!! Most goodies achieve an 8 out of 10 score (and that’s high praise indeed), these cookies got a gold star. 10 out of 10!! I love baking for others, especially my family. Their encouragement and honesty help make me a better cook/baker. It’s also another way for me to show them how much they are loved.

The Joy Of Sharing

I find the process of baking very relaxing and rewarding. It’s lovely to bake a cake for someone, just because you love them, or remember a particular friend, who loves meringue but rarely eats it as her hubby is diabetic. Little thoughtful treats, to show, in this fast paced world, that you’ve taken time, for that particular person. Makes me go all warm and fuzzy inside.

So I’d better show you how to make these buttery, yummy, Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies so you can share them too!!

Recipe : Makes 20-25 Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter – room temperature.

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Sea Salt – I use Maldon

1 Large Egg Yolk

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

275g/10oz Plain White Flour

100g/4oz Dried Sour Cherries

175g/6oz Dark Chocolate Chips

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

Making And Baking The Cookies

First of all in a large bowl whisk together the butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy.

Next add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until fully incorporated.

My egg had a gorgeous orange yolk and I used golden caster sugar (it was on offer!!), so the mixture has more colour than usual!

Add in the flour, chocolate chips and dried cherries.

Mix all the ingredients together slowly, I like to do this by hand using a spoon, until they just come together. The more you mix the tougher your cookie will be!

The dough for your Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies - resist the urge to taste - or not!!! — The dough for your Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – resist the urge to taste – or not!!!

Line two baking trays with parchment paper.

Using a 5cm/2" ice cream scoop, or your hands, make balls of cookie dough and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. — Using a 5cm/2″ ice cream scoop, or your hands, make balls of cookie dough and place on the parchment lined baking sheet.

With clean hands lightly press down on the dough balls to flatten them. The imprint of your fingers leaves a pretty pattern.

Place in a preheated oven and bake for 18-23 minutes until golden brown on top.

Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies - remove from the oven and leave to cool on the baking tray. — Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – remove from the oven and leave to cool on the baking tray.

The cookies will still be soft once cooked and will firm up on cooling.

Time to put the kettle on or pour a nice glass of milk. Once cooled enjoy biting into the buttery, chewy, chocolatey gooey Sour Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!