love – Feasting Is Fun

Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcakes in themselves are moments of happiness. Since it must be impossible to be angry whilst eating a cupcake? And, imagine an entire, miniature cake all to ourselves. Cute and delicious let me share with you these Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes.

Since Valentines Day is only a few days away, creating a beautiful and tasty cupcake seemed a good idea. While I have mentioned in previous posts such as Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies, that every day should be an opportunity to show those we love and appreciate them, February 14th is the day of love. So to celebrate, these white chocolate chip cupcakes frosted with a velvet white chocolate buttercream, finished with a pink chocolate heart, fit the bill perfectly.

FF Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes — Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes

As these delightfully light cupcakes are so pretty they are also perfect for parties, celebrations and of course to serve at a wedding. Because who wouldn’t want to receive one of these cute cupcakes?

While simple and easy to make, this recipe is designed so that novice bakers can follow and bake incredible cupcakes. Also the buttercream is piped without a nozzle, therefore deleting a need for more equipment. Since a plastic freezer bag can double as an icing bag, simply cut off one corner to leave a 1cm opening, this recipe really is for everyone.

Recipe: Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes makes 12

For the Cupcakes:

100g/4oz Unsalted Butter at room temperature

100g/4oz Caster Sugar

Small Pinch 1/8tsp Sea Salt – I use Maldon

2 Large Free Range Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

2 tsp Whole Milk

100g/4oz Self Raising Flour, alternately use the same quantity of Plain White Flour and add 1 tsp baking powder

50g/2oz White Chocolate Chips

For the Buttercream:

125g/4.5oz Unsalted Butter at room temperature

250g/8.5oz Icing Sugar

150g/5oz White Chocolate suitable for melting

Up to 2 tbsp Whole Milk

Pink Jazzy Hearts available from Amazon

Optional pink/white sugar balls

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

Making And Baking The Cupcakes

First of all, line a muffin tin wth 12 cupcake cases.
Place the butter, sugar and salt into a large bowl.
Whish together until pale and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Also, sift the flour (and baking powder if using) into the same bowl.
Whisk the ingredients together adding milk as you whisk. Continue until the mixture is uniform in texture, avoid over mixing as this can cause a tough, baked cupcake.
Add the white chocolate chips and fold into the batter.

Spoon the cake batter into the cupcake cases, dividing it evenly between them.
Place the cupcakes in the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes.
The cupcakes are baked when they have risen, are golden in colour and spring back from a light touch. An inserted skewer or tooth pick will come out clean.

As soon as the cupcakes are baked remove from the oven.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the tin and then transfer them to a cooling rack.
While the cupcakes finish cooling make the buttercream.

Decorating The Cupcakes

Break up the white chocolate and place into a heatproof, microwaveable bowl. Heat on medium for 30 second bursts, stirring after. As soon as the white chocolate starts to melt remove from the microwave. Continue stirring until all of the chocolate has melted. Set to one side to cool slightly.
Place the butter and icing sugar into a bowl. Whisk until just combined.
Pour the melted white chocolate into the bowl and continue whisking, adding milk, a little at a time, to achieve a good piping consistency.
Place the piping bag, without a nozzle attached, into a large jug. The piping bag should have an opening of approximately 1cm.
Fill the piping bag with the white chocolate buttercream.

As soon as the cupcakes are cold they can be decorated.
Keeping even pressure on the piping bag pipe a double swirl on top of each cupcake.
Top each cupcake with a pink heart and add sugar balls if wanted.

The outside of the buttercream will set slightly. So, if you are adding sugar balls, do so immediately after frosting the cupcakes.

Happiness is found in a delicious cupcake!

Serve the cupcakes to those you love and care about. Also share with those people you appreciate. While photographing the cupcakes our postman came to the door, he went away with a cupcake and a smile on his face.

Store these cupcakes for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Refrigerate during warm weather.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes then you may also like these:

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies

Strawberry Sweetheart Cake

Lemon Lime Gin Heart Bundt Cake

Most importantly these Pink Heart Topped White Chocolate Cupcakes have a simple recipe, available to all bakers regardless of skill level. Because, everyone should be able to create something beautiful and delicious to share with those they love. And, even those who are too shy to say how they feel, or write it in a card, can make a cupcake that says it all. Because, who knows, baking a cupcake could break down awkwardness between someone and their secret love. Ah the romantic in me is running away with itself!

However you spend Valentines Day, I would like to thank each and every one of you who reads, comments and supports Feasting is Fun. Because, you are all very much appreciated, every single day of the year.

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

Fruit Filled Butter Scones

Today it is Mother’s Day here in the U.K. A day where we celebrate mums, aunts, grandmothers and other significant women in our lives. My Grandma had a hugely positive input into my upbringing. Indeed it was at her apron strings that I learned the basic fundamentals of baking, that I still employ today. On the day prior to any beach trip, picnic, or family celebration, she would be found, busy baking in the kitchen. I am certain she would enjoy these Fruit Filled Butter Scones.

While Afternoon Tea consists of small cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches and other sweet or savoury nibbles. Yet, scones, clotted cream and jam are essential element. Also small plates are used as it is small portions that are served. Enough to keep you going until dinner, yet not enough to spoil the main meal later in the day.

Even young children, supervised by an adult of course, can easily make these scones. Also if you choose not to have clotted cream, these are light, not dry or claggy. So, perfect to eat unaccompanied. Since both the fat and sugar levels are fairly low, they can also be enjoyed by those watching their weight. Or simply want to eat two!

Did I mention that they take approximately half an hour from make to bake. So, what’s stopping you?

Recipe: Fruit Filled Butter Scones makes 12 scones

200g/7oz Plain White Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

50g/2oz Cold Unsalted Butter cut into cubes

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

2tbsp Caster Sugar

75g/3oz Sultanas

165mls Buttermilk – alternatively add 1tsp/5mls of lemon juice to 160mls of milk and stir. Wait 5 minutes before using.

1 Free Range Egg plus one tablespoon of milk combined for the egg wash

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

Making the scones

Prior to starting line a large baking tray with baking parchment.

First of all, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together in a large mixing bowl. If using sea salt crumble straight into the bowl.
Next add in the cubed butter and rub into the flour, or cut into the flour using a pastry cutter. The mixture should resemble breadcrumbs with some pea sized lumps of butter present.
Now add in the caster sugar and mix lightly.
Make a well in the centre of the ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Follow by mixing with a butter knife 4-5 times.
Add the sultanas and bring the scone dough together with one hand.
Tip the dough out on to a lightly floured, clean surface.
Knead the dough lightly until it forms a disc. Gently roll out the disc until it is 2.5cm/1 inch thick.
Use a 4cm/just under 2 inch deep cutter to cut out the scones. Do not twist the cutter when pushing down, as this can affect the rise.
Place each cutout scone on to the lined baking tray.
Combine leftover scone dough pat out and cut out more scones. Continue until all of the dough has been used.

Baking the Scones

Brush the top of each scone with egg wash and then place in the top of the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes.

The scones are baked when they are golden, well risen and sound hollow when tapped on the base.
As soon as they are baked remove from the oven.
Transfer the scones on to a cooling rack.

Serve slightly warm or cold. Since these scones have sultanas in, they can be eaten as is, with butter or clotted cream. Also, fresh fruit is nice served alongside. Rather than one single tea, why not offer a selection, including fruit teas.

Most of all serve with a smile.

If you have enjoyed these Fruit Filled Butter Scones, you may also like these:

Iced Bakewell Tart

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Marshmallow Frosted Mango Cupcakes

Since creating the Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea for Steamer Trading, I have enjoyed continuing to create small, bitesize treats. I absolutely love having making a selection of mini treats. As well as being able to have a little taste of everything, afternoon tea is the perfect opportunity to share. Feasting with family and friends, enjoying conversation and most of all fun. For me sharing it with those I love, building bonds and creating new memories.

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

Sammie xxx

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

Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars

In an ideal world, all food consumed by myself and our family would be homemade. Yet reality dictates that is not always feasible. However, certain products, made with natural ingredients make that dream, a step closer. For example, the lemon curd used in my Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars, tastes as good, if not better than that made at home. Resulting in a delicious recipe, made one stage easier by a product already available.

Bakes That Travel Well

Creating bakes that are sturdy enough to withstand transport in a school backpack or briefcase can have its challenges. However, these shortbread base bars easily remain intact during transit. Since hubby does not always have time for a set lunch break, knowing he has something he can munch with a coffee makes me happy. And, of course, he functions better when his energy is topped up too.

There are a variety of traybakes here, on Feasting is Fun, including Lemon Drizzle Cake Bars and Macadamia Apricot Flapjacks. While some are considered more ‘healthy’ than others. With respect, anything cooked at home, using good quality ingredients and made with love, is, in my opinion far better than a mass produced product with a shelf life of months!

Biting into a bar really is a taste and texture sensation for your tongue and tastebuds. And each blueberry, when baked, turns into its own little pod of jam. Yet without the added sweetness of preserves. Finally, the cake layer, moist and light contrasts beautifully with the tang of lemon and defined shortbread base. Resulting in a complete mouthful of joy with each bite.

Recipe: Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars makes 12

Shortbread Base

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter softened

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Salt I use Maldon

275g/10z Plain White Flour

1tsp Vanilla Extract I use Nielsen-Massey

1 Large Free Range Egg Yolk

For the Sponge Topping

4-5 tbsp Lemon Curd I use Hawkshead Relish

100g/4oz Unsalted Butter softened

100g/4oz Caster Sugar

2 Large Free Range Eggs

100g/4oz Plain White Flour

1tsp Baking Powder

200g/7oz Fresh Blueberries

Finely Grated Zest of 1 Lemon

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

Line a 20cm x 28cm x 5cm (8″ x 11″ x 2″) tin with baking parchment, ensuring the parchment is higher than the sides of the tin. The tin does not need to be greased first.

Making And Baking The Shortbread Base:

Place the softened butter, salt and sugar into a large bowl. Whisk or beat until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until all ingredients are completely incorporated.
Now sift the flour into the bowl and then, using a spoon gently mix all the ingredients until they just come together.
Spoon the shortbread mixture into the lined tin and then press into an even layer using your fingers. Use a fork to prick holes, known as docking, into the shortbread. This allows any steam to escape and create a golden base.
Place the tin into the centre of a preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Until the top is just turning golden.
While the shortbread is baking make the sponge topping – see below for instructions.
As soon as the shortbread is baked remove from the oven. It is important to note that the shortbread is not fully cooked at this point.

Making the Sponge Topping

While the shortbread is baking the cake batter can be made.
Into a large bowl, as before, add the butter and sugar. Whisk/beat until pale and creamy.
Next add the two eggs and continue whisking until the mixture is completely combined.
Now sift the flour and baking powder into the same bowl. Then add the blueberries and the lemon zest.
Using a metal spoon, fold the ingredients together gently, to minimise breaking up the blueberries. Set to one side.

Assembling And Baking The Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars

As soon as the shortbread base is baked allow to cool for 5 minutes. Then spoon over the lemon curd, spreading so that it covers the base, yet doesn’t quite reach the edges.
Spoon over the cake batter. Dolloping it fairly evenly across the base. Finally, gently spread the batter so that it covers the base. Pay particular attention to the edges. Aiming to seal in the lemon curd, by ensuring the cake batter is in contact with the shortbread around the entire edge.

Place the tin back into the centre of the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The lower and longer baking results in an even bake with a flat surface.
The Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars are baked when the top is golden in colour and is firm to touch. As soon as it is baked remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin.

FF Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars — The finished bake cooling

Cutting The Bars Into Individual Portions

When completely cooled, remove the entire traybake from the tin. A fish slice or large palette knife is useful. Ease the knife under the bake, using it to lift and support as you move the traybake to a flat surface.
Using a sharp knife cut halfway through the width of the bake. Wipe the knife between each cut, this avoids spoiling the bake.
Following this first cut, now cut downwards, dividing the bake into four equal quarters.
Finally, cut each quarter into three equal sized bars.

The lemon curd is perfect in these bars.

FF Close up image. — Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars

Serve the Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars with a cup of tea, on some cheerful china, with a smile.

Store in an airtight container. They will keep for 4 days. During warm weather, storing in the fridge is advised.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars you may also like these:

Cranberry Walnut Flapjacks

Double Cherry Drizzle Oat Bars

Bakewell Shortbread Bars

Baking and cooking good, wholesome food for my family is very important to me. It truly is one of the ways that I show them my love. Knowing in the middle of a busy day that my hubby has something made with love, by me, to help him through. Well, it doesn’t get better than that when we are apart from each other. The oohs and aahs as each family member returns at the days end, to the comforting kitchen aromas, ensures they know that they are truly home.

Love, inquisitiveness and creating are the main motivational factors behind all of my cooking. What are yours?

Sammie xxx

Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Red Velvet Mini Tiered Heart Cakes

Some days you have to bake love into your day. Whether that means actually getting in the kitchen and physically baking, or metaphorically adjusting yourself – literally putting on love. Today, as the results of the 2016 United States of American presidential election were revealed, I had to do both. First of all, I had to pray, give all my fears to God and accept His peace, then I made myself bake. More specifically, bake these Red Velvet Mini Tiered Heart Cakes.

Oh these cakes are so good. Since making these cupcakes , I’ve wanted to try another red velvet recipe. Having recently bought the tiered heart mini Bundt pan from Sugar and Crumbs and considering the shock I, along with many others were in this morning, it seemed the perfect tin to use. A visual reminder that pure love always overcomes fear, no matter how frightened we may become.

**Red Velvet Mini Tiered Heart Cakes** 3 tiers of love in a cake.

Perfectly detailed, these tiered heart cakes taste ridiculously good. If you are in a bad mood these cakes will cheer you up. Their deep chocolate flavour, in a rich, fudgey cake, pairs beautifully with fresh berries. Truthfully the red, white and blue theme was planned. Representing the colours of the American flag and what their constitution stands for. While praying, baking and then photographing these cakes, I could feel the worry and fear lift from me.

The relief of being able to hand over my worries and fears to our Awesome Heavenly Father is immeasurable. To know that He abides by His written word, which states in 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear…”

Recipe: Red Velvet Mini Tiered Heart Cakes makes 12

Note: To grease the individual cake moulds I recommend Wilton cake release.

150g/5oz Unsalted Butter softened to room temperature

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

1/8tsp Salt – I use Maldon

2 Large Free Range Eggs

150g/5oz Sour Cream

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

150g/5oz Plain White Flour

50g/2oz Cocoa Powder

2tsp Baking Powder

1/4tsp Red Food Colouring Gel – I use Wilton

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

First of all, it is important to prepare the Bundt pan correctly. Spray or pour cake release into each mould. Use a pastry brush to ensure every part of the cake mould is covered. Because this mould is very detailed, it needs care taking over this stage.
Next, into a large bowl add the sugar, butter and salt. Whisk/beat these ingredients together until they are pale and creamy. This is known as the ‘creaming’ method.
Next add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract and food colouring. Sift in the flour, cocoa and baking powder.
Using a spoon or electric whisk, mix all of the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. This is know as the ‘all in one’ method.
To fill the individual cake moulds, carefully spoon the red velvet cake batter into the mould so that it is three quarters full. Continue until all six moulds are equally filled.
Now place the Bundt pan in the centre of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
The cakes are baked when they spring back from a light touch, alternatively insert a wooden cocktail stick (so that it doesn’t damage the pan) and if it come out clean the cakes are done.
Once baked, remove the cake pan from the oven.

Allow the cakes to cool for 5 minutes in the tin before turning them out on to a cooling rack.

While allowing to cool you could make some Boozy Berry Sauce, to serve with these cakes. Alternatively some fresh berries and whipped cream, turn these pretty cakes into a stunning dessert. Also a light dusting with icing sugar shows up these cakes incredible detail.

A truly tasty recipe that is versatile!

If you have enjoyed these Red Velvet Mini Tiered Heart Cakes you may also like these:

Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Maple Syrup Frosted Apple Cupcakes

Mini Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cakes

Finally, change can be unsettling for everyone. Interestingly, in the bible, the words “do not fear” and “fear not” feature very frequently. Jesus did not come to promise us a life that was all plain sailing. Clearly not! Since He knew there would be circumstances and situations that would cause us to worry. The key is to hand that anxiety to Him in prayer and in turn accept His Peace, which surpasses our understanding.

Ultimately, not worrying, is, in my experience an active ongoing experience. Rather like forgiveness, sometimes we have to keep forgiving, likewise we also need to continue to hand all things to God in prayer. Giving thanks for all He has brought us through and trusting Him to see us through again.

If you would like to know more about my Christian faith please see Important Stuff.

Sammie xx

Heart Engagement Bundt Cake

I’m going to let you into a secret, I absolutely love a surprises. Especially when it involves cake. So I made this Heart Engagement Bundt Cake in complete secrecy, for a couple who had recently become engaged.

It was so much fun making this clandestine cake!

As the couple had been away, when they got engaged, we wanted to mark the occasion with a small celebration for family and friends. I offered to make the cake as I have a Tiered Heart Bundt Tin by Nordic Ware that I had still not baked with.

As I have never made a tiered, or stacked cake, this beautiful cake tin seemed the perfect choice. At the time of deciding to use this tin I had absolutely no idea how I would decorate or ice it. I’m big on planning ~~NOT~~! Can you tell?

Fortunately I have a lovely friend, who I met on Twitter, called Tom. He has his own business Iced Rainbow where he makes absolutely beautiful jewellery. Happily for me, Tom is also a keen baker and creates the most beautiful cake toppers. It really is worth taking a look at his website.

After discussion with the parents of the happy couple, I decided to opt for a personalised bunting topper. Due to the shape of the cake and the heart shaped hole in the middle, I thought it would not only look pretty, but also add height to the cake.

Tom was brilliant. He took my vision for how I wanted the bunting to look and turned it into a reality. Thank you Iced Rainbow for making my dreams a reality and for making the bunting at such short notice!

Next I had to decide on the flavours. Sugar and Crumbs sell a range of naturally flavoured icing sugars, amongst other baking ingredients and equipment. After much secret discussion, we decided to keep the cake plain, flavoured only with vanilla and use Sugar and Crumbs raspberry ripple flavoured icing. I was very happy as it is one of my personal favourites.

I still hadn’t decided how I was going to ice the cake!

After having such success with glazing my Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake I was tempted to do the same with the Heart Engagement Bundt Cake.

Using the raspberry ripple icing meant that if I used buttercream I could create the same rippled effect as on these Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes.

As you can see I decided to pipe raspberry ripple buttercream icing onto the cake. Aside from cupcakes this is only the second time I have fully covered a cake with piped buttercream. It wasn’t as scary as I had imagined!

The beauty of buttercream is that, if you do make a mistake, it can fairly easily be removed and piped over. I tell you this from experience 😉.

When deciding what pattern to pipe onto the cake, I knew I wanted to pipe swirled roses on the top. As for the sides, I really didn’t decide until I had the cake in front of me, piping bag in hand!

Once the roses were piped I decided to go with the lines of the cake and piped the second tier in fairly straight lines. Again I did the same for the bottom tier, although as this was not as deep, it looks like piped stars. I finished the top tier with piped stars to define the heart and fill in any gaps. All the piping was carried out using a Wilton #1M large star tip.

While it was great having a vision in my head of how the cake could look, once the bunting was in place, the finished version was so much better than I ever could have hoped for. A final sprinkle of tiny, pink, pearlised hearts and white, edible glitter and the Heart Engagement Bundt Cake was ready for the grand reveal.

The happy couple, Matt and Tash absolutely loved the surprise. Neither of them had any idea that this little surprise had been planned especially for them. They loved the cake and bunting, which was a huge relief for me! Together they enjoyed cutting the cake, good practice for their upcoming wedding and enjoyed eating it too.

I removed the bunting and packaged it back up, for them to keep and treasure forever. When all the cake has gone, they still have their personalised bunting from Tom at Iced Rainbow.

Recipe: Makes one Heart Engagement Bundt Cake – serves 20 people.

To make this cake you will need the Tiered Heart Bundt Tin made by Nordic Ware.

For the cake:

350g/12oz Unsalted Butter – at room temperature

350g/12oz Caster Sugar

2tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

6 Large Free Range Eggs

350g/12oz Plain White Flour –

3tsp Baking Powder

1/4tsp Salt

Cake release spray – I use Wilton’s available from Amazon Uk, Lakeland and Hobbycraft

For the buttercream:

250g/9oz Unsalted Butter – very soft

500g/1lb 2oz Raspberry Ripple flavoured icing sugar – from Sugar and Crumbs

150g/5oz Plain Icing Sugar

3-4tbsp Very Hot Water

Pink food colouring gel

Optional – edible glitter, heart sprinkles.

Method: Preheat the oven to 165C/150C fan, gas mark 3

Into a large bowl add the butter and sugar and whisk/beat for 5 minutes until very pale and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and whisk/beat for a further 2 minutes.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a separate bowl – dry ingredients.
Add one third of your dry ingredients and 2 eggs to your butter/sugar mixture. Whisk/beat until just incorporated.
Repeat the last step.
Add the final third of dry ingredients and 2 eggs and mix by hand. Ensuring the bottom of the bowl is scraped, so that all of the ingredients are just combined.
Spray your tiered heart Bundt tin with cake release spray, ensuring it covers all areas inside the tin.
Spoon the cake mix into the Bundt tin, ensuring the batter is pushed into all parts of the tin, using a spoon.

Place the Bundt tin into the middle of the preheated oven and cook for approximately an hour.
The cake is cooked when it is golden brown, coming away from the sides of the tin and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
Once cooked remove the cake from the oven.

After cooling in the tin for 10 minutes turn the cake out onto a cooling rack.

Allow the cake to cool completely before icing.

To make the buttercream:

Place the very soft butter into a large bowl.
Sift both the flavoured and plain icing sugars into the same bowl.
Add 3 tablespoons of very hot water from a kettle.
Starting on a low speed whisk all the ingredients together. Add the extra tablespoon of hot water if the buttercream is too stiff. Continue whisking at a higher speed until the buttercream is pale and creamy.
Fit a large Wilton #1M star piping nozzle to a large disposable piping bag.
Using a small brush, or the blunt end of a wooden skewer dipped into the pink piping gel, paint a line of colour on one side (inside) of the piping bag. You may have to dip the skewer into the gel again to finish the line.
Repeat this step on the opposite side. This is what gives the piping the ‘ripple effect’ and works especially well with the raspberry ripple flavoured icing.
Fill the piping bag with buttercream.

To decorate the cake:

Start by piping a small rose, on top of the cake, either side of the heart dip.
Pipe a rose at the bottom point of the heart.
Pipe 2 more roses on each side of the heart, so that they very slightly overlap.
Next starting from the bottom of the second tier, pipe lines up, to meet the edge of the top tier. Continue all the way round the cake ensuring that a line is piped at the bottom point of the heart.
Continue in the same manner for the bottom tier, although I was able just to pipe a large star – as my bottom tier was a little short. The recipe has been adjusted to counter this.
Finish by piping a star in between the 2 roses at the top of the heart. Fill in any gaps around the edge of the top tier with piped stars.
Sprinkle over glitter and pearlised hearts.

Now stand back and admire the beautifully stunning Heart Engagement Bundt Cake that you have created – ooh and take a gazillion photographs.

It was a beautifully sunny day and I took advantage of the glorious light in our porch. It really is so hard to capture how sparkly this cake twinkled in the sunlight. The light danced of off the glittery icing and was mesmerising to look at.

This Heart Engagement Bundt Cake had one very important ingredient that is not listed, love. My husband walked in and saw me smiling as I was writing up this post. When he asked what I was smiling about, I told him that I was remembering the look of love, between Matt and Tash in the photos I have of them. Because I respect their privacy I would not show you here.

To me this cake was so much more than Heart Engagement Bundt Cake, it was a symbol of their deep love for each other and our love for the two of them, as a couple, starting their journey of being together forever.

This post is dedicated to them. May they have a long, happy, healthy life together and long may they continue to bring happiness to those who are part of their lives.

May true love always be celebrated.

Baking and decorating this cake was such an enormous pleasure, have you ever made a cake, or something else, that made you smile?

For all you true romantics, like myself, if you have enjoyed this beautiful Heart Engagement Bundt Cake here are some others that will make you smile:

Chocolate Heart Cake

FF Heart Engagement Bundt Cake — Chocolate Heart Cake

Strawberry Sweetheart Cake

Chocolate Heart Cookies

I am so pleased that Matt and Tash gave me permission to share this cake with you. Also I hope you have enjoyed this post? I love seeing what cooking and baking you get up to. If you are on Twitter or Instagram please pop a photo up and I’ll be sure to give you a shout out or retweet.

Are you a romantic like me?

Sammie xx

@sammiefeasting Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest

Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes

Today I am sharing my recipe for these Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes with you. Moist, almond cupcakes, with a swirl of, pink streaked, raspberry ripple buttercream on top. And today these are definitely my favourite cupcakes ever. While I also may be a little bit obsessed with the buttercream frosting!

So, could you resist one ~~or two~~ of these delicious cupcakes?

I couldn’t! As soon as these photographs had been taken I ate two of these. I wanted the flavour sensation to continue after eating the first cupcake.

Naturally Flavoured Frosted Cupcakes — Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes

A Gift Of Roses That Can Be Eaten!

Rather than giving roses for Valentine’s Day, or for other special occasions, why not bake up a batch of these delicious cupcakes? Also there are certain advantages to gifting these; they are easy to share and they are less of a dramatic statement than red roses, therefore more inclusive to groups of people that you love. Although, I can pretty much guarantee these Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes won’t last as long as flowers.

Valentine’s Day is about love, whether that be your significant other, your family, your girl or guy friends. Show some love this Valentine’s Day, especially to those who may feel unloved.

You may have seen there are a few raspberry and almond recipes on this site. As well as this Raspberry Almond Cream Cake. Because the flavours go so well together. While I enjoy creating new recipes and flavour combinations, there are a few classics that I could never mess with.

And these Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes bring two classic flavours harmoniously together. So that your taste buds will sing as you take your first bite.

Recipe: Makes 18 Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes

175g/6oz Plain White Flour

1.5tsp BakingPowder

175g/6oz Unsalted Butter – soft

175g/6oz Caster Sugar

30ml/2tbsp Milk

1/4tsp Salt

1tsp Vanilla Extract

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

For the buttercream

250g Raspberry Ripple flavour icing sugar – available from Sugar and Crumbs

125g/5oz Unsalted Butter – very soft

2-3tbsp Boiling Water

Pink Gel Food Colouring

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

Making And Baking The Almond Cupcakes

First of all, line a cupcake tin with the prettiest wrappers you can find.
In a bowl whisk together the butter and sugar until light and get and creamy.
Add in the eggs, milk, almond extract, salt and sifted flour and baking powder.
Continue whisking on a low speed until all the ingredients are just combined, stopping halfway through to scrape down the bowl.
Add 1 dessert spoonful of cake batter to each cupcake case.
Place the cupcake tin into the centre of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

The cupcakes are baked when they are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
As soon as the cupcakes are baked remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes in the tin.

Place the cupcakes onto a cooling rack.
And leave to cool completely before decorating.

Making The Buttercream Frosting And Decorating The Cupcakes

Sift the icing sugar into a large bowl.
Add the softened butter and 2tbsp of boiling water.
Whisk until light, fluffy and creamy, adding up to 1 extra tablespoon of boiling water to obtain the desired consistency.

Fit a large piping bag (I use disposable ones for coloured icing) with a large, open star piping nozzle, I use Wilton 1M.
Fold the bag back on itself, opening up the inside.
Use a small brush and paint two lines of food colouring gel, in a line, from the tip, to approximately half way up the bag.
The second line should be opposite the first.
Place the bag in a stable container, I use a large jug.
Fill the piping bag with the buttercream.
As soon as the cupcakes are cooled, they are ready to be iced.
Holding a cupcake with one hand and starting 1/3 down from the edge, pipe a letter e, keeping the pressure constant. As you get to the end of the e continue piping around the cupcake in one complete circle.

Practice Will Help You Nail Piping Skills

Piping the frosting on to these Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes was my first attempt at creating buttercream roses. And I’m really proud of how they turned out, especially as I am not a natural cake decorator.

Practicing is the best way to improve piping skills. Also, if you are unsure of how to pipe these look on Pinterest or YouTube, there are plenty of short tutorials showing you what to do.

When choosing from the vast array of piping tips available, if you want a professional, bakery style finish to your cupcake Wilton’s Large Open Star 1M is a great nozzle to start with.

Singular Raspberry Rippled Iced Almond Cupcake — Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes

With the cupcake above, keeping steady pressure on the piping bag, I started in the centre of the cake and piped in circles, building layers to create the classic cupcake swirl.

Additionally, it is worth making up a bag of plain icing and practicing different methods, so that you feel confident icing your cupcakes.

If you enjoyed these Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes you are sure to love these:

Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

Black Forest Cupcakes

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Drizzle Cupcakes

These Raspberry Ripple Almond Cupcakes are utterly delicious and the icing is very light. I enjoy using the natural flavoured icing sugars from Sugar and Crumbs however, you can easily use plain icing sugar and add a few drops of natural flavour extract.

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? And if so, do you keep the celebrations between you and your partner, or spread the love further afield?

Regardless of how you spend February 14th, I hope you know that you are loved (see Important Stuff).

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

Sammie xx

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

Chocolate Heart Cake

If you love someone and they love chocolate then THIS is the cake to bake for them my Chocolate Heart Cake. So, my hubby’s birthday was at the start of the year AND I didn’t make him a birthday cake.

While we still had nearly a whole Christmas cake left, we also had chocolate, in all it’s delicious forms, everywhere. Yet my hubby wanted a chocolate cake for his birthday. And I was struggling with the chocolate remnants of Christmas past that were, increasingly, threatening to take over every cupboard and side table in the house.

Breath……in……..and…..out.

Phew I was in danger of being ~~over~~ dramatic there?

What a difference a week makes.

Finally, three teenagers and hubby had made significant inroads on the chocolate abundance. Finally, it was time to bake a cake. Most importantly a chocolate cake!

It was late. Delayed. Belated. Not on time.

There was no getting away from it. As soon as possible I needed to pull out all the stops and come up with an I Love You and I’m sorry it’s late, birthday cake.

And I’m pretty sure I nailed it with this fudgy, moist, rich, Chocolate Heart Cake.

Too near Christmas and this cake would have been too much. Since it is deeply chocolatey cake, slathered in a smooth, yet decadent chocolate ganache, accented with little white chocolate hearts. Because this Chocolate Heart Cake is perfect for all true chocolate lovers.

Cake that’s worth the wait

And fortunately for me, my wonderful husband was happy to wait for his cake. Because, not only is he the one and only true love of my life, he is the kindest, most patient, loving man I have ever known.

So girls, don’t settle for second best, or not give proper attention to the man you are with, in the hope that someone better will rock up. As soon as you find someone who loves you, for you, with all their heart, hold on tight and never let go.

Just sayin’.

Back to all matters cake. While I was going to wait until Valentine’s Day to post this recipe, I remembered my heart tin, which I bought very cheaply, in the January sales last year.

So, if you like this cake, want to make it and see a heart tin in the sales, grab that bargain!

Recipe: Makes 1 Chocolate Heart Cake – serves 10-12

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter at room temperature, plus a little extra to grease the tin

225g/8oz Light Soft Brown Sugar

1/4 tsp Sea Salt – I use Maldon

4 Large Eggs – I use free range

150ml/5fl oz Sour Cream

1tsp Vanilla Extract I use – Nielsen-Massey

125g/5oz Plain White Flour

75g/3oz Cocoa Powder – I use Callebaut

2tsp Baking Powder

75g/3oz Dark Chocolate

75g/3oz Milk Chocolate

150ml/5fl oz Double Cream

50g/2oz White Chocolate

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

Making the cake

First of all grease the tin and line with baking parchment.
In a large bowl whisk together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Crack the eggs into a jug, gently whisk to break up. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the eggs and stir to combine – wet ingredients.
Weigh the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt into a sieve – dry ingredients.
Sift one third of the dry ingredients into the creamed sugar and butter.
Add half of the wet mixture to the bowl. Mix gently until combined.
Repeat the addition of dry and wet ingredients.
Mix until combined and then slowly mix in the last of the dry ingredients.
Spoon the cake batter into the tin and smooth the surface.

Place the cake into the oven and bake for approximately an hour.
The cake is baked when it springs back from a light touch.
Don’t worry if there is a slight jiggle to the cake, as long as it springs back when pressed.
As soon as the cake is baked remove from the oven.

Leave the cake to cool for 30 minutes in the tin.

Chocolate Heart Cake turn the slightly cooled cake out, bottom side up, onto a cooling rack. — **Chocolate Heart Cake**

Turn the cakeout of the tin and place bottom side up on a cooling rack.Take care when turning this cake out, as it is very moist, with an almost ‘brownie like’ texture.
Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.

Decorating the cake

Place the double cream, milk and dark chocolate into a heat proof bowl set over a double boiler see here for detailed photos.
Stir constantly, removing the bowl from the heat when the chocolate is two thirds melted. Keep stirring until all the chocolate is melted into the cream.
Set aside until slightly cooled and thickened.
Place the Chocolate Heart Cake onto a board or cake stand.

Pour the slightly cooled and thickened chocolate ganache on to the cake.
Smooth the ganache over the cake, using a spoon or palette knife, allowing it trust cover the sides.

I used the back of a spoon, however, a palette knife would have given a smoother finish.
Melt the white chocolate, in a small heatproof bowl, in the microwave, set to medium. Zap in 20 second bursts, stirring after each one, until the chocolate is two thirds melted.
Remove from the microwave and continuously stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Starting at the centre of the heart dip, drip, using a teaspoon, a small circle of white chocolate onto the cake. Approx. 1cm diameter.
Using a cocktail stick and starting just above the circle, drag the stick through the white chocolate to create a wispy heart accent.

Add as many heart accents as you like. Although the finished cake will look better if decorated in a symmetrical pattern.
Finally, move the cake to a cool place to set. During warmer months refrigerate.

Most importantly, my husband was thrilled with his birthday cake.

Also it not only looked fantastic, but tasted deeply chocolatey too!

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Chocolate Heart Cake here are some others you may like:

Chocolate Sparkle Cake

FF Chocolate Heart Cake — Chocolate Sparkle Cake

Marbled Chocolate Bundt Cake

Malted Marbled Chocolate Cake

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

Does Your Age Define You?

Hi. How are you? Does Your Age Define You? Does how old you feel match how old you are? In my head I will always be 22 years old – even though I’m in my mid forties. I’m determined that however old I become, my age will never define me. My body may limit me, but I will always search for ways to to live my life at its fullest.

Be inspired to not let your age define you.

Why should we limit ourselves, just because Society demands that once we reach a certain our hair should be cut to a certain length, permed and then have a blue rinse!!! I know that that is becoming less so these days, but do we /should we limit, or change the way we behave, dress, challenge ourselves just because we reach a certain age??

My mum is a huge inspiration to me. She recently passed her driving test – first time around, after taking lessons in her mid 60’s. She certainly didn’t let her age determine her ability to learn a new skill. I am so proud of her. Firstly for taking on the challenge of learning to drive and secondly, her determination to succeed and pass her test.

Anything is possible if you set your mind to succeed.

Our eldest daughter is sitting her GCSE’s this summer and there is huge pressure from her school, teachers, peers and society to ‘do well’. Whilst encouragement is good, the sheer amount of pressure ‘to do well as the results will affect her choices for the rest of her life’ – is rubbish!!

I have friends who have trained to be social workers, teachers and counsellors in their 40’s and 50’s. They worked, married, had children and decided to embark on a new career. I applaud and respect them so much. They truly are evidence that their age did not define them.

Make the most of ever opportunity, it may not pass by you again.

There are some amazingly talented children who master playing a musical instrument at a very young age. Beethoven wrote his first symphony age 5. He didn’t allow others to define his ability, nor should you! I started this blog in my mid 40’s knowing nothing AT ALL about how to go about setting up a website, widgets, thumbnails, plugins, code (half of which I still don’t understand, but I’m learning). I follow all different kinds of bloggers, including – beauty and fashion, lifestyle, photography, food and drink!!!

I quite often wear my hair up, sometimes in a ponytail. I was once asked “At what age do you think a ponytail would be unsuitable?”. I was astounded. Partly because it had never occurred to me that it might become ‘unsuitable’ and partly because I was surprised that someone would even think that way (I am kinda naive!!).

Do you feel confined or restricted by your age? Do you think it’s appropriate, as people grow older that they dress and present themselves at the age they are? Do you prefer to live outside of the box, seeing age as no hindrance to the life you intend to live? Have you accomplished something later in life, that you never dared to believe you could in your younger days?

How does this make you feel? **Does Your Age Define You?**

I would love to read your comments.

Sammie

Valentines Day – what Love means to me.

Hello, how are you today? I’d like to share a few thoughts about tomorrow – Valetines Day.

Valentines Day, for me, is not about cards, flowers and all the other little love touches that surround the day – as pretty, appreciated and adorable as they are. For me Valentines Day is a gentle reminder, to show all the people in my life that I am blessed to love, that I DO indeed love and appreciate them.

My hubby and I have always taught our, not so lil children, that love is a doing word. For me a cup of tea in bed, a thank you for an every day task, 5 minutes just snuggling with my homework laden babies, fills my love tank. There are literally thousands of ways they show us, as parents, that they love us – and I love that!!

Don't worry, I've got your back x x x — Don’t worry, I’ve got your back x x x

As a family we watch out for each other. Making time in our fast paced 24/7 world says, you are important to me. We aren’t perfect, but we are trying. Recently during our eldest daughter’s exams, her younger sister bought her a little something (usually chocolate – the universal language of love with teenage girls, in fact most girls!!) for everyday she had an exam. She was showing her big sis love, telling her how proud she was of her and recognising how hard she had worked. That no matter what, she would always be there for her. As a mum my heart melted.

Taking time to paint/decorate someone's nails is FUN and shows you love them!! — Taking time to paint/decorate someone’s nails is FUN and shows you love them!!

Our lil man gets up before everyone else at the weekend and feeds our cat and dog. A small act of love that means we get a lay-in! My gorgeous hubby brings me a cup of tea, in bed each morning through the work week, I feel loved. When I have a rotten migraine he holds back my hair, if I’m being sick, I KNOW I am loved.

I married my best friend x x x — I married my best friend x x

I have said before that I enjoy cooking for other people, especially as a way of showing them that they are loved, appreciated, valued and important in my life. This is not restricted to our immediate family of 5, but our parents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and honorary family members. It’s nice to feel special but it’s AMAZING to make someone feel loved.

So I guess what I’m saying is that, true love is in the giving and receiving. When God created Adam, He said “It is not good for man to be alone” and created Eve, from Adam as his helpmate/partner/wife/friend. He gave Adam a person to love – not just God himself.

So while I love the opportunity to whip up a batch of heart shaped shortbread for family and loved ones on Valentines Day and cook a special dinner for us as a family, really I see Valentines Day as a reminder, to me, to be more loving, show more affection (I’m not really the most ‘cuddly person’) but others are, so I’m working on that. I prefer to do the giving rather than receiving, but others want to show me their love too! Love is not fixed. It’s adapting to others needs whilst still retaining a sense of who you are – cos that’s why you’re loved!!

I wish everyone of you a Happy Valentines Day, where, no matter how hard you try, you are loved more than you love. May your Valentines Day be showered by little hearts of love, may you KNOW the truest love of all – Jesus. Let your heart be filled with His Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, Grace and Life, that you too can say, for sure “I am loved, just as I am”.

Love Sammie xx

Showing Sharing Loving Caring

Hi everyone how are you? I hope you are enjoying the start to 2015. My theme and aim for this year is Showing Sharing Loving Caring. It’s really the essence of why I set up this blog. Showing Love through Sharing, Caring enough to spend time, whether it’s family, friends, neighbours or someone new.

I know for some however, that Christmas, the New Year and Winter in general can be a really tough time. So wherever you are I’m sending you a big, warm hug. Life can be very tough and it’s during these tough times that we need to show love and be shown love more than ever.

Now I can’t physically visit every single person and sit, listen and spend time with them. But we can all take time to show love to one person, outside of our family and friendship group.

Am I freaking you out or scaring you yet? Yes. Good!!! We can all get comfortable in our own lives, which I do understand are busier than ever. Even though we have time saving gadgets galore, we still live in a ‘time pressed’ society.

It is still our choice though how we spend our time, what we prioritise as important and those things that are less important. For me my life has no meaning if I don’t show love. That can mean spending time listening whilst someone unburdens their heart. Or no words, just a big warm hug. I also love to cook or bake for people.

Sharing is central to who I am. Once I made a very simple Victoria Sponge Cake for an elderly couple, one of whom had just spent time in hospital. Their faces broke into huge smiles at this surprise gift, but more importantly they felt loved and cared for.

Reach out, you may be surprised by the results!

I’m most definitely not trying to portray myself as some perfect Saint. I am a pretty normal, fun loving, individual – just like so many other people. So I really want to encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and reach out to just one person, who you wouldn’t normally interact with.

A cup of tea, cookie and natter can become a feast. A feast of time! There is no greater gift, than the gift of love. As a Christian I have the gift of love inside me. God’s love. He has shown me limitless love through His Son JESUS. I am completely accepted and loved for who I am and because of that great love, I want to share love.

We can all have the love of Jesus in our lives – see ‘Important Stuff!!!’ for more information and help, you can also leave a comment (I can reply and do not have to publish your comment if you preference privacy).

I am very blessed to have a wonderful, loving family, the best friends anyone could ever hope for and I love them all. One of my favourite things is a family get together, where we always have the best feasts! Not only do we feast on delicious food, but also on each other’s company. We laugh, smile, share and love.

Feasting does not have to be in large groups. Sharing a bowl of soup with a lonely neighbour, can itself be a feast. How about inviting someone who is on their own for Sunday lunch? Or, slicing up a cake that is left over from a celebration and popping a slice or two round to your neighbours?

The excitement and sense of fun, before delivering a meal or slice of cake is priceless. You can have all the money you need, but it will never bring you the happiness and peace that sharing caring and loving bring.

So I encourage both you and myself to be greater at sharing and showing love during 2015. Your life will be enriched as you start Showing Sharing Loving Caring and of course Feasting and having Fun.

Sammie x