» baking category

Last Friday I was on a quest. It had all started over a year ago, when I set my sights upon learning to make the perfect french macaroon. If you have ever attempted creating these delicate fancies you will know the dedication that is required of the amateur baker seeking perfection. Over a period of several months I developed a love-hate relationship with the whole pursuit. I loved the satisfaction of making the perfect batch but hated the disappointment of the failed attempts. The only encouragement was that by doing a quick google search I found that I was not alone. There are whole blogs dedicated to the art of the french macaroon. As I write now it has been several months since my last attempt.

With this in mind you can imagine my excitement when I heard on Twitter that a local artisan bakery was to start selling freshly baked french macaroons. A year on and my quest took me out of my kitchen and to the wonderful Grainger Market in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne. If you're a local you will probably know it well. For those from further afield,  if you ever find yourself in the city centre then do take the opportunity to have a stroll there and soak up the atmosphere. At the time of its opening in 1835 it was the largest covered market in Europe and it is now preserved as a Grade 1 listed building with elegant architecture and a vibrant and eclectic mix of stores. 

Happy New Year!

I thought I'd start by sharing one of my favourite creations from Christmas 2011. I love to do a glazed fruit and nut topping on my christmas cake and I was particularly pleased with this year's version. It tasted pretty good too! 

Today has been about creativity of the cake-y kind. At the outset I did mention that there might be the occasional mention of cake and I wouldn't want to disappoint!

Well, this evening I went to my very first Clandestine Cake Club event and I was very far from disappointed. In fact I have come home with a tummy (and a take home box) full of gorgeous cake having met lots of lovely local bakers.