Thursday 30 August 2012

Calendar Cakes August Round Up

Calendar Cakes Challenge
Jeepers, that went quick. Here we are again doing another Calendar Cakes round up. The theme for August was British Summertime. We asked you to consider the following when thinking of which cake to enter:
  • Your favourite summer treats e.g. ice creams on the seafront or scones packed with cream in tea shops! 
  • The sun
  • Memories of summer holidays as a child
  • Places where you like to visit
  • Ingredients from far away countries you've visited e.g. rose scented turkish delight, spiced desserts or sweet treats from across the pond.
  • The English country garden 
  • Walks in the countryside
  • Beautiful seasonal produce (click here for a list!)
  • The seaside
  • Activities with children
Bakers, you excelled yourself. The creativity, flavours and variety were something to behold! So without further ado, here are the magnificent crop sent in for August.

Rachel from Blissfully Scrumptious sent us this masterpiece! This is her Chocolate Bucket Cake. Words fail me! A simple idea executed to perfection.
Calendar Cakes Challenge
This is my Best of British Apples Bundt Cake, and is one of my favourite cakes ever. It was actually the inspiration for the theme too. Apples are in season in August, and I had made this one for our Great Village Show Clandestine Cake Club meeting. This cake uses British apples with sweet maple drizzle for maximum moisture. It can also be made in a conventional ring tin.
Calendar Cakes Challenge

This Zingy Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie came from Nicola at Nic's Treats. It looks absolutely perfect. This is my kind of dessert! Look at the beautiful colour too...
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Nicola also sent this heavenly Strawberry Pavolva; one of my absolute favourites! Nic, I think we are going to be firm friends...  
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Caroline from Cake, Crumbs and Cooking sent us this delectable Fresh Peach and Vanilla Cake. Oh my word that sounds heavenly! Nice dollop of ice cream for me please!
Calendar Cakes Challenge
The very talented Nazima from Working London Mummy sent us this wonderful Nectarine, Orange Flower and Almond Filo Tart.
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Our friend Ros at The More Than the Occasional Baker sent us this beauty. Nectarine and Summer Berry Tart...
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Not content with one, Ros also sent us this little fellow! A dark chocolate and raspberry banana loaf, perfect with a cup of tea on a summer's evening!
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Charlotte from Lottie's World of Bakes and Cakes sent us these beautifully elegant Chocolate Dipped Rose and Strawberry Meringues. The finished products are stunning, as is the photography.
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Lucy from Vanilla Frost sent us these fun little English Country Garden cupcakes! Wonderful attention to detail and vibrant colours. I love these! 
Calendar Cakes Challenge
I also noticed that she did matching cake pops, so I have entered these for her! My friend Dawn would chuffing love these!
Calendar Cakes Challenge
The ever delightful Kat from Life of a Cupcake Baker made these bad boys. Her Banana Muffins are perfect for using up fruit which is going a bit past its best, and were a massive hit with her hubby. Man cakes...
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Caroline from Caroline Makes has been busy again! These ace Ice Cream Cone Cakes remind me of walks down the prom in Blackpool when I was little! Great idea!
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Blogging superstar Karen from Lavender and Lovage created this work of art inspired by the Olympics. Her Gold Medal Cake uses chocolates as a decoration to produce a lovely effect.
Calendar Cakes Challenge
Gemma from Cupcake Crazy Gem took a break from cupcakes to make this beautifully glazed Raspberry and Lemon Loaf Cake
Calendar Cakes Challenge
An last but by no means least is our very own Laura from Laura Loves Cakes with these outstanding Ice Cream Cake Pops! Pastel perfection. Well done girl...
Calendar Cakes Challenge

Thank you to everyone who entered, these just get better every month! Keep your eyes peeled on over on Laura's blog at Laura Loves Cakes for September's Calendar Cakes Challenge...

Please leave your comments below... x

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Gala Dinner with Paul Hollywood

Paul Hollywood Gala Dinner
A couple of months ago I found out that Paul Hollywood was doing a gala dinner as part of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival. I'm pretty sure I nearly snatched their hands off to get tickets! The event was a five course meal with wine pairings by Gerrard Seel of Cheshire for £45 per person. It wasn't cheap, but was the opportunity to meet the man himself and eat some lovely food.
Paul Hollywood Gala Dinner

After a day walking round the food festival I had worked up quite an appetite (despite the vast amounts consumed during the day...), so I donned a pretty frock and off we trot. I went with my husband and our friends Kevin and Lucie.
 
We waited nervously in the foyer, well aware that Mr Hollywood was nattering to the Mayor less than two feet behind us. We were offered a 'Bolton Cocktail' on arrival, which was a mixture of blue and red spirits with lemonade. We were reassured that the blue liquid was definitely not WKD...

Paul Hollywood Gala DinnerThen I heard it. The creeping death that is the sound of the fire alarm downstairs. Boom. There it was; like a screaming banshee insisting that we go and stand in the rain. About ten minutes later we were allowed back inside, some of us looking a little more like Crystal Tips than we preferred...

We were seated on the table right next to the VIPs; the Mayor, the Leader of the Council and Paul Hollywood. By this point I was ravenous and feared that if I waited much longer that I would disgrace myself by scoffing all the artisan bread rolls...

Paul Hollywood Gala Dinner
I apologise for the shocking quality of these pictures, but we had a strange green light above our heads!Paul Hollywood Gala Dinner
The first course was a Pressed Meat Terrine (pork with chicken livers wrapped in bacon), served with artisan bread from Paul's bakery and tomato chutney. I have to say that this didn't look like a traditional terrine but was lovely. It reminded me of the pork stuffing we have at Christmas, so was an instant hit with me. The bread was soft with sunflower seeds and the chutney gave just the right amount of tang required. This was a hit with
our table.

Next came a Fillet of Red Mullet served on a puree of fennel with a fresh fennel salad. Anyone who knows me will be aware that fish is my mortal enemy. However, I endeavour to try anything put in front of me (except rabbit - that's like eating a pet). I have to say that this was a lovely meaty fish and the fennel sauce worked perfectly. I actually enjoyed this fish dish!

Paul Hollywood Gala DinnerThe main was Glazed Breast of Duck served on a potato galette with a blackberry and port wine jus. The sauce was rich and complimented the greens and potato, however the duck was a little overcooked and there was a bit too much potato in the galette. I suspect the meat may have been ready before the diners and was left somewhere a little too warm to rest. It was a real shame as had it been pink, the dish would have worked very well.

The dessert was made by students at Bolton College. They had entered a competition to make the dish, so it was designed especially for the event. It was a Choco-chino Tart served with homemade orange ice cream. By this point I was flagging a bit, but managed about half. The tart filling was light and chocolaty whilst the pastry was crisp - no soggy bottoms here! The ice cream was amazing. Really thick with a subtle hint of
orange.

Coffees were served with chocolate truffle petit fours and soon after came a selection of cheeses with biscuits. Throughout the meal the sommelier from Gerrard Seel gave us an explanation of each wine which accompanied the course along with why it worked well with that particular dish. For example, did you know that one of the most difficult food items to match to wine is the tomato? Fact.
Paul Hollywood Gala DinnerPaul Hollywood Gala Dinner
When our plates had been cleared, Paul did an after dinner speech which detailed how he had got into the baking industry and why he became involved in the Great British Bake Off. 

He started his career as a sculpter, but was soon tempted into his father's baking business with the promise of earning £500. He went from apprentice to skilled baker within a short period of time, always
feeling like he had to work doubly hard as he was the boss' son.

Within a few years he was baking at the Chester Grosvenor and then the Dorchester in London. He moved to Cyprus for six years where he learnt more about mediterranean baking and met his wife. It was during this time that he was approached by a TV producer to do a show with James Martin called Use Your Loaf. Living in Cyprus meant that Paul had never even heard of shows like Ready, Steady Cook or indeed of James Martin. Well one thing led to another, and after a successful start to his TV career and a popular book, Paul was approached to do the Great British Bake Off. The rest ladies and gentlemen, is history...
Paul Hollywood Gala Dinner

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Four Years in a Row for James Martin...

Chef James Martin at Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
I'm going to be honest. I had heard mixed reports about James Martin. Some had said he was a bit of a diva (sorry James). Others had raved about how nice he was. Always one for a balanced view, I decided to find out for myself. Being a bit of a housewives favourite, I expected the demo tent at Bolton Food ad Drink Festival to be teaming with clones of my own mother, but there were men there too! Real ones! I don't even think they were dragged there by the missus either.

Before the show started, I had the opportunity to get some photographs and ask James a few questions. We were told that he was running a little late due to traffic, so I sat waiting... wondering if he was going to terrify me...? I saw a shiny Audi R8 roll up beside the tent, and a figure in a baby blue polo shirt appear... smooth bugger.

Within a few seconds of him appearing in the tent, it was fairly obvious he wasn't a scheister at all. He was happy to pose for photographs, chatted to some of the producers on the market and was patient with those generally pulling him from pillar to post. This is James' fourth year at Bolton Food and Drink Festival, so there must be something pulling him back year on year.

Talking to James was very easy, and it's obvious that he has a genuine love for food and events like our food festival. I had always wondered why he wasn't pursuing the Michelin dream like some of his peers, but I think what became apparent in the next ten minutes was that he quite enjoys interacting with people and having a hectic life travelling the world.

So here are some of the things we chatted about...

Me: Don't worry, I don't have too many questions. I can see you're in demand!
James: No problem, it's absolutely fine!

I believe you're a trained pastry chef...?
Yeah, that's where I started my career but it's like other things; you do it for about two or three years and then move onto something else. It was certainly an integral part of my early training though.

I imagine you must like your desserts! What's your favourite?
I certainly do! Oh... I like things like Eton Mess... meringue.. stodge. I like all that kind of stuff! Nothing low fat and nothing fancy.

Earlier this week Mary Berry said she doesn't believe in low fat. She recommends having a smaller slice of something fantastic...
She is correct! Fat is flavour, particularly in pastry and baking.

I'm a keen restaurant goer, so I'm interested to know where are your favourite restaurants?
James: in the UK or globally?
Me: Either!
James: I went there on Sunday night last week. It's called Per Se. It's in New York. Its run by a chef called Thomas Keller who is probably one of the best chefs in the world.
Me: I have a confession. I'm going to The French Laundry in September.
James: You lucky lucky person! Take your credit card and spend the lot!
Me: Oh we fully intend to!
James: Choose the gastronomic menu which is 17 courses. It's the best food you'll ever eat in your life.
Me: So what about the UK?
James: I like Koffmanns; Pierre Koffmann's restaurant which is underneath the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge.

After being on the road, what do you enjoy making when you get home?
I've been all over the world in the last two weeks! Bacon sandwich. I have fresh tomatoes in the garden at home. I haven't been home for two weeks, so it's nice to come home to find the garden fully stocked. Yes, fresh bacon butty!

So this is your fourth year at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival. What are your impressions of Bolton and what do you like about the town?
Yeah, I can't believe I've been invited back! I like the market here, I like it here. It's nice to see it progress over the past four years. Now they're saying this is the biggest ever. Where do you go from here? You've got more chefs than you've ever had before. I just like it. The people make Bolton special as we know. It's weird because I don't really get invited to may northern things, so if I can do anything up here I like to. I'm from up here aren't I!? I like doing food festivals, and I'll do my best to be at an event like this.
Chef James Martin at Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
I stayed to watch James' demo where he had his crowd captivated. He shared that Saturday Kitchen has just been given another four years on the air which means lots more early starts for James! He has a cheeky style with his audience, who seemed to relish his sarcastic style. This was a little odd, as he was quite the gentleman one on one. This is 'stage James'. The chap who takes the mickey out of people chopping onions too slowly with goggles on is a very different chap from the one who loves to talk about food.
Chef James Martin at Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012

Meal Planning Monday - Week 3 of 5:2

Meal Planning Monday 5:2 Diet
I'm here at week three of the 5:2 diet, living to tell the tale. I know today is Tuesday, but before you have me done under Trade Descriptions... I was at the Bolton Food Festival getting very wet all day yesterday and made the executive decision to do my meal plan today. Plus, yesterday was still technically the weekend!

A few weeks ago I watched the Horizon documentary on BBC2 called Eat, Fast and Live Longer. Michael Mosley set himself a challenge; live longer, stay younger and lose weight by living the 5:2 diet. 

So what's the deal?
The idea was to 'fast' for 2 days every week and live a normal lifestyle for the other days. However, fasting doesn't mean eating nothing. Men can have 600 calories a day and women are allowed 500. Sounds great! I decided to try the diet, not only to lose weight but to see if I have the willpower to survive on 500 calories per day.
  1. Week one was 'lunch only' on fast days. I did my fasts on consecutive days. 
  2. On week two I changed things around a little. I spread my calories throughout the day and split my fast days.

So, this is what week two felt like...

Positives
  • It was much easier than week 1
  • My blood sugar levels were much better
  • I got a sense of achievement from it feeling easier than the previous week
  • I felt like I was having a mini detox on each fast day. On Wednesday night I was looking forward to the fast the next day (someone had been caning the buffets...)
  • I lost another 2lbs despite three buffets and three days of the Bolton Food Festival being in the same week.

Negatives
  • The thirst is still an issue. On the flip side, I know this means I'm not drinking enough... Bad Rachel.
  • Not being able to eat Frederick's ice cream on Thursday night. I had to watch my husband. That was crap.
  • I was baking most of the week for the Food Festival. That was a killer when you're fasting...

This week's plan
  • I'm doing a mix of weeks one and two.
  • Fast days will be consecutive.
  • The 500 clories will be split over the day.

My husband has now stopped the 5:2 diet because he was losing too much weight! He is just using a fast day once in a while when he's been over-doing it.

So, here's the meal plan!

Monday: Normal day - covering the Bolton Food Festival again. The Hungry Gecko for lunch and sausage butties for tea!
Tuesday: Normal day - sandwich for lunch and a slice of carrot cake. Not really that hungry now... chances are I may just have another slice of cake...
Wednesday: Fast day - small chicken sandwich for lunch and turkey and bean stew for tea.
Thursday: Fast day - turkey salad sandwich for lunch and spiced red lentil soup for tea.
Friday: Normal day - ham salad wrap for lunch and not sure for tea! A treat might be in order...
Weekend: Normal days - we're off to Manchester to buy some holiday clothes (not long now...) so will probably eat out at least once.

Watch the documentary on iPlayer here.

Please note: I am following this diet because I saw the Horizon documentary. I am not qualified to advise others on dietary requirements. This diet is not suitable for everyone. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP.

Please leave your thoughts and own experiences of the 5:2 diet below... x


Behind the Scenes at the Great British Bake Off...

Great British Bake Off

An Interview with Cathryn Dresser


The week before the Great British Bake Off started, I stumbled upon a few of the contestants on Twitter. I always imagined that those brave enough to enter the Bake Off must have nerves of steel... I am a baker... hear my roar! After chatting with Cathryn and a few others prior to the first show, I realised they are actually just like us. They bake for their friends and family, and never imagined they would get on the show. Cathryn is a self confessed 'Last Minute Larry' and can often be found at the end of a trail of floury footprints!

The Great British Bake OffThis weekend I met Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. After suffering from a terrible case of 'Starstruckitis', I plucked up the courage to ask them both some questions about the Bake Off. Both made it crystal clear that the standard in this year's competition was higher than ever, and that anyone with designs on entering series four would have to seriously up their game in every aspect of baking. Mary warned that contestants must be able to 'bake an excellent loaf, a perfect cake and be original'.

Cathryn has been kind enough to answer some of the questions we are all dying to know about the show, including the audition process, filming and what it's like behind the scenes...

The idea of entering the Bake Off seems really daunting. Tell me about the selection process...
Baking and food is a huge part of my life and family. My mum is amazing and so are my aunties! We are all also massive GBBO fans. So, I sent in my application on a total whim thinking 'that'd be so amazing, but I'm sure would never happen, so hey-ho why not submit the application!?'

The audition process is a long, challenging yet exciting one. It all began with a phone interview, this alone was shocking enough as I had put the application right out of my mind. Then there are several more steps, including taking bakes (both sweet and savoury) to auditions, and a bit more 'grilling'. Although it was quite involved, it was an amazing experience and I told myself the application was worth submitting for the audition process alone. They definitely want to check the auditionees have plenty of knowledge and skill (but I certainly didn't...and still don't know even close to everything). I admitted to not having made every type of pastry and macarons but evidently this didn't pose too much of a problem. They really are looking for good amateurs, not professionals. The audition process began for me, not long after the end of series 2 and I didn't know I'd made it until a few months before filming commenced.

I was elated to have been chosen but the overriding feelings were that of shock and excitement. Right up until we had all began filming I thought 'bloody nora, what if I'm not nearly as good as the others, and really stand out as the worst/least experienced', the funny thing is, many of the 12 of us felt the same, there is a sense of entering the unknown and putting yourself in the spotlight!

Why do you think you were picked?The honest truth is....I'm not really sure! Maybe it's because they sensed my genuine love of baking for and with my family, plus I worked flippin' hard on the bakes that I took to auditions, and they turned out quite well... luckily!

What's it like behind the scenes at the Bake Off?
It is so hard to describe just how lovely EVERYONE involved was. The twelve of us bakers had such a laugh together. Everyone behind the scenes is so supportive and helpful, as well as hilarious. there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that you take for granted as a viewer (or at least I certainly did) so much time and hard work goes into making the show. We were so blessed with the location too, Harptree Court is the most beautiful, charming and luxurious setting and Linda and Charles who own it were so warm, kind and generous. It was amazing! But the main things that stands out from behind the
scenes at GBBO are laughter, chewing the cud and cups of tea! (or hot water if you were Manisha!)

What timescales are involved?
From the start of the audition process until the show finishes on telly is almost a year! Gosh only just worked that out!!! Each show is filmed over two days, filming starts early and is all day. I was truly shocked that I really really liked everyone, we got on so well, we went out for dinner together, had breakfast together between the two filming days and chatted whilst away from filming. I have made some proper lifelong friends. we really had such a fun time, playing silly games, teasing each other, sharing stories and in some cases making mischief or being outrageous and keeping us all entertained. They were a very fun, clever supportive bunch, I couldn't have got through it without them.

I didn't know what to expect from Mary and Paul, but they were both SO lovely. I was very nervous around them and felt pretty star truck most of the time. I wouldn't describe them as being particularly 'hands on', but they were really supportive and kind (although Paul is a tiny bit terrifying) and in general very fair and balanced in their judgements, which I should mention are all their own. (This is true, not just saying in-case they read this!)

There are no words for just how brilliant Mel and Sue are. It is not for the cameras either (which could be the case), they aregenuinely hilarious and fabulous ALL the time. They absolutely made it for me. They showed real concern, care and support for all of us, they kept us laughing when we felt like crying and cut the nervous tension at vote off with their warmth and jokes. THEY ARE WICKED!

Do you get chance to practice your recipes beforehand?

Yes, we know what we need to bake in advance and so do get time to practice, but your practicing lots of things at the same time to sharpen you knowledge and skills, constantly speculating what the technical challenges might be.

Was there anything that you were dreading making?
I dreaded making lots of things, but mainly things I'd never made...the likes of rum babas, I make lots of mistakes and mess at home too which was a worry!

Did you have skills in every area before entering the Bake Off?
I baked all the time before Bake Off, but just ordinary family home baking. I love trying new things but there were certainly gaps in my knowledge and experience. I learnt so much from all the research and practising that I did. I also learnt loads from the other bakers, the guys behind the scenes and Mary and Paul. We all shared tips and advice with each other.

What is your favourite bake?
Although they are not my favourite to eat, cakes are my favourite things to bake.

Are Mel and Sue as funny in real life as they are on TV?
Funnier! sometimes we couldn't start filming because we were all laughing so much, and sometimes the jokes were too rude to be shown at 8pm but real belly-laugh stuff from them all the time. I love them so much!

What are your lasting memories of Paul and Mary?
Mary is the kindest, loveliest, most elegant lady you could ever meet, the absolute Queen of Baking. Paul is intimidating, yet really supportive. He is honest and simply brilliant.

Which cookbook would you not be without?
This is tricky, I love lots but maybe Nigella's Feast, particularly at festive times of year!

What's the best dessert you've ever eaten and where was it?
My mum makes the very best lemon meringue pie, served fresh with cream, I'm afraid nothing comes close!


A massive thank you to Cathryn for giving us a sneaky peek into the world of the Bake Off and for taking the time to answer my questions.

Join in the chatter on Twitter every Tuesday night at 8pm using the hashtag #GBBO. 

Please leave your thoughts and comments below... x

Saturday 25 August 2012

Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012 - Pictures

I've had such a fabulous time over the past couple of days! I've eaten some delicious food, had a laugh with friends old and new and even met some of my heroes. This year's Bolton Food and Drink Festival has excelled itself. Everyone around us seemed to be in wonder of something utterly fantastic; including a giant halibut called Hal, twirly potatoes on sticks, a giant inflatable lobster, celebrity chefs and lots of free titbits. The range of food and entertainment just gets stronger every year, so before I go any further I would like to give the organisers a huge pat on the back!

Don't fret if you feel like you have missed out, as the festival continues for another two days! Yipee! We don't do things in half measures here in Bolton. There are no one day food events here! So, as if you needed any more encouragement, here are some of the spectacles that I snapped over the last two days whilst out and about...
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
I take over at All You Knead...
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012 
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
This little piggy went to market... No, really. He did.
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
This lovely lady from Chaat Cart gave me a samosa for my breakfast...
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
One of the loveliest couples you will ever meet! Jackie was a finalist on Masterchef in 2011 and makes Asian inspired street food under the name of The Hungry Gecko. Her food is bloody marvellous! I had her 'Little bit of Everything' tasting platter and a mango lassi. This was so good that it has been mentally added to my 'what could you just have...?' list! I went on Friday and then took my husband back on Saturday so he could try it too. Agreed. Jackie, you rule. 
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2012
Jamaican Goat Curry

Please leave your comments below... x
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