When you really sit down to think… what does baking actually mean? The simplicity is you get a bunch of ingredients, mix them together and bake them in the oven to create something delicious. Then you think to yourself wow did i actually make that and how is it that a little while ago it was nothing but a few simple ingredients. We still find it surprising the bakes you can make just from a few ingredients. Baking to us is a way of being creative and an activity that we can share with our family. We love experimenting with new flavours and creating one of a kind recipes. Baking is also a way of getting back to basics and being in the kitchen rather than watching TV or being on a mobile phone or laptop. Making a mess is actually really fun and at the end we get to eat something wonderful.
The whole process of baking can take your mind off other stress you may be experiencing or it can just be a hobby you can do when you want to pick up a new skill or have some fun. There are so many positives to baking…you really need to give it a try if you don’t already love it! Not only is it rewarding but it makes people happy and can be enjoyed by everyone. There is no end to baking, the flavours, the techniques, the cakes, biscuits, pastries and breads…so many bakes you can try.
Baking can be done at anytime of the day and anytime of the year- that’s the amazing thing about it. We have loved it since we were young, we’ve had so much fun growing up together and making new recipes that we can now share with all of you. It is hard for us to pick our favourite we love so many bakes but anything chocolate wins 😉 What is your favourite bake? What does baking mean to you? Baking is a still going strong in today’s world and we are so happy that we get to be apart of it and that all of our lovely subscribers enjoy eating and baking our recipes. We cannot wait to continue sharing what baking means to us and how we create so many exciting new recipes every month. This weekend why not get everyone together and put all the tech gadgets away and really get creative in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be perfect just a little bit of fun and you’ll be glad that you took the time out to spend time together. The reward is the best and getting away from the screens will really help you to relax and have fun!
Here’s a simple recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone and doesn’t take that long at all!
Classic Fairy Cakes (Makes approx. 16)
Ingredients Needed:
-½ tsp of vanilla extract/ ½ vanilla pod.
-115g unsalted butter/ dairy free butter
-115g caster sugar
-2 medium eggs beaten/ 2tbsp peanut butter
-115g self-raising flour/ gluten free flour
-Loads of decorations!
Top tip- Now that it’s winter try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or ground ginger to the mix!
Icing topping:
-200g icing sugar
-2 tbsp of water
-100g butter (if making buttercream)
Method:
1) Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/ 350F/ 180C and line a baking tray with the cupcake cases.
2) Cream the butter and caster sugar into a bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in one egg at a time and mix well. Then add in the vanilla.
Next sieve in the flour and fold into the mixture.
3) Using a tablespoon, put equal amounts of the mixture into each case, filling each case about ¾ of the way.
4) Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and well risen. Use a butter knife and cut through one of the cakes to check if they are cooked all the way through. If the knife comes out clean then the cakes are ready! To cool transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack.
5) While the cupcakes are cooling, make the icing or buttercream for the topping. For the icing take the icing sugar and add in a couple of drops of water at a time and mix well until you reach your desired consistency (Thicker is better so it stays in place). Then add on a spoonful on each cupcake and spread evenly. To make the buttercream mix the butter and icing sugar together and mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until thick and creamy. Then cut the bottom of the bag (approx. 1cm) and then add in your choice of nozzle, then fill the bag with the buttercream mixture. Pipe the mixture on each cake making sure each one has the same amount. If you wish add in a few drops of food colouring to any of the mixtures and mix well before putting on each cake.
6) Finally start decorating with your choice of toppings! (This is the fun part-get everyone involved!)- Enjoy.
We hope you all have a great weekend! Happy Baking 🙂
