Once bitten forever smitten

Once bitten forever smitten - 3D or Carved Cakes

2012-01-30T11:04:00.001Z

Have you ever seen Ace of Cakes on TV? Doug and the team often carve a cake into a particular shape so that a 3Dimensional cake is the result. Last month for the first time I was asked for a 3D wedding cake! It was a replica of the grooms motorcycle helmet and it featured neon edible cake colours. This is the Helmet I copied.

This is the carved cake in the basic helmet shape with a buttercream covering. The cake was made of six layered victoria sponges with a central cake board and supports inside to keep it stable.

The cake was then covered in green and orange fondant. All the fondant and royal icing embellishments were added separately to get as much realistic detail as possible. The visor is balck fondant, the numbers and name are fondant rimmed with royal icing and edible neon lustre dust was added at the end. The cake was presented on a 'tarmac' cake board. Here is the finished cake - the bride collected this cake and was so excited that she had chosen such a special cake for her husband to be.

Do you have an idea for a different wedding cake? Well if you do just contact Janet 01732843518 or email janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten - Alternative Christmas Cake

2011-12-06T09:58:00.000Z

Free recipe card design customized with Smilebox

Once bitten forever smitten - Butter vs Virgin Rapeseed Oil

2011-11-28T17:59:00.001Z

The nice people at Quex foods gave me some Virgin Rapeseed Oil to try in my cakes. So the first experiment was to make a Carrot cake - mainly because in this recipe you melt the butter so I figured I could just swop the oil for the butter and keep everything else the same. Recipe is posted right at the end of the blog if you want to try for yourself.

After gathering together all ingredients, lining two identical cake pans and warming the oven I made the two mixtures simultaneously so they could be baked together. In all the pictures the Rapeseed cake is on the right and the Butter cake on the left.

The oil mixture is slightly brighter orange!

Rapeseed oil is not a cheap alternative to butter but it has many advantages for your health as it contains no animal fats and it is rich in Omega 3. It comes in 250ml bottles and you need 120 ml for a full size family cake. Unsalted Butter is often on offer at around £1.20 for 250g and you need 120g to make the same size cake. However some websites say use less oil than you would butter as about 15-20% of butter is water. So maybe the next test should be to use only 100ml oil.

They look the same before they go into the oven

The finished cakes really do look identical but the big question is texture and taste! My initial tasting was that the Rapeseed Oil cake had a stronger taste - and was slightly nutty but I knew which was which. Blind tastings over the next few days by builders, friends and familygave the following results :
apart from me noone could tell the difference in taste! I think this could have been the very strong flavour of orange and carrot masking any of the other ingredients. Regarding texture there were a couple of people who thought the Butter cake was lighter and a couple who said the Rapeseed Oil cake was more crumbly - but as the cakes were being literally scoffed as I watched I'm surprised they didn't choke when they tried to speak.

The real winner here is you - use Rapeseed Oil and be good to your body or use butter if you have it in the fridge - no one can tell the difference on taste; the big question now is what difference will it make to a sponge cake?
Best Wishes, Janet
If you want your Birthday Cake or Wedding Cake made free from butter email me.

Recipe for Simple Carrot Cake
120g grated raw carrot - peel top & tail before grating
120g sugar - can use your favouite - I use caster sugar as it gives a lighter finish
150ml orange juice and zest - or you can substitute premium OJ
freshly grated nutmeg to taste
100-120ml Virgin Rapeseed Oil - or 120g unsalted butter
Place all ingredients in saucepan and simmer for 5 mins till sugar melted and carrots soften. Cool for 5 mins till you can put your finger into mixture and it not be too hot.
2 large eggs beaten with fork in a jug
240g Self Raising flour sifted with
2 teaspoons baking powder
Stiring the cooled carrot mixture with a wooden spoon add the eggs in a thin stream beating at the same time - If you dont you will get lumps of scrambled eggs in your cake. When all the egg is beaten in add the sifted flour mixture - it will froth a bit from the heat acting on the baking powder - mix it quickly but well and pour into a prelined cake tin 20cm. If you use two cake tins it will cook faster and you dont have to split the cake to fill it with your chosen filling.
Bake for 40 minutes in a fan oven at 130 or 150 in a conventional oven - reduce time to 25 minutes if using 2 cake tins. Cake will bounce back to a finger push and it will smell cooked.

Once bitten forever smitten - Cake Toppers

2011-11-22T08:57:00.001Z

Whats the best way to top off your cake - well its easy if its your birthday just add candles - light and get singing! But if its your wedding cake or your baby's christening then maybe what you want is something special to mark the occasion.
Toppers fall into categories I will label as Edible, Perishable and Keepable.

Edible toppers are made of sugar paste and can be made by your cakemaker into any shape or form you desire. From delicate peony petals to baby shoes they adorn your cake, look lovely and if you have a sweet tooth are just right for getting an extra sugar buzz. These baby pink converse trainers are made of sugar paste so they are definately Edible but you could put them in an airtight box with a sachet of silica jel and they would long enough for your baby to admire them.

Edible sugar roses have been the bridal topper of choice for many decades - and these two examples of claret roses in a posy and a single green rose show you how differnt styles can be achieved.

Keepable Toppers are not made of edible products - they can be made of porceline like the ones made by Kate at Atopofthetier. The beauty of commissioning a keepable topper from a porcelin artist or model maker is that they will make the figure look like you and make it really personal. I love these two guys I used to decorate my Chocolate Cake at The Leeds Castle Weddding Show. This cake prompted a couple to order a cake for next summer with themselves on the top tier and their children represented on each of the ledges of the other tiers. This is a lovely gesture as sometime children can feel a bit sidelined when parents get married.

Another popular choice for a topper are Diamante Initials which look fantastic with diamante edged white cakes - perfect for winter weddings.
Perishable cake toppers are flowers or fruit - so think strawberrys dipped in chocolate and piled high or a delicate posy to match the bridal bouquet. You can't keep them as a memento but if they create the look you want - Go for it! This cake had flowers to match the table decorations and it was perfect.

All of the above designs can be made for you by Janet at Delicakes. Book a Design & Taste session by email today. Wedding cakes should be booked 6 months in advance to guarantee availability especially for Summer 2012 weddings as some dates have already gone in May & August.
Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Wedding Fairs

2011-10-17T12:54:00.001Z

In my last blog I discussed the decline in wedding numbers every year and so I have to ask, "why are there so many wedding fairs every Autumn?

I know we ladies like a good excuse to shop but I seriously believe the wedding fair market may now be offering so much choice it is just making things harder for couples to make decisions. Its a good principle to bring all wedding industry services together but now every venue holds at least one wedding fair throughout the winter plus there are the big shows like Leeds Castle and Detling.

Last weekend I exhibited at The Wedding Show at Leeds Castle, there were lots of Brides, Chief Bridesmaids and Mothers having a fun day out window shoopping all the fantastic services the wedding industry can now provide. I only met a handful of Grooms and all of them had a wedding date for the next six months. So it seems to me that guys don't get involved till it gets proper serious or do they just want to be involved in the fun stuff like tasting cake? Joking apart the Bride has a lot more to think about and needs a longer lead time to research the market and plan the details of the big day. However my advice is don't go to every one you see advertised and if your wedding is in the next 6 -9 months go to 2 or 3 shows then start booking your suppliers or you'll miss the chance with the one you really want.

On the point of avalability last year several couples were turned down by Delicakes as there just wasn't the capacity to make any more cakes. So despite the downward trend in wedding numbers in the UK, Delicakes have doubled the Wedding Cake capacity for 2012 and either Linda or Janet will take sole responsibility for your cake design, creation and delivery. Mind you even with Linda and Janet working flat out July '12 is definately going to be a tricky month to get a bespoke wedding cake and some couples will have to have the takeaway service or find another less busy cakemaker.

One of the really pleasurable parts of planning is going to your Design and Taste together. Would you buy your Wedding Dress or Tux without trying a few on? Of course not - so why would you order a cake that hasn't been designed and made just for you?

All Design and Taste sesssions in October are now booked but if you are free on November 19th or December 3rd you can book with Janet by email.
Just a quick note to any couples looking forward to a 2013 wedding - why not order a birthday cake or christmas cake so you can have an advance taster of your wedding cake. Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Marriage in decline!

2011-10-03T10:01:00.002Z

Marriage is now a choice rather than a norm. I have been browsing the Office of National Satistics reports on marriage rates in the UK and it is very clear there are fewer marriages now than 10 years ago. In fact the trend downwards as a percentage of adult population is even more evident as population is rising but marriage rates are falling. The chart below shows thousands of marriages from 1950 to 2009 (last year for ONS data).

Chart showing decline of marriages in the UK

So how come if actual numbers are in decline the wedding industry is growing in glamour, spectacle and pounds spent every year? Well it's really because getting married is now a real choice (rather than conforming to parental pressure or society) so as the chosen option we want to spend time effort and money making our weddings glamourous and spectacular.

There are also other ceremonies now that have helped the 'Wedding' industry blossom including Civil Partnerships, Renewal of Vows and a noticable trend towards Big Christenings for the first baby - particularly when the parents have not had a big wedding celebration for themselves.

If you are getting married in the next year you will be investing a lot of time and effort to make your wedding day extra special because it is literally the first day of your new life. Make sure you choose the right professionals to translate your wedding vision into a photobook, video, floral display or Cake!
Using a bespoke cake maker is easy if you are based in SE London or Kent. Phone Janet for Design & Taste consultations 01732 843518 or text 07714286911 (24/7)
check out this website for ideas www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk or email your questions to Janet

Once Bitten - Forever Smitten - Best Value

2011-09-05T16:21:00.001Z

Are you a price savy bride or a spend thirft groom? The thing is no matter what your normal habits are, when spending on your wedding different rules apply. Who is paying? and are they just handing over a lump sum for you to spend or are they trying to give you something that's not quite perfect. Are the families paying for the reception and the happy couple footing the bill for everything else? Are you hoping to save money by makeing do?

During this wedding season I have had a Sister & Brother, a Step-Mum, a Grandad, and of course the Father of Bride pay for wedding cakes. Paying for the cake is a delightful way of contributing to the couple's big day so providing they still get to choose the cake filling and design its a gift that will be remembered by all of those attending. Savy brides have even been known to add the cake to their wedding list!

Now I have wetted your appetite with pictures of some of this season's most beautiful wedding cakes there is some good and bad news. Bad news first........due to the ever increasing costs of ingredients, electricity and transport prices will be increasing prices for the 2012 wedding season and theGood News is you still have 4 weeks to book your Design & Taste session and get your 2012 wedding cake at 2011 prices.
Still more Good News.....in order to help you plan your costs I will be accepting the full payment in 3 installments rather than 2 so its easier to reserve the cake of your dreams and pay for it next year.

Book your Design and Taste session now for 2011 prices or come to The Wedding Show at Leeds Castle on October 15th and 16th to register for a discount voucher. Remember to visit the website for lots more ideas for Wedding Cakes or Birthday Cakes and to Order
Best Wishes, Janet

Once Bitten Forever Smitten - Ultimate Wedding Cake

2011-08-02T14:55:00.003Z

The ultimate design in my opinion is a four tier cake displayed on a pedestal stand. Perfectly iced in an antique white smooth fondant and decorated with a side design.

This stunning cake has all the elements that I love and that I am sure in time it will become a classic. The fantasy flowers were made to match the flower on the bride's dress and the dusky pink and apple green tinting was used to tie in the bridesmaid's dress colours. The flowers were made in Flowerpaste which means that while technically edible they can be carefully detached from the cake, wrapped in tissue and kept in a keepsake box - perfect for using again on the 1st Wedding Anniversary Cake.

The Ultimate Birthday cake has to be a cake that is just person perfect. Are they simple or complicated? do they like a lot of bling or a sharp style statement? What's their favouite flavour? Do they want to share it with everyone in the office or just their nearest and dearest? That's the beauty of a custom made cake - like a custom made suit you can get a perfect fit.

to order any size cake just email or text me 07714286911and Delicakes will make you the perfect cake.

Once bitten forever smitten - Delicakes Cupcakes in two finals!

2011-07-23T14:19:00.001Z

What an exciting week - just been notified that both my entries into National Cupcake Week Championships have been shortlisted for the final in London on 15th August. Not sure who my competitors are but the judges are an exceedingly well respected bunch in the baking and cake industry. I have a Chocolate Fudge cupcake in the free from category and a Courgette Cream Pie in the innovation category. Can't wait to see how we get on.
Other news this week is that I am still looking for a bijoux shop/studio in the West Malling/Sevenoaks area - just cannot find the right thing at the right price but I will continue undaunted to bake my cakes from home until the right premises turn up.
I have ordered the uniform's for the staff to wear at The Wedding Show at Leeds Castle in October - they are so retro I had to have them - who cares if they had to be imported from Venice - yes Venice Italy they are to die for.
I could not leave you without a cake picture, so here's wishing Katie and Rob a long and happy marriage which they started by cutting this cake

Cakes for every occasion can be ordered from Janet at Delicakes by email, or text 07714286911 or phone 01732 843518 office hours.

Once bitten forever smitten - Raise the Cake

2011-07-12T13:19:00.000Z

The cake should be the centrepiece of the celebration - either on a table on its own or presiding over the buffet table. Call me old fashioned but I like small cakes on stands, especially for afternoon tea receptions. Last week I found a beautiful pressed glass cake stand circa 1950's. It's so stunning I am designing a cake to do it justice which will be on display at The Wedding Show.

For elegance to raise a cake where the side design is the focus I love this ceramic stand - it gives the imression your cake is floating on air. If you are having an intimate wedding with a smaller cake then choose one of the pedestal stands available to hire from Delicakes or your cake may look a little lost on the venue's big silver platform.

A traditional stand can make even a very simple cake look stunning as seen here with one of Delicakes take away wedding cakes.

And finally I am looking for a supplier in the UK who can get me the sort of stands I've found on this site where they really do Raise-the-Cake
Contact me for all cake enquiries - you know I'm happy to help 01732 843518, text anytime 07714286911 Email direct or use the website contact form.

Once bitten forever smitten - Creative Cakes

2011-07-05T19:53:00.001Z

If you are going to pay for a specialist to make you a cake then be inspired - if you can buy one like it at Asda what's the point? Bespoke cakes are for totally indulging your taste buds with sumptuous flavour combinations and for for going wild creatively. Now take this week - its my 5th Wedding Anniversary so wood is the traditional gift but I prefer cake. So this year we have a Dali inspired molten clock cake.

I love to make my own interpretations in sugar of classic themes - so if you have an idea - just ask! Mollie's Daughter asked for her cake to be decorated with her favouite hobby (all these 80 year olds are so active, but maybe that's the secret) so I make a boules cake, its also known as petanque but it doesn't matter. This was a sponge cake perfect for her friends and family to enjoy at a teatime party.

The sand is sugar so the boules rolled around when the cake was carried leaving very realistic trails in the 'sand'.
For more cake ideas seee the Birthday Delicakes website and don't forget if you are getting hitched in 2012 you should book your cake maker before Christmas.
Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - How long does it take to make a cake?

2011-06-30T11:05:00.001Z

I was at a garden party last weekend and the mother of a prospective groom asked me how long does it takes to make a wedding cake and my response - about three and a half days. This is true for a standard 3 tier cake and I thought no more about it. Then today I got a call asking if I could make an open bible cake for a christening in 10 days time - of course I can make it and I had loads of ideas to make it appropriate and pretty but I cannot make it as there isnt enough time...

So when ordering a special cake its not the time it takes to make the cake that's important for your order to be accepted its the time available in the 3-4 days before the delivery date. With the exception of fruit cakes which should always be ordered 10 weeks in advance most cakes shold be ordered 3-4 weeks before you need them. Then your bespoke cake maker can schedule the purchasing of special trimmings, ensure the cakes are baked, rested, 'dirty iced' so called because the crumbs show through, chilled, second coat buttercream, chilled, marzipan covered, rested overnight, fondant iced, stacked and decorated and finally boxed for delivery or collection.

If you have a wedding make sure you start the selection process for a cake maker 6 months before the big day - and for all other celebrations unless you want a 3 tier cake make sure you have chosen a cake maker a month in advance. Of course at a quiet time you may be lucky with a week or two's notice. And don't forget if you want something special for your own Birthday register for the wish-list. Orders can be placed by email or via the contact form.
Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Wedding Show

2011-06-22T21:51:00.003Z

Newsflash - Delicakes has signed up to go to my first wedding show!

Put on your sexy M and S food ad voice - this is not a wedding fair but a two day exclusive wedding show featuring Delicakes for the very first time, inspiring designs, exquisitly decorated show cakes and some divine tasting samples.

Yes the show will be packed with Kent's finest: Venue's, Photographers, 4 Catwalk shows compared by Claire Sweeney, florists and every other thing you need to make your wedding perfect. As soon as possible I will add a link and pictures.

Its at Leeds Castle 15th and 16th October 2011 - make sure you put the date in your diaries especially if you are getting married next year.

I was so excited last night creating new and exclusive cake designs for 2012 to launch at the show I couldn't sleep. Its too soon to reveal the designs but as a little taster I'll tell you the themes include Snow White and Chandelier

For 2011 design ideas see the Once bittten forever smitten website
Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Cake Pops

2011-06-16T20:42:00.000Z

I cannot believe it has taken me so long to actually make some cake pops - and yes I'm totally smitten - true these ones are rather plain and not perfect but they were just for family to try out as I was creating the recipe.

The thing is they are really like a cake truffle; rich, dense, creamy and moist and all hidden under a chocolate candy coating that makes a satisfying crack as you take the first bite. These have to be the all time best of both worlds - small and pretty like chocolates, tastes of cake and buttery vanilla, a moist mouthfull that is truely addictive. I didn't expect to like them but I am very keen to make some chocolate filled ones next.
they would make great favours so I have featured them on the Wedding Favours page of the website
Next step is to create some designs to feature for Birthdays, keep a look out for these on flickr.
All cakes can be ordered by phone 01732 843518, text 07714286911 or email me direct.
Best Wishes, Janet

Once Bitten Forever Smitten - Father's Day

2011-06-06T18:09:00.001Z

This year Father's Day is the day after our son comes home from university so there will be more than one reason to have a scrumptious cake for tea. This cake was made for a lady Bridge fanatic but its a theme suitable for many Dad's - especially if they like a game of cards

Or you could go for a garden cake as lots of Dad's like to potter in the garden and grow their own - I really think this cake should be carrot cake but you can actually order any flavour you like

For my own Father I will make his favourite cupcakes with Velvet Cream frosting on a vanilla cake (why do the American TV shows always say Vanilla Bean - is there another sort of Vanilla I dont know about?
If you have any cake requirements this summer I can cater for Wedding Cakes up to 500 portions or Dinner Party puddings for 8 - tel 01732 843518 text 07714286911 or you can email your order
To see lots more pictures and full details of cakes see BirthdayDelicakes or WeddingDelicakes
best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Sight, smell, touch and taste

2011-05-31T14:46:00.001Z

Enjoying a cake uses four of the five senses (all except hearing). When you see that cake you just want to taste it, when you smell that sweet mallowly scent of fondant icing you start to salivate, when it gets onto your tongue you feel the lightness of the sponge and the sweetness of the frosting on your teeth and then your tastebuds are all at once satisfied by the melting butteryness and sugar rush.

The whole concept of Delicakes is that the taste and mouthfeel is so mouthwateringly yummy you will always want more. If you dont like fondant your cake can be covered in butttercream frosting as above or creamcheese for a clean finish as below

Or you can go for a fondant decorated cake to reflect a favouite hobby such as this Snare Drum cake that had a chocolate and vanilla marble cake hiding inside.

All cakes can be ordered by email, and there are now separate websites for Birthday cakes and Wedding cakes so you can quickly find what you want, best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Chelsea Flower Show

2011-05-24T13:44:00.000Z

This week is Chelsea Flower Show and although I've left it too late to get tickets I am celebrating the Queen of English flowers with a fresh rose design in Lime Green. Yes I know its not typical - and it may not be real but this Rose Topper cake has been made specially for my sister and the cake is a lemon sponge with a zingy lime cream cheese filling and I wanted the decoration to complement the filling!

And just to show that Carnations are still a popular flower here is the Wedding Cake I made for a lovely couple who were so not 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding'

If you have a big celebration coming up why not have a bespoke cake made especially for you - email orders via the website contact form or text 07714286911
best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Colour Blocking

2011-05-07T01:20:00.001Z

All the fashions for this spring and summer are about big bold blocks of colour - and they dont come bigger or bolder than this fantastic 40 - covered in red glitter and sugar diamonds what diva could mind turnng 40 if they had a cake like this to celebrate.

I think the equivalent cake for children would be a lego bricks cake but I havent made one of these yet so here is one made by Dragonfly.

There are so many ways to link cake with current trends and fashion, so if you want a birthday cake and fancy one shaped like a handbag or a shoe let me know by emailing me your order or check out BirthdayDelicakes
Best Wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Vintage Weddings

2011-04-28T19:44:00.000Z

Fifties Wedding Cakes

The 1950’s was a decade of iconic society weddings. Princess Elizabeth married in 1951, John F Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, Grace Kelly married Prince Ranier III of Monaco in 1956 and Paul Newman married Joanne Woodward in 1958 so it was an iconic decade of royal and society weddings.
Princess Elizabeth's (the Queen's) 3 tier cake with pillars was copied by 1950's brides in UK

And my Mum and Dad married in 1956 so I have first hand knowledge of how a traditional wedding cake was made in the UK back then.

It was the norm was to have a three tier fruit cake as this was the current fashion and copied the Royal wedding in 1951. I’m told the cake was often made by the bride or a close female relative. My Mum made her own cake from the Good Housekeeping Cookery Book (see appendix for recipe). Sadly no picture of this cake remains but even the marzipan was homemade. It was a tall round cake, separated with pillars for elegance and decoratively piped with swags and swirls of royal icing. Sugar roses and silver paper horseshoes were purchased from the bakers to add to the crisp white piping and a small vase with artificial flowers stood on the top.

Princess Grace of Monaco had a six tier wedding cake which they cut with Prince Ranier’s sword

It’s hard for us to comprehend now but after the Second World War food was rationed and it wasn’t until February 1953 that sugar rationing ended making the possibility of large lavish and highly decorated luxury cakes a reality. So the majority of fifties brides were lavish with the icing using thick marzipan to seal the rich fruit cake and covering it all with several layers of royal icing – sugar was now available and they were going to use it. All this sugar also had the effect of preserving the fruit cake so it could be used for the first child’s christening (that’s me – and it was).

Elvis Presley married in the early 60's and tall cakes with pillars were then popular in USA

However it was still an age of waste not want not and thrift was a much prized attribute. My Mum still has the baking tin for the 8 inch middle tier of her cake, and she tells me the 10 inch base tier was baked in a biscuit tin, double wrapped with brown paper to protect the cake during its long slow cooking as she thought it too extravagant to buy a 10 inch tin that wouldn’t be used again.

The Kennedy wedding cake was a stacked 4 tier cake

When looking for photos of 50’s wedding cakes I was surprised to find many for very large round cakes, 3 tiers but stacked so they were wide and low rather than tall and elegantly separated. Further searching has identified that many American cakes were larger and flatter but the celebrities of the time went for very tall, many tiered, highly decorated confections. As now, the perfectly decorated cake provided the photo opportunity of the bride’s first duty as a married woman – cutting the cake.

I use my own recipes to ensure if you have a WeddingDelicakes cake its the most wonderful cake of your life

To enquire about an order email Janet

Good Housekeeping Cookery Book Recipe for Three Tier Wedding Cake

5 ½ pounds currants

5 ½ pounds sultanas

2 pounds stoned raisins

1 pound sweet almonds

1 ½ pounds glace cherries

1 pound mixed peel

1 lemon

3 pounds flour

3 tea spoons cinnamon

1 ½ tea spoons mace

Pinch salt

3 pounds butter

3 pounds sugar

24 large eggs

1/3 pint rum or brandy

A little caramel or browning

Marzipan

1 ½ pound ground almonds

10 ounces caster sugar

10 ounces sieved icing sugar

Juice small lemon

1 ½ tea spoon vanilla essence

1 ½ tea spoons orange flower water

Egg white to mix

Once bitten forever smitten - Anniversaries

2011-04-20T23:14:00.000Z

As my 5th wedding anniversary will be celebrated soon it got me thinking that its time to make a special effort - getting married late in life means waiting for that big celebration after 40, 50 or 60 years is a little optimistic! So we are going to do something special this year and I will make a special cake, probably heart shaped because I love him very much. And the traditional gift for 5 years married is Tin and I dont think a can of beans will cut it.

The most popular cakes now for weddings are anything but fruit cake and some cupcake towers dont even have a cutting cake so its unlikely you'll have a cake saved for your first anniversay.
Top tiers can make very nice cakes on their own - like this Ivory Carnation Cake

Wedding Delicakes can make you an 'Anniversary Top' even if they didn't supply your original wedding cake - this is a cake that replicates your top tier so you have a very tasty reminder of your wedding day. Email your enquiries to

mailto:mail@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Best wishes, Janet

And here is a pictue of the delightful couple enjoying there 50th Wedding Anniversary cake.

Once bitten forever smitten - Puddings

2011-04-12T12:20:00.004Z

There are few men who do not have a sweet tooth - Greg Wallace from @Masterchef even uses @Puddingface as his twitter name so why do so many of us offer a shop bought sweet but virtually taste and texture free desert to end a meal we have spent masses of time and money on? Sometimes its not knowing how to make a pudding that will do justice to the other courses.

These are luscious lemon velvet cakes; juicy lemon sponge, lemon curd filled and topped with a swirl of the most seductive of frostings - Its based on an Italian Meringue and 4 / 5
tasters believe its whipped fresh cream with flavour!! You could serve these as individual portions or order the same recipe as a large pudding and serve with a jug of lemon sauce. £3 per portion from Delicakes including the lemon sauce. This is part of the "I made it myself" range you will see introduced this summer for the lucky hostesses of Kings Hill.

If you are serving a two course supper or lunch then make sure each course does you justice. There are so many good main course ideas I won't dwell on those but aahh the sweet bit we are allowed if we eat up all our veg.
Cold souffles are really impressive and a perfect taste of Summer - these chocolate and lemon souffles were served to guests at a recent Hever Castle Wedding where the bride wanted a non traditonal cake. Each souffle has a light sponge base and toasted chopped nuts for crunch - although I am working on a caramel souffle with cinder toffee for those with nut allergies.

I dont share my special recipes but if you have any questions about how to? ask me via a comment below or

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Best wishes Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Tea and Cake

2011-04-05T15:59:00.002Z

I know that we can't move for coffee bars in every high street but what I long for mid afternoon is a nice cup of Earl Gey Tea - Actually I love a cup to start the day too, but that's beside the point as I really want to tell you what teas go best with cake.

Underneath this wedgewood blue and white rose teapot is a firm and fruity cherry genoa cake. Its a light fruit cake made with orange juice, glace cherries and sultanas and covered in marzipan it keeps very well. A thick slice of this cake goes perfectly with the aforementioned Earl Grey tea or maybe a glass of champagne to celebrate something special. I made this cake for Mothers Day but it would be a fantastic cutting cake for a tower of Rose topped Cupcakes especially if you are having a tea party or vintage theme for your wedding.

For those rich flavours like caramel, chocolate and even coffee walnut cake try Darjeeling as it has a strong clean flavour and quite a lot of tanin which works with the rich creaminess of buttercream. So it would be ideal to serve with this box of 18th Birthday Cupcakes

A cup of slightly floral Lapsang Souchong would be perfect with a raspberry macaroon, in fact any macaroon that lets the almond flavour through so probably not too good with chocolate or coffee or caramel.
All the above featured cakes can be found on the BirthdayDelicakes website or just email janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk to place an order now. Leave a comment to tell me what your favouite combination of Tea & Cake.
Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - New Birthday Delicakes website

2011-03-29T16:11:00.001Z

I actually wanted to call my website Delicakes but it was taken by someone with a similar name so I launched lastyear as www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk -so far so good- but as all my cakes are featured its been confusing for wedding couples and those looking for Barbie or Dalek cakes.

So now you can take a wander round www.birthdaydelicakes.co.uk if you are after a fabulous Birthday Cake like this Shoe on a Cushion. There are ideas for children, mainly for men and a whole section devoted to what women want. From football shirts to flowers you will find the perfectly decorated cake. Adult only cakes don't have pictures but you can guess what these are like.

You can feast your eyes on Christening cakes, classic cakes, cars, guitars, cupcakes and much much more. From allergen free cakes to triple chocolate truffle cake this new site has all your favouites plus brilliant pictures to inspire your choice. Oh and there is a special offer - £10 of any Birthday cake ordered before Easter via the new site email address.
Best Wishes,
Janet
mail@birthdaydelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten - Marvellous Marzipan

2011-03-22T00:15:00.001Z

If you think you dont like it maybe you should try a quality homemade version? Marzipan is made using equal parts of caster to icing sugar then equal sugar to ground almonds and its brought to a paste with pasteurised egg white, so its the same as those yummy macaroons you can get from Delicakes.

In this sponge wedding cake marzipan was used to seal the sponge, add flavour and make a smooth finish so the fondant finish was perfect. Also the combination of raspberries and almonds is so mouthwatering that I always use a raspberry jam filling if marzipan is being used.

These flat topped cupcakes are filled with raspberry jam and 'iced' with coloured marzipan. The marzipan keeps the sponge soft and fresh and its got its own real flavour so its often ordered by customers who don't have a sweet tooth but who love cake. For total over the top luxury order a wedding cupcake tower with a swirl of buttercream on top of the marzipan - eat your heart out Heston - this is a deconstructed cake!
You can order your cupcakes custom topped with a choice of: Marzipan, Fondant, Buttercream, Creamcheese or Italian meringue.
Email janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk or text 07714286911 for any cake questions or orders,
best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Cake or Cupcakes?

2011-03-16T17:41:00.000Z

If I carried out a survey on what is the most popular type of cake for a Wedding I think a proper cake would win by a factor of 2 to 1 Why? because there is something wonderful about cutting into that special cake that has been made just for you - and noone else has the right to cut it, or have any till you say so.

I dont know who made this amazing cake but I would be happy to copy it if anyone fancies this as a wedding cake - or if you made it let me know so I can credit you. How can a cupcake compete with this?

However, not everyone wants to have a cake cutting moment, or they want guests to feel relaxed and graze from a buffet and in these circumstances the cupcake reigns supreme. The flexibility of cupcakes is often the reason why they are chosen - catering for guests with special diets or allergies, or those who don't like icing (Delicakes offers all cake flavours topped with marzipan only so they are ideal if you haven't got a sweet tooth). Mind you guests may come back for more than one cake if you have cupcakes so be prepared to round up the amount you order; having cupcakes is an alternative but not a cheaper option.

If you want advice on wedding cakes, how much cake to order or what will best suit the style of your wedding celebrations just email me or comment below

Best Wishes, Janet

Phone: 01732843518

text: 07714 286911

Once bitten forever smitten - Chocolate!

2011-03-07T22:17:00.000Z

Chocolate cake - more than just a flavour its a total experience - well it is if you have Delicakes dense truffle chocolate cake. And its the layers of flavour in the flourless triple choc birthday cake that keep you coming back for more.

Decorated with strawberries or figs (if you want to pretend this is healthy) or sugar flowers and a message of your choice its a birthday cake and a pudding all in one.

If you want to go totally over the top have chocolate cigarellos in plain, milk or white chocolate or have roses and white chocolate curls as seen on this white chocolate wedding cheesecake.

Once bitten forever smitten - Baking for One?

2011-02-28T08:36:00.001Z

Baking is good for the soul but if you follow most recipes they are for huge quantities that are far too much unless you are entertaining. It seems to me that the main problem is the egg! and its not easy using a divided quantity of egg - so I'm going to share with you my classic baking recipe's using ONE EGG.

Today its Classic Victoria Sponge

ONE EGG
55g unsalted buttter
55g caster sugar
55g self raising flour
Pre heat oven to 160/130 fan oven. Line 13-16cm cake tin with baking paper. Put all ingredients in bowl and beat with electric beater for 2 mins - you will have a creamy smooth mixture. Scrape every last bit into prepared tin - level top with back of spoon and bake in centre of oven for 25 minutes **Cooks Tip use a timer and do not leave the kitchen as it may smell cooked before the timer goes off so you should check. If a sponge cake smells cooked and looks cooked - it is cooked!

Cut cake in half so you have two semi circles and sandwich together with jam and frosting of your choice. this makes 3 impressive portions of cake - one for now- one for tea- and one tomorrow!

Variations on the theme
1) Take out 4 teaspoons of flour and replace with 4 teaspoons of Cocoa powder to make the chocolate cake illustrated. (You can buy cans of buttercream frosting that will keep for ages in the fridge so you can use some to sandwich this cake and save the rest for next time you bake)
2) Divide the mixture between 4 muffin cases and bake for 18-20 mins. When cool spread the top with Jam and buttercream as above for individual Victoria Cupcakes
3) Make it into a pudding by placing 3 tablespoons of marmalade or golden syrup into pyrex pudding bowl. Put sponge mixture on top - Microwave for 2 minutes - leave for one minute & serve hot with custard or cream ( this will be too much for one person's pudding but you can keep half in fridge)
I haven't suggested you freeze the leftovers - but of course you can. Baking is indulgent and feel good, so bake in small quantities and enjoy your cake soft and moist and fresh.
For special events Birthdays Anniversaries Wedding Cakes call Janet on 01732 843518 or email

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Best Wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Accessorise!

2011-02-22T14:43:00.000Z

Being so in tune with London Fashion Week it seemed the perfect moment to talk about cake accessories. We all know that a change of shoes and jewellry changes an outfit seamlessly from day to night but did you realise that you can accessorise your wedding cake too.

Vintage Brooch - Something Old Something Blue

Spanish Style - Hint of Flamenco

All I did with the two cakes above was change the ribbon and add 6 rosebuds - voila! A completely different effect. This 3 tier round sponge cake was made for a photoshoot at The Hadlow Manor Hotel but to suit the Garden Room it was to be displayed in I reaccessorised it with hand crafted fondant roses.

Pretty & Pure - Ring a Ring 0 Roses

And finally if you are having a black tie wedding party or even for a lavish engagement why not add some bling (these were acrylic diamonds but edible sugar ones are available too)

Diamonds are Forever

The takeaway cake service is available for all 2011 wedding dates - just ring me 01732 843518 or email

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten...Wish List

2011-02-15T10:50:00.003Z

Looking back over recent cake pictures there are very few cakes for women. Then I realised why, the majority of my customers are women and they are usually ordering a cake for their children's or partner's birthday such as the Black Cab cake below, so I wonder who makes them a beautiful birthday cake?

Yes I know Mums always say a half raw, finger poked, child's effort is priceless (I'm a Mum too) but surely those guys & gals that claim to love us could make an effort and order us a unique and special cake for our Birthday, Anniversary or Mothers day. The evidence is that you make a huge effort to order some exceptionally delicious and creative cakes that are so personal there is no doubt you put your children's and partner's happiness first. To solve this problem and in homage to Marie Antoinette Let Me Eat Cake is launched today on the website

You say when you would like a cake, what your flavour preferences are and if you like cupcakes or a full on iced cake - fill in the relevant dates and this is the cunning bit - your partner's email address. We do the rest by sending design options and voila! you have the most amazzing cake for your big day. Email me now

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

or register at www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk - its time to put yourself first, best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Wedding Cakeaway!

2011-02-07T10:54:00.001Z

The most sucessful businesses are driven by customer demand and WeddingDelicakes is proving to be very sucessfull. I cannot be at two wedding venues at the same time so rather than dissappoint I am launching the Wedding Cakeaway Service.

Simply Stylish Takeaway Wedding Cake

A stunning 3 tier round wedding cake, will be made just for you, decorated with satin ribbon, tucked into a very sturdy box ready for you to collect. Go on give that Usher a proper job and save yourself a few pennies too. You can hire a stand and knife too.

The Wedding Cakeaway service costs £295 for a 10" 8" 6" combination in vanilla sponge with vanilla buttercream and raspberry jam filling. Please note the marzipan contains nuts. If we have one month's notice we aim to fill all orders for the Wedding Cakeaway serivce.

If you would prefer a bespoke service: Design & Taste consultation, limitless variety of cake flavours, various icings and hand made decorations, any size, shape and style of cake; then book now as 2010 dates are going fast, Best Wishes, Janet 01732 843518, text 07714 286911 or email

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

OnceBitten Forever Smitten...Viva Las Vegas

2011-01-31T13:57:00.001Z

Getting married abroad and having a reception party back in the UK has to be the most fun (and potentially economical) way to have a fabulous wedding and honeymoon. The weather is usually more predictable, everyone is relaxed at the reception, the Bride and Groom get to their wedding outfits twice and they can go to town on a themed wedding cake. Last week a fabulous couple on Kings Hill wed in Las Vegas and then had a black tie wedding reception when they got back; and this was the cake

The bride chose a Chocolate truffle cutting cake shaped like a roulette wheel with hundreds of poker chip red velvet cupcakes for the guests as a surprise for her new husband. Want to bet if there was any cake left?
Such a change from feminine wedding cakes and a fantastic idea for a Birthday Cake.

For unusual wedding cakes or and fancy birthday cakes make sure you checkout the facebook page for Delicakes.
Best wishes, Janet

http://www.facebook.com/pages/DeliCakes/273992794183

Once bitten forever smitten... Burns Night

2011-01-25T09:30:00.002Z

Even if not from Scotland you will know of Rabbie Burns the famous Scottish poet or Bard who died at the tender age of 37 - but what a legacy: Auld Lang Syne and A Red, Red Rose not to mention lots of children! So to mark his birth and satisfy the Scottish sweet tooth here is a selection of Tartan Shortbread biscuits.

The heart shape is a subtle reminder that Valentines day is soon and you should be thinking 'How can I woo my loved one?' There will be valentines specials available for my customers from next week, so if you would like a box of Valentine Biscuits delivered to any UK address on Monday 14th check the website or contact me as Valentine Hearts with your own personal message will be available by post.
Best wishes, Janet
contact me by phone 01732 843518 or text 07714286911

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten...Vintage Style

2011-01-18T13:53:00.001Z

It's impossible to miss the Vintage revival in cake, particularly wedding cakes - however on a day to day basis what is more comforting than a cup of tea and a chat with some luscious tasting beatifull looking cakes.

These little cakes pack layer on layer of flavour and texture; bite through the soft fondant sugar rose topper, let the vanilla buttercream melt on your tongue, catch a dash of luscious raspberry jam before the mouth filling satisfaction of a perfect sponge cake. the only thing that can make these even more desirable is if they are personalissed for your event - so continuing with the vintage theme I have devised Silhouette toppers for cupcakes.

Just email me a suitable photo and I will add silhouette toppers to your chosen cupcakes - Perfect for a Valentine gift or Engagement cupcakes or a more sophisticated Teenager's birthday. Cakes can be ordered direct from me 01732 8435118 or text your enquiry to 07714286911 or email

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Check the Weddidng Delicakes website for lots of cake pictures and inspiration for your special cake
Best Wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Personal Delivery

2011-01-10T17:24:00.001Z

What's more exciting when working than the receptist calling to say "we have a delivery for you" Flowers are exciting and chocolates are tasty but a personalised cake is exciting and tasy - complete with a special message from the sender.

This cake was specially designed to make Jennifer's day as pink and perfect as possible. Her mum couldn't make her birthday cake this year so Delicakes baked it on wednesday and delivered it on thursday much to the delight of her friends in the marketing dept at Kings Hill.
Delivery to ME19 postcodes is free but dont worry if you need personal delivery outside the area we only charge £1 per mile.

For long distance gift cakes you can use the post-a-cake service which has excellent feedback
This pale version of the Union Jack (Ice blue and Rose pink) is only £36 including postage for the small size - its the perfect present to post.

For any other cake enquiries contact me directly, best wishes, Janet

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten- Hats

2011-01-04T12:44:00.002Z

New Year - New Hat... well hat shaped cakes. Hats really reflect the personality of the person that wears them so they are the perfect way to personalise a Birthday Cake. This cheeky Yankees Baseball Cap totally summed up the baseball mad 8 year old it was made for.

And these Witches Hat cupcakes were a wicked treat at the Kimberly Clark launch of Soothes tissues

So if you want a pretty present for your Mum what better than a Daisy decorated bonnet - this one would even be safe to send in the post!!

Visit the website for more inspiring ideas or contact me directly to order your special celebration cakes - phone 01732 843518

text 07714286911

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Best Wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Christmas and New Year Holidays

2010-12-20T10:49:00.002Z

Its Chritmas time! So as you will all be super busy getting ready to go away, or cook big meals, or finish that work project, or do that essay, I thought I would just post some pictures of the cakes I've made for love.

And my parting thoughts till 2011 - I hope you have loved and been loved, had happy times to remember fondly, look back with a sense of achievement and satisfaction, enjoyed your birthdays and anniversaries and I wish you lots of joy filled celebrations next year. xx Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Christmas Cakes

2010-12-13T14:36:00.001Z

As we dig ourselves out of the snow and move steadily towards Christmas week I know the only sensible topic for the blog is Christmas Cakes.
For adult prechristmas parties designer cupcakes are definitely the right choice:not too big or small, can be eaten without a fork and plate, look divine and can match your theme or colour scheme, and yes they can be laced with alcohol if ordered from a specialist baker.

These pretty things are actually a traditional vanilla cupcake- but the brief was for winter wonderland - so I used ice blue vanilla buttercream and a blue and white fondant topper with a royal icing snowlfake designs. The delight was in the 4 different textures - featherlight sponge, rich melting buttercream, soft and creamy fondant and a crack from the royal icing snowflake - beautiful

For children a smaller size fun cupcake is needed - these are the snowmen I made for the Kings Hill School Christmas Fete last weekend - Yes the snowman's head is all fondant -so they really pack a sugar hit- but kids need a bit of extra energy to sustain them till the end of term.
If you need any cakes for your Christmas Parties be sure to order by Friday 17th December - last cakes will be baked on Thursday 23rd for collection that day so phone 01732 843518 or text 07714 286911 or email

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

best wishes, Janet

Once Bitten Forever Smitten - Let it Snow

2010-12-04T17:00:00.000Z

This week has been a wonderful white out - ok I know very frustrating if you had to do something but we passed on our booze cruise to France and I iced our Christmas Cake instead.

So if you would like a special Cake for a Christmas Birthday let me know as soon as possible (I have several family birthdays to bake for so I need to get organised) text 07714286911 phone 01732843518 or

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Kings Hill School Christmas Fete has been postponed due to the snow and will now be on Saturday 11th December 11 - 2pm - come along for Christmas fun and cake,

best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T17:23:00.000Z

Today is the 4th Thursday in November so for Americans its Thanksgiving Day - Truely in previous years I haven't really got the hang of this holiday as it seemed to me just Christmas dinner come early. But due to being laid up and watching a lot of daytime t.v. thanks to Food Network the penny has dropped....the reason why you take a day to have a special dinner with those you love is becasue you are giving thanks for knowing them and what what they bring to your life (note no presents!) So as my one and only son came back from University for a flying visit (23 hours station pick up to drop off) I made him a Stars and Stripes flag to take back to share whith his friends...its not for nothing he is already known as Cake Boy.

The stars needed to be firmer royal icing but in order to get that train I had to make do...still its a representation given and taken with thanks.
Flag cakes are always a great gift idea - particularly for men, patriotic, their team colours or logo, the racing chequered flag, their favouite country, the list is endless, but also in this size 8 x 5 inches they are very postable in a protective box and will stay fresh for 3 days after receipt! To order phone 01732 843518 email

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk or check the website

www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Now you can text me too 07714286911 Best Wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Small Biz Saturday

2010-11-15T10:54:00.001Z

I have just discovered #SmallBizSat on twitter - like most great ideas it's really simple. On Saturday 27th November you buy products or services from small businesses -Brilliant - it will keep high streets vibrant and its fun to shop local. I am supporting this in a big way by offerring something new - Family size sponge cakes for one day only including the tasting day favouite Courgette Cake plus favouites: Vanilla Victoria, Lemon Ice and Chocolate Caramel

All cakes will be baked on Friday 26th and will be perfect for eating at Sunday tea - if you can wait that long. Family sponge cakes serve 8 and for #SmallBizSat only will be £5

Or if you are feeling especially decadant why not treat yourself to a 6 box of Red Velvets (Cream cheese frosted and decorated with a fondant rose) SmallBiz Sat - special price £10. To reserve your cakes text 07714286911 by Friday noon 26th November or email janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Best Wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Remembrance Sunday

2010-10-31T10:51:00.003Z

Next Sunday is Remembrance Sunday and then on Tuesday its the 11th of the 11th. So this week I just want to show you a picture of some poppies - in Remembrance - and if you haven't given yet this year then instead of treating yourself to a cake this week hand over your money to the poppy appeal - all those boys being maimed or killed in our forces are somebody's son, boyfriend, husband or father - remember them.
I will be updating the blog again on Monday 15th November

2010-10-25T10:37:00.002Z

All cupcakes look beautiful but if you want to make a big impression I can now offer you special wrappers to cosset those cakes so they are even more special. Of course Happy Birthday is the most often requested message, so here is a picture of what they look like on and off the cake.

So you might want to order these to go with your first order of cupcakes and then keep them safe to wrap around your next box - at £4 they don't cost a lot to make your cakes that little bit different.
Phone or text 07714286911 or janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

or check out the website if you want to feast your eyes on more georgeous cakes

www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten - Cartoons

2010-10-17T22:19:00.002Z

At first you may be surprised but the inspiration for cake designs comes from so many different places, fabric and lace often inspire me for icing shape and colour combinations, a visit to Buckingham Palace inspired a Crystal Wedding Cake Design and if you need something different why not a cartoon character?

This Jessica rabbit design was a perfect birthday gift for Redhead from her husband. And this Pink Panther design was a play on the Hollywood bursting out of a birthday cake from those cheesy old Black and White movies...

So if you have a difficult present think about their favourite cartoon character and maybe we can make a sophisticated cake inspired by a cartoon.

Contact me in the most convenient way: text 07714286911 or janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk See many more scrumptious cakes at www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten - Christening Cakes

2010-10-11T12:37:00.002Z

Getting a new baby christened is a wonderful celebration and its been a great pleasure to make this cake for my neighbours with findant building blocks spelling out the name - don't they look good enough to eat?

This was a luscious lemon cake with lemon buttercream - the tang of the lemon perfectly complementing the sweet fondant icing.This cake was the 'main feature' at a Christening tea party making the other tea cakes helslf with a bit of help from Grandma and M&S!

If you aren't a natural baker you can always order extra cakes for those special tea parties from DeliCakes as well as the main Celebration Cake - just discuss your specific requirements with Janet text 07714286911 or email janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

check out some great new designs on www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten - 3D Cakes

2010-09-26T17:01:00.007Z

Everything is in 3D now and DeliCakes can make you a cake that is right on trend. Admitedly most 3D cakes are best with a kids theme - here are two I have made, Barbie for the princesses and a Dalek for the hereos.

But these cakes don't cut so easily into portions for party bags - so if you go for a 3D feature cake think about having a cutting cake for their friends to take home or have some matching cookies made up for the party bags. For lots more ideas take a look at my website

www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

or email me direct for a quote janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk - for fancy cakes its best to plan ahead and give me 2 weeks notice.
Best wishes, Janet
ps I can now recieve text orders on 07714 286911

Once bitten forever smitten - Wedding Favours & Cookies

2010-09-21T11:38:00.003Z

I've had a great idea this week regarding cookies and wedding favours - use them instead of cupcakes to complement or provide enough portions to your feature cake.
Here are some funky black labrador dog name favours I was inspired to make when I read an article saying that people want to include their pets in the wedding!. In cellophane bags these would make great place names and wedding favours combined.


Fondant covered Vanilla Cookies with Royal IcingLabrador Here are some more traditional wedding favours decorated with a selection of wedding day iconic themes - cake, flowers, confetti, dress, DJ, champagne glass, music. If you need more portions of cake for any celebration wedding, birthday or christening - especially if you have a lot of chilren coming - consider having hand made personalised cookies for the kids - less messy than cake too. Cookies shaped and iced to your specific requirements can be ordered direct from www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk or by calling Janet on 01732 843518 and now you can text orders to 07714 286911

Once bitten forever smitten - National Cupcake week

2010-09-13T14:45:00.004Z

What better way to celebrate NATIONAL CUPCAKE WEEK than with a couple of fantastic photographs of my lovely cupcakes. Sometimes I want to say thank you in a personal and lets face it yummy fashion so....

www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

This is a trial run for fondant carnations - remember you can contact me janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk or 07714286911

Once bitten forever smitten - A hug in a mouthfull

2010-09-06T09:46:00.000Z

It's that time of year when brave mothers wave goodbye to their babies - they may be 6'2" and utterly gorgeous but its time for Uni the big wide world to claim them and your role is reduced to sending them off with a trunk of clean clothes and a credit bank balance. Resist texting every day or a friendly poke on facebook but send them off with a treat to remind them of home. Chocolate Brownies.

Every teenager loves them, rich and satisfying - ideal to share with new friends, fills them up when freshers week is a mostly liquid diet and most of all a big hug in a mouthfull.

If you're not the baking type I can make you personalised brownies or why not send them off with a selection box of individually wrapped brownies in 3 flavours - Classic with walnuts, fruit and nut with juicy raisins or cherry treats. Order on line at www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk if you want them posted direct as an arrival gift or just ring me 01732 843518 for collection orders.
Best wishes
Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Cake Accessories

2010-08-31T08:54:00.001Z

Not sure if that's really the right heading but what I mean is things that can make your cakes even better becasue of the way they are presented. Here is the latest addition to the range of display ideas - a matching cake stand

When you order cupcakes (and top cutting cake) you commission a stand fondant iced and trimmed in ribbon to match or compliment your cakes. How could this not add the WOW factor to your display of cakes - ideal for Informat Weddings, Naming Celebrations or those Special Birthdays. Can be ordered in the usual way from Janet 01732 843518

What do you think of very personalised cards - not factory produced like that space animal - but lovely created and painted by a local artist with the colours design and message of your choice. Such a great idea for giving on their own - when you aren't giving a present. From this week these cards are available from my website www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk
Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Sport!

2010-08-23T15:42:00.002Z

I think sport is a defining criteria in many of our lives - we either love doing it - much respect to my triathlete friends, or we hate it and go shoppoing when the world cup is on TV. However if there is a man in your life and he is diffficult to buy for; a Birthday Cake with a sports theme is perfect.

Perhaps your man is a football or rugby fan, a cricketer or rower, a golfer or a snooker player, whatever the sport that interests him I can make a cake to reflect his passion.

Check the website www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

for lots more Birthday Cake ideas or email

mail@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Petite Macaron

2010-08-16T11:07:00.002Z

These are all the rage in Paris and its great to take a trend from the home of the best patisserie instead of the States. Almond Macaroons come in so many flavours each colour coded so they look as delicious they taste.

Made only with the finest fresh ingredients including double cream and chocolate ganache fillings a gift box would make a present. www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

This box features four flavours: Double Chocolate, Fresh Mint, Raspberry and Chocolate Almond. However if you would like a macaroons for a wedding cake pyramid others flavours of your choice can be made - and of course colours can match your wedding theme.

Remember you can always order direct by email mail@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Funeral Cakes?

2010-08-09T10:00:00.002Z

You may think this is a daft idea but wouldn't a special cake be ideal at a wake. Last week I made a beautiful cake incorporating tealights for a special couple who I have known since before they were married and now here they were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. When the candles were lit it created a lovely atmosphere and in fact the guests sang 'Happy Anniversary to you..' while the lights were dimmed and it got me thinking that a simple and stylish cake with a real candle or tealights would make a beautiful tribute to celebrate a life well lived at a wake or reminisce.

A rich fruit cake cuts easily into many portions and goes well with a shot of something alcoholic to fortify the mourners, or a plain iced madeira gives a sweet boost with a cup of tea before long journeys home. At times of greatest loss we need the comfort of sharing with friends and family and this is another reason why sharing a special cake can be an idea worth considering.
to discuss your special occasion requirements email mail@weddingdelicakes.co.uk
best wishes
Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - First Birthday

2010-08-01T11:17:00.001Z

Lets be honest a baby’s first birthday is really a big celebration for the parents and the Mum in particular. You will have lots of memories of what you were doing this time one year ago – as in this time one year ago we were racing in the car to the hospital, this time one year ago we were sharing the gas & air, this time one year ago you held your baby for the first time - you get the picture.

Have a rich chocolate fugdge No 1 covered in real chocolate, or have some beautiful and luscious vanilla buttercream cupcakes. Have a special No 1 cake but bespoke baked so if you love coffee and walnut that’s what you get inside.

So make the first birthday cake something special you can enjoy as adults because it tastes fantastic - there will be many years of over pretty, fun primary coloured or gruesome cakes to come.

For more pictures see the website www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk or email mail@weddingdelicakes.co.uk to discuss your original ideas

Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Perfect Buttercream

2010-07-26T15:37:00.001Z

I am often asked how do I make perfect buttercream - well its partly about ingredients and its partly technique - before I give you a few professional tips here are some really mouthwatering pictures of Buttercream Cupcakes

You can see more cakes on the website www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk and you can email me with any cake queries you might have.

Perfect Butteream needs soft unsalted butter- I like Lurpak as it has a finer flavour but President is also good - beat until it is aerated and whiter than when you started, its best to use an electric mixer for this. When you add the icing sugar make sure it is very dry and you have sifted out any lumps - I like to stir mine in first- as it saves covering the kitchen in icing sugar - then beat it for a good 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in vanilla to taste and hey presto you will have perfect buttercream ready for filling or icing a cake.

In the winter months when its colder you can add a tablespoon of milk per 100g of butter to loosen the mixture so it spreads or pipes more easily.

Once bitten forever smitten - School's Out

2010-07-19T15:49:00.002Z

Ideal for an end of term football party here is a very realistic Football cake. What boy would not love to tuck into this with his footy mad friends or maybe a novelty cake like this would be the ideal gift for that 'hard to give to' Uncle, Nephew, Boss.

Wondering what was the favourite flavour at the Cake Tasting Day? Here is picture taken on the day by Samantha Jones professional photographer

and check out the website blog for full details of what happened. www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk And you can order cakes there too!
best wishes
Janet mail@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten - Cake Tasting Day

2010-07-12T14:38:00.003Z

Have you ever wondered what courgette cake is like? Have you had a cream cone cake? And what is all the fuss the Americans make about Red Velvet? Come along to the cake tasting day this Friday 16th July between 10 and 2.30 to find out the answers for yourself.

In the interests of market research I will ask you to eat some cake, let some buttery frosting melt in your mouth and try to eat a unique range of English Garden Chocolates slowly enough to give me some feedback!
Let me know if you are coming mail@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

What do you think of these raspberry cone cakes? Add your comments below, they are a large cupcake sponge baked in a wafer cone, topped with raspberry conserve and vanilla buttercream, yum yum

In twitter word Wednesday is all about Weddings, so what do you think of these individual cakes as favours for wedding guests

This week I will be adding new pictures every day to tempt you to come along to Friday's tasting.
Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Website is Live!

2010-07-05T18:42:00.000Z

Hooray
the website is live so instead of reading the blog today take a look at the new site - I need lots of feedback

www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk

ps its not just wedding cakes but that's the domain name for now

Once bitten forever smitten - Weddings & Civil Partnerships

2010-06-28T13:44:00.002Z

How true my byline is - we all want to be forever smitten and your big day is the way to tell the world you believe it will be so. Wedding cakes are so special I have decided to put Deli Cakes on the web and www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk is now the place for Brides and Grooms to feast on some delicious pictures before booking a Design and Taste meeting.

Don't forget I can make you the most sumptuous cupcakes so the option of a cupcake tower won't compromise the taste or style of your reception - in fact it's an ideal way to be flexible and have lots of cake. Three tier cakes are around £400 depending on filling and design and cupcakes start from £2.20 each.

Tell your soon to be married friends about the new site www.weddingdelicakes.co.uk and be assured of sumptuous cake at the reception.

best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Children's Cakes

2010-06-20T23:07:00.001Z

What were your birthday cakes like? Can you remember the excitement of the lights dimming, the swell of voices singing "Happy Birthday to You" the candle covered cake being proffered, the huge intake of breath, all leading to the moment when you blew out the candles in one long wwhfff and made a wish.
Children's cakes should be exciting and continue the party themesuch as the Hungry Catterpillar as you can get plates, paper plates, napkins, a tablecloth and invitations all to match.

The great thing about a big cake and cupcakes is that the big cake can have candles in it and be the focus for singing Happy Birthday and you can give a cupcake to everyone to take home in a party bag, so maybe choose fondant topped ones rather than buttercream!

The Hungry Catterpillar cake is ideal as you can have as long a caterpillar as you need to get the right amount of cake.

best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Food Additives

2010-06-14T18:15:00.001Z

Should you be worried?

Are E numbers in food bad for you and your family – well that depends on which ones you eat, how much and how often. First some facts and then some practical pointers. E numbers are allocated to all products that can be added to food – so even the red food colouring made from beetroot juice has a number E162 and acetic acid is E260 but its only the Latin name for vinegar! Both these ingredients are likely to be used in cakes but especially in this Red Velvet cake.

No kids or elderly relatives you cook for regularly – then don’t worry – the really bad additives are banned. If you feel unwell after eating certain foods check the label next time for additives (some people are sensitive to gum derived additives, colours and preservatives leading to upset stomach’s headaches, increased chance of asthma and hyper activity in children) Use this link to check http://curezone.com/foods/enumbers.asp
Children under 3 will have had food additives if they've eaten processed food. In youngsters even natural additives like salt should be had in moderation so the best thing is to restrict processed foods and look for ‘no artificial additive’ labels. Obviously sweets are high in sugar and brightly coloured foods will probably have more enumbers so make sweets a treat and look for natural colourings such as fruit and vegetable purees.

Older children may already have a taste for processed foods. Try to introduce some home made foods to reduce additives and remember if its highly coloured and not a fruit or vegetable its bound to be full of enumbers. Don’t panic just make a few changes and give kids a different treat like Toffee Apples or Frozen Chocolate Bananas instead of a whole bar of chocolate. (freeze bananas in skin – when required, skin banana and place on non stick paper, pour over melted chocolate. Ready to eat when set.

Best wishes,
Janet 01732 843518

Once bitten forever smitten - Fathers Day

2010-06-07T10:52:00.003Z

Get ready its nearly Father's Day so what are you going to do for your Dad this year - not another themed gift from the chain stores, he's worth more than that. Men and cake fall into two categories - if they have a sweet tooth they will scoff a sponge cake faster than you can say happy fathers day and if they are more traditional they love a rich fruit cake.

These are two designs of cake I have previously given to my own Dad, he loved them both and the great thing was all the family got to share his present.

best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Towers create impact

2010-05-31T20:47:00.002Z

Have you ever thought of having a cupcake tower for your birthday, anniversary or engagement party? Stunning and versatile a cupcake towers provides the perfect centrepiece for a buffet table without the formality or expense of a stacked cake. This Butterfly and Buttercream tower is pictured on my kitchen table - but it still looks fantastic

I also made some chocolate versions with rich chocolate fudge icing and ivory fondant butterflies

best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - double deckers for impact

2010-05-24T22:04:00.001Z

Based on a 4 tier wedding cake design this scaled down double decker will still have fantastic impact and the benefit of two cakes is that you can have more than one delicious flavour.

This cake has a lemon sponge filled with lemon curd and a Limoncello buttercream (a bit alcoholic but its for adults only) the top tier is a traditional victoria sponge with raspberry jam and vanilla buttercream, so something for everyone.

This cake was made for my lovely sister Linda ( she is a gardener hernce the flower theme) and I did get a slice when it was nearly a week old and it was still luscious and moist.

best wishes Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - How many calories in a cake?

2010-05-17T17:06:00.004Z

Are you interested in the calories in your cake or do you just love to be transported to cake heaven by the softest sponge and sublime vanilla buttercream? Last week a question was posed to me on twitter - how do I work out the calories in a cake - I cannot explain in 140 characters so scroll down and all will be revealed

If you wanted to make a small sponge cake at home you would use 2 eggs, 100g sugar, 100g flour, 100g sugar and 100g butter. Sugar and flour are 100% carbohydrate which has 4 calories a gram, butter is 80% fat and fat has 9 calories a gram, (the other 20% is mostly water). Eggs are a fantastic source of protein containing all the essential amino acids but there is 5g of fat in an average yolk, with 6.5g of protein in a whole raw egg (the rest of the weight is water).

Once again to quote Jennifer - now for the science bit:

200g carbs x 4cals = 800 cals

80g fat x 9cals = 720 cals

10g fat x 9 cals = 90 cals

13g protein x 4 cals =52 cals

Grand total = 1662

So if you divide the cake into 10 portions its166 calories per slice. For all true cake lovers that may be a bit too small and what about the filling I hear you shout at the screen. Well as an example and to make your mouth water here is another picture of a birthday cake I made this week - pure perfection - and with a strawberry jam and vanilla buttercream filling its .....

366 calories for a 90g portion

this is a picture of the cake for "Maureen" it travelled all the way to Glasgow with my best friend - her daughter - hope you guys had a great birthday weekend.

best wishes. Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Fresh Ideas

2010-05-04T16:22:00.002Z

Research and development is always so enjoyable when your day job is making delicious cakes. I have now perfected Parsnip and Ginger cupcakes to add to the existing vegetable options of Beetroot and Chocolate and the traditional favourite Carrot cake. Can't think of a tastier way to get 5 a day.

Does anyone remember a cookery programme last summer when Valentine Warner made lavender meringues which he called 'fairy tits' - amazing he said that on the BBC - anyway I have been experimenting with a lavender infused Italian meringue mixture that makes a sublime topping for almond sponge cupcakes - perfect for an indulgent afternoon or a luxurient pudding when profiteroles are just on the menu too often.

And just to finish this weeks blog a beautiful sugar rose that will grace the cake of my good friends Jo and Nick who get married this summer.

best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Weddings!

2010-04-27T16:21:00.000Z

Here we are at the start of the wedding season and I'm already excited about the 3 weddings I am making cakes for this season. So I thought I might share a few thoughts about wedding cakes for prospective brides and grooms to help you make a decision about what cake to have and who to buy it from.

Why do we have wedding cakes: Originally it was a fertility symbol; ancient Romans baked a wheat cake and broke it over the bride's head as a symbol of her fertility. This ritual changed into a pile of small cakes that the bride and groom kissed over - tyring not to topple the cakes - a precursor of the cupcake tower me thinks. Then the fruit cake became dominant because it was a distinct sign of luxury. Stacked and fancy iced cakes were popular from the 50's onwards once post war rationing stopped and iced confections rivalled the size of the wedding dress. The top tier was often kept for the first baby's christening. Now anything goes, have exactly what you fancy, towering chocolate ruffles with fresh berries, a traditional fruit cake, cupcakes galore or a continental croquembouche. The important thing is to share the cake as a gesture of bounty and goodwill with your guests.

Choosing your cake baker: Make sure you have tasted their cakes! At Deli Cakes we offer a free tasting for the bride and groom to ensure you are going to be delighted by the taste and not just the visual impact of your cake.

How much to spend: OK if money is no object then off you go to Mitch Turner and you can have a cake costing thousands, however, if you are not as rich as Gordon Ramsey and you would like a beautiful, delicious, very personal cake to grace your table then seek out local talented bakers that will work with you to design a cake that suits your wedding style and your budget. Decide if you want generous portions or just a small taster per person, and if you choose a luscious chocolate cake with berries it can double up as the pudding! Sponge cakes and cupcakes are generally much cheaper than rich fruit cakes. Minimum spend will be about £2 per person - unless you do it yourself.

Making an Impression: Your cake will take centre stage on your buffet table or it will be a prominent feature on its own table and it will make a beautiful backdrop for the cake cutting photographs.For this reason most couples choose a tiered wedding cake as height is impressive and gives the cake decorator scope to create an impressive vista on the sides as well as on top. If having cupcakes make sure they are perfectly stacked so they look replicate a tiered cake.

Bespoke Designs: Its a good to have a starting point but let the creative process flow when you are discussing your cake, the decorator will know what works well and what doesn't and should find out from you special personal things about your wedding day that will make your cake not only unique but perfect for you both.Remember to mention the colour of your flowers for the bouquet or table decorations, as these can be replicated in icing, maybe have details of the dress such as diamante or pearls and ribbons featured or maybe you would like a caricature topper.

Two stage weddings: If you are having a meal during the day and an evening party either cut the cake in the evening or have one of the tiers kept uncut and have a separate topper for it so the evening guests feel included as they get to see you cut a cake.

Bride or Grooms Choice: Sometimes it feels like the bride calls all the shots and the cake is no exception. so have you thought about having a smaller wedding cake and a separate grooms cake? This solution means the bride and groom can go with two distinctly different styles on the big day and is especially useful if there is a daytime and evening reception.

If you have any questions about wedding cakes email me at delicakesme19@googlemail.com and I will be happy to help.

Once bitten forever smitten - St Georges Day Cake

2010-04-23T18:35:00.000Z

Here is the best St George's Flag cake - commissioned specially for Brian who's birthday is today!

Flag cakes are a double layer of sponge with a jam and vanilla buttercream filling, yum yum. They are perfect as cakes for men and can be made in 2 sizes depending on the size of your party!
This one serves 24 large portions, or 32 children's portions £38, larger sizes prices on request
Check out Delicakesme19 on twitter for regular cake updates and info.
best wishes till normal updates resume on mondays - Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - is Back!

2010-04-21T19:31:00.000Z

Just managed to get back to UK- a week later than planned...will be posting a picture soon of St George's Day birthday cake for Friday 23rd. till then here is a picture of a fabulous girl's cake for a fabulous girl - Happy Birthday Gabby!

So now I'm back don't forget to phone 01732 843518 or email delicakesme19@googlemail.com to order delicious cakes custom made for your special event.

Once bitten forever smitten - Easter Holidays

2010-03-29T22:43:00.001Z

Lets hope the sun is shining and the Easter Holidays are warm and lovely - and if not here are some pictures of chocolate Easter cakes to keep you going until mid April when I will be back blogging every monday.

You can see the big cake on display in Smith & Webb the fantastic cookshop in West Malling; why not pop in and treat yourself to a cake stand to show off your Easter cake. Best wishes, Janet

Once bitten forever smitten - Cakes for Haiti

2010-03-15T17:52:00.002Z

A more worthy cause than Mothers Day? Decide for yourself but I think so - DeliCakes has signed up to support the Cakes for Haiti campaign - so 25% of all cake sales will be donated to the DEC fund. Here are some pictures of cakes to tempt you - beautifully shot by www.alexandrapatrick.co.uk

So order your cakes now from delicakesme19@googlemail.com

and get that have your cake and eat it feeling.
You can also go direct to

www.cakesforhaiti.org
and make a donation to the DEC fund or register your own cake sale. So if you're not ordering from DeliCakes then get out the oven gloves and bake your own cakes & sell them at the school gates, in the office, at the golf club, wherever you have friends with cash to spare.
Please tell your friends about this promotion by copying and emailing this link so they can read the blog for themselves http://delicakesme19.blogspot.com/ A big thank you from Janet M & Janet Mohapi-Banks

Once bitten forever smitten - Mother's Day

2010-03-05T13:06:00.001Z

It's time to work out what you will do for your mum on March 14th - Mother's Day. Luckily I was asked by Business Link for a cake to celebrate International Women's Day on Monday 8th March so it was the perfect opportunity to try out a new retro design for my signature Mother's Day Cake.

If you want to send your Mum the same cake you only have a week left to order from delicakesme19@googlemail.com or ring Janet to discuss a bespoke order 01732 843518

For those observant blog followers who may have noticed its not yet Monday (posts are usually on mondays) well this coming Monday is my husband's birthday so no work that day, here is a picture of his special cake Who thinks I should add a black band as his team are in administration?

If you want your cake to be extra special or just if you want extra portions a two tier cake is perfect! Prices start at £50.

Once bitten forever smitten - allergies!

2010-03-01T16:22:00.001Z

Don't despair if you suffer from an allergy to the traditional cake ingredients of wheat flour, butter or milk as all DeliCakes cupcakes and celebration cakes (yes including chocolate) can be made to order with different flours or vegetable fats. These large and small cupcakes are all GF (gluten free) and to quote the 21 year old Kayleighann " Everyone was so complimentary on how they look and tasted " - a triumph for a gluten free cake.

Here is a picture of a another GF cake prepared for a 70th Birthday ( Happy Birthday for today Diane) which I hope Diane and her family enjoy.

So if you have an allergy to any of the usual cake ingredients just ring me 01732 843518 and I will create a recipe without them. To order cakes by email delicakesme19@googlemail.com
best wishes
Janet

Ruby Bentall is smitten with DeliCakes cupcakes

2010-02-23T20:55:00.004Z

Ruby (otherwise know as Minnie from Lark Rise to Candleford) was thrilled with her cupcakes and happily nabbed one of each variety for herself.

Then she tucked into the Butterfly fondant

Although after trying them all she did confess the rich chocolate fudge cupcakes were her favourite - I wonder what flavour birthday cake she'd like?

Once bitten forever smitten

2010-02-22T13:53:00.001Z

Celebrity Endorsement what more could I ask.
This week I am so excited that Minnie from Lark Rise to Candleford (actress Ruby Bentall) has emailed me to compliment my cakes "the cupcakes were gorgeous - my whole family and I devoured them all in one day. I am a huge cupcake fan and these were brilliant, so tasty and pretty. This is a picture of her actual box of cakes.

I've been a bit cheeky and asked for her photo so check back next week

Once bitten forever smitten

2010-02-15T12:21:00.001Z

This morning's blog is all about being neighbourly - you know in the Desperate Housewife way - no I don't mean an affair but giving cakes to a friend who has just moved house. One of the blog followers has just moved and I am visiting tonight, so what nicer way to Welcome to your new home than a box of yummy cupcakes. Her's are still cooling in the kitchen waiting for frosting so in true Blue Peter fashion here's a picture of some I made earlier.

These are Raspberry and Rose Petal and Limocello Lemon.

Once bitten forever smitten

2010-02-08T15:26:00.002Z

I am a frequent visitor to "Mira Mira" in West Malling and so for Katy's pamper evening I made these delicious and dainty cupcakes with a 3D Butterfly the same as the Mira Mira logo. Customers were treated to these divine baby cupcakes and a glass of champagne while they tried out treatments.

Once bitten forever smitten

2010-02-01T18:29:00.003Z

Wow have you seen the new Cookshop Smith&Webb in West Malling it has absolutely everything I need as a professional baker. Go and have a look in the next couple of weeks and you can see a selection of Deli Cakes delicious Valentines cupcakes dressing the window. I have made up some recipe cards - available in store - so you can have a go too.

This is the heart shaped chocolate fudge cake I have made for my husband.

Once bitten forever smitten

2010-01-31T13:02:00.001Z

Well they say that men are just big boys so is this the perfect cake for the 'man' in your life? Batman has been popular for ever and provides a nice antidote to the Valentine fever that is just around the corner.

Once bitten forever smitten

2010-01-28T13:25:00.002Z

I planned to update this blog every monday morning but I just had to get online now and share this picture of the Red Rose Cupcake I have made this morning. These and some of my fondant designs are going to be featured in Smith&Webb (the Cookshop in West Malling) for their Valentines display that will be created for this weekend.

If you pop into the shop you can collect a recipe card to make your own simple cupcakes.

Once bitten forever smitten

2010-01-25T13:51:00.003Z

Hi everyone who enjoys cake.

I have named this blog Once bitten forever smitten as so many of my friends say this about my cakes!

Here is a selection of the Valentines cupcakes I am making for February 14th.