Cherry Bakewell Cake

March bake event it is!

Pardon me while I complain about my oven. Wish I had the luxury of a built-in oven where more trays could bake together but I need space! I want an oven with better heat distribution too. Any recommendations on a good stand-alone oven brand or model?

Anyway, instead of waiting for 8 inch trays to bake one by one, I make small mini cakes this time :) I knew I had to play with the timing and temperature which I lowered and to much of my relief it was a success!

This recipe was just enough for 3 mini cakes. Not a girl to make sure things match, I have rectangular, round and heart shape cakes. The basic sponge is fluffy and soft. I reduced the sugar content of my bake so it was definitely not overwhelming to take another bite~

Kel is touching down to Singapore in few hours time from Switzerland as I type; the heart cake is dedicated to him as a welcome home treat. *awww*

To be honest, I have not heard of or tasted Cherry Bakewell Cakes *or the tart version for that matter* before this bake. Thanks to Sweet and Simple Bakes for this (another) fantastic recipe!


Warm love,
Starningblue

Banana & Choc Bread

It’s the February bake event!

January has been crazy. After Christmas and New Year, a few friends were in town and I was just out having fun! After that was the Chinese New Year so I was home to celebrate it with my family.

Finally, I get down to this bake out of January madness!

This is easy to make, I did not have to use my stand mixer and that means less washing to do. Greeeat!

Had to make this before I go away for the weekend so could not wait for the bananas to ripen further. Although it was a nice loaf but the orange zest tasted stronger than the banana. *note to self*

Quick and easy, will definitely make this again. Thanks to Sweet & Simple Bakes!


Warm love,
Starningblue

Christmas Muffins

On my usual blog hop, I stumbled upon Sweet And Simple Bakes on this Christmas Bake Event. Currently in the fever of baking, I jumped at the chance to try out a new recipe and participate in a bake event!

Effectively, this is only the 3rd time I make muffins since I own myself a mixer. I ask for your leniency on this!

Not long ago at the bookstore, I just picked up Nigella’s Christmas Book and wowed at the recipes within. To much delight, I am able to now try one of those for this event. The best thing is there’s a get-together tonight so I can bring a bunch of this to share.

Turns out this recipe is extremely easy to follow, especially for a newbie like me – I did not mess it up. The aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon filled the place when the muffins were baking, bliss! This recipe will definitely be kept for coming Christmas years.

I didn’t like grating orange zest though; I used a fruit peeler so that was the only step that took me some time. *I have a fear of peeling my skin off!!*

Thank you Sweet & Simple Bakes for organizing this!

Happy 2009 to all and be blessed in the coming year~


Warm love,
Starningblue