The Cake and Bake Show Haul 2015

Well I've had fun! Stuffing my face with cake and free samples. Did any of you readers get the chance to visit the Cake and Bake Show in London this year? My friend Lucy and I are making this an annual 'thing' (You can read last years post here). I was hoping that I would do a video on it... until my camera broke.

Thats right. On the one day of filming I REALLY  needed a good camera... erg. Tech. Such is life. I thought I would do a blog post on what I purchased.

Firstly, food because... food. I grabbed some Emily Apple and Banana Fruit crisps. But these are the best crisps I've ever had. They were just soft enough in texture not to be soggy but crisp enough to crunch on and not break your teeth. The flavours are true fruit flavours. Seriously, totally worth buying! 

I got a super weird gizmo. Its a peeler. BUT NOT JUST A PEELER! Its a julienne vegetable and fruit peeler with a cool attachment to make noodles from veg. Lucy was full on impressed with this, that she didn't hesitate in buying it. I was convinced to get one also and the peeler does assist me in daily cooking tasks.

I also got a new piping bag and nozzles... pretty standard. 

For my Halloween bakes this year, I got some pretty sprinkles and cupcake cases from one of my personal favourite places to shop, Scrumptious. I bought some green, purple and orange sprinkles as well as some jazzy violet sprinkles. They have a great selection of sprinkles, decorating materials and cases. I did get some adorable ghostly cupcake cases as well as some Christmasy ones (don't judge me I know its only October). 

To stuff my face with, I got marshmallows from both 'The Marshmallowist' and 'The Marshmallow Company'. From the Marshmallowist, I got strawberry and basil, blueberry and gin, lemon and coconut flavours. Now, I must be truthful, the flavours didn't really come through apart from the coconut. I haven't tried 'The Marhmallow Company' marshmallows yet but I will do and will add what I think here.

I did get some special icing sugars, like I do every year, from another one of my favourite companies: Sugar and Crumbs. I bought: 'Santa's Snowball' which tastes like white chocolate and marshmallows (yum!!), 'Christmas Punch' which tastes like mulled wine and lastly, 'Apple Crumble'... which is what you expect. They make great buttercreams, or as a substitute for caster sugar in cakes.  

The Cake and Bake Haul 2014

I'm so excited to be writing this (finally) after the Cake and Bake show (2014). I did set a budget and totally broke it...erg. Can't even follow my own rules..

Some great Halloween Showstoppers

My friend and I got to the show at 10:30am to bet the crowds. I'm not going to lie, it got insanely busy by 1pm. I had no idea people loved baking so much... or maybe its people love eating cake? Either way its good.

This is my Cake and Bake haul. I know this is a kind of a beauty/fashion blogger thing, with the make-up and clothes haul. But I'm all about breaking the rules and why not a do a haul post? (Also just want to point out that I didn't get paid or sponsored for this post, its all my honest opinion. I just want to point out some really great companies.)

So lets start off with something not even related to baking at all.
Heck Foods is a new company to me and specialise in making "damn good sausages" (all gluten free btw). They have a range of sausages and we got to sample them all. Honestly, there very meaty and plump, I opted for something a little different which was Smokey Chorizo Style Sausages. At 97% meat, I was expecting something really good and I was not disappointed. The smokiness of the paprika really came out and the taste really resembled chorizo. The only critique I have is that it was a little oily, but again that's the style of a chorizo sausage.

The next things I got my crumbly hands on is some amazing biscuits from Furniss biscuits. They boast traditional Cornish baked biscuits and Great Taste Awards. When Lucy and I walked past the stall at Cake and Bake, I was really sceptical because they were just biscuits. But there were free samples calling us over and we decided to stop to have a nibble... good thing we did! I fell for the West Country Cheddar biscuits, it was a cheese heaven in biscuit. I can say you don't need any sort of cheese with these biscuits. The other biscuits I settled on was the honey and ginger biscuits for those moonching on the sofa in the warm while its cold outside. Both a balanced in flavours and great addition to add into the biscuit tin. I would have liked to have seen more biscuits in a pack (8 biscuits to a pack) but the flavours make up for it.  

Its almost Halloween so obviously, Halloween sprinkles! I've been using Scrumptious for a couple of years now. I love the range of cupcakes cases, sprinkles and glitters. I recommend that you check the site out for the full range. This year I've settled on some cute Halloween sprinkles which is ideal for topping up some Halloween treats.

Another treat that Lucy and I both got was orange chocolate brownies. Now that may sound a little standard but, quite simply, BEST ORANGE  CHOCOLATE BROWNIES. Hands down. I mean it takes a lot for me to say  this (type?) but honestly, it really does rival my own brownies. Chocolicous Cakes, don't ever change this recipe, its the best.  Its rich, dark and with that orange flavour hiting you at the end.

I got a couple of moulds from The Crafty Mould Company, who were so friendly to chat too. They can do custom moulds which is something unusual. I fell in love with the dios de la muerte skull and vintage button one as well. Both are super adorable and I'm finding excuses to use them. I can't wait!

I also got 12 of super freakin' cute mini cupcakes from one of my

favourite London cupcake companies, Crumbs and Doilies!

                         

There so lovely and with a variety of flavours all packed in one box. I've even got their cookbook. I would say that it was a shame that the card machine was busted and it was a little inconvenient to get cash out for the box, but the cupcakes made up for it. Ok, the flavours I got in my box:

• Vanilla
• Oreo
• Buttered popcorn
• Rolo Cupcake
• Chocolate
• Eton Mess
• Pumpkin Spice
• Breakfast
• Lemon mess

The other flavours I didn't get to taste because my boyfriend scoffed them!

Lastly, I got really excited about this from Sugar and Crumbs, again this is a company that I haven't heard of but I wish I had! I managed to try practically every flavour of the icing sugar (made into buttercream) I fully wanted them all! I did settle for Salted Caramel and Sugar and Spice flavours, which tastes like cinnamon toast. Its such a good concept and why has no one jumped on this?! Its such a time saver. I'm definitely going to use the mix for Halloween or maybe even Christmas, this year. Give the icing sugars a try, I really recommend the pink lemonade-oh wow!

Also a big shout out to On Macaroons and Loretta Lui who do the most kawaii macaroons ever. There is a new cookbook coming out really soon, which might be on my Christmas list.

And of course, I want to say Lucy, it was such a bloody blast! I had so much fun and I can't wait to hang out again soon!

Did you go to the Cake and Bake Show this year?

Monday Catch Up: Planning my Halloween Bakes

I had such an epic weekend. I finally dragged Rob to watch Box Trolls, which is definitely worth a watch as the story is quite different and really original. No spoilers, but totally watch it. If not for the great Laika animation style. I love all of the Laika films, in fact, I'm dressing up as one of them for Halloween. That's all I'm revealing for now...

So I'm still planning my Halloween bakes. I definitely want to use some bits that I bought at the Cake and Bake Show. But that will be posted on Wednesday, because I've been neglecting Baking Basics 101 lately.

Blog wise-I'm planning to pick it back up soon, but for now, I've got some ideas... Also, I'm hoping to write more recipes that expand the baking and sweet world as well soon. Also I'm thinking of writing restaurant reviews too. I'm publishing a dummy one that I wrote in the summer and I've been itching to publish. Stay tuned for that.

I'm thinking of joining a gym because ever since my holiday in August, I've been getting super lazy >.< and I defos need to get my lazy butt off the sofa and into a treadmill. Not that I'm a good example of gym bunny. I don't like the concept of gym but it keeps you fit and I guess it beats having a treadmill in a cramped flat.

I'm also happy to say that Humpy the Slug has moved on to another house or maybe he found a lovely slipper to settle down with and make sluggy-slipper babies with. So that shoe humper is gone!

I hope you all have a great start to the week!

Monday Catch-Up: Humpy the Slug

I'm still twitching from the sugar rush that I got after visiting the Cake and Bake show and sampling all the treats. I got back from London yesterday and all the trains where messed up so it took ages to get back to Portsmouth, but I made it in the end. I'll be doing a round up post in the next couple of days with a 'haul' of what I purchased along the way. My friend Lucy and I had such a laugh looking at all the products on sale and moonching on all the free samples (we did BUY food as well but well... free samples!!). At one point Lucy got the sugar shakes. We went for a late lunch at Wagamama's and had a great catch up. Thanks Lucy for an awesome day and hope to see for Halloween!

I also want to say that me and Rob have been so involved with the whole mess of moving in, we forgot to thank a single person in sending us a 'New Home' card. We got some beautiful cards from family and friends, we want to say a big thank-you to everyone who put in an effort to write the cards and we both really appreciate it.

Speaking of new homes, our lovely home came with an invisible pet. Its a pet we don't want, its a slug. Yup, a slug. We saw a slime trail one morning in the living room and the damn thing keeps coming back. We cleaned everything from top to bottom of the living room, trying to fathom out where its coming from, as it disappears when we wake up each morning. In fact, we have named him: Humpy the Slug. Why? Because for some bizarre reason, he loves to hump all over Robs slippers. He leaves gross slimy trails all over his slippers. We've had to get slug killer pellets for outside and inside (good thing we don't have pets or kids. They look like blue tic-tacs) to get rid of it. So far its been 2 days without an appearance... for now... I'm so paranoid that Humpy is sick of Robs slippers and lusting after my boots! Keep away from my shoes Humpy! Shoes are for wearing, not for slug sexy time!! 

We've also got Halloween plans on the go! So watch this space!
Have a great week everyone!

Penny's Top Ten Tips #7 Convention Going!

Since I'm off to the Cake and Bake show this weekend. I'm doing a Top Ten Tips on Convention Going (If your around on Saturday feel free to say hi if you see me!)

1. Outfit ready yet?-
If its a costume or special outfit make sure you have all the elements to it (including accessories) and that its ready to go on the day. I would advise that your outfit be comfortable since you'll be lining up for stuff and walking around.

2. Get cash out before you go-
Many stalls do offer card payment but I will be that one stall that you want to buy something from will not take card. Get some cash out before you start and it will save the inconvenience.

3. Set a budget-
In saying the above point, set an amount you want to spend. On my first ever convention, I spent over £100 which left me and my bank account reeling for weeks!

4. Grab freebies-
Don't feel guilty, there freebies you take them. Don't feel obliged to buy product if you do not want to.

5. Pick up business cards-
It sounds a little odd but in picking up business cards, you remember a shop or a certain person to contact at a later date. Or if you have a sieve like memory (like me).

6. Go hands free-
The worst thing is when you're at a convention is a massive bag, that's going to become more of a nuisance then a help. Keep your tickets, purse, travel cards and mobile in a small bag around your shoulder to keep you hands free for eating, drinking or fangirling.

7. Travel documents-
My travel card ran out before the Cake and Bake show (2014), so double check that you've got all the travel cards and tickets ready and checked.  

8. Pick up a timetable-
Conventions often give out free timetables to show you what time certain events are. I highly suggest you pick one up, so you don't miss any of the shows.

9. Network-
Conventions are a great way to network with people with similar interests. I always carry little business cards with details of the blog and how to contact me. It saves pen and paper. I must stress that don't give details like your mobile number or address and if you feel uncomfortable giving your details to someone. Then don't. Your gut feeling is often the right one.

10. Approach when appropriate-
There are often celebrities, or (baking) stars (in this case Mich Turner and more!!) and they may have hoards of people following them or maybe they are incognito. Only approach them if they are free, available to talk  and want to chat. Most will love to chat but be aware that there are hundreds of others wanting to get their attention, being considerate doesn't cost anything.

Monday Catch Up: Busy Week Ahead!

Its a late Monday Catch-Up, sorry about that. It's because I've had an extra long to-do list today.
So last week we covered having 10 minutes to myself to relax, I've been working on it. I'm not going to lie, its been maybe 5 minutes tops that I have to myself. I working on it.

I've been gathering bits and pieces for a Halloween party that me and Rob are throwing at the end of the month. I've also been obsessively search Pinterest for pumpkin recipes and fun Halloween food bits to serve. Its that time of year where its: pumpkin, pumpkin, PUMPKIN!!!
You know whenever you host a party, you go over the top, serve too much food and just over do the whole thing. You kind of end up so wacked out before the party even starts. This year we've planned a relaxed, chilled approach to the party, but with added tacky games. This is also the first party that me and Rob are going to host, as a couple, so we'll see how my uber organised powers are when faced with Mr Last Minute.

Also, I'm glad that I'm busy this week because more I get a reward at the end. This weekend I'm off to Earls Court for the Cake and Bake Show. I'm so buzzed for it because I'm going with my equally cake loving friend Lucy. I'm meting her there and we're going to stuff our faces, buy some cake stuff and its going to be amazing. (Last time I spent so much money....) I didn't really blog about the Cake and Bake Show in 2012 because I didn't think readers would be interested. I'm thinking of doing a follow up post on it, but what do you think?
Do you wanna see a Cake and Bake Show 2014 post?

The Cake and Bake Show 2012

Held at Earl's Court London, this was the first ever Cake and Bake Show.
I only had a Saturday ticket and really wish that I got the weekend tickets because there was so much too see and do. (Not for next time must get weekend tickets!!!)
There were fascinating exhibits, with products on sale that I would never have even dreamt of. Of course, I spent way too much money then I wanted too, but it was so worth it!
The demonstrations were so informative to watch and offered some amazing hints and tips about baking with some famous faces such as Eric Lanlard, Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Peggy Porschen and Mich Turner plus tons of great speakers.
I didn't take many pictures (there on the facebook page) because I was too distracted by the whole atmosphere of baking products, demo's and sweet treats that were on sale.
Seriously, it was just amazing to be among the cake enthusiasts. If you bake or just love eating baked goods...GO!
Best cake day out ever! I spend over £100 on cake decorating equipment plus a subscription to Food Heaven Magazine (Lucky for me I was saving up for weeks for this)

Bake On!
Penny
p.s Totally going next year. Here I come Manchester! Definitely will be reviewing next year properly as I was way too excited

Apple Juice Cupcakes with a Apple Filling

So it's National Cupcake Week and for some reason I'm in the mood for apples. It must be the change of season. If you want to make a student version-Use cider instead of apple juice.
Time for some baking!

For the apple cupcakes

•  225g plain flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking power
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1teaspoon cinnamon
• 125g unsalted butter    
• 130g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 180ml sweet cider/apple juice
• 150g dried apples cut into little pieces

For the Apple Filling

• ¾ apples peeled, cored and chopped into small sugar
• 200g soft brown sugar
• 100g unsalted butter
• 30 ml water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cinnamon for dusting
• Apple wedges either dried or fresh

1.    Pre-heat the oven to 180c/350f/Gas Mark 4.
2.    Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one by one, beating between each addition. Alternately add cider and dry ingredients. When batter is thoroughly blended fold in dried apples.
3.    Spoon batter into cupcake papers, filling cups about 2/3 full. Bake for 25 minutes or until tester inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool.

4.    When cupcakes are cooled, scoop out the centre and heap full with apple filling.

5.    Combine all filling ingredients in a heavy based pan and cook over low heat for about 5-10 mins or until the apples are soft.
6.    Let the apple filling cool and blitz in a blender.
7.    Dust each cupcake with a little cinnamon and apple wedges. 

They may not be pretty but these capture the taste of autumn in a cake.
I have to cut the entry short as I've got to get up early because I'm going to the Cake and Bake show tomorrow!
Bake On!
Penny