Recipe Post 2016 N0.13- Delicious, Summery Victoria Sponge Sandwich!

Hiya guys! How have you all been since my last post? Did you like my last post? Let me know in the comments! I honestly cannot believe it's been a week and it's April 23rd (Shakespeare's birthday)- it feels like a month. One month is Spring then the next is Summer. The transitions are both fast and slow.

This week's recipe was a first INDEPENDENT try for me which tasted lovely,meaning a large majority of you can do it independently-it's quite a simple,summery recipe that is in honour for Shakespeare's birthday as well as the Queen of England's 90th AND also the birthday of Summer. The first day of Summer for me is the 1st of May. This day normally has amazing summer weather. But who to say, England is known for unexpected weather!

For this recipe, you'll need:
175 g (6oz) unsalted butter at room temperature, plus extra to grease

175 g (6oz) golden caster sugar
3 medium eggs
175 g (6oz) self-raising flour, sifted
3-4 tbsp jam
A little icing sugar to dust

Equipment
Wooden spoon
Large metal spoon
Mixing Bowl
Two 18cm (7in) sandwich tins
Palette knife   



Method:
Grease and line the base of two 18cm (7in) sandwich tins. Once that's done, at 190c/170c Fan Oven/Gas Mark 5,pre-heat your oven.

In a mixing bowl,beat together the butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes,until pale and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time,beating well after each addition then folding in flour using a large metal spoon until combined.

Divide the mix between the tins evenly and leveling the surface with a palette knife. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20-25mins or until the cakes are well risen and spring back when you press lightly in the centre(I checked on my cakes every 10-15 minutes,poking a blunt knife into the centre of the cake).



Loosen the edges with a palette knife and leave in tins to cool for approximately 5 mins. Turn out,removing the lining paper

and leave to cool entirely on a wire/ cooling rack. Sandwich the cakes together with the signature ingredient- a jam of your choice(,homemade or shop-brought). Dust icing sugar over the cake and Volia! There you have it- my take on a Victoria Sponge Sandwich with the help of the Good Housekeeping Cookery Team and the Good Housekeeping Caking Decorating Book!

  

A few things before this post ends...

• Don't forget to comment, +1 or tag me as "#sweetreats"
• I have added another tip to my previous blog post titled "Baking Tips" if you want to check that out.
• Try out the recipe! See how well you get on with it. After all, there are many variations you can make to this recipe
• Hope you have a brilliant weekend!

#sweetreats xxx

  

Post No.12 2016- Fun Questions Tag!

Hiya!

Firstly...how have you been? What have you gotten up to during the week? I feel as though I have barely ask any of you about how your day has been or what you're planning to do in the week.Instead I rant on about what I'm baking and so on...

Last week, I was nominated by Stella (check out her blog: www.onegirlblogger.blogspot.co.uk/) to do this Fun Questions Tag. From the....6-7 months I've been blogging, I don't think I've heard of this tag before so I'm really excited to do it and I hope you like it!

 When's my birthday?

My birthday is December the 3rd meaning I'm a winter baby! Yay!

What are my three FAVORITE colours?

Before I started secondary school, I used to be a fan of rainbow colours but now I've grown a love in particular for blues, forest green and pink. So, definitely neutral, girlie colours.

Favourite quotes? 

Here are a few...

                                                         

 Am I addicted to Youtube?

Yes, I very much am. I use Youtube for so many videos such as hairstyle tutorials, vloggers, music, educational videos for homework-if I have to) ,the list is ENDLESS!

5. What/who are your 3 favorite TV programmers and/or YouTubers?

I have a mix of fave YouTubers AND TV programs. Therefore, I'm going to list three of my fave TV shows and three of my favorite YouTubers.

Fave TV shows are:

Teen Wolf 

The Next Step

Pretty Little Liars          

And a bonus...

Casualty 

My favorite Youtubers are:

Zoe Sugg (obviously)!

Gemma Look 

Supergirl

What are three qualities you would admire in a best friend?

At the moment I don't have a best friend. However, if I were to pick three qualities in a best friend, it would be: Kind, understanding and fun. Those qualities stand out to

me because I'm sure the worst best friend would not be kind nor understanding. To me it is vital to understand one another in order for you both to connect with each other,bond fondly AND also when there are those days you prefer to be uplifted and not-so uptight and I feel it's important to share that with a best friend who can have fun.

Do I like my name?

Yes, I really do! I like my name because it is owned by a famous American R&B Singer whose music is original and amazing. Unfortunately she died two years before I was born! I also like my name because it means " Go to heaven peacefully".

I'm a Christian who believes in Heaven and God and I'm glad my name means a similar thing to what I believe in.

If you could choose your own name, what name would you choose?

Hm...tough one. I like the name Chantelle but I doubt it would suit me at all.

What is your fantasy dream?

When I was 9, I would dream about being a kind of goddess who can create the beauties of nature and I'd own a gorgeous, majestic, snow white unicorn, wear a silky dress made out of tulip petals. I guess you can say I had a very imaginative mind at 9!

Do I wear makeup?

No. The only makeup I've ever worn since my birth has been mascara. I find that most makeup products do not look the best on me, no matter how much I experiment I never seem to find the right shade or colour for me. Therefore, I don't bother.

If you could write a book, what would the title be and what would it be about?

I have written 4 books and I'm currently working on a fifth one called Rainbow Colours. Yes, I guess the name sounds cockey and babyish but it does go with the story line and the story is far from babyish. But, if I could actually write a book and publish it, I think my title would be something like "True Self Diary" or maybe "Dear Self". My story would be based on my personal experiences of finding out who I am and who I'd like to be and would involve many different characters from a variety of ethnics. I'm Black British Caribbean, and I find that there aren't many books based on my or any other ethnics besides white. Therefore, I really want to close the gap between that and create this story world where all ethnics are included. So, yeah. If I had the chance, I would write that story.

What makes me cry?

To be honest, not  many things make me cry. But just because of that, doesn't mean I don't cry about anything. It just kind of

means that I try not to take everything said to me too emotional. What would make me cry is if all my dear friends would turn on me and kick me out of our group. Friends means the world to me and many other people and to think that you could be taken away from them or them from you is a very emotional experience. What has also made me cry in the past is a loss of a family member. Especially if you were close, it's very difficult not to hurt or feel very emotional.Apart from that, I only cry when I laugh too hard (this happens ALOT)!

What makes me angry?

Surprisingly, alot more things make me angry more than upset. The fact that there are bad people in the world who do terrible things to people, how not everyone respects this planet for what it is, how people are cruel not just to human kind but to animals too. Therefore, alot of troubles make me particularly angry,particularly if it affects other people and myself.

What makes me happy?

If I had a whole blog post to answer this question, it'd would definitely be very detailed and certainly longer and lengthier than my recipe posts. Subsequently, I'm only going to list five things:

1. Family

2.Friends

3.Books,books,books!

4.Baking 100%

5.Blogging

And an additional number six because I can't miss this particular thing:

 6. Writing. There you go!

What is "fangirling"?

Until I read the book "Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell hiding somewhere on my bookshelf, maybe I'll

answer this question!

What are my three fave snacks?

Simple- Crackers, summer fruits such as strawberries.blueberries or blackberries & one or two sneaky chocolate digestives.

What are my three favorite foods?

Pizza(as I mentioned in my Liebester Award Tag)

My mum's dish of Rice and Meatballs

Spaghetti and seasoned chicken (my dad's signature dish)

AND....

Fish and chips (typical British food)!

What are my favorite drinks?

Definitely homemade or Innocent Smoothies

Hot chocolate on a cold day

Ordinary water/flavored water or coconut water.

Tell us a little about myself!

Well... I live in North London in a borough called Enfield. I'm very good at English Literature at school, I'm a ballet dancer who's en pointe, I've met Jacqueline Wilson  (author of the Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker series)

FOUR times and I have a strong passion for baking which is why I started up this blog in Late October last year.

Tell us 10 random facts about myself!

I am 5.5ft tall ( I think).

My shoe size is 8 1/2 with the width of F (Yes I know, I have large,narrow feet)

I've always aspired to be both a professional dancer and a published author.

I am from a British and Caribbean ethnic ,allowing me to experience traditions and events from both cultures

The first time I baked anything on my own was when I were 9. Any other time I would've baked with my mum.

I've taken drama classes for 3 years and dance classes for 5years.

I am a total girlie girl-anything that involves pretty notebooks,

cute collages, cute accessories, awesome stationery and a romantic novel/movie is so me.

Though when I were younger I was a massive tomboy, running everywhere, watching BEN 10, climbing up rocks and all that stuff.

I owned my own collection of dolls since the age of 4 but chucked them out at the age of 9 because I realised I were too mature for them.

My favorite music style is a cross between pop,contemporary and R&B.

What are three fun things that I'd like to do?

Well... mine would be to dance all day, hang out and have fun with my best friends and watch a movie whilst eating pizza! Yes,that's my lame idea of fun!

Thank you so much Stella for nominating me to do this tag! I'd nominate BeautyBe Blogger, Acqua ,Beth May and possibly MissFF- I know you had mentioned you were going to release a blog based upon high street fashion but I'm not sure whether you've started it or not. The questions for you would be the same ones I've answered:

When is your birthday?

What are 3 of your favourite colours?

Favourite quotes?

Are you addicted to YouTube?

What/who are your 3 favourite TV programmes and/or YouTubers?

What are 3 qualities you would admire in a best friend?

Do you like your name?

If you could choose your own name, what name would you choose?

What is your fantasy dream?

Do you wear makeup?

 If you could write a book, what would the title be and what would it be about?

What makes you cry?

What makes you angry?

What makes you happy? 

What is 'Fangirling'?

What are your 3 favourite snacks?

What are your 3 favourite foods?

What are your favourite drinks?

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

What are 10 random facts about you?

What are 3 fun things to do? 

Stay tuned next week for my next recipe!

#sweetreats xxx

 

Recipe Post 2016 N0.11- Berry Crumble Traybake

Hiya!

Firstly, I just wanted to let you know that I had sent last week's recipe to an author who owns a blog and wants viewers to send her possible blog posts ( a link shall be attached at the end of this blog post). I haven't had a response yet. However, if I get any response, you'll all be the first to know.

Nevertheless, this week's recipe is very spring themed and is beautiful eaten whilst still warm with a dollop of creme fraiche or yogurt. I have made a sweet treat similar to this week's recipe and posted it on BakingBoutique (I'll leave a link of the recipe post below as well). Even so, this is my first attempt making this berry cake and I have to admit, the recipe for me was quite difficult to execute because there is so many steps and ingredients needed to crack this. It's also difficult because when you layer the cake mix with the crumble, you don't really know what's ready and what's not. Despite this, it came out alright first try and I'm really pleased about that. Here's what Emily Angle has to say about this recipe:

"This easy-layered traybake is inspired by American Coffee Cakes-which contain no actual coffee,but are meant to be eaten with your morning cuppa."

Ingredients needed:

For the berry filling:

200g of/7oz of frozen berries(raspberries,blackberries,cherries,blueberries or blackcurrants. However, I had use blueberries and strawberries and it had tasted just as good).
50g/2oz caster sugar
2tbsp cornflour

For the crumble topping (below on the left hand side)
110g/4oz of plain flour
70g/2 1/2oz of cold,unsalted butter,cut into smallish pieces
30g of caster sugar

For the cake (on the right hand side)

220g/8oz of plain flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
50g/2oz of ground almonds
200g/7oz caster sugar
80g/3oz butter,melted
2 free-range eggs
40g/1 1/2oz yoghurt thinned with 2tbsp of milk

Method to making this:
Firstly, preheat the oven to 180c/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a rectangular baking tin (approx 26cm x 20cm/ 10 1/2in x 8in).
After greasing and lining the tins, combine the fruit with 50ml/2fl oz of water in a saucepan. Allow the fruit just to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for around 2-3 minutes.             

Whilst the fruit is simmering, combine the caster sugar with the cornflour in a mixing bowl. Stir into  the fruit and continue to cook for a further 2-3 minutes,stirring frequently, until the mix is thick and jammy. Set aside to cool.

In order to make the crumble topping, add the flour to a mixing bowl and rub in the butter,using your fingertips, until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs and there are no large lumps of butter left. Stir in the sugar and set aside. 

Now you should have your saucepan full of jammy fruit substance and a mixing bowl with your crumble mix.
  

 Unfortunately, one of my eggs fell on the floor(sad face). Luckily I had another one spare!


 To make the cake, in a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour,baking powder and cinnamon powder. Then, stir in the ground

almonds until throroughly combined.

In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar with melted butter,eggs,yoghurt and milk mixture until thoroughly mixed. Stir into the flour mix just to combine. Tip: Try not to over-mix, but do watch out for big lumps of unmixed flour.
                                 

Spoon two-thirds of the mixture into the lined tin, gently spreading out evenly to the corners. Spoon the cooled fruit mixture evenly over the top. Then, using a teaspoon, dot the

remaining cake batter evenly on top of the fruit. This won't cover the entire cake. Instead, make little hillocks with the gaps in between.

Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top, filling in all the gaps to cover the fruit.

Bake inside you oven for around 45-50 minutes, checking at least every 20 minutes,until the crumble topping is golden-brown. Allow to cool for ten minutes in the tin, then transfer the cake in it's paper to a cooling rack.

And that's it! I must say that although this cake is delicious, I would not recommend this recipe to anyone who  wants a spring-themed bake. I feel this requires a lot of ingredients and takes up an awful long time. It's especially difficult for anyone who is new to making anything like this. What do you guys think? Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy the last of your Spring holidays if your still off-from-school!

#sweetreats xxx

Weblink to author's blog: www.cathycassidydreamcatcher.blogspot.co.uk/

Weblink to Blackberry Crumble:  

http://www.bakingboutiquebirds.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/recipe-no.html

Recipe Post 2016 N0.10- Mini Cranberry Muffins!

Happy Spring everyone!

Firstly, I apologize for this post being published at a later time- I baked the muffins TODAY rather than the day before.

I chose cranberries as the main fruit of this cake just because you don't really find so many sweet recipes that include cranberries. Besides it's Spring, you see cranberries ripen and  grow on bushes! In order to make these fruity muffins, you'll need:

100g of self-raising flour
1/2tsp of baking powder.    

55g of caster sugar
100g of dried cranberries, roughly chopped
100ml of natural yoghurt
1 egg 
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
Icing sugar (for dusting).

Equipment needed:
2x12-section mini tins
Mini paper cases
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Cooling rack

Method
Begin by pre-heating the oven to 190c/375F/Gas Mark 5. Line your muffin trays with 12 mini paper cases.

Sift both the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl. Strir

in the sugar and dried cranberries.

Separately, beat together the yoghurt,egg and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl with a fork until evenly

combined. 

Add in the yoghurt mix into the flour. With a dessertspoon, fold the ingredients until only just mixed. (Don't over-mix the ingredients otherwise the muffins won't be as light as they

should be).

Spoon the mixture into the paper cases; it should be level with the top of tin. Pop into your

preheated oven for around 12-15 minutes checking on them every several or so minutes or until risen and firm to touch. Leave the muffins in the tin for a further two minutes before transferring them in their cases to a cooling rack to cool. 

. 

Serve either warm or cold,dusted with icing/confectioner's sugar on a warm Spring afternoon or a tea party on a bright day.     

 

I hope you enjoy my take on cranberry muffins. I just want to say this was my first ever take on making these specific muffins. Therefore, I really appreciate if you let me know what you thought in the comments below-it would really help me out!

Happy 2nd day of April!

E-mail: chocolatecupcakes08@gmail.com

#sweetreats!