Sunday 11 March 2012

A quick update


Sorry for the lack of posts everyone. My life has changed quite a lot in the past year. I am undertaking a PGCE, training as a Secondary Design and Technology teacher. Food Technology is my major specialism, of course, with Resistant Materials as my minor. I'll explain the in-between soon, but I thought I'd post a few photographs of the major food highlights of the past year. So, here we go...

Nigella's wickedly naughty chocolate fudge cake with hand made sugar flowers and glitter

Every year, we have an August Bank Holiday barbecue and I strive to make as many puddings as possible. This time, I made ten puddings. Yes, ten! These included the above cake, cherry pie, banoffee pie, meringue ice cream parfait, key lime pie and baked orange cheesecake, courtesy of Michel Roux (the original, not Junior). I saw an online tutorial on how to make sugarpaste flowers and they are surprisingly simple. Just need a little practice. So I decided to cover this chocolate cake in them. Yummy!

Chocolate fudge Mini Countryman shaped cake

My brother has a Mini Countryman car and after watching many episodes of Ace of Cakes, (a brilliant programme by the way, watch it if you get the chance!) I decided to make a shaped cake for James' birthday. It took me two days, but I did it and am rather proud of the results. Speaking of cake, I got a cake airbrush kit for my birthday. I haven't played around with it yet, but when I get the chance, there will be some major airbrushing happening! We're having a Diamond Jubilee party, so I think I will make a fabulous cake and get spraying! Photos to come, of course...

We had a Royal Wedding party last year. I made the puddings, whilst Dad made the mains. I made, with the help of some friends, macarons, chocolate eclairs, patriotic cupcakes, strawberry cheesecake and a decorated vanilla cake. I had never a) tried macarons or b) made macarons before. I think they are things of beauty, especially when coloured in pastel hues. However, I have decided that I now do not like the taste of them. They are way too nutty in taste for me. Yuck! But they looked pretty.

Chocolate macarons, pink macarons and chocolate eclairs

One Bank Holiday weekend, I decided to make a buffet. I spent a whole day preparing dishes for it, dragging my poor boyfriend in to help me, but I think it was worth it. I don't know what compels me to set myself such tough tasks, but I do enjoy it. I made, among other delights; pesto and parmesan pull apart, savoury palmiers, poached salmon, ham and egg pie and cheese straws.

So, there you have it. A quick insight of what I have been up to. Like I said, I will update you with all the details soon, but this PGCE is jam packed and I must get back to work.

I'll be cooking up some treats soon, so stay tuned!