Savoury Scones

Mention scones and most people will think of jam and cream, but the basic dough is very versatile and can be used for a variety of savoury treats as well. Simple Scones 225g (8oz) self-raising flour Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 50g (2oz) margarine 150ml (5fl oz) milk …

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Crumpets, Pikelets and English Muffins

Crumpets, pikelets, Scotch pancakes and English muffins: all traditional British tea-time treats but what’s the difference? That’s a good question! They’re all cooked on a griddle or bakestone (a heavy-based frying-pan can be used as an alternative) but crumpets and muffins are both yeast-based. To make crumpets, you need egg …

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American Muffins

American-style muffins have seen an increase in popularity over the last few years, especially with the spread of the large coffee chains throughout the country. They have a distinctive shape – rather mushroom-like – and are usually a little less sweet than more traditional small cakes. They’re very easy and …

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Baking Nutty Cookies

We’ve gone nuts for you! Whether you prefer the crunchy smoothness of peanut butter or the delicious sweetness of caramelised pecans, we’ve a Cookie Recipe that’s just right. We take hazelnuts and add their natural partner, chocolate, and combine those traditional favourites, coffee and walnuts to make cookies that won’t …

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How to Make Viennese Shortbread

We haven’t been able to find out why this particular type of shortbread biscuit is called Viennese: there is no obvious Austrian connection. While both Scottish and Viennese shortbread are made from flour, butter and sugar, there are a couple of distinct differences, which result in very different products. For …

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Sugar Free Toppings for Cakes and Cupcakes

Making sugar free cakes is definitely an art, and it can take a few attempts to get the right balance of ingredients to deliver a tasty, good-looking cake. Making tasty toppings for cakes and Cupcakes requires a little ingenuity too and the opportunities range from the very simple to the …

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How to Freeze Cakes and Cookies in Advance

Learning to bake is an art, but baking ahead is a skill. Freezing cakes and cookies can free you up to enjoy a special occasion or allow you to bake in a quiet time and still have a freezer full of great treats in a busy one, but knowing how …

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Wartime Cake Baking

In today’s society, for most of us, food is varied and plentiful – too plentiful some might say judging by the increasing levels of obesity amongst the British population. Just by popping into our local supermarket we can choose from hundreds of ready-made meals from countries all over the world, …

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Classic Cakes from Yorkshire and Lancashire

Join us as we traverse the picturesque landscapes of Northern England, where a cornucopia of mouthwatering traditional baked goods awaits your indulgence. From the piquant Eccles cakes of Lancashire in the west to the irresistible Fat Rascals of Yorkshire, there is a myriad of treats to satiate even the most …

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Anyone Can Ice a Wedding Cake

The cake is the centrepiece of the wedding reception so to undertake to make and decorate a cake for a wedding is a challenge that many would decline. Yet a cake made with love and affection is so much more special than just another shop-cake. And it’s not impossible for …

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Cake Baker