Tag Archives: cake

Finding Hidden Treasures in the Peak District

Posted on by Abi

On a recent day trip to Eyam in the Derbyshire Peak District we came across a hidden gem in the form of Hassop Station near Bakewell. With a cafe, bookshop, gift shop, and cycle hire I couldn’t believe that we hadn’t found this wondrous place before.

Situated on the side of the beautiful Monsal Trail (a walking, cycling and riding route) it makes the perfect pit-stop during the summer holidays.

This area seems to be undergoing a period of change at present. Hassop Station has only been open a year and the Monsal Trail has undergone safety renovations to it’s famous tunnels. These were officially opened in May 2011 and makes the whole trail far more user friendly (and interesting).

We were rather more concerned with coffee and cake on this occasion. Hassop Station even has a play area for the kids, so all members of the family are equally happy.But if we had been feeling energetic we could have hired a bike or two, there were even electric bikes for hire (much more my speed).

We finished our day with some of the yummiest ice-creams I’ve had since our last trip to Italy. Hope Valley sell many gorgeous flavours, we tucked into Rosemary’s Raspberry Pavlova and Gertrude’s whisky and Ginger 🙂 A very successful and yummy day out!

 

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The Best Mars Bar Cake Recipe!!

Posted on by Abi

Sorry for the late blogging this week, I haven’t been at the peak of health, but I’m back now and bringing you a recipe!

From childhood I have been a fan of Mars Bar Cakes, everyone usually makes them slightly differently but they’re always over the top sweet and incredibly moreish. So today I’m bringing you my favourite Mars Bar Cake Recipe (My Mum’s!)

What You’ll Need

4 Mars Bars

4oz (100g) Margarine

4 oz (100g) Rice Krispies

9oz (225g) Milk Chocolate

Step 1

Melt the margarine and Mars Bars together, if you are very careful you can do this in a pan directly on the heat, otherwise put the mixture in a bowl above a pan of boiling water.

Step 2

Add the Rice Krispies and stir carefully until they are evenly coated. Put the mixture in a square tin (about 10″ square) and put in the fridge to cool for about 2 hours.

Step 3

When the cake has cooled melt the milk chocolate in a bowl over a pan of boiling water and stir until smooth. Pour over the cake and with a flat knife or spatula spread out evenly. Put back in the fridge for about an hour.

Step 4

Remove the cake from the tin by sliding a knife around the edges, turn upside down onto a board and tap the bottom of the tin. Cut into fingers or squares and enjoy!

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Autumn Watch & Blackberry Cupcakes

Posted on by Abi

Keeping on my theme for the week, Autumn Watch starts this evening on BBC Two at 8.30pm. Time to start hunting for nature in your garden, making bird feeders and preparing for the season ahead.

It’s also the time of year when I start wanting to eat comforting food whether savoury or sweet. My husband jokes that I’m trying to put on weight for winter, in reality the large jumpers and big fluffy coats means we’re probably all a little less self conscious.

Our garden has been full to the brim with blackberries (or Brambles as my Dad calls them). I love this simple way of using them to decorate cupcakes. Just pipe a little cream, pop on a fresh blackberry and ta da you have a really yummy cake!

The dark evenings also drive me to revive hobbies that had fallen by the wayside during the summer months. Currently my knitting needles are getting a work out, keep your eyes peeled as this is to do with an upcoming tutorial!

From a work point of view we’re gearing up for the festive season with new products, old favourites and more. We have launched another new craft kit online this week, our Cupcake Badge!

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