Food on the brain
japra | Sep 03, 2008 | Comments 11
This little rose bush has been blooming in our garden since June. However, I am guessing these lovelies are the last of the season. I wonder how Bee’s roses fared this summer? In keeping with my pledge not to over schedule myself with volunteer activities while I am in England, I have only signed up to do three things this school year: be on rotation to bake birthday cakes for the high school borders at Roxi’s school, help with the art events (especially the theatre productions), and help cook, man and set up/clean up for the International Festival at the school next month.
Yesterday, I got my first call to bake a birthday treat on Sept 11. The problem is, apart from brownies, cookies, and yeast-based baked goods, I actually haven’t tried baking a cake or cupcakes here in the UK. Hey, we’re a small family and half the time Mr. DJ is out and Roxi is at school.
The truth is, I rarely baked cakes in the US. I rarely made (or bought) desserts just for us. So, I spent a couple of hours yesterday looking at cupcake recipes only to fall back on old Betty Crocker‘s cookbook and her yellow cake recipe. I made a test batch yesterday and I have to say that the cupcakes were okay, but they had more of a muffin consistency. At Roxi’s request, I made some caramel icing (also from Betty Crocker), which helped the cupcake some. But I’m not really satisfied with the results of the cake itself.
So my question is: does anyone have a good recipe for cupcakes? They have to be from scratch because I’m trying to be less dependent on mixes.
Meanwhile, here’s a recipe for you to file away for one of those cold, rainy days. It’s Smoke Salmon Bisque from Elise’s Simply Recipes Food and Cooking blog. Doesn’t it look marvelous? I wonder if I can find “Bay Seasoning” here in England. Hmmm.
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Your photos are always such good quality – have you been on a course before? (I’ll be pretty embarrassed if you tell me you’re a photographer now). Lovely pic.
I am not a good cake baker as it is but I have never baked in a gas oven before. My new oven is gas and when I switched it on yesterday I was shocked to see open flame in the back! I think I will give it a try on the weekend though – it must be 15 years since I tried to bake a cake.
I’m a mix girl. Good luck!
Sorry, I don’t have a great recipe. Good luck!
Beautiful photo!
Looks like none of us are really bakers! I do love any kind of soup though.
I had to laugh when you said you only volunteered for 3 THINGS as you are cutting back.
I’m with Christine: only 3 things in the first week of school? That’s not too much? You are a good mom. Lovely flower photo – that rain isn’t going to waste.
It’s been so hectic around here, and I’ve barely had time to sneak occasional peaks at the computer, and certainly not enough time to write. However, I will try to look for a good cupcake recipe tomorrow.
Also, I promise a rose update soonish! Almost all of them are still blooming, and the yellow Pilgrim is about to have a really vigorous second flowering . . . as are the Jubilee Celebrations, which have bloomed continuously. I guess all of that rain was good for something!
P.S. “Only 3 things” is my idea of “cutting back,” too!
Emm–Thank you! I took one course at uni–B+W with an ancient 35mm camera. But other than that, I’ve just done point and shoot. I still point and shoot, only now with a nicer camera, which I’ve been using since we moved here. I’d like to take a course and learn what all those dials mean :-)
Laurie–Mixes are good. My favorite cake from a mix is strawberry cake with cool whip icing. Recipe on the back of the box ;-)
Alyson–Thank you :-)
Christine–I was a professional volunteer. Too many hours to count.
Sarah–The gardens here are amazing. It wasn’t until I lived here that I realized why… Hahahaha!
Bee–Looking forward to your rose update :-) And regarding the cupcakes, I now wonder if maybe I should try a different flour for a finer crumb? Happy first day of school!!!
Basic Victoria Sponge Mix( Makes 18 buns )
4 oz butter,4 oz caster sugar,2 eggs,4 oz self raising flour.Heat oven to 190 degrees C or 375 degrees F or Gas Mark 5 Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy,beat in eggs,gently fold in flour.Put in paper bun cases. Bake about 15 mins Decorate as desired (Been trying to fathom out how to include photo of “some I made earlier”. I can only think of posting it on my own blog if you like !)
Barbara–Mmm. I love Victoria Sponge with raspberry perserves! And what a shame I’ve not thought to make my own at home! Thank you for sharing your delicious-sounding recipe. I hope to hear what you’ve planned for your four pounds of blackberries! And yes, of course, photos please :-)
Do you need some Old Bay Seasoning? I sent some over to an ex-pat Marylander in London this summer. Happy to send some to you as well… or deliver it later next month! Let me know.
pigtown–Thank you, you’re awesome! But actually, I found a copycat recipe here: http://www.recipezaar.com/15562
I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks promising :-)