Welcome

Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Monday 30 July 2007

Afternoon tea is my favourite of all meals - primarily as it's an excuse to eat nothing but delicious cakes and biscuits! This weekend, I hosted a tea party for Kathy Brown and her lovely family and for Paula who is also a garden designer. Given the number of weeds in our garden, I decided there was nothing for it but to distract them with cake.

Now, as you know baking is my passion but even I accept that I probably got a bit carried away! 9 different cakes is slightly excessive for 7 people!

So alongside the smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, we feasted on white chocolate and coconut cupcakes, rosewater meringues with raspberries and pistachios, gooey chocolate cake, strawberry scones with clotted
cream
Rose and violet fondant fancies, praline and coffee fondant fancies, chocolate cupcakes, nut and chocolate flapjacks,
and lemon drizzle cake!

A few pretty flowers decorated the table and we drank violet tea, homemade strawberry lemonade and violet prosecco!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a delicious tea menu! I hosted a proper "English" tea here at my cottage one summer's day a few years back and we had a lovely time! Looks like your guests are having a lovely time as well, no wonder, what with 9 cakes to choose from!

Anonymous said...

Those slices look delicious!

Congrats on going so far in Masterchef! I just found your website last week after seeing Masterchef in Oz.

I loved your food and was inspired by your visit to the Italian restaurant with four simple ingredients to make my own version!

Anonymous said...

Hi Hannah, I really enjoyed watching you and the other 3 finalists on Masterchef. You did a great job - some of those final tasks looked more than a little daunting. I have also been interested to read your blog. Your cakes look amazing and I'm sure they taste just as good. I love the idea of home-made strawberry lemonade - any chance of posting the recipe?!

Browners said...

Hi Hannah,

Great to see you last weekend. Tea was simply incredible. I've never been so gobsmacked! Tremendous stuff and such nice pictures too.

If it's ok with you can I put a pic or two on my blog and give you a very warm mention?

Super!

Figs, Bay, Wine said...

Violet prosecco! What a wonderful idea.

Figs, Bay, Wine said...

Hannah, this is in response to your comment on my blog, just in case you don't see it over there: Gingerbread prosecco is utter brilliance! How do you do it? I make a version for New Year's with star anise, cinnamon, clove, orange, and lemon syrup. No ginger though.