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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

Sunday, 13 April 2008


Of course, the main attraction so far has been searching for New York's finest cakes and we have tried many! I found a beautifully crysanthamum cupcake at Dean and Deluca which looked so pretty but sadly the shop assistance put it in a box that was too small and squashed the flower completely. Being polite and British, I did not complain but handed over my $5.50 (!!!) and took the squashed cupcake away. This afternoon I made it to the Magnolia Bakery - OK so I had to queue for 20 minutes but the wait was worth it and the air outside whilst you are in the queue smells of cinnamon and chocolate so all in all it was a very pleasant experience. I have to say that the cupcakes were not as spectacular as I was expecting but the large cakes were AMAZING! I have never seem cakes the size of their German chocolate cake and Coconut cloud cake. Defintinely inspirational. We also paid a visit to BabyCakes - which produces cupcakes and brownies which are all wheat and gluten free, made with spelt and other wholesome ingredients. I just loved their shop window (top photo)!

4 comments:

Marie Rayner said...

What a wonderful array of baked goodies! I think your own cakes are much prettier though!

Anonymous said...

If you have time, you must try the Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery cupcakes. Much tastier than Magnolia or Cupcake Cafe.

If you are staying below 26th St. They deliver via Max Delivery as well. maxdelivery.com

If you are up on the UWS, Levain Bakery cookies are a must if not City Bakery cookies around 18th and 5th. Much different but equally good.

I heart cupcakes said...

Oh I'm so jealous you're in NY and with cupcakes!

When we went last summer my favourite cupcake was from Buttercup Bake Shop (2nd avenue between 51st and 52nd street!) -they were so tasty and the staff were really nice too! It helped that we also stayed 2 mins walk away!

Have a fab time, I'm so jealous and will be keeping an eye on your blog for updates!!

I heart cupcakes said...

I have now booked a holiday trip to NY in March and I'm going Sweet Sugar Sunshine for sure as am planning a cupcake tour of both New York and Brooklyn!

I may need two seats on the way home :)