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

Wednesday 17 December 2008

I do love the run up to Christmas more than any other time of the year. The kitchen always smells of cinnamon and mulled wine and there are always lots of baked goodies to eat whilst wrapping presents and writing cards ( I still haven't finished either of these tasks!) Last weekend I visited some university friends, Fay Magdalen and Sonya and their cute little boys Ishan and Tommy. Before heading off I very quickly made a Christmas tree cake in a tree shaped cake case I found in our local cookshop. The cake was a chocoholics dream - chocolate sponge, with chunks of caramel chocolate and plain chocolate If you don't have a Christmas tree case or pan then bake a large rectangular cake and when it is cool cut out a Christmas tree shape with a sharp knife. Using a green buttercream, pipe large stars along the bottom of the tree pulling the icing bag away from the cake on each star so that it makes a feathered effect (to resemble tree branches). Repeat all the way to the top of the tree, then decorate with chocolate buttons, coloured sweets and edible glitter. This was such a quick cake to decorate and Tommy and Ishan loved it!

3 comments:

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

This cake is perfect for the kid in all of us:D

Marie Rayner said...

Wonderful looking cake Hannah!! I bet the kids and adults really enjoyed it. I have a Christmas tree cake tin. I should dust it off and use it this year!!

Rita said...

Lovely "tree" Hannah!