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

Tuesday 29 May 2012

The icing had set on the Palace and so last night we moved it for the first time and hurrah it stayed in tact!!!!  It looked lovely in the sunshine and I am confident now that we will be able to carry it up to the village church for the concert on Sunday without the roof collapsing.  What good news!

Monday 28 May 2012

To say that I have spent a few hours this weekend baking would be an understatement!!!! After 10 hours of solid baking and icing, I can now proudly unveil my gingerbread creation - hopefully you can tell that it is meant to be Buckingham Palace!  It is a meter long and is completely edible other than the cardboard Queen and Prince Philip on the balcony.  The windows are made of sheet gelatine which give a very pretty stained glass effect (future church gingerbread house is planned - but that's another story).  The crown decorations were made with ready roll icing and sprayed gold and the bunting is cut from union jack sugarettes.  I am hoping that it will still be OK by the weekend!!!!  My village is fully entering into the spirit of the Juliblee with 3 days of events!!!!  Quite inpressive given the limited number of houses in the village - with a parade, organ recital of Coronation music with Pimms and Canapes, fireworks, dog show, cake decorating competition (I am the judge and no my Buckingham palace is not entered!), hog roast - I can wait!





Wednesday 2 May 2012

Lovely Kim from Naturally Gluten Free blog has very kindly published a nice interview with me about my Gluten Free Baker book.  To read it click here

Tuesday 1 May 2012


The good thing about the British is that we never let bad weather get in the way of a good old fashioned tradition.  These were the rainy May Day celebrations this morning at 6am in Ampthill Park near where my Mum lives.  Have you ever seen Morris Dancers dancing with Umbrellas?  Priceless!!  They danced as the sun rose (what sun you may ask!!!)  I have to confess that at 6am I was tucked up in bed and it was my Mum and Mike who went but I thought you would like to see the photos all the same!