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

Thursday, 1 March 2007



With a large family, it always seems to be someone's birthday and it falls to me as our family "baker" to make the cakes. This is the cake I made for my Grandma's 86th birthday - lemon drizzle cake with lemon curd, buttercream and strawberries decorated with butterflies and fresh flowers. It is made in several layers - three layers in a 10 inch cake pan and then the top layer is half a sphere, made using a football cake pan I have - with the cream and lemon curd between each layer.

Lemon Drizzle Cake
Gas Mark 5/180 oC
10 inch ring pan lightly greased
8oz marg or butter
8oz caster sugar
Cream the butter and sugar together
Add in 4 large eggs and mix until light and foamy.
Sift in 8oz self raising flour and fold in grated rind of two lemons and fold in gently. Bake in the oven for about 25 mins - I usually turn it round half way through so that it browns all over. Just before the cake is ready, heat the juice of two lemons with a large table spoon of icing sugar in a saucepan. Pour over cake as soon as it comes out of the oven and leave to cool.

6 comments:

David Hall said...

Hannah, what a master baker you are! Suppose you have to be careful how you say that. Anyway, as you forgot my borthday this year, i will remind you that it is New years Day and that I demand at least TWO of these monsters delivered to my doorstep on 1/1/2008!

Keep up the good work

x

Anonymous said...

And this cake looks to die for aswell...Surely this is not just one cake???surely it is a tier cake, otherwise how does one get that height. Its staggering, If you could divulge a little more, Sister in Law will be happy bunny in July!!! you've excelled yourself again. Sam

Maggie said...

The start of a beautiful foodblog. Mx

Anonymous said...

As a family we have been watching you on the Masterchef programme and thoroughly enjoyed your cooking.
My young son Freddie was a particular fan - he wants you to see the food blog he keeps with me (his mother).
Please do visit if you have time. We would be delighted if you would consider linking to our site - of course we reciprocate.
Keep posting!
http://www.greatbigvegchallenge.blogspot.com

Lex said...

Wow Hannah what an amazing cake! I love the look of your blog page and being inspired with your recipes!

Twelfthknit said...

Hey - hope you didn't use 'fresh' butterflies ;0)
I've just found your blog - well done on you performance on Masterchef and on your wholehearted congratualtions of the winner - such grace in an emotional situation like that shows your quality.
India