Today is my lovely assistant Rachel's birthday so I made her this little cake - chocolate and cherry with white chocolate chips.  I came into work early and left it on her desk, surrounded by happy birthday sprinkles (which made a lot of mess that I am sure she won't thank me for).  It was very quick and easy to do, decorated simply with piped dark chocolate swirls and sugar flowers.  Happy Birthday Rachel xxx

My Aga book with Absolute Press is now finished and off to print.  What a fun project it has been to work on.  It is available to pre order on Amazon and is out in July this year.  With this book, Cheesecakes, Savoury Gluten Free Baker and Christmas Cupcakes and Cookies, that is 4 books published in one year which is a record.  I do hope that you like the cover - these are Rose and Saffron scones cooking in my beloved Aga!

My little niece Hunter is on her first real Adventure - she flew all the way to Australia (not quite sure that Gareth and Amy understood how long a 28 hour flight with a one year old is) but they got there safely.  Isn't this just the cutest picture?

Hunter meets the World!

On Sunday three of my recipes were published in the Sunday Telegraph Stella Magazine - I was very excited as you can imagine!  The front cover even included the line "Exclusive recipes from the cheesecake queen" - how I love that description of me!!!!  The recipes can be found here if you would like to try them - Rose and Pistachio, Chocolate and Ginger and Lemon Meringue xxx http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/9930803/Rose-and-cardamom-cheesecake-recipe.html

I am just back from a truly lovely weekend away with my Mum in Bath - one of my favourite places in the whole world.  We went to the Therme Spa (I have to say getting into the open air in the snow was a little challenging but it was worth it when we were in the hot water overlooking Bath Abbey) and to see Romeo and Juliet ballet at the Bath Opera House.  We also managed two visits to the Pump House - afternoon tea listening to a grand piano and morning coffee accompanied by a string trio. The coffee macaron was the best we had ever eaten and definitely has my seal of approval! So many lovely things and a really fun time with my Mum for Mother's Day xxxx

My gorgeous niece Hunter - a very discerning palette for someone so young!