Did you know traditional French mendiants represent the colours of monastic orders in the Middle Ages? And in Spain they’re known as bombones músicos? More chocolate history later. For now I’ll just say these traditional Christmas treats are delicious, creative and adorable! You’ll find chocolate […]
Babas have been around since the early 18th century – there’ll be a little potted history later – and recently in France they’ve been trending with exciting new flavours! Rum babas were also one of my Dad’s favourite desserts so I’ll dedicate this recipe to […]
They’ve been constructing Paris near my house and playing accordion music as they work. There are giant croissants and brioches too. No, I’m not hallucinating on absinthe, la fée verte, like Parisian artists of yore. It’s all part of Barcelona’s annual festival in my lovely […]
… I am! And will tell you what that means later. For now it’s time to talk soufflés. When readers were invited to make one so we could have another little baking party together I didn’t fully comprehend the awe that soufflés inspire even amongst […]
The gauntlet was thrown down by the Daring Kitchen and the challenge accepted, and so it came about that these Turkish Delight (lokum) were made. In the Land of Narnia the White Queen offered Edmund his heart’s desire and he chose Turkish Delight in exchange […]
Sometimes you need a little shot of pâtisserie magic and light pillowy cakes with a heavenly touch of kirsch. Irresistible. So I pushed aside my resolution to avoid sugar or flour and just reduced my daily ration – hurray for freezers! The genoise sponge layers […]
Want to see an everyday chocolate bar upgraded to a homemade pâtisserie creation? Maybe you have a little chocolate craving and adore salted caramel? This is the recipe for you!!! Le Snickers chocolate bar is based on a French pastry chef’s recipe and consists of […]
Let’s celebrate the 14th of July French Independence Day with this delicious dessert based on a Spanish classic. You can make it a French classic by using champagne, or Italian with prosecco! Anyway, have you heard of Lemon sorbet and cava, commonly served at Spanish […]
Have you thought about making a soufflé but never dared? Never fear. You’re likely to succeed first time and I thoroughly recommend the experience. Or maybe you’re a soufflé veteran? Either way, you’re welcome to join our informal mini soufflé challenge! You can follow your […]
Can I give you a little kiss? Now don’t be alarmed, I’m offering you a beijinho which means ‘little kiss’ in Portuguese and it’s a Brazilian coconut sweetie. They’re delicious, very fast and easy to make with fine desiccated coconut, condensed milk and a clove […]
Once again the Daring Kitchen threw down the gauntlet and issued a challenge: to make a charlotte russe or royale. I accepted and threw in some bergamot extract! What’s bergamot? It’s the light spicy citrusy flavour that haunts Earl Grey tea. More about it later. […]
Grand announcement to my family the other week: it’s my birthday and I want a Princess cake! I didn’t have to stamp my feet or throw a tantrum because I was of course making my own cake. My family were peturbed, imagining a pink multi-layered […]
My apologies but I couldn’t resist the pun on words. It’s such a berry very nice tart. Neither can I resist the tart itself, recommended by Kate of Cornwall who regularly and impressively makes cakes from this blog and many other sources. She passed this […]
What can you make with your 11-year-old niece as an interesting baking experiment that’s delicious, potentially healthy and not too complicated? You’ll have guessed from the heading: a meringue nest buffet! 🙂 Last week this lovely new concept catered for all my family’s needs, leaving […]
She’d had serious doubts but unexpectedly fell in love at first bite. Swooning at the cloudlike gluten-free genoise sponge made with cornflour and flavoured with vanilla, merging as one with the chocolate icing and delightful dessicated coconut, she instantly realised why Australians and New Zealanders […]
lili's cakes 