Baking for the Birthday Boy

Everyone knows the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and as it was Neil's Birthday I thought I'd better get in the kitchen. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I believe on your Birthday you should wake up to something special and indulgent. 

Pancakes are my speciality, and ever since watching that Matilda scene as a young girl I've longed to replicate those perfect pancakes she whips up as a four year old child. Well my friends at the age of 22 *cough 23 in 8 days cough* I think I've finally done it! Referring to a trusty Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipe Neil's Birthday pancakes were the best I've ever made and I topped them with some gorgeous Free Range Beech Smoked British Streaky Bacon from Waitrose and maple syrup. Check out the recipe here.

Well a Birthday isn't a Birthday with out a cake is it, so once he was out of the house I soon got to work on a Birthday carrot cake -his favourite.

If you've never baked a carrot cake before I cannot recommend it enough, I really enjoyed making this the smells are incredible before you've even put it in the oven. I followed Paul Hollywood's recipe which you can find here, its easy to follow and really 'scrummy' as Mary Berry would say. 

The Birthday Boy!

I hope you've all enjoyed this post, do give those recipes a go or share with me any of your favourite recipes. It's my Birthday next week and as you can see I've set the Birthday bar quite high so you'll have to wait and see if Neil takes part in the Battle of the Birthday Bakes - no soggy bottoms allowed!

xx

Moreish Malt Loaf

Where are you spring? It's so cold at the moment, and living in a student house doesn't help even when the heating is on I still feel the need to wear gloves indoors; as soon as I get in from work the dressing gown is on. So it was a nice change to spend last weekend warm and well fed at my parents house. The weekend went quickly with a blanket of snow ruining my plans of horse riding and permitting me to a day of lounging around the warm house (what a shame).

Whilst at home I was given my Great-Grandmother's Malt Loaf recipe which has been passed down through the generations finally to me - I had a go at making it yesterday inspired by The Great Comic Relief Bake Off and it turned out perfect! 

It was so easy and quick to make, and will last ages in a tin. Sticky and sweet it goes perfect buttered with a cup of tea whilst you're snuggled up in your dressing gown; the only problem once you start you can't stop eating it, it's so moreish!

Buttered Malt Loaf and a Cup of Strong Yorkshire Tea

I hope you enjoyed reading this post, I've got a few more baking projects lined up so i'll be sure to keep you informed. 

xx