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MORE BAKING TIPS…
Avoid over mixing as it can cause a heavy texture, beat the mixture until it is just smooth. The longer you knead dough, the longer you should leave the dough to develop for the best […]
Cakes
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPES OF FLOUR…
With so many different types of flours it can mean you get a bit mixed up with one or another, and if you can replace them with another type while you are baking. Well apparently […]
Tea History
BRIEF HISTORY ON TEA DURING 1101-1125
During 1101-1125 the Chinese Emperor Hui Tsung became very obsessed with tea and wrote about the best tea-whisking methods. He then started holding tea-tasting tournaments in the court. In fact apparently he was […]
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BOUTIQUE BAKING BOOK REVIEW…
Christmas will be here before you can blink so I had to review this fabulous book for you. Boutique Baking is by Peggy Porschen who is famed for her exquisite craftsmanship and love of baking. […]
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A FOOD POEM…
Fame is a fickle food (1702) By Emily Dickinson 18301886 Emily Dickinson Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate Whose table once a Guest but not The second time is set Whose crumbs […]
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MORE BAKING TIPS…
Always let pie pastry dry throughout before adding filling as it will prevent it from seeping while cooking. When making an apple pie, pop your apple slices into some water and add a little salt […]
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TEA OFFERS AND COMPETITIONS…
TWININGS TEA GETTING INTO THE FASHION MARKET… Twining Tea are now getting into the fashion market by offering a vintage style Temperley scarf. Win A Temperley Scarf and A Year’s Supply of Earl Grey and […]
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NICE CAKES…
nicecakes.co.uk is a wonderful website full of delicious ‘nice cakes’. It was my daughters birthday last week and I always try to find something a bit different (in the cake range) to send her for […]
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CHOCOLATE WEEK 8th – 14th OCTOBER…
Don’t forget it’s Chocolate Week on the 8th – 14th October . To find out everything you want to find out about what’s happening and who is taking part in this deeeeelicious week head to […]
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HOW TO WORK OUT OVEN CONVERSIONS…
The general rule of thumb for converting a recipe from a conventional oven to a convection oven is to either use the same temperature and bake for 75% of the stated time (i.e. if a […]
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SOME EGGY BAKING TIPS…
If you add a beaten egg slowly to your batter mix it prevents the batter from becoming too stiff. Always use eggs at room temperature when baking with them. If you want firm meringues, add […]
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KITCHEN HEALTH BOOSTERS….
Help your immune system in the winter by keeping in your store cupboard some health boosters. Honey has natural anti-fungal and antibacetrial properties. Garlic has natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties as well. Tumeric acts as […]
Tea History
MORE ON THE HISTORY OF TEA…
During the years of 648-749 the Japanese monk Gyoki planted the first tea bushes in 49 Buddhist temple gardens. Tea in Japan during that time was rare and expensive, enjoyed mostly by high priests and […]
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HOW TO CHECK YOUR BAKING POWDER OR BAKING SODA IS FRESH…
To test if baking powder is still good, combine 1 teaspoon baking powder with 1/3 cup hot water. If it bubbles, its still good! To test baking soda, put 2 tablespoons of white vinegar into […]
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COOK WITH A WONDERBAG…
Instead of using a slow cooker you can use a new type of slow cooker called a ‘wonderbag’. It’s insulating materials let you slow cook food without adding to your gas or elecricity bill. Depending […]