Silent Sunday

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Ella's Bakehouse - Covent Garden

Well I headed off to London Town this past weekend to pay a little visit to my baby brother and as usual he knew it would be a sin not to find me at least 1 cupcake to try.

He has in the past taken me to Hummingbird and Buttercup, so the mission was on as we couldn't travel too far as we had Grayson (my little cupcake) with us.

We headed to Covent Garden to show my Mom around the Sunday market and to show my sweet tooth to Ella's Bakehouse.

Website Bio for Ella's Bakehouse....

"These are not just cupcakes, these are Ella’s bakehouse cupcakes made in London town by Lorraine Pascale and her merry band of highly skilled Cakers.

But what makes these cakes so darn special I hear your cry? Using mainly British ingredients the sponge is brushed with a light vanilla sugar syrup to make the cupcakes extra tasty and super-duper moist for added sensory pleasure."

The queue was out the door and the little tables and chairs out front were full to the brim, it was already well into the afternoon so I was a little worried about choice but how wrong was I to worry, they had ample choice and well stocked which for me was the first big tick.

The lady behind the counter was super sweet and polite and very efficient, tick 2.

The store was decorated very cutely and had a little kitsch vibe which we all know I am super fond of, so tick 3.

I chose to only indulge in 1 cupcake for myself and one for my hubby ( don't ask me why, great regret) obviously I always usually go for a Red Velvet, being I can never bake them right but I was in total surprise when I saw their couture flavour of Malteaser. !Yummy!

One of my favourite sweets/chocolate ever, so I am afraid Mr.Red Velvet as beautiful as he looked was pushed aside.

The cakes were decorated beautifully, not too much decoration as a cupcakery cupcake shouldn't have in my opinion, very tasteful with a sparkle of glitter for that great girly-ness.

I bought the hubby a Banoffee Cupcake, which when telling him outside the store I got a large glare for as he hadn't also wanted a Malteaser - oops. But I can honestly say he was not disappointed, he loved it, we both agreed our cakes were super moist a real tick for us and there was lashings of buttercream (a little too much for me but that's cause I am fussy).

I would have liked a little more crushed Malteaser in mine but by no means is this a criticism more of me being a greedy sweet tooth for Malteasers.

My mom also bought the Raspberry and Lemon ( I am sure that was the flavour) and said it was incredibly good, she equally agreed one of the moistest cupcakes she had eaten.

The other thing I loved about the Ella's bakehouse experience which shall make me return is the fact they box your cakes (no order to small) which for a person travelling back to Kent is a HUGE tick.

So all in all, I was over the moon, I just wish they were around the corner from me, I shall be going back for sure and more than 2 little cupcakes shall be leaving the shelves next time.

If you are ever in Covent Garden to pop by to Ella's Bakehouse and maybe check out the www as they do deliver.

Baked and Delicious Giveaway

Yep a giveaway guys and girls, how lucky are we. You may remember from my last post that Britain has a new Baking Publication - Baked and Delicious and they have kindly offered one of my lucky readers advanced issues 2-5 plus all the silicone bake ware for free, awesome huh ?

Just pop by my other blog to enter the competition and please do spread the word.

Thanks
Kara
xx

Baked and Delicious - Magazine Review

You may remember my last post showed a new anticipated Baking magazine Baked and Delicious, which was just about to hit British shelves, well I was fortunate enough to be sent a copy of the Magazine by its publishers so I could review it for all my readers.

The Magazine promised to offer "Sweet and Savoury, traditional and modern recipes gorgeously illustrated and full if tips for better baking." and I must say I was not disappointed. It came with 7-9 recipes for so many different baked goods, including Focaccia, Dundee Cake, Choux Pastry and my all time fave Vanilla Cupcakes.

At first I was unsure if this was enough recipes but then I thought about the fact that its a fortnightly not monthly publication and decided its probably just the right amount. It provides a variety of recipes most of which you could try most nights of the week and to be honest just enough for a fortnight of free time. (which most of us don't have now a days).

I found the step by step instructions (which come in photo and written description) very helpful and easy to follow, they were clear and if a novice baker you would be able to follow them easily. At this point my only real complaint (and its not much of one) is I wish they did the step by step for every recipe not just a selected few.

I felt it only fair that to review the magazine I should defiantly have tried making something. As time was short for me this week I picked the Vanilla Cupcakes a true favourite and thought lets see how this recipe measures up to the many I have used. I chose to only make 1/2 a dozen and was pleased when I got to use the free silicon cupcake cases that come with the magazine.

I must say I was very pleased with the result, as I stated before the instructions where beautifully easy to follow and the cakes themselves came out delicious ( my hubby added some of the best I have made) the butter cream icing for my personal taste was a little runny but all in all a very tasty recipe.

So shall I be subscribing to the magazine ?

I think I honestly shall, I know I shouldn't as I have very little space to store it but it does come with a free gift binder in one of the issues along with a whole host of silicone bake ware and cake tins etc and who can say no to such great gifts.

So go check out the magazine and I would love to hear your views.

Kara

x

Finished Cupcake

A New Baking Magazine for Home Cooks

I had a great email the other day informing me of a new Baking Magazine due to be released in the UK, so I thought I best share the love so all you fellow cake lovers out there can run out to the shops on Wed 9th March 2011 and buy, buy, buy.

I have been kindly sent a copy of the press release and some first look photo's to share to give us all a taster.

A New Baking Magazine for Home Cooks

Baked & Delicious is a new fortnightly magazine packed with recipes, from international classics to traditional favourites. Featuring easy to follow steps, it brings together the very best of today’s cooking, that you can bake at home.

Along with these wonderful recipes, you can also collect the latest in silicone bakeware. Fast becoming the bakeware of choice by all home bakers, it is hardwearing, versatile and easy-to-clean. Collecting week by week, the range will enable you to bake all the delicious recipes with ease.

Subscribe now to receive four additional free gifts worth over £35! These include a beautiful designed binder to keep all your magazines pristine, a cake slice, matching cake tin set and a set of electronic scales. The magazine is not available in-stores until 9th March 2011 however you can find out more information and subscribe here.


I am really interested to read the article on silicone bakeware, I have used cupcake cases but that's it and have heard they are quite easy to use, also the pavlova in issue 2 looks scrummy.

As soon as I have read the first issue I shall be back with my feelings on the mag, so watch this space as I try to return to the world of cupcake blogging.

Apologies

365 - Day 250
Originally uploaded by innocentcharmer

For not being around, life has been majorly hetic and it seems that this is not going to improve as we are expec ting a 2nd little cupcake.

We are very pleased all be it a little apprehensive (due to G medical problems) and can't wait for the baby to be here in May 2011 (a while off).

I have got cupcake related things to share, including a giveaway, so once I can I shall be back.

Thanks to all.
Kara
xx

I do love a good SALE

From my last post you may have seen the sweet cupcake teapcup and saucer my hubby treated me too.

Well last week we took a trip to Fenwicks so he could show me what else they did in the line, as we were walking past I noticed the sign SALE in the kitchen department and took a wonder and found some cupcake goodies.

I was a good girl and limited myself to 2, a new Cupcake Jar ( I must start putting stuff in them) and a Cupcake Trivet which is very useful.

They had more stuff so I shall have to make sure I don't sneak into town.

xx

Cupcake Gifts

I have been very lucky these past couple of weeks and have been fortunate to receive a few cupcake gifts.

1st is part of Package Project, a great handmade Cupcake Plushie, now living in the Kitchen.

2nd - my beautiful Flickr Friend Anna, she sent me some Cupcake items for having picnics, they are super cute.

And last but no means least my gorgeous hubby turned up with the most amazing Cupcake Teacup and Saucer - hand painted.

So what about you, received any cupcake gifts?

Flickr Faves - Art for the Walls

Flickr Faves - Art for the Walls
Originally uploaded by innocentcharmer

We are moving home in the summer and I have realised that although I have a great deal of Cupcake trinkets in my kitchen I have very little Art for the walls, so today I popped around Flickr to see what is around and I thought I would share.

I am thinking of doing a cupcake ATC swap as I would love a collection of cupcake ATC's on one wall.

If you have any art suggestions for me, do tell.

Kara

What's Up Cupcake ?

On Saturday the Hubby, Grayson and I took a walk in Whitstable and browsed a few shops of course.

I had heard on the grapevine that we finally had a Cupcakery in Whitstable in Kent, so I made it my mission to find it and finally at about 4pm soaking wet from the rain we walked up to this adorable Green and Pink shop front and there is was....

What's Up Cupcake.

The window was full of gorgeous Cupcake gift items (which they sell) and had such a lovely feel. I walked into a gorgeous little pretty shop with Cupcake Trinkets all around and then a lovely counter with Cupcakes. The shop was very busy and there were only a handful of Cupcakes left (obviously a good day) so I quickly snapped up the last 2 Vanilla Cupcakes before someone else could.

The staff were in beautiful matching uniforms and wrapped our cupcakes so diligently, if the store had not been so busy I honestly would have taken piccys and had a chat as it is gorgeous inside.

Ashley and I waited till we got home to try our Cupcakes and I must say they were scrummy, the cake was incredibly moist and dense as I love my cupcakes a real bite and with the little Jazzies on top they had just the right amount of decoration.

I can honestly say I shall be re-visiting, not only to try and get another flavour but also to get some piccy's for you all too see.

So please people if you are ever local to Whitstable, go visit What's Up Cupcake, as it is so lovely to finally have our very own Kentish Cupcakery.

xox

My 'Next' Delights

Thanks you my gorgeous husband for my new Cupcake Collectibles, thanks Next for making them.

Cookie Jar and Money Box - Don't you love the scallop detailing.

Eat Me

Last weekend I got round to making some Raspberry and White Chocolate Cupcakes from my "Eat Me" book.

Its a time consuming recipe, you have to make your own Raspberry Jam and White Chocolate Cream Sauce but its worth it as they are a lovely flavour.

I will be changing a couple of things next time, I shall put less Raspberries in the cakes and add less of the Jam to the Buttercream Frosting as it made it very runny but that's the gift of baking to learn.

I also got to use my new Lakeland Piping Syringe, I think it would have a done good job if the Buttercream had not been so runny.

If you would like the recipe just let me know.

Today's Cupcake Is... May 2010 Flickr Faves

Today's Cupcake Is... May 2010 Flickr Faves
Originally uploaded by innocentcharmer

I promised I would try and keep up with my Flickr Faves and although I did not make it in April I have a lovely selection for you this month.

Firstly gorgeous handmade hairslides, I love these, although I don't think my super thick hair would. The pink colours are just awesome.

The canvases are the cutest thing, I have been thinking when I move in the summer I shall need some more Cupcake Art for the walls so these are a total inspiration.

The Lampwork Cupcake earrings are outstanding, this lady makes some of the best lampwork I have seen and she has a whole range of cupcake jewels, so get check it out.

The cupcake lampshade maybe in my home in the hear future, I just need to make sure my new kitchen will have space for it, so watch out.

Retro Cupcakes - are a real fave of mine and these are super pretty, I only wish I had a little girl to indulge these delights in.

Lastly the cupcake liners in a jar - totally love. I am off to Brighton on holiday tomorrow and trust me I will be on the look out for a glass jar to show mine off in, so simple yet so pretty.

So I hope you have enjoyed this months favourites, please click on the picture to go check out these peoples photostreams.

Kara
x

Sophie Allport

Sophie Allport is a family run English Business that has just have the cutest stuff ever.

I wish I only had a little girl so I could par-take in wearing matching apron's and oven mitts whilst baking cupcakes and their new 'Gingerbreadmen and Cupcakes' range is the one I would choose.

I mean I am not sure what more you could ask for in a print, its Pink, its has stars on it, cute little Gingerbreadmen and CUPCAKES.

Here is just a very small selection of all the marvels they have in the line.....

I think this bag maybe on my shoulder soon

All pictures property of Sophie Allport

Want to know the best bit, go buy 'Your Home' magazine this month and you will find a 20% discount offer for Sophie Allport, win win.

Cupcake Sparkles

365 - Day 106
Originally uploaded by innocentcharmer

Thought I would drop in and show you these gorgeous Cupcake Sparkles I got this past week.
They are so cute, its a Necklace and Brooch, that were both in the ASOS sale, they did matching earrings too but I have so many I took a rain check on those.

I am pretty sure the Necklace was £8.00 and the Brooch was £6.00.

They sparkle lovely, so head on over and trea yourself, every girl deserves some Cupcake Jewels.

Get your Groceries and a Treat

Now many of you may know I am a huge shopping fan and even that of the weekly food shop but because of time and financial restraints my food shop has become a thing of the past and I now use Tesco Online and pick my favourites and just buy, I can't complain cause this is not a luxury we had as much as 3 years ago but with the Online Favourite Shop you do not get to walk around and see all the new goodies Tesco (or your local) has to offer, well this week I had a treat, Sunday I got to go to Tesco, although I must say with a groan, as I was super tired and full of cold. But once I walked into Tesco my life got much better, as I was met with not 1, not 2 but a whole host of Cupcake Goodies to start collecting. I was over the moon and it brought a smile to my face (some may say this is sad).

I was a good girl and only bought 3 items (financial restraints as I mentioned) but I thought to myself its ok I will get myself a piece a week, then it hit me we do online shopping, so you must have heard my jumps for joy across Britain once I got home as much to my sheer pleasure I find Tesco have put the line Online for me to buy with my weekly groceries - I LOVE YOU TESCO.

You can go to Tesco to check them out but as of yet they do not have pictures up :-( but here I have included a piccy of my 3 goodies, 2 melamine bowls and a tray, the whole line is identical.

I thought I would list what I remember they had for those that are interested...

Mugs,

Bowls,

Tray,

Worktop Saver,

Plastic Mat,

2 Tins.

Hope all are well and don't forget folks, if you have anything Cupcake related you would like me to blog about please feel free to email me, I am always on the look out for a new interesting post. kara8096@gmail.com

March 2010 Flickr Handmade Faves

Today's Cupcake Is... March 2010 Flickr Handmade Faves
Originally uploaded by innocentcharmer

I thought my Flickr Fave's this month would have a twist, many of you know I make and craft and still when I can sell my wares.

I am also a fan of buying handmade (although not as much as I like) and have handmade wares around my home.

So today my Flickr Fave's are also all handmade and some I believe are even for sale if they take your fancy, just click on the flickr links.

I love the ring in the top corner, its very rare you see Silver jewellery Cupcake inspired.

My friend Jenny made the great pendant Necklaces below, I have a gorgeous custom piece of her art and feel very blessed.

Mickey Mouse and Disney were for sure going to get in there as I and Grayson are huge fans.

I hope you are all well, my Cupcake Baking has been at an all time low of late but I am hoping Easter will be a great occasion for me to bake.

Kara
x

Growing Cupcakes

I popped by GMTV's website today and was so pleased to see Cupcake inspired gifts for Mother's.

I see the world has finally started answering my call.

They had the usual Cupcake gifts but then I cam across the 2 cutest things I have seen in a while.

Is there any Green Fingers reading, well lookie here.

Aren't they cute, I of course especially love the Teacup set as I am a massive fan anyway.

I hinted to Ashley, but I think he and Grayson may have already got me a host of goodies.

Exclusively for You also has some other lovely gifts, they have been added to my favourite bar and I am sure they will yours too.

Off out all weekend, not Cupcake related but hoping one will crop up somewhere.

Have a lovely weekend.

Kara

xxoxx

Urban Outfitters are Cupcake God's

Its funny a year ago you had to look long and hard on the high street to find anything cupcake inspired, well I was obviously a trend setter ahead of the times, cause now they are everywhere, as I found out on Valentines Day. The hubby took me for a quick nip round Bluewater to choose myself a gift and I had already decided it would be a nice piece of Jewelery from Urban Outfitters(check out my flickr) whilst I was there I was looking at there Kitsch home goodies, cause we all know I am the queen of Kitsch and to my delight I found CUPCAKES, these had to be bought obviously, my Hubby is so good and patient with my cupcake collection as there is certainly no more room in our kitchen but he says "you'll find it". Man I Love him.
I had said no to the Key Covers but he snuck them in without me seeing.

So did your Valentines, come with Cupcake Treats ?

On another subject my gorgeous baby boy had his big tests this week, under General he had a Lumbar Puncture and Bloods totalling 4 1/2 A4 pages of tests, he was amazing and everyone could not believe how good he was, so fingers crossed now for the results.


Love to All
Kara
xox

Happy Valentines

Happy Valentines
Originally uploaded by innocentcharmer

Hope you all have a lovely day enjoying time with Family and Friends that you love.
Valentines to me is about all the people I love not just my gorgeous Husband.

Picture is a Buttercup Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Frosting, for anyone in Kent you can shout YIPPEE as Buttercup Cupcakery of London has opened a great stall In Bluewater Shopping Centre,

More pictures on my Flickr.

Kara
x