Have you watched it? What do you think so far? I think they made the correct decision with who went home at the end of Episode 1, but was so shocked at the end of Episode 2. From Star Baker to going home in less than a week! Such a shock, I guess no one knows which way the judges will call.
I had never made a Madeira Cake before, so decided to set to in the kitchen, where Emily is always ready to help. I used my trusty Mary Berry's Baking Bible recipe and this is what we got ~~~ one Madeira Cake complete with the requisite crack in the centre {apparently, this crack is a signature of a good Madeira Cake} ~~~
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| Deeply Cracked Madeira Cake |
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| Cracked Across the Perfectly Risen Top |
If you are interested, Lakeland Ltd have brought out a range of GBBO products, but I'm quite happy with how my kitchen is stocked, so won't be taking them up on any of their tempting offers.
So, we have our cake, let's put the kettle on because there are more books to think about this week. We have a new postman, and so far he has delivered five parcels of books to my cottage since he started this round just over a week ago! Poor man, trudging up our drive with heavy parcels! Never one to be able to resist a bargain, how could I possibly say no to two books in like new condition by one of my favourite illustrators, Mary Engelbreit, were made available to me for the princely sum of just 24 pence {plus nominal postage charges} for the two! So, here they are, just arrived, Mary Engelbreit's "Autumn", and her "Christmas Companion". Bargains or what? Sometimes I think that vendors don't know what they have on their hands! My good luck on that one then. I also secured a copy of Mary's "Winter" and that is on the way. One man's rubbish, another man's treasure and all that ~~~
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| Books by Mary Engelbreit, Illustrator |
So, if you will excuse me, there is cake to eat, tea to sip, and books to be read ~~~ until the next time ~~~ when I promise I will try to return to the garden ~~~
Sincerely yours
Deborah
