So, Bluebell suggested a thread like this might be of interest, so I figured I'd kick it off. I've mentioned in a couple of places that I'm a professionally trained baker and patissier, and I LOVE to talk about baked goods. I have SO MANY recipe books, and haven't made enough things from them all yet. The problem is, I have no-one to feed them to, and I'm trying to lose weight! So not really a good plan to bake like I want to and then eat it all..... lol
So if you need a recipe, have a problem with a recipe, just want to talk about an amazing cake you had, go for it!
Just continuing on the chat from elsewhere....
Bluebell, I lived and worked for three weeks in Iceland and 3 weeks in France as part of my training. BEST experiences I've ever had I think! I discovered so many new products and techniques, tasted so many new foods - it was amazing! I ever got to teach them some new products and gave them some new ideas too. I introduced scones, bakewell tart, and treacle tart to Iceland. And truffles to the little bakery in France I was in as a way to use up their crumb wastage.
But the different flavours of the breads and the cakes was what stood out. I don't know about the rest of the country, but Leeds is definitely missing a good and proper cake shop. I've found a good bread shop, but that's one in the whole of Leeds. And there are no cheese shops either! There's too much convenience and too many supermarkets with the cheap bread and cakes that are full of the cheapest ingredients and substitutes, as well as additives and preservatives.
The difference even between the fast and 'cheat' bread I made at college and the supermarket stuff was night and day. The proper stuff I made, wasn't even comparable.
I did a competition while at college, and I came up with a rhubarb and spelt loaf that was totally unlike anything else you get..... anywhere. Then I made some amazing lemon and coriander rolls, and some cheese and mustard rolls. OMG, those cheese and mustard rolls....... I need to make them again. They were outstanding!
I think I might ruin a bakery very easily! 
I did a friends wedding cake too. Covered it in sugar poppies I made, made a faerie for the top with her hair, and made a chocolate train to sit around the bottom of it.
I was in a beautiful little, historic, place called Montlucon. Absolutely stunning, couldn't have asked for better weather or surroundings. Even managed a day trip to Vichy.
And yes, I used to love disappearing up into the hills for a nice long walk. Especially when it was windy with a bit of rain. Not a chance I can do that now though either. Lol
Lass
Xx
I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.
Everyone is welcome anytime they are in the Leeds area! Gives me a reason to bake!
Chocolate orange cake is done, and I've topped it with an orange caramel, and caramelised orange slices too. Red wine and strawberry sauce is done as well and in the fridge to let the flavours mix. Lemon polenta cake is in the oven.
More pics to follow as things are finished.
L
Xx
I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.
Lemon polenta cake with a red wine, balsamic, and strawberry sauce.
The strawberries are marinating. So soaking up the sauce until tomorrow when they're eaten. Same idea as with Pimms!!
L
Xx
I have no medical training, everything I post is an opinion or educated guess. It is not medical advice.
