I do hope that you and the Lattes have thawed-out by now; I must say that we were very lucky - we just had to brave Siberian winds - and totally escaped the snow. We did, however, have to cancel our trip in the caravan: 15 foot snow drifts would have prevented us reaching our Scottish campsite. As a result, we have had a few nice day trips and it feels like the Easter break is a long one. We walked the city walls at York two days ago and the youngest Chino children returned from their historical foray bedecked in Viking garb (the eldest is far too sophisticated for that kind of thing now he is 12). He is having a sleep-over party next week, which I hope will go well. We have decided not to let the boys sleep downstairs as that is where the TV, PS3, Wii and computer are; far better to have them upstairs where there are fewer distractions and more inclination to sleep, I think... It feels strange to have a child of that age, although it has made me wonder how my own dear mother feels knowing that her eldest child will be 50 this year. Will I be sanguine when I'm in that situation, I wonder?
I have done quite a bit of baking recently, all thanks to Marry Berry's "Simple Cakes". They couldn't be more straight-forward and I love the photographs - I am totally with you on cookery books and photos, it puts me off even trying a recipe if I can't see what I'm meant to be aiming for. I have been delighted with the Banana Loaf and Marble Loaf; the Lemon Drizzle tray bake and Chocolate Brownies have been requested on a number of occasions and will no doubt prove to be enduring favourites. I love the way you just whack it all in the mixing bowl and give it a good old beating. No faffing about!
I did have to laugh when you told me about the 'fool-proof' cake-baking method your friend told you about! Poor you: egg on your face there, I think! Apparently, (I have never tried this method myself and only heard about it recently) you are meant to weigh the eggs in their shells. I am sure that this slight adjustment to the weights would make all the difference to the result. What a shame it was Mr Latte's birthday cake that had to suffer for this misunderstanding.
I'm planning on organising a cake-baking competition at work in aid of charities yet unspecified (and hoping to win!). The idea is to bake a Victoria Sponge and a guest judge will decide whose is the winner. Entrance will be £1 and the cakes will be sliced and sold off after the winner is decided. I'm yet to make my mind up about whether to allow variations like butter cream. Can you advise following your village show experiences?
Much love, Cathy x
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