tips

Depending on the flavour profile you require, you can toast/fry walnuts in two ways. To toast walnuts, warm a frying pan over medium heat and then place a level layer of walnuts covering the base of the pan. Allow the heat from the pan to penetrate the nuts and stir frequently until they go...

Over the years, I have accumulated quite a collection of cake, cupcake, and loaf tins in an array of shapes, sizes, and colours. So, it's worth mentioning that the colour/hue of your tins can have a predominant effect on your overall bake. Understanding how these tins interact with the batter...

The Sachertorte was first created by the ingenious 16-year-old apprentice chef Franz Sacher for the Austrian Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich in 1832. This culinary masterpiece is a luxurious, rich chocolate cake filled with lashings of apricot jam and covered in a velvety chocolate glaze...

Here are some tips on how to make a vertical layer cake. Overall Results A vertical cake needs height, colour and plenty of flavour. For best results, line the pan and use a light, springy sponge recipe, such as a Swiss roll for the cake layers. Buttercream or cream cheese is a great filling...

When you make regular buttercream, it generally takes on the colour of the butter and has a creamy yellow colour to it. Now that's great if you're not bothered about the colour. However, if you'd like to get yours into a whiter shade, then all you need to do is the following. Simply add tiny...

If you've ever thought about freezing pastry dough, here are a few tips you might like to keep in mind. Pastry Dough You can freeze both raw dough and blind-baked pastry dough. Raw pastry dough (wrapped in a disc shape when frozen) can be thawed in the fridge and then baked. This will be a...

If you are making Cinnamon Rolls and want to extend their shelf life, here are a few things you can do to keep them fresher for longer. Store them in an air-tight container once cooled. Ensure each bun is wrapped in plastic/saran wrap, and then place them in an air-tight zip-lock bag. You can...

Three milk cake, or Tres Leches as it is also known, is a beautifully moist cake covered in three types of milk. The cake originally inspired by Mexico is both bold and delicious. In order to make the cake so delicious, three types of milk are traditionally used to soak the sponge. These are...

If you are looking at making some Garibaldi Biscuits, then be sure to check out these hints and tips before you bake. To ensure the best out of your Garibaldi Biscuits, try some of the following:- Roll the dough thin. Chop fruit into small chunks, soak in juice and then heat and soften on...

Red velvet cake can be a bit of a conundrum for some people; effectively, it's a chocolate cake with a vanilla flavour that's bright red in colour and sometimes contains vinegar! So once you've got your head and taste buds around that one, it's good to know that it should be paired with some...

If you are having trouble with a buttercream cake and need to hide some of the flaws you are experiencing, here are five ways you can hide, disguise or enhance your imperfections. How to cover flaws and imperfections on a buttercream cake. 1 Pipe roses on the cake to cover it. 2 Cover the...

I never needed to thin out piping gel until I made my most recent cake. The celebratory cake was made up of afternoon tea mini cakes and baking ingredients, and I required a thinner form of piping gel for my miniature strawberry tart to help make it look more authentic. I initially tried...

I'm all about having staple cake decorating items in my cupboard, and Piping Gel is definitely one to add to the list. You'll be surprised to discover how versatile this tub of clear gel really is, and how many things you can actually use it for. Having recently used the piping gel as a form...

To help keep your cake in place when using buttercream or frosting, you can stick a piece of double-sided tape to the turntable and then place your cake board on the top. This will keep the board in place and stop the board and cake from moving while you buttercream. Or if you don't fancy...

If you are thinking of making croissants and would like a little help beforehand, check out the below hints and tips to help you bake. It's worth noting that croissants don't always come out how you planned them, and it may take you a few goes before you get them right, so remember practice...

If you have any cookies leftover and don't want them to go to waste, here are a couple of hints and tips on what you can do with them. Tips Blitz them in a food processor and use them in a deconstructed cheesecake. Chop them up and use them as a chunky ice cream topping. Add a little texture...

If you've ever had any trouble making Macarons, here is a quick list of hints and tips that may help you with your issues. Macarons Tips Read the recipe and weigh out all your ingredients as instructed. Sift all your dry ingredients. Ensure your mixing bowl is free from grease. Whisk your...

If you're looking at making Brandy Snaps or Brandy Snap Baskets, here are some tips to help you out. Brandy Snap Basket Tip If making a brandy snap basket, place a layer of chocolate on the base between the basket and the filling; this acts as a barrier and will prevent the filling from...

If you want to ensure that your cupcakes come out moist and fluffy each time, then why not try some of the following techniques to help you out. A little tweak here and there with your baking can lead to fabulous results. 1 It's all about creating air bubbles; therefore, if you're using a...

If you are inspired to make this old school staple, then be sure to read the below advice and tips to ensure you get the best possible bake! Advice & Tips when making a Malt Loaf Ensure that you mix the ingredients properly and there are no flour pockets; if you don't, you will have white...