Five on Friday: 5 Things My Mother Taught Me

In the states Mother's Day isn't until May. However this Sunday is Mother's Day here in the UK and with all the Mother's Day cards and ad's telling us how to treat our mother's this Sunday I can't help but think of my mother so far away in the USA!

So, this Five on Friday I am sharing 5 things my mother taught me. Things that have helped shape me into the person I am today.

How to be a good friend: My mom has the biggest heart. She taught me that everyone needs a friend: someone who listens and gives them time. Putting someone else's needs before yours and helping them when they need it - no matter if it's just to listen or help them move house that's what being a good friend is all about!

Acceptance & Tolerance: she taught me to accept everyone for who they not only for the good in them, but also the bad. Because no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. People come from all sorts of backgrounds and even though we may not understand doesn't mean we shouldn't be nice to them. A smile is all it takes sometimes.

Choices - making my own: I have never been told I couldn't I do something. When I started looking at colleges I applied and was accepted at Washington University in Seattle. My mom sent my non-refundable deposit as I was going to go. Then when I thought about out of state tuition and how much I'd owe when I got out I changed my mind. When I moved to the UK I know she wasn't over the moon about it, but she never once told me or asked me not to go. She has always let me live my own life. She taught me to make my own decisions because she understands that it's my life.

Nothing is better then a good book: Growing up I saw my mom constantly with a book. Children see, children do. My sisters and I are all big readers. She taught me that reading is a great way to expand your mind without having to go anywhere. 

How to Love unconditionally: No one loves me like my mom does. It's not a love that can be replicated. I know that no matter what choices I make my mom will always be there for me. It's something that I hope to pass along to my girls, I hope they know that no matter what their future choices are I will always back them up.

Happy Mother's Day!!

notes: It's important to let your mom know how important she is every day not just on the day we're told to by the card companies! She may already know, but it's nice to hear it! All images are my own, first seen here on unitedcakedom.com

OXO Good Grips Spatula Givaway!!!

Back in the day everyone baked with a wooden spoon. Today even if a recipe tells or suggests a wooden spoon I automatically grab a spatula.

No matter if you are baking by hand or with a stand mixer you will at some point need a spatula. They are perfect for scrapping down bowls and folding in egg whites! They are great to get every last bit of batter out of the bowl and they are even great for smoothing out batter in tins!

Spatulas are taken for granted, but all bakers and cooks need a good spatula. It’s even better when you have a trio of spatulas at your disposal!

OXO have given me the opportunity to giveaway 3 different sizes of there great spatulas!

Jar Spatula

– this is the spatula you need to get in the bottom of jars and scrapping off the last little bits on the mixers beaters!

Medium Silicone Spatula

– all around great tool! This is the one that will get the most use! It will be your best friend!

Medium Silicone Spoon Spatula

– this one is best used when spooning batter or food out of bowls when baking and cooking to make sure you get everything out and basically cleaning the bowl or pan!!

How to enter: Just follow the instructions below! You must be a UK resident with a valid UK address! Giveaway starts today 9^th of March 2015 and ends 23^rd of March 2015.

OXO Good Grips Spatula Giveaway

notes: In association with OXO, all opinions are my own for further information please see my contact/policy page in the above bar. 

Five on Friday: 20 Tips on Traveling Abroad with Children under 10.

This was going to be 5 top tips on traveling with kids abroad, but it turned out I had a few more then that so even though it’s a Five on Friday it’s a 20 on Friday.

As a parent you know your child best you know what keeps them entertained and what sets them off. It’s this time to indulge them, with in reason of course. If they want to run around the plane clearly not a great idea but getting them out of their seat and walking around is a good idea.

Before flying: Things to check with your airline

Check with your airline for general information on suggested times to be at the airport. Currently it’s 3 hours ahead of time for flights abroad. I would suggest this anyway as it is one less thing to stress about.

Be aware of liquid limits. It is in my opinion to just not pack any liquid or lotions in your carry on. That includes make up things like mascara. If you can’t fly without lotion or hand sanitizers consider buying them once you get through security.  I’d rather spend a little extra then have to surrender the item just to have re-buy them later. If you do take them in your carry on make sure they are with in the limits, which is only about 100 ml’s and they are already in clear plastic bags.

Check to see what you can take as a carry-on. Make sure your bags are the right sizes. Sometimes you are aloud to take one bag and one purse/bag/coat/laptop bag/diaper bag. This all depends on your airline. Double check if a buggy/stroller is considered a carry-on or extra luggage as well.

Traveling with under 5’s:

1. Make sure you pack spare clothes and have a few plastic bags packed in your carry on for said dirty clothes.

2. Don’t forget about you!! Make sure you pack a spare shirt or two in your carry on, for the unexpected “accidents.”

3. Take an extra diaper/nappy or two; you know to be on the safe side.

4. Wipes are also a must! They not only clean up bottoms but sticky fingers too! 

5. Toys are a tricky one, because no matter what you bring they will want that one toy you left behind. Try choosing their favorite 1 or 2 toys and a couple of activity things. Pinterest is a great place to find ideas for your child’s age. A lot of airplanes show kids movies these days if you are lucky enough to have a child who sits for cartoons!

6. When going through security if there is a family line, use it. It’s just more forgiving when going through with children and buggies and numerous carry-ons.

7. Make sure they have easy on and off shoes. They may be asked to take them off.

8. Before boarding if your children have energy to spare let them let it out. With in reason and with regards to safety of course. It will be expected that they sit nicely for numerous hours depending on how long your flight, let them get it out.
   

Traveling with 5-10’s

9. Similar to above pack a spare outfit and pajamas in their bags along with extra socks and underwear. If your bags go missing you at least don’t have to rush out to buy new things right away. I also suggest doing this for you as well.

10. If your children read, pack a book that can be left behind if need be; same with coloring books and other activities.

11. With this age group pack less then you think you’ll need. Once they get to their new location they won’t want to play with that bag of toys they thought they couldn't go with out.

12. At this age you need to prep them for going through customs and make sure they know it isn't something to joke about.

General Tips: 

13. Dress them in comfy, but easy to change outfits. Socks are a must!

14. Bring chewy sweets or gum for older kids and bottles for babies (or breast feed on take-off and landings) to help with ears popping. My girls are fine on take off, but really terrible on landings.

15. Plane food isn't great - bring snacks and lunch type foods for your child. Avoid peanut butter for allergy reasons and any fruit brought on the plane must be consumed or left on plane. They will not allow you to bring fruit through customs.

16. Cups with lids are a must, but pack them empty same with bottles. Even for your older child get them a sports water bottle or something.

17. Embrace technology. Handheld gaming consoles and tablets are your friends.

18. Get them a comfy pair of headphones for above technology and for in air movies.

19. Encourage them to sleep, bring favorite blankets and/or stuffed animals if they need them to sleep and you have room in your carry on.

20. Don’t let anyone else get to you. You are allowed to fly with your children. Children are people too and they can’t be locked away until adulthood.

If you have flown abroad with your children what are things you wish you knew ahead of time? What did you learn worked and didn't work? I would love to hear your tips and tricks!

notes: These tips are based on my experience traveling with my daughters. We have flown when they were 2 and 8 months, again when they were 6 and 4. Both times we had some up’s and down’s, but mostly it went smoothly because I prepared ahead of time. Please check with your airline for any further help!  

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake {the hummingbird bakery: Life is Sweet}

Yesterday I shared my thoughts with you on the new beautiful Hummingbird Bakery: Life is Sweet cookbook. So, today I am sharing with you the first thing I decided to bake from it. Which just had to be the Peanut Butter and Jelly layer cake!

I grew up on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and even though I pretty much had them every day for lunch (back when you could take peanut butter to school) I still love them!

The combination of peanut butter and jelly is one that automatically makes brings “America” to mind. Therefore fitting right into everything that the Hummingbird Bakery stands for.

As usual the cake turned out great. Everything I have ever baked from the Hummingbird Bakery books has turned out lovely and exactly has expected.

There was a second attempt with the cake because the first time I didn't follow the instructions and used only 2 tins. The batter was dripping over the sides and all over the oven. Then it wasn't cooking right so, in the end I just dumped it and started again. It may have been okay, but my mood dictated that I start again. Sometimes starting from the beginning is the best way to clear your head and get what you want.

I am glad I did because it turned out lovely. The only teeny tiny gripe was the amount of frosting, but I think if I had used a bit more in between the layers it might have been okay.

It has been consistent with all the hummingbird bakery book that the frosting recipes tend to produce more then needed, but if you half the frosting it just isn't enough. In this situation I would prefer to have more then less.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cake

110g unsalted butter, softened

380g caster sugar

320g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

255ml buttermilk

3 large eggs

3 ½ tablespoons of jam, flavor optional

Heat the oven to 170C and line three 8 inch/20 cm round cake pans with baking paper. Beat using a stand or hand mixer the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate together until you get a sandy constancy.

In a jug or bowl mix the buttermilk, eggs, and jam (flavor of your choice) together. Then gradually add half of this mixture to the butter mixture and beat on medium until combined. Scraping the sides of the bowl down as you go. Once it’s smooth and has no lumps add the rest and beat until incorporated.

Divide between the tins. If like me, you only have 2 round cake tins, bake 2 then bake the 3^rd one. It just takes more time, as you have to bake again and then wait for it to cool. Bake for 20-30 minutes, as ovens vary I would check on yours at 20 minutes then check again in 5 minute increments. It should have a nice golden brown color and spring back when touched. When in doubt use the skewer test. Leave to cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pan and leaving to cool completely before adding the frosting!!

peanut butter frosting:

190g smooth peanut butter

455g full-fat cream cheese, cold

2 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

450g icing sugar, sifted

1-3 tablespoons milk

jam, same flavor as chosen above

Beat the peanut butter until lighter in color before adding the cream cheese, vanilla, and salt. Mix for only a minute until combined. I over mixed just a little and it was softer then I would have liked. Add the icing sugar a little at a time, until completely incorporated. Then add one tablespoon of milk one at a time only use if needed.

to finish: Spread a good layer of jam on the first layer and then gently spread 4-5 tablespoons of the frosting on top of that. You don’t have to go to the edges because the next layer will smoosh it out. Then add the second layer and repeat, top with the final layer and cover the whole cake in frosting then enjoy!

notes: Previous post is a review of the newly release hummingbird bakery book Life is Sweet! I love peanut butter. Just wanted to have a note on the bottom like all my other posts.... :0) Also these pictures are just okay, it's a really hard cake to photography. I need to take a photography class! Just another random thought to put here in the "note" section! 

the hummingbird bakery: Life is Sweet {book review}

The Hummingbird Bakery has done it again! Life is Sweet is the fourth book published by the infamous bakery and it’s out today!

 The book itself is gorgeous in the familiar pink color and packed with stunning photographs! It caters to a large range of baking skill. It is noted if more experience is recommended or not. However, I don’t think that should ever put someone off trying, if that’s what you want. It’s how we learn!

Life is Sweet has 100 new recipes that showcase exactly what American baking is! Tarek Malouf noticed a lack of American Style baking in the UK and in 2004 he opened The Hummingbird Bakery. There are now five locations throughout London and now a total of 4 books packed with American style bakes.

This new one does not disappoint! It has cakes and of course cupcakes along with a variety of pies, cookies and candies, pancakes, ice cream, puddings and even bread and other savory bakes.

I can’t wait to try:

Upside Down Pear Cake

Pumpkin Chai Cupcakes

Toasted Marshmallow Cupcakes

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake… oh wait already tried that one (up on the blog tomorrow)

German Chocolate Cake

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie

Soft Molasses Cookies

Vanilla-filled Chocolate Cookies

Birthday Cake Cookies

Turtle Cookies

Coconut Dream Bars

Red Velvet Brownies

Blackberry Limeade Bars

Cinnamon Pancake Cake

Grasshopper Pie Ice Cream

Fresh Peach Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Graham Crackers

The graham crackers really appeal to me. It’s because S’more’s really cannot be made without graham crackers and S’more’s are really really good!! All the recipes I have found previously have graham flour, not to be mistaken with gram flour, and graham flour is hard to find over here.

Everything I have ever baked from The Hummingbird Bakery books has turned out perfect. I have given Cake Days as a gift many times over to those who were looking to start out baking. It was the book that taught me a lot about baking. As an American in England it also gave me familiar and nostalgic bakes that I grew up with using UK measurements and ingredients. Which I was grateful for! It was the book that gave me the confidence to start my blog and share my baking experience online.

I guess you could say I owe a lot to them! Life is Sweet will make a great addition to my baking book collection and I am sure it will get used as much as my other Hummingbird Bakery books have!! 

Spring Reading List

Okay so it's not exactly spring and I completely missed a winter reading list, but since this going to into spring I thought I would title it as a "spring" reading list.

That was a bit of a run on sentence.... anyway as I said in my round-up post this month is going to have a few more posts about books. Some novels and a cook book or two! Don't worry there will still be bakes!

Also Jen from Jen's Food and I are starting a pastry challenge! To be honest I'm not all that great at pastry which is why I wanted to be apart of this monthly challenge! Click on the button in the side bar, it links to Jen's blog where she tells you all about it! I will be getting more information up on here soon.

My Spring Reading List:

Ready Player One

By Ernest Cline

synopsis: It's the year 2044, and the real world has become an ugly place. We're out of oil. We've wrecked the climate. Famine, poverty, and disease are widespread. Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes this depressing reality by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia where you can be anything you want to be, where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets. And like most of humanity, Wade is obsessed by the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this alternate reality: OASIS founder James Halliday, who dies with no heir, has promised that control of the OASIS - and his massive fortune - will go to the person who can solve the riddles he has left scattered throughout his creation.

The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder, Scarlet, & Cress

By Marissa Meyer

I am excited to start this series!! 

synopsis: Is a series of five young adult fantasy novels Each book entails a new take on an old fairy tale, including Cinderella, Litter Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. The story takes place in a futuristic world where humans, cyborgs, and androids all coexist. 

The Hundred-Food Journey

By Richard C. Morais

synopsis: The Hundred-foot Journey is the story of Hassan Haji, a boy from Mumbai who embarks, along with his boisterous family, on a picaresque journey first to London and then across Europe, before they ultimately open a restaurant opposite a famous chef, Madame Mallory, in the remote French village of Lumiere. A culinary war ensues, pitting Hassan's Mumbai-toughened father against the imperious Michelin-starred cordon bleu, until Madame Mallory realizes that Hassan is a cook with natural talents far superior to her own. Full of eccentric characters, hilarious cultural mishaps, vivid settings and delicious meals described in rich, sensuous detail, Hassan's charming account lays bare the inner workings of the elite world of French haute cuisine, and provides a life-affirming and poignant coming-of-age tale.

Prudence

By Gail Carriger
I have this pre-ordered so will be reading later when it comes out in a week or two! 
synopsis: When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Crumpet and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea.
But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

Love Tanya 
by Tanya Burr 
synopsis: Hi everyone and welcome to Love, Tanya! This book is really close to my heart, because it's inspired by my journey to becoming confident and feeling happy about who I am. I wanted to write a book to share the things I've learnt with you - to reveal my top tips on fashion, beauty, love, friendship, YouTube... and loads more! Plus, there is room for you to list your own hopes and dreams alongside mine - so get creative and get involved! I'd love it if this book became a keepsake you can turn to whenever you need some guidance or a little pick me up. I hope you enjoy it! Love, Tanya

the hummingbird bakery: Life is Sweet 
by Tarek Malouf and the hummingbird bakers
synopsis: The brilliant new book from Britain’s favourite bakery – packed with recipes for extra-special treats and surprises. My review will be up tomorrow!! 

Chocolate at Home 
by Will Torrent
synopsis: Covering the history and provenance of chocolate, the varieties available, and the techniques needed to turn it into beautiful and mouthwatering creations, this book will inspire you to try all sorts of chocolate recipes. You will discover how to make a host of delicious ganaches, caramels and pralines. There are also chapters on Cookies, Biscuits & Bakes, and Desserts & Puddings, so that you can put your new knowledge and love of chocolate making to the best use in recipes!

From Season to Season 
by Sophie Dahl 
synopsis: Bursting with moreish yet nutritious recipes for budding foodies and seasoned gourmets alike, stunning photography and Sophie’s delightfully quirky illustrations, this latest offering promises pleasure, indulgence and of course, simple, good food.

Books I still have to read from my Summer Reading List:
Life after Life by Kate Atkinson
Pretty Good Number One: An American Family Eats Tokyo by Matthew Amster-Burton 

Books I read in the winter: 
The Shining by Stephan King
Red Glove & Black Heart by Holly Black
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Deliciously Decorated by Charlotte White 

notes: images and synopsis's have been taken from various online sources mostly amazon I have bought all of these books except for Deliciously Decorated and Life is Sweet were given to me to review in exchange for the book and I won a copy of Chocolate at Home through a twitter competition. 

February Round Up: The Going On's and Happenings on United Cakedom

This month started out with flapjacks! I added some chocolate covered cranberries I had picked up at Home Sense. I love that store. It’s dangerous every time I go in there because I always come out with something. They have you backed into a corner because if you find something you like, the chances of them being there when you go back can be slim to none!

Then Sainsbury’s set me their panna cotta mix to try out. I decided to infuse the milk and double cream with black pepper and topped it with caramelized peaches and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It was delicious and inspired by an ice cream I had at an innocent (smoothie) event I attended a couple years ago.

For Valentine’s Day I made a no-bake Chocolate Cherry Tart! It was rich and delicious… one thin slice is all anyone could manage in one sitting. So no one had to worry about pits I used a Cherry Pitter from OXO Good Grips that they sent me to use.

I also received a copy of Deliciously Decorated by Charlotte White to review. The book is full of great decorating tips and tricks! The Giacomo Casanova: Venetian Romance design was my inspiration for these cupcakes:

Other things that inspire me are books!! This month I made Silky’s Pop Cakes inspired by The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. My girls really enjoyed eating something they read about from the book we've been reading before bed.

Speaking of my girls my littlest one turned 5 in the middle of the month and she requested a turquoise butterfly cake. I did my best and she was happy with the result!

February is full of birthdays including my friend Cathy who turned 30! She has a love of Lucky Charms and so as a special birthday treat I made her Lucky Charm Bark! I think she was pretty happy with it! I tried some too and it was pretty tasty, but mostly I loved the colors!

And last but not least I wrote my first Five on Friday in months! I hope to be better at keeping it up and it becomes a regular thing. I brought it back with five pans and tools that I bought, but have yet to use! I get all these great ideas and I buy things I NEED to make said great idea. However, things don’t always go to plan! Does this happen to you too?

That’s all for February!! March is going to be a bit book heavy as I've been doing a lot of reading! There are reviews and cake and brownies and much more!