Blogging from A-Z April Challenge – B

B is for Baking

Since receiving the Great British Bake Off Everyday baking book for Christmas I’ve re-discovered a new found love for baking. I used to enjoy baking when I was in my teens but then life started to get in the way and I lost interest (or time).

My first two attempts from the book went rather well (you can see these here Blackberry Buttermilk Sponge & Very Berry Scones) so although my choice for this post wasn’t from this book; it’s still a Mary Berry classic – Victoria Sponge.

FOR THE SPONGE

• 225g soft butter
• 225g caster sugar
• 225g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 4 large eggs

 

 

FOR THE FILLING AND TOPPING

• About 4 tbsp raspberry or strawberry jam
• A little caster sugar

Even for a novice baker such as myself this is a really easy recipe; basically it’s just weigh it and chuck it all the mixing bowl.

Then you mix it up with your electric mixer; now the recipe said put the butter in the bowl, it didn’t say cut it up or anything but I cut it up into small squares and it was a good job really because I didn’t think my £4.99 Argos mixer was up to the job and would mix properly given the struggle it was having to mix it all!

Before

After

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I’m being honest, I’ve never had much luck with getting a good rise on a sponge before but this rose extremely well, it was a lovely cake with a very light and fluffy sponge – I was so pleased with it. Must be the combination of a good recipe and a naff mixer. Just goes to show you don’t need all the fancy equipment!

Simplicity as its best

Next time, I think I’m going to have a go at shortbread or maybe pastry!