Christmas Cup Cake Recipe

Hello Everyone,

As I mentioned in my last blog I would be adding this little gem! And an added bonus for http://theicingonourcake.blogspot.co.uk/

Did you miss Stir Up Sunday on the 24th November? Want to buy a Christmas Cake but don't want the whole thing? Running out of Christmas present ideas? Well here is your answer. I came across this recipe 2 years ago and have tweaked it to what I prefer. So here we go tell me what you think! And if you make enjoy!

This recipe makes 24 Cup Cakes.

My Goodies for baking.

Ingredients

• 200g    Dark Muscovado Sugar,
• 175g    Butter (Chopped),
• 3          Large Eggs (Beaten in a cup),
• 200g    Plain Flour (Seived),
• 1/2tsp  Baking Powder,
• 1tsp     All Spice,
• 1tsp     Ground Cinnamon,
• 2tsp     Ginger (Freshly Grated),
• 2tsp     Almond Extract, or Brandy (what ever alcohol you like)
• 1          Large Orange Zest and Juice,
• 750g   Mixed Dried Fruit and Cherries, (I use 150g of Cherries)

You will need

• Scales,
• Spoons, a tablespoon and teaspoon,
• Measuring Spoons,
• Grater,
• Sieve,
• Fork (if you don't have a lemon/orange juicer),
• Sharp Knife (to chop the cherries/cut orange in half),
• Heavy Base Pan,
• Wooden Spoon,
• Mixing Bowls,
• 2x Cup Cake Pans,
• Mug
• and an Oven, which is the most important.

Preheat the oven at 150C or Gas Mark 3

As I know have a fan assisted oven, I will make these on the convection option (it's all new to me electric ovens) so I have put the oven on a lower temperature unlike what I cook on Gas!

First thing, is if your anything like me (or just moved into a new house) wash all your equipment, I would love the idea that I bake all the time and don't allow dust to settle on my mixing bowls but the reality is, it does. So before I bake anything I give objects that aren't used every day a good wash.

I found these wonderful cup cake cases from poundland, you heard me £1 a pack, no need for the expense of Lakeland, which I have paid out £4 for 50 before (I wish now I brought more).

Method

1:- Put your Sugar, Butter, Fruit, Ginger, Orange Zest and Juice into a large pan.

2:-Turn the heat on and slowly bring to a boil (picture on the left), stirring frequently to melt the butter.

3:-Reduce the heat and bubble gently for 10 minutes. Set to one side to cool before adding the Almond Extract, (as I'm making mine for all ages I usually don't add alcohol, but if you want to this is the stage to do it, so replace the Almond Extract, usually Brandy with Christmas Cakes).

4:- Stir in the Eggs into the Fruit, if the mixture is to hot you will scramble, I usually after 5 minutes move the mixture into a heat proof bowl to help cool it.

6:- Sift in the Flour, Baking Powder and Spices into the Fruit. Stir everything together (picture on the right).

7:- Scoop into cases and flatten tops with a hot spoon, I boil the kettle and pour boiling hot water in a mug. I then place the teaspoon in the mug to heat it.

8:- Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden and firm. Cool on a wire rack and if you have invested in one like myself then a chopping block I guess works.

Decoration

Ingredients

• Ready to Roll Marzipan,
• Ready to Roll White Icing,
• Icing Sugar,
• and Orange Marmalade 

You will need

• Rolling Pin,
• Brush,
• Sieve,
• Knife,
• Cutter,
• and a Pan.

Method

9:-To make life easier for myself, I got out my cookie cutters and found one that sat perfect on the cakes. And yet again wash it before properly using (pre-washed before the photo!)

10:- Follow what the packet says, which basically states, knead  before use, sprinkle counter with Icing Sugar and roll and cut.

11:- To make them stick I have used Orange Marmalade, this is where you can add more alcohol if you want but as stated I'm making it non-alcoholic. Place the Marmalade into the pan and warm slightly, using the brush, brush a small amount on the cake, enough the cover the surface but only a thin layer. The Marmalade is there as a glue not a part of it. Place the Marzipan on the cake and use your fingers to cover, don't worry if it looks perfect, this will be hidden.

12:- Follow the same idea for the White Icing. But with this try to make it perfect, but if it doesn't don't worry as you can see I have lumps where the cakes aren't flat, but there unique and homemade! This is what makes it different.

I was originally going to use chocolate stars, but after a small miss calculation I have only 24 of them and 48 cakes! So I think I will be pulling out my Cocoa Powder and attempt to dust on the cakes......Not sure yet to be honest.

To pack these I have brought 10x boxes from Ebay designed for 12 cupcakes, I choice a basic brown as they can use them again if they want as mine are presents, but for what it is don't spend a fortune, I just brought some ribbon from Poundland to and I have some labels, all you need.

So there it is, I hope you

Merry Christmas

xxxx

Were Home Owners

Well Hello Everyone,

I finally have the internet and can at last blog! Well we have finally moved into the house and to be honest in some ways it was a nightmare! When we last saw the house in August it was all so beautiful and shinny but when the previous owners left, Oh my gosh! Where to begin?! I will admit I cried, not going to lie, I felt so disappointed it was not what I expected! So as I am a fan of lists I will give you my list of -- things I have discovered when moving into a new home..

1:- Don't Be Under The Illusion! I lived in a world where I thought the the previous occupant will have kept/left the house in a good state. Yes the couple did attempt  to tidy but a lot of things were filthy and the house had a funny smell (still does, I can't get rid of it)! Also people really do hide their imperfections.

2:- Don't Trust Any One. Our house is in a perfect state, yeah right! Our house needs a complete re-wire and yes the carpets might be new but doesn't mean they fit the room!

3:- Beware Of The DIY Man! Well more like I think I can DIY! The previous owner had good intentions but lacked the skills and conviction, which meant pretty much everything is on the cheap! The highlights are.....Our kitchen is not straight its on a strange angle, 2x homemade fire places (both electric, which were scared to turn on!), faulty electrics, tiles not straight and pretty much look like they could fall off. The best has to be random wire EVERYWHERE! Not a clue what some of them belong to!

4:- Are You Really Prepared? Be prepared for the strange and unexpected! We have discovered nearly everything has been No More Nailed (our house could be the endorsement), green paint in every room and it is a nightmare to cover over! The most shocking thing we discovered there are Stanley knife blades randomly everywhere.

5:- Check The Roof In Future! Did you know its cost £200 to have a tv airel! 

6:- Internet! When you find out your key exchange date ring your future internet provider, to arrange a connection day, as it takes over a month. 

7:- You Can't Do Anything Without Internet or Land Line! Oh my days, you can't not do anything easily without the internet or a land line! Try buying your TV License on your phone or doing your meter readings! You will require the patients of a few saints! But alas here is the the 2 worst phone apps out there at number 1:- Amazon! Number 2:- HSBC!

8:- Furniture! After 4 years we pretty much have all the furniture and other things we need to make a house a home, it was worth the wait. Plus we have known so many generous people! 

The Kitchen Chaos! Not fun to walk into after a full day at work!

Living Room starting to look normal!

9:- Arguments:- We've been in the house for 2 weeks and what haven't we argued about! Everything and anything, especially Where is this? Where did you put that? Why did you out it there? Also I developed a coping strategy when moving in, let people put things where they want and move later!

10:- Pay For Extra Help! We used the company Countrywide and as first time buyer were glad! They did all the chasing around, arranged our mortgage, answered every question and pointed us in the right direction. We couldn't have done it without Laura! She was our rock during it all!

But my ultimate tip would be get a good team behind you! Our best man, helped to paint/move furniture, my mum cleaned years worth of dirt and my dad is pretty much rewiring and sorting out our windows! You need people behind you for physical and emotional support, but because of all this our house is a home in time for Christmas!

I will be blogging again next week in a festive manor! Last minute Christmas present maybe!

See you soon

xxx

Update

Hello Everyone.

I thought I would write a small update on what is happening a why I've been a little slow in writing any blogs. 

No massive news really to explain my tardiness, but we will hopefully get the keys to our new home on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!! So I will admit I've been wrapped up in the process, so my hope is write a blog about it. 

We started handing out wedding invites out, which I will also blog about! But as you guys know it is getting closer to Christmas so we have made ourselves extra busy with seeing family as well.

I also began making my hen party outfit which I will blog about I promise!

I was intending to blog about Karl Pilkington, The Moaning Of Life, which has been on Sky1, but unfortunately I've not been able find time to sit and write it, I also work full time! So please watch his first episode about Marriage, he almost gets married, plans a wedding and makes me feel safe that perhaps Rhod Gilbert is the a wonderful wedding planner. 

I hope this all makes a bit more sense, so if I am tardy in the next couple of weeks I am very sorry.

If I don't get chance to blog before Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 and 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2014 is an exciting one for us!

Also I would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate http://theicingonourcake.blogspot.co.uk/, Who is going to be a mummy again in April! Super excited for them! They are also looking for guest bloggers if anyone is interested in sharing.

Bye xxxxx

Guest Blog by the Father of the Bride: My Top 10 Wedding Films

Hello There,

Here is my FIRST Guest Blog by the Father of the Bride, Gordon! 

(you might be lucky to hear off him some more, but he felt inspired by my latest blog

 and decided he wanted to share)

Dad's top 10 of wedding films now don't get me wrong I don't go out of my way to watch them, just part of the film! I prefer a good comedy or even an action film. Surprisingly weddings make good comedy subjects, but weddings can be part of an action film! Take the James Bond films! Here is a bit of trivia for you can you name the two films which 007 gets married?

Here's the list!

10:- Guess Who (2005, Director:- Kevin Rodney Sullivan)

Not quite a wedding film but a renewal of vows between Percy (Bernie Mac) and Marilyn (Judith Scott), who meets his daughter's new boyfriend Ashton Kutcher. Bernie Mac is brilliantly funny, sad he is not here today.

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures Company

9:- Chances Are (1989, Director Emile Ardolino)

Slipped this one in because Rebecca forgot about it, I was going to put in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers but no one would believe me if I said I enjoyed it - I don't! 

Chances Are is a nice Saturday afternoon film you could relax to with a nice cup of tea. It's a film that if you try to explain it, it sounds cheesy but it has a wonderful cast starring Robert Downey Jr, Cybil Shepard, Ryan O'Neil and Mary Stuart Masterson - give it a chance!

(Rebecca: You get a wedding at the beginning and end of the film ekkk! Plus a really good love song that is easy to forget about by Peter Cetera and Cher, called After All)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXfWCqI3AUg

The official video for the music video is way better that than the film trailer!

Courtesy of TriStar Pictures

8:- The Proposal (2009, Director:- Anne Fletcher)

Another enjoyable film taking the aloof boss (Sandra Bullock) to a situation she is not use to, abusing her poor assistant (Ryan Reynolds), even believing she could trade the dog Kevin for her mobile phone which the eagle has snatched.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TENG4cgxl4

Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

7:- Father of the Bride (1991, Director:- Charles Shyer)

Huge fan of Steve Martin and this has to be one of the funniest films and many father can relate to it.

Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

6:- Meet The Parents (2000, Director:- Jay Roach)

Robert De Niro is a revelation here, as Jack Byrnes and his character grows in the next two sequels, especially as he gets closer the Gaylord 'Greg' Focker (Ben Stiller). The first is still the best, children can now say Focker without getting into too much trouble.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

5:- Muriel's Wedding (1994, Director:- P.J Hogan)

Out does Mama Mia due to eccentricity of the story line but still using the original sound track of ABBA 'I do, I do, I do, I do....'

Courtesy of CiBy 2000

4:- Four Weddings & A Funeral (1994, Director:- Mike Newell)

An eclectic mix of people that came together to make a very funny British film, who can forget Rowan Atkinson as Father Gerald, which is his oven personal favorite film he has done! 

'In the name of the father, the son, and the holy spigot. Spirit!'

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vBadGJp1hQ

Courtesy of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

3:- The Princess Bride (1987, Director:- Rob Reiner)

An original Disney fairy tale but not made by Disney 'Unbelievable'. Says it all in the tag line 'Heroes. Giants. Villains. Wizards. True Love - Not just your basic, average, everyday, ordinary, run of the mill, ho-hum fairy tale' - Unbelievable!

2:- The Hangover (2009, Director Todd Phillips)

The original and the best of the tree film series, well thought as they retrace their route to find the missing groom.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

1:- American Wedding (2003, Director:- Jesse Dylan)

Has to be one of the funniest of the American Pis franchise for me. I still crack up over the dog 'truffle', the engagement, the dinner party, the dance off, I could go on and on.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

There you go, what do you think?  Do you fancy sending me your top 10? Just get in touch!

Oh by the way the two Bond films:- James Bond gets married in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' (1969) with George Lazenby and Diana Rigg. Also Sean Connery in 'You Only Live Twice' (1967) marries as part of his deep cover.

Top 15 Weddings in Film's

Hello There,

I've been in a rom-com mood recently and it got me thinking of my favorite films with weddings in them, which naturally resulted in a list! So here we go..........

15:- The Muppet's Take Manhattan (1984, Directed: Frank Oz)

What's not to love about any of the Muppet's film!?  Now from goggling I have learnt that this is not Miss Piggy's and Kermit's only wedding, there have been many more, but whether this was for the Broadway show finale or for real...who care's the song is really annoying and catchy.....it's sooooo 1980's.

Oh and before I forget " Somebody is getting marrriieeeeeeddddd today!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFw4L7-AFdw

Courtesy of TriStar Pictures

Courtesy of TriStar Pictures

14:- The Twlight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011, Directed: Bill Condon)

I know the Twlight Saga written by Stephine Meyer was not for everyone, I am a fan and I think if your not bear with me for this.

Even if your not a fan you can not discredit the beauty of the wedding and the dress is beautiful designed by Carolina Herrera, it helped to bring back the classic look of the 30's.

And the song they (Edward and Bella) were married to is one of my favorite songs and a high contender for our (mine and Mike's) first dance.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOvBOTyX00

Courtesy of Summit Entertainment

Courtesy of  Summit Entertainment

13:- The Time Traveler's Wife (2009, Directed: Robert Schwentke)

This is one of the most beautiful films out there in the romantic film section, written by Audrey Niffenegger, it is such a sad film and if you haven't seen it, watch it.

The wedding between Clare and Henry is only a small few minute section of the film, but it is the key points such as love, marriage and babies that makes the feeling of lost so intense.

The wedding is a typical wedding, the groom travel's and his older self is who she is marries, with the current self arriving in time for the party. Complicated huh, but I think the moment that grabs me the most is when they are jumping on the bed and he travel's and Clare is left holding his wedding ring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5tpW_UlwFU

Courtesy of New Line Cinerma

12:- Pride and Predijuice (1995, Directed: Simon Langton)

I am fully aware that this is actually a BBC TV Series, but I personally find that all the film versions are pants and this is the best version.

I do not think I need to describe much about Jane Austen's novel. Other than Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett......you felt the emotion they could not display

Courtesy of BBC

11:- Sense and Sensibility (1995, Directed: Ang Lee)

This is one of the best adaptions I believe, and lets face it us Brit's love to adapt Jane's books at least once every 5 years, her and Dickins obviously on the same par.

But while people love Pride and Prejudice I've got to admit S&S is my favorite, its such a humble story and even made me consider Alan Rickman as a worthy love interest! And yet again well done Jane, end on a double wedding!

Brilliant Cast too and it helps I've seen these costumes in person. Bravo Emma Thompson and your genius casting!

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures Corportation

10:- Bridesmaids (2011, Directed: Paul Feig)

This film has truly become the ultimate Wedding Film!

I've got to admit I like the humor of this wedding and it makes think this is WHY i'm in charge, laser show for saying I Do and i'm sorry to disappoint no puppies as my bridal shower favors.

The wedding dress is the best moment, someone needs to trade mark the name Lady St. Petsois JuJu. It does sound like a drag queen name hahaha.

Just full of laughs!

To quote Lilian "To my bridesmaids....this is such a stone cold pack of weridos and i'm so proud."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOK7ijzywgs
 

Courtesy of Universal Pictures



9:- Gone with Wind (1939, Directed: Victor Fleming, George Cukor and Sam Wood) 

This classic movie from Margaret Mitchell, telling the tale of a woman from the south during the cival war and after........Scarlet O'Hara is one of my all time favorite characters, and my gosh she gets married 3 times and the amount of quotes about weddings, what to pick!

I'm saddened that there was never any scenes of her's and Rhet's weddings, but tomorrow is another day!

The only wedding you see is Scarlet foolishly marrying Melanie Hamlton's brother Charles, in a quick thought as war is declared.....was it an act of I will make Ashley jealous, either way her first wedding was plain, she wore her mother's wedding dress and to make it worst, married the day after Melanie's. 

The casting is brilliant and Olivia de Havilland does make a wonderful job in making Melanie so annoying you side sometimes with Scarlet! But all credit to Vivien Leigh, she proved getting Scarlet was not a joke, especially as every know actress auditioned for the role. Buy the Blu-ray and watch the extras!

But as much as I ADORE this film, my fiancee basically begged for the past 3 hours of his life back....you either love it or hate it, but one of the best quotes from the movie

Rhet: "Did you ever think of marrying just for fun?
Scarlet: "Marriage, fun? Fiddle-dee-dee. Fun for men you mean"

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

8:- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002, Directed: Joel Zwick)

This films fills my heart with happiness that my family are sane! They do deeply love each other but poor Toula, she had no say in that day! 

It is a wonderful comedy film, that shows how bad some families can be, but all with good intentions!

Toula: "Nice Greek girls are supposed to do three things in life: Marry Greek boys, make Greek babies and feed everyone.....until the day we die!"

Courtesy of Gold Circle Films 

7:- Muriel's Wedding (1994, Directed: PJ Hogan)

My, My..........this as introduced by my dad was the original version of Mamma Mia, just set in the 90's, in Australia, with a socially awkward girl, who loves ABBA, listens to ABBA every minute of the day, has no friends, job, boyfriend and gets married for money.

Interesting yes! But it beat Mamma Mia of the list because I saw this first.

Courtesy of CiBy 20007

 6:- Father of the Bride (1950/1991, Directed: Vincente Minnelli/Charle Shyer)

Both these films make it in the list because they show the wedding from the father's point of view and after watching it recently, I cried my eyes out thinking will my dad be thinking "...Does this woman, this Woman????" will he being seeing me stood at that alter and only seeing me when I was little?

But what makes the 90's version better is the added bonus of Franck Eggelhoffer. At least my dad will never hear the word 250 per head!

Courtesy of MGM

Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

5:- 3 Men and a Little Lady (1990, Directed: Emile Ardolino)

The sequel to 3 Men and a baby, shows more of the story of 5 year old Mary and her mother getting married to horrid Edward. Luckily Peter Saves the day, while the amazing Jack pretends to be a vicar.

 The rumor mill is in over drive since IMBD put Three Men and a Bride in the In Development stage. I am soooo excited about this I just hope they cast someone good for the role of Mary!

And the finally score, Shooting Star!

Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

4:- The Young Victoria (2009, Directed: Jean-Marc Vallee)

This wonderful, visual film, shows the rise to the throne of Queen Victoria and her marriage to Albert.

It is a wonderful cast, with Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend displaying a touching insight to possible one of the greatest real love stories.

With Queen Victoria marrying on the 10th February 1840, she married her sole mate and mourned his death every day until her own.

The film did a perfect job in recreating her wedding dress, which is on display in Kensington Palace.

Courtesy of GK Films

3:- The Princess Bride (1987, Directed: Rob Reiner)

I guess you could call this film a bit of a cult classic, but it is a classic.

The cast is amazing, the story is amazing, the book is amazing by William Goldman, what's not to love....it was a favorite of mine and my brother, who was a Fred Savage look a like in his youth.

To top it off Peter Cook as The Impressive Clergyman saying marriage!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbqv3MwwVd8

2:- Marie Antoinette (2006, Directed: Sofia Coppola)

Now....this film was based on pretty big book that I love by Lady Antionia Fraser, Sofia Coppola, did create a visual spectacle film, with a genius cast but she did not half butcher the history. She edited and created history here! I think she got a bit carried away.......but if you pretend that this is not based on anything historical it's a great film! 

I am a huge Marie Antoinette fan and I just wish someone would do a film about her life justice!

For some historical facts, Sofia attempted to portray, Marie Antoinette did marry the Dauphin Louis on the 16th May 1770, but was only just getting used to being known as the French Marie Antoinette unlike her Austrian name Marie Antonia. It is said due to this, she went to sign her name in the Austrian way on the marriage license and that is why her hand writing is so poor and made a beautiful mess. Myself I think she was a nervous 13 year old girl who had the eyes of the world watching her.

Never the less I do enjoy this film, and every time I watch it I end up reading the book, which I now need to desperately replace as it's falling apart!

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures Corporation


1:- The Little Mermaid (1989, Directed: Ron Clements and Jon Musker)

Yeah you must have known it was coming, this was my first Disney film and I truly intending on making a career in becoming a mermaid I just do not like water on my face or the sea so that's ruled that out.

Other than it being the MOST AMAZING MOVIE EVER!

You can not fault one part of it.

The end scene for me just bring out the tissues!

The conversation

Sebastian: Like I always say, Your Majesty, "children have got to be free to lead their own lives."

Triton: *You* always say that, Sebastian?

Sebastian: [nervous] Tee-hee.

Triton: Well... I guess there's one problem left.

Sebastian: And what's that, Your Majesty?

Triton: How much I'm going to miss her.

Then he gives her legs.....then when she leans over the boat and say's " I love you daddy"....writing it, is making me well up!

Disney Girl still living strong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ktbt5S9pYo

Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

What do you think? Do you agree?

Hopefully next time I blog I will be a home owner, so I will discuss that, maybe....we'll see where the wind will take me. I hope you like

Bye 

xxxxx