Margarets Make and Bake
How to make a Christmas Cake...
updated
youtu.be/G99Oowc6BW8
Love these, and they will be added to my list of regular bakes...
For the syrup:
6 Cardamom pods
200ml of water
2 tbsp rose water flavouring
250g caster sugar
50g honey
For the filling:
350g roasted mixed nuts
4 tbsp golden syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
A little salt
100g butter
9 large sheets of filo pastry
First make the syrup. Add all the syrup ingredients to a saucepan and heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat then bubble gently for 10 mins.
Leave to cool.
1) Line a 7x10 inch baking tin
2) Preheat Oven Gas 3/ 160°C or 320°F
3) Pop the roasted nuts in a food processor and blend until small pieces. Add 4 tbsp golden syrup, a little salt, 2 tsp vanilla extract and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula
4) Melt the butter and cool a little
5) Fold the filo pastry in half, cut to the size of the tin and cover with a damp paper towel
6) Unfold the filo and sprinkle with the melted butter. Fold back in half and pop into the prepared tin. Do this with 3 sheets
7) Spoon in half of the nut mixture and level
8) Add another 3 sheets of filo pastry in the same way and add the rest of hhe mixture
9) Add the final 3 buttered filo sheets and finally brush the top with butter
10) With a sharp knife cut straight across in strips then diagonally to form diamonds
11) Bake for 20 mins then lower the temperature to Gas 2/ 130°C or 260°F and bake for a further 45 mins
12) While still warm, pour the syrup evenly over the baklava then leave to cool overnight
13) remove from the tin and enjoy
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=sUc3NIYj46c
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
400g plain flour
7g instant yeast
A little salt
250ml milk
1 egg
15g butter
A little semolina
Method
1) Into a jug, pour 250ml milk, 1 egg and 20g butter. Warm gently, not too hot.
2) Into a mixing bowl, pop 400g plain flour and a sprinkling of salt. Mix together then stir in the 7g instant yeast
3) Add the milk mixture and with a fork, bring the dough together
4) Using the dough attachment on a mixer, Knead for 5 mins. It should become stretchy
5) Pop into an oiled bowl, cover and leave to rise in the kitchen overnight
6) Turn out onto a floured board and knock the dough back, pushing the excess air. Knead a little on the board and cut into 10 or 12 pieces; depending if you want them smaller or larger
7) Pop these on a baking paper lined tray which has been sprinkled with semolina. Cover and leave to rise until doubled in size
8) Heat a large frying pan on low and sprinkle with semolina. Add four of the muffins, cover the pan and cook until golden, about 5- 8 mins.
9) Turn each one and cook uncovered for a further 3 or 4 mins, until golden brown
10) To serve, spread with butter or serve with your favourite breakfast
These are lovely fresh and can be frozen successfully too.
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/WRfkEnp-D_Q
It is a delicious treat for Easter and not a difficult cake to make...
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
100g halved glacé cherries
250g mixed fruit
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest & juice of 1 orange
175g self-raising flour
100g ground almonds
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp mixed spice
250g butter
200g light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 packs of marzipan (1kg)
A little apricot jam
Wafer flowers & Chocolate mini eggs
Method
Preheat oven Gas 2/ 150°C or 300°F
Butter and fully line an 8inch cake tin
1) Pop 100g halved glacé cherries, 250g mixed fruit, zest of 1 lemon, zest & juice of 1 orange into a small pan and heat gently. Allow to cool
2) Knead and roll out a third of the marzipan on sifted icing sugar, to a circle 8 inches and set aside
3) To a medium bowl, add the dry ingredients: 175g self-raising flour, 100g ground almonds, 1 tsp baking powder & 2 tsp mixed spice. Mix together and stir in the cooled fruit mixture
4) In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
5) Sift in the brown sugar and whisk well until creamy
6) Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then whisk until light and fluffy
7) Stir in the dry ingredients until just mixed in
8) Pop half of the mixture into the prepared tin. Place the circle of marzipan on top
9) Top this with the rest of the cake mixture. again, spread with a spoon until flat and bake for 2 hours. Test after baking with a skewer pushed into the centre. if it comes out clean it is ready. Cool completely
10) Roll out a second circle of marzipan, this time 7 inches in diameter and flute the edges. Aim for 11 flutes. (See the video)
11) Knead and roll the rest of the marzipan into 11 balls and toast under the grill for a few seconds.
12) Brush the top of the cake with apricot jam and add the fluted circle to the top
13) Place the marzipan balls on top of this in a circle and decorate with sugar paper flowers and chocolate mini eggs
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/gUazA73-ETU
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
200g chocolate
100g butter
1 tbsp dark rum
75g biscuits
50g glacé cherries
50g hazelnuts
50g pistachios
100g pink & white mini marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
A little flaked salt
Icing sugar to roll the salami
Method
1) Melt the chocolate and butter gently in the microwave. 30 seconds stir, 20 seconds stir. Then 10 seconds, stir, 10 seconds, stir until melted.
2) Stir in, all the other ingredients except the icing sugar and stir
3) On a piece of cling film, form into a sausage shape and roll up to make the salami. Push out any air. Twist the ends to hold in place.
4) Pop into the fridge overnight to set
5) Unroll, slice and serve
6) Store in the fridge
Music:
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/O209ZEjl0gk
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Recipe:
Ingredients
1kg oranges
1 lemon
2.5 litres water
1.8 kg preserving sugar
Method
Juice the oranges and the lemon and save the pulp and peel
Pop the pulp into a small muslin square and tie the ends to make a bag
Cut each of the orange peels into half and holding each one tightly, cut small slices very thinly
Into a large pan, add the fruit juice, sliced orange peel and the water. Tie the muslin bag onto the handle of the pan and sit it in the liquid
Bring to the boil and bubble steadily for 2 or up to 3 hours
Test the orange peel. Take a piece out of the pan and leave on a plate until it is cool enough to touch. If it can be broken when gently pinched with your fingers, it is done
Set the muslin bag aside to cool and add the sugar to the pan. Stir
Bring to the boil and again bubble. This time for 20- 30 mins
Test to see if the marmalade is ready by putting a spoonful onto a cold saucer and popping into the fridge for 5 mins
I you can then push your finger through the marmalade on the saucer and it forms wrinkles, then it is ready
Use sterilized jars to pop the marmalade into, screw on the lids and leave to cool.
I leave mine into the fridge overnight before using
Spread onto your favourite toast and enjoy
Music:
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/QoaKXZC5pyw
@tonyschocolonely
Ingredients
260g choc fudge brownie mix
210g devils food chocolate cake mix
2 eggs
150ml water
120ml veg oil
30g sour cream
150g choc chips
Orange Curd to fill (Link: youtu.be/k-RxlNq9NS8)
Chocolate Topping (Link: youtu.be/U9PcbcnYbF4)
Chocolate orange slices to decorate
Method
1) Preheat oven Gas 4/ 180°C or 350°F
2) Sieve 260g choc fudge brownie mix and 210g devils food chocolate cake mix
into a mixing bowl
3) Add 2 eggs, 150ml water, 120ml veg oil and 30g sour cream. Mix well for 2 mins with an electric mixer
4) Stir in 150g chocolate chips
5) Line the base of an 8inch, cake tin with baking paper and butter the sides
6) Bake for 55 mins or until a skewer comes out clean
7) Cool completely
8) Use a small knife to loosen the edges and remove from the tin
9) Cut into 2 layers and fill with orange curd. Top with Chocolate Topping and decorate with Chocolate Orange Slices
Music:
The Arkansas Traveller Nat Keefe & Hot buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/U9PcbcnYbF4
This is a very simple and easy recipe.
With just two ingredients, you can add a beautifully chocolaty topping to any cake.
Tony's chocolate is a little more expensive, and the reason for this is they make sure that the cocoa chain of their chocolate production is equally valued at each level.
You can find their message inside the wrapper of each delicious bar...
@tonyschocolonely
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
100g chocolate
2 tsp coconut oil
Method
1) Chop the chocolate, add the coconut oil
2) Microwave and stir
3) Leave for 2 mins to thicken a little
4) Pour over your cake
Music:
The Arkansas Traveller Nat Keefe & Hot buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
Here is a lovely simple bake that we used to often have as children. A cupcake with a butterfly topping. Jam and buttercream is a great filling or you can replace the buttercream with whipped cream. Whichever you use, this will always be a lovely quick and delicious bake …
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
For the Cakes:
225g Butter
225g Castor sugar
4 eggs
1tsp Baking powder
1tsp Vanilla extract
225g self raising flour
For the Topping:
A little icing sugar.
A little Strawberry Jam
Buttercream or whipped cream
Method
1) Pre heat oven. Gas 4/ 180’C or 350’F
2) Add 225g butter. Into a large mixing bowl and beat well until smooth, soft and light in colour
3) Add the caster sugar and beat until it is completely incorporated.
4) Add each egg one at a time, mix each one in thoroughly before adding the next.
5) Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract
6) Fold in the remaining flour and one teaspoon of baking powder
7) Pop 12 large cupcake cases into a bun tray and 2 heaped teaspoons of the batter into each one
8) Bake for 18 minutes or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out clean
9) Leave to cool completely.
10) Using a small round cutter, mark a circle in the top of each cake and with a small sharp knife, cut a circular crevice into each one. Cut the removed piece in half to make the two butterfly wings
11) Add a tsp of strawberry jam and top with a good amount of buttercream or whipped cream. Top with the wings
12) Sift icing sugar over the cakes and add sprinkles if desired
Music:
The Arkansas Traveller Nat Keefe & Hot buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=WEtIDhzIAbM&t=15s
I do hope you try these as they are such a treat...
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
For 12 Tarts: For 24 Tarts
40 ml water 80ml water
140g caster sugar 280g caster sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1/2 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
175 ml milk 350ml milk
20g plain flour 40g plain flour
A little salt A little salt
3 egg yolks 6 egg yolks
250g rolled flaky/puff pastry 2 x 250g rolled flaky/puff pastry
A little cinnamon to sprinkle A little cinnamon to sprinkle
1) Preheat oven Gas 6/ 200°C or 400°F
2) To make the sugar syrup: Add the water, caster sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest and ground cinnamon to a saucepan and bring to the boil cook for 2 mins. Pour into a small bowl and set aside
3) Add the milk, plain flour and a little salt into a saucepan and cook over a medium heat stirring continuously until thickened. Take off the heat and leave to cool
4) When cool, mix in the egg yolks then add the prepared sugar syrup and mix well. Pour into a jug and cover closely with cling film to prevent a skin forming on top
5) Unroll the pastry, spread very soft butter thinly on top and tightly roll up from the short end
6) Cut each pastry log into 12 and place each one into a buttered tart tray crevise, round side down. Gently push the pastry into each case and bring up to the edges to form the tart shape
7) Pour the custard into the cases almost up to the top and bake for 15-20 mins or until caramelised on top
8) Serve sprinkled with a little cinnamon
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/2gyYAIEefq4
youtu.be/dA-aYg0naJQ
And here are a few more delicious treats for Valentine's Day: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3AlC6xbq54nKTyzjgP38jtVbgiVB27lL
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
Half batch of my puff pastry recipe (you can freeze the other half to use later)
Recipe link: youtu.be/dA-aYg0naJQ
140g Cream cheese
Strawberry, raspberry or cherry jam
Icing sugar to dust
200ml Whipped cream
Method
1) Roll the puff pastry out to ½ cm thick and cut out large hearts with a cookie cutter. Cut a smaller heart imprint into half of the hearts; do not cut right through. This helps to guide the decoration later. Sprinkle with sieved icing sugar; be generous
2) Pop onto a baking tray, lined with baking paper.
3) Top with a second piece of baking paper and cover with a second baking tray placed upside down. This will help to stop the hearts rising too much
4) Bake at Gas 6/200’C or 400’F for 15 mins or until golden brown and cooked through
5) Cool for 5 mins then gently take them off the baking tray and onto a cooling rack to cool to a nice crisp and flaky pastry
6) To make the filling, mix the cream cheese and jam together
7) Once the hearts are cool, cut in half to make top and base. Pipe the cream onto the base round the edge and fill with the cream cheese jam
8) Pop the top on and again pipe cream around the edge and pipe a heart in the centre with warmed raspberry jam
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=-LSGRT7uiiU
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
70g icing sugar
70g cornflour
A little coconut oil
24g powdered gelatine
120ml water
300g caster sugar
360g honey
A little salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1) In a small bowl, mix 70g icing sugar and 70g cornflour then set aside
2) Brush a 8x8 inch square container with coconut oil, line with baking paper, brush again with oil. Marshmallows are very sticky and this extra preparation will be well worth it
3) In a mixing bowl pour 120ml water and sprinkle 24g powdered gelatine on top. Leave this to bloom for 15 mins
4) Into a saucepan add 300g caster sugar and 360g honey. Heat gently until the sugar is dissolved then increase the heat until it reaches 240’F or 120’C. Use a candy thermometer for this, do not stir once the sugar has dissolved
5) Have the sugar syrup to hand, slowly whisk the gelatine mixture for a couple of minutes with an electric mixer, then begin to slowly & gently drizzle the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl while slowly whisking continuously, it will still be very hot so take care.
6) Once all the sugar syrup has been added, turn the electric mixer to high and whisk until the mix is very fluffy and leaves a long ribbon when trailed along the surface
7) Pour the mix into the prepared container, leave for several hours at room temperature, preferably overnight but 4-6 hours at a minimum
8) Dust your board with the dusting mix and turn out the marshmallow, sieve the dusting mix on top
9) Brush oil on your cutter and cut hearts, dust each one as the sides will be sticky too
10) To decorate, use tempered white chocolate to dip each marshmallow into and add sprinkles
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
310g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
240ml vegetable oil
200g light brown sugar
90g caster sugar
200g grated carrots
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
Zest and juice of 3 large oranges
(120ml)
½ a batch of my buttery Cream Cheese Frosting
Recipe Link:
youtu.be/YDm4BNmJuTY
1 batch of my Orange Curd
Recipe Link:
youtu.be/k-RxlNq9NS8
Method:
1) Set oven to gas 4 (180 degrees C)
2) Butter and line 2x 8 inch cake tins with baking paper
3) To a mixing bowl, add 310g flour, 1tsp baking powder, ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda, ½ tsp ground ginger, 1tsp mixed spice and zest of 3 oranges. Mix with a fork
4) In a medium bowl, add 240ml vegetable oil, 200g soft brown sugar, 90g sugar, 3 eggs and the juice of 3 oranges, mix well
5) Pour this into the dry ingredients with the grated carrots and mix until just incorporated
6) Pour equal amounts into each cake tin
7) Bake for 30 – 35 mins or until a skewer comes out clean
8) Leave to cool completely in the tins
9) Turn out the cakes and using a star nozzle, make rosettes around the edge of the base cake and spread in a circle over the top of the top cake
10) Pipe the orange curd generously onto the centre of the base and between the rosettes so it can be seen around the edges.
11) Place the top cake on the base and decorate as you wish. I used fondant leaves, small bought carrots and golden balls with slices of fresh orange.
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=IZuGgBlDo6s
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
1 egg
A splash of truffle olive oil
A few sliced cherry tomatoes
A handful of baby spinach leaves
Finely chopped red & green chilli peppers (optional)
1 small tortilla
1 slices ham
Your favourite cheese slice
Avocado, sliced
Salt and black pepper
A little balsamic crème for serving
1) Whisk the eggs and season. Chop and prepare the fillings
2) Heat a non-stick pan to a medium heat and add a little butter and a splash of truffle olive oil
3) Fry the tomatoes and spinach then season with salt and black pepper,
4) Pour ½ of the whisked eggs on top
5) Cook a little then top with the tortilla. Turn the tortilla over once so both sides are coated with egg; continue to cook until egg has set
6) Slide out of the pan
7) Top with the cooked vegetables and add a slice of ham and a slice of cheese, season
6) Roll together, cut in half and serve with more balsamic crème
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=mHQ51Wcs2c8
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
225g Mixed nuts
20g Pumpkin seeds
15g Sesame seeds
20g Chia seeds
250g Honey
6 dates finely chopped or run through an electric grinder
1 tsp Flaked Salt
1 tsp Vanilla
Method
1) Brush a 7x7 square baking tin with coconut oil and line with 1 piece of oiled baking paper a little longer than the tray so it laps over 2 sides. This will help to remove the bars more easily.
2) Pop the nuts and seeds into a dry frying pan and cook gently for a few minutes. This will enhance the flavour. Set aside
3) Pour the honey into a heavy bottomed saucepan and bring to 266’F or 130’C then add the vanilla, dates, nuts and seeds and stir
4) Immediately pour this into the baking tray. Scatter with choc chips if desired and push down with a heavy object such as a flat bottomed mug. Sprinkle with flaked salt
5) Cool for about 15 minutes then cut into bars. Next cool completely
6) Store wrapped in baking paper in an air tight container
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=EYXr8x2GTyc&t=55s
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
250g rolled oats
2 very ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla paste
150g honey
50ml fresh lemon juice
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarb of soda
1 tsp flaked salt
130g crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
Nuts, seeds, oats for topping
Method
1) Preheat the oven to Gas 4/ 180’C or 350°F
2) To a blender add 250g rolled oats, 2 mashed ripe bananas, 2 eggs, 1 tbsp vanilla paste, 150g honey 50ml lemon juice, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp bicarb of soda, 1 tsp flaked salt & 130g crunchy peanut butter. Then blitz for a minute
3) Fold in the blueberries and pop 2 teaspoons of the batter into each muffin case
4) Bake for 18- 20 mins or until a wooden skewer comes out clean, serve warm with yoghurt and fruit
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=ZINTS9tkXv0&t=2s
Here is my version which has extra added ingredients to make the full breakfast experience...
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
1 tbsp truffle olive oil
A little baby spinach
4 sliced button mushrooms
4 tsp ricotta
4 halved cherry tomatoes
1 tsp smoked garlic
4 eggs
A little cream
Flaked salt
Black pepper
Sourdough Bread
Parmesan crisp
1) Preheat oven to Gas 6/ 200°C or 400°F
2) Choose 2 ramekins mine are 4 inches in diameter
3) Fry the mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach in truffle oil then add the smoked garlic, salt and black pepper
4) Cut the crusts off 2 slices of brown bread and roll out thinly
5) Put the bread on the base of the ramekins and pop the cooked vegetables on top
6) Add a splash of cream then break 2 eggs and 2 tsp ricotta on top of each one
7) Sprinkle with a little more parmesan, black pepper & flaked salt
6) Bake for 10- 12 mins
7) top with a parmesan crisp and serve with toasted sourdough bread
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=74WkmlQ6_As
Here’s a lovely addition to your breakfast; homemade, oaty and delicious.
This recipe is so adaptable too. You can vary the types of fruit and nuts to include your favourites. Add choc chips or leave them out. Use maple syrup instead of honey. Even drizzle honey on top before you serve. It’s great with yoghurt and fruit or add it to your winter porridge for a crunchy topping…
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients:
240g rolled oats
20g mixed seeds
120g mixed nuts
60g dried fruit
50g chocolate chips
100ml honey
40ml coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp flaked salt
Yoghurt, fresh fruit and chopped freeze dried strawberry to decorate
Method:
1) Preheat oven to Gas 4/ 180’C or 350’F
2) Add all of the dry ingredients to a large bowl
3) Add 1 tsp cinnamon, 40ml coconut oil, 100ml honey and 1 tsp vanilla extract
4) Mix until all the dry ingredients are well coated
5) Pop onto a baking tray lined with baking paper
6) Bake for 20 – 25mins or until golden brown
7) When cool, break up and store in an airtight container
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/tw1OSUDJIy8
Originating in Germany, this delicious treat is always a winner. I’ve made this one for Christmas as it is always a favourite in our home.
Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas…
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
60g raisins
50ml dark rum
200g plain flour
200g strong plain flour
50g sugar
A little salt
One 7g sachet instant yeast
80g very soft butter
150ml Milk
1 egg
30g Chopped Almonds
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp five spice
1 tsp ground nutmeg
60g candied orange and lemon peel
1 tsp ground star anise
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp ground Cardamom
1/2 Cloves
1/2 Corriander
1 tsp vanilla extract
Marzipan
Method:
For the Pastry:
1) Soak the raisins in the rum overnight
2) Add 200g plain flour, 200g strong plain flour , 50g sugar, A little salt, one 7g sachet instant yeast and 80g very soft butter to a large bowl and using a hand held mixer, mix until incorporated
3) Add 150ml milk and 1 egg, mix well and knead for 5 mins with a dough attachment on the mixer
4) Cover and leave to rise until doubled in size
5) Knead the marzipan to soften it and roll into 2 long cylinders of about 30cm; set aside
6) Drain the raisins and to them add 30g Chopped Almonds, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp five spice, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 60g candied orange and lemon peel, 1 tsp ground star anise, Zest of 1 lemon, 1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp coriander and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix well
7) On a floured board, roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick and sprinkle the fruit mix on top. Roll this up to encase the fruit and knead a little until the fruit has spread through the dough. Do not over knead
8) Roll out the dough again and this time place both marzipan rolls on top. Cut to size and roll the dough to encase each one, making sure there is dough between the two. Squeeze in the ends so the marzipan is completely covered in dough
9) Pop onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover with buttered cling film and leave to rise again until doubled in size
10) Bake at Gas 6/ 200’C or 400°F for 20 mins then lower the heat for a further 25 mins at Gas 2/ 150’C or 300'F
11) As soon as it has come out of the oven, brush with browned butter and dust with sieved icing sugar
12) When cool, wrap well to keep the moisture in and leave to mature for up to 10 days
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=bymmrotrbTI
This video is part of @MitchAndPhilip 's #christmascookieextravaganza2022 follow the hashtag for more great Christmas Cookie recipes and visit @MitchAndPhilip for more fun videos.
Now, although I have made biscotti before I thought I would adapt this recipe to make a Christmassy version. These tasty little treats have spices and flavours to highlight the Christmas theme. Pistachios, cranberries & lemon peel also add the festive colours to this beautiful biscuit…
Easy Tempering Chocolate: youtube.com/shorts/Z76mxtjG7mY
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
2 large eggs
100g light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
250g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
60g dried cranberries
60g preserved lemon peel
Method
1) Preheat oven to Gas 4/ 180’C or 350’F
2) In a mixing bowl, mix the 100g light brown sugar and 2 eggs and set aside
3) Pop the 250g plain flour into a medium bowl and add the 1 tsp baking powder,
1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp mixed spice, 1 tsp nutmeg, a little salt and set aside
4) To the eggs and sugar add the 1 tsp vanilla extract, mix
5) Pop the dry ingredients into this and mix together
6) Pop onto baking paper, shape into 2 logs, brush with a little egg wash, ( 1 egg and a splash of milk)
7) Bake for 20 mins or until golden
8) Cool a little and slice. Lay on sides
9) Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 mins
10) Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely
11) Melt the chocolate gently in the microwave; 30 seconds stir, 20 seconds stir, then 10 seconds stir until nearly all melted then stir and stir until all melted. (This keeps the chocolate in temper so it sets with a snap and a shine)
12) Brush or dip each biscotti at one end and leave to set on baking paper
13) These can be open frozen and then stored in the freezer in an airtight bag
Music:
Arkansas Traveler by Nat Keefe and Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtube.com/watch?v=Pye-9FFGOac&t=40s
(Here’s the link for the Sweetcrust Pastry Recipe: youtube.com/watch?v=ncDOoJlEpV8 )
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
For the sweetcrust pastry:
320g plain flour
80g fine semolina a little salt
180g cold butter cut into cubed
100g icing sugar
2 egg yolks & 1 egg white
For the filling:
1 jar of homemade or shop bought fruit mincemeat
(Recipe Link: youtube.com/watch?v=fmTDD8wXXuM&t=56s )
A little marzipan
Eggwash; one egg mixed with a splash of milk
Method:
For the Pastry:
1) In a mixing bowl, add 320g plain flour, 80g fine semolina and 180g cold butter cut into cubes
2) Using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment, mix until it becomes as smooth as sand. This could take up to 10 mins.
3) Sieve in the 100g icing sugar and mix until it is well blended
4) Add 2 egg yolks & 1 egg white and mix well with a fork
5) Gather the mixture together with your hands to form one piece
6) Wrap in cling film and pop into the fridge to rest until needed
7) Roll the pastry to just under half a centimetre thick and cut crimped circles a little larger than the indents in a shallow 12 hole pie tray.
8) Cut stars out of the rest of the pastry, some just large enough to touch the edges of the tarts and some a little smaller. Set aside
9) Egg wash and bake until still pale but just cooked
To make the Pies:
Preheat oven to Gas 5/ 190'C or 375'F
1) Roll out the marzipan and cut some stars a little larger and some a little smaller than the pie size
2) Cool and add a tsp of mincemeat to each one
3) Top with a large star then a small star; alternate pastry & marzipan so that some have the pastry on top and others, the marzipan
4) Bake for 10 mins or until the pastry is golden
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/fmTDD8wXXuM
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
youtube.com/watch?v=IoxRmreMrTU
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org
It really wouldn’t be Christmas without mincemeat. The beautiful taste of spicy fruit, the sweet and buttery flavours and the dark mellow boozy elements that meld together to make this fantastic ingredient. Today’s recipe is my homemade version that has been tried and tested to produce this dark and delicious preserve.
Mincemeat can be used in a variety of ways. It is lovely in a bread and butter pudding or try it in my chocolate truffles.
(Here’s the link: youtube.com/watch?v=JvlgJBZIfrA)
It is great in pastry, and traditional mince pies are always a favourite…
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
350g of your favourite mixed fruit
(figs, sultanas, currants, raisins, cranberries, apricots, dates)
150g mixed peel
1 Bramley apple, chopped very small
Zest & juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange
2 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp grated nutmeg
175g soft dark sugar
80ml brandy or dark rum
60g shredded suet
50g butter
50g pistachios
3 tbsp brandy or dark rum
Method
1) Preheat oven to Gas 1/ 135’C or 275’F
2) Add the first nine ingredients to a bowl and stir together. Cover and leave overnight so the flavours can blend and the dried fruit can soak in the juices
3) Add 60g shredded suet, 50g butter, 50g pistachios. Stir, cover and pop into the oven for 1 and a half hours
4) Leave to cool then stir in 3 tbsp brandy or dark rum.
5) Pop into a sterilised jar and leave to mature for up to 3 months
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ
youtu.be/kR6yrLv7OOM
youtu.be/o0ErllckwKM
youtu.be/CKZn9x9OK3w
Now here's a winner of a cake to share for afternoon tea. It has the intoxicating flavour of freshly brewed coffee and the soft and spongy cake holds the gorgeous crunchy walnuts. By adding caramel to the mix, you have created a heavenly comfort food of sweet delightfulness...
Here's my favourite Caramel recipe:youtu.be/GQWtp7e8vZE
• Website: margaretsmakeandbake.wixsite.com/margaretsmakebake
• Instagram: instagram.com/margaretsmakeandbake
Ingredients
For the Walnut Brittle:
100g chopped walnuts
50g sugar
4 tbsp water
125g syrup
1 tsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
A little salt
For the Coffee Buttercream:
240g butter
600g icing sugar a little milk
4 tbsp strong brewed espresso coffee powder
For the Cake:
225g butter
225g caster sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp extra strong freshly brewed espresso coffee
280g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
100g chopped walnuts
Method
For the Walnut Brittle
1) Line a baking sheet with baking paper
2) Into a pan pop 50g sugar, 4 tbsp water, 125g syrup and1 tsp butter
3) Heat on a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, keep on a low bubble for 5 mins until it reaches 130’C or 266’F
4) Add the 100g chopped walnuts and a little salt and turn out onto your baking sheet
5) Cool completely then crush with a rolling pin in a ziplock bag
For the Buttercream
1) Cream the butter until light in colour and texture
2) Sieve in half of the icing sugar and mix by hand then whisk well
3) Add 2 tbsp strong espreso and mix well
4) Sieve in the rest of the icing sugar, mix well and add another 2 tbsp strong espresso before a final mix
5) Buttercream can be popped into a ziplock bag with the air squeezed out and chilled or frozen until needed. Bring to room temperature before use
For the Cake
1) Preheat oven at Gas 4/180’C or 350’F
2) Line and butter 2x 8 inch cake tins with a circle of baking paper
3) In a mixing bowl, cream together the 225g butter and 225g caster sugar until light in colour and creamy in texture (an electric whisk works well for this)
4) Add the eggs one by one and mix well. Add 1tsp vanilla extract and 4 tbsp of extra strong freshly brewed espresso coffee. It is worth giving the batter an extra mix at this stage
5) Add the 280g self-raising flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Fold in with a wooden spoon or spatula until just incorporated
6) Stir in 100g chopped walnuts
7) Divide the mixture between the 2 cake tins
8) Bake for 25 to 30 mins
9) Do not open the door during this time or your cakes may sink
10) Leave to cool completely. Remove from tins then fill with coffee buttercream and top with more buttercream and walnut brittle pieces and shards
11) This cake keeps for 3 - 4 days in a tin
Music:
Arkansas Traveller by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum
Nat Keefe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCr1hW0rMwhUGBPne6FYdyIQ


