Piece of cake

After a brief fling, I am ready to go public...I am totally in love with my new Kenwood Chef!

Given to me by my parents for Christmas, I admit I was slightly concerned it might be heavy and difficult to use and technically complicated but it has made making a large fruit cake quite literally a piece of cake.

Heart throb

Divertimenti on Marylebone High Street is one of my all time favourite cook shops and, while their baking section is limited, I never fail to find some inspiration or ideas.

I couldn't resist this cute teapot shaped cookie cutter while I was hunting for some heart-shaped cutters to add a touch of romance to the engagement cake I'm working on...

Cake-inspired Christmas presents

I've been spoilt over Christmas with some wonderful cake-related presents.

Firstly, a true design classic, described by The Good Housekeeping Institute as an "iconic product that has stood the test of time". It's a Kenwood KMC560 Premier Silver Chef mixer and it will take pride of place in our kitchen, if I can find room for it. 

Then I love this cake apron, a present from my lovely hubby...from www.cafepress.co.uk:

And finally the Primrose Bakery's book on cupcakes. The story of how Martha Swift and Lisa Thomas built their business from their kitchen at home, eventually becoming suppliers to Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason is inspiring.