Maple Glazed Gingerbread Cakes

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These Maple Glazed Gingerbread Cakes with are a delicious little bake that has all the warm, cosy feel of winter with the rich mix of wonderful spices. I have made mine in a Nordicware Heritage Bundtlette tin that holds 6. It measures 4″ across. You could also use a silicone bundt mould which would make 12 cakes. They usually measure about 2.5″ / 3″ across the top.

Silicone will take longer to bake than a metal tin so that’s worth noting. Also, you should only fill your tin about 2/3rd way up and leave them to sit in the tin for at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove them. If you follow my tips for preparing the tin, they will simply slip out!

The recipe seems to have a lot of ingredients and please don’t let that put you off. It’s mainly all the spices.

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Cranberry & Almond Muffins – Gluten Free option included

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Originally a recipe from Olive Magazine, I’ve adapted it and also am offering a Gluten Free method if needed. Both worked out really well and this is probably one of the easiest recipes to make and bake. No equipment needed, just a whisk and a large spoon. No forward planning as you melt the butter and no extra calories with lots of buttercream.

All in all, it’s a winner!

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Caramel Florentines – Gluten Free option included

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The original recipe for these delicious florentines was from the lovely Laura of Bake Off fame. She made her version during the series competition and they were very well received and I think she may even have got rare “Hollywood Handshake” for them.

I used a slightly bigger cutter than recomended and changed one or two ingredients plus quantities. When I made a second batch, I decided to convert them to Gluten Free and they worked equally as well so a big bonus with these!

You could make them smaller as they really spread out hugely; I mean really spread out so leave tons of space between them and you will still probably have some spreading into each other but don’t worry, you can do a bit of adjusting once they’re out of the oven and still hot.

So let’s get on with making these perfect mouthfuls of delight …

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White Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge

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A totally delicious fudge that’s so easy to make. You don’t need a sugar thermometer, just some good strong arm muscles and a bit of preparation to help the process go smoothly as possible.

I added the zest of half an orange just to give an extra dimension to this fudge but equally you could add some ground ginger or ground cinnamon. It depends on what you like personally.

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White Chocolate & Ginger Nut Fudge

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This is one of the easiest fudge recipes so you don’t need thermometers but you do need a good strong arm to give the fudge a mix. I used a combination of white chocolate chips from Dr Oetker and some good quality white chocolate bars. Don’t use cooking chocolate for this recipe.

I added crushed ginger nut biscuits as my own ginger biscuits are soft in the centre and chewy and I wanted a crispy, crunchy bite to the fudge instead. If you can find small Gingerbread men, they will look really great!

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Chocolate Profiteroles

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Choux pastry is what you need to make both profiteroles and eclairs. It can be seen as difficult to make but once you know and follow the basics, you will realise there is no big mystery or special skills needed.

Making choux pastry is more like making a sauce than a traditional shortcrust pastry.

My only note is that they don’t do well made too far ahead as they can go soft so making them before guests arrive is ideal and prepare the filling and topping separately. Once you’re ready to serve, filling each one and giving them a glossy chocolate dressing will result in truly, delicious Profiteroles which will make everyone very happy 🙂

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Coffee and Walnut Fudge

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This fudge recipe is made in the traditional way so there’s no fear of any crumbly bits. It’s so smooth and so delicious but does take a little time when you’re bringing it to boil but this is what gives you that smooth, professional and really beautiful finish so for special occasions, it’s definitely worth it.

The flavour is gorgeous, full of rich coffee which cuts through the sweetness perfectly! Homemade fudge is so different than more commercial versions. It’s full of flavour and doesn’t get lost in an overly sweet taste.

The recipe is perfect to give as gifts. I put 3 pieces into cellophane bags, wrapped with pretty ribbon and gave them as gifts. People raved about the flavour and even though it doesn’t sound like much, 3 pieces of this fudge is more than enough for most people!

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Banana and Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gluten Free Option included

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I think these should be called Cakies! They are the perfect combination of a cake and a cookie. They are thick and loaded with chocolate chips; they are very satisfying and filling and full of good stuff like bananas and oats.

I’ve adapted some of the ingredients so you can choose to go with the original or make the recipe a little healthier with less refined products. Either way, they are perfect as an afternoon or mid morning snack to keep you going till lunch or dinner time.

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Pear & Apple Loaf Cake

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This is such a delicious, soft and light cake recipe. There’s no bells or whistles with this one. No big entrance or show stopping impact. It’s simply a hug in a cake. That probably describes it best.

A very simple recipe that comes together quickly and easily to be enjoyed by all the family. Who doesn’t love an “all in one bowl” recipe!

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