Friday's Kitchen: Strawberry and Vanilla Gnome Cupcakes

In celebration of this month's 'Say Yes To Gnomes' campaign on Life is Peachy, I thought I would share my recipe for Strawberry and Vanilla cupcakes, a perfect light summer treat and beautifully decorated with fresh strawberry gnomes.

These little fellas add something a bit different to your average cupcake and are a delicious light bite for the summer months or a themed afternoon tea!  I use a Hummingbird bakery cupcake recipe as my base recipe for most sponge cakes, it's the lightest mixture I've found in my experiments!

Ingredients (to make 12 cupcakes):
For the Cakes:
280g Golden Caster Sugar
240g Self Raising Flour (you can also use plain with a pinch of baking powder)
80g Butter (softened at room temperature)
240ml milk (I use semi-skimmed)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Pinch of Salt
2 Large Eggs
6 Large Strawberries

For the Icing:
500g Icing Sugar
160g Softened Butter
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
50 mls milk 
12 Large Strawberries (chopped)
12 White Edible Pearls

Method:
Preheat oven to 190 C (fan oven) and line a cupcake/muffin tin with cases of your choice!
1. Place butter, sugar, flour and salt in a bowl and mix until soft and textured like breadcrumbs.  Can either be whisked by hand or with a mixer - ensure to sift flour and sugar for a softer finish.
2. Once the dry mixture is combined, beat the milk and eggs together, adding the vanilla extract at the end to flavour.  Pour half the milk mixture in and mix together until almost combined.  
3. Add the remaining milk mixture a little at a time until all incorporated.  Lastly, add the strawberries until evenly incorporated into the mixture.
4. Fill each cupcake case with the mixture until about two thirds full - pop in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the sponge is golden brown and bounces back when pressed. Remove from oven and leave to cool.
5. Whilst the cakes are cooling - mix the icing sugar and butter, either by hand or with a mixer, until incorporated with a soft sandy texture.
6. In a jug, mix together the milk and vanilla essence.  Add to the icing mixture and continue to beat together until creamy and stiff in texture.
7. Once the cakes have cooled completely,pour the mixture into an icing bag and, using a star shaped nozzle, pipe small star shapes onto the cake tops, creating a flower scene on each cake.
8. For the strawberry gnomes, cut each strawberry in half (the pointed half should be slightly longer for a 'hat' appearance.  Squidge a blob of icing on each strawberry base, let a little drizzle out the 'front' of the gnome to create a beard and, finally, attached a pearl to create a nose.
9. To place on the cupcakes, drizzle an extra bit of icing on the base and secure in the middle of each cake.  

The result is really quite cute, I've also been experimenting with the idea of placing the strawberry gnomes on royal icing toadstools with white chocolate buttons.  Clearly this is a baking theme you can go to town with!

Here's to a great weekend!

E x

Thinking of giving these cute cupcakes a go?  Why not upload your results on my facebook page www.facebook.com
Upload on to the 'Your Take on My Recipes' album and share your success!

Got a recipe idea you'd like me to try?  Email missemmaberry@gmail.com with your ideas, I would love to feature them!

Paranoid Androids - When Is It Time To Ignore The Press?

 

'It's a campaign of fear and consumption, keep everybody afraid and they'll consume' Brian Warner on 'The Media'

Last week, the BBC shared this news story about the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' warning that pregnant women 'may want to play it safe and avoid potentially harmful chemicals found in everyday cosmetics and household products.  It is safe to say this has been met with harsh criticism, with critics labelling it 'unhelpful, unrealistic and alarmist'.

View the original article here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22754944

General feedback has suggested that pregnant and breastfeeding women were somewhat scapegoated as both vulnerable and mis-informed; members of society who are already so careful to follow suggested guidelines and avoid foods and substances that may potentially harm their unborn.  This latest article, simply led me to question, when is it time to switch the laptop off, toss the newspaper in the recycling (the world is getting warmer, you know), remove yourself from online forums and ignore the press?

Scaremongering tactics, as we know them, have long been evident in our media and the invention of the Internet has only worsened the fleet of paranoid articles and posts that come flooding through our inboxes almost daily.  Contoversialists and conspiracy theorists suggest media is a method of control, others talk about greed and financial gain (look at the unfounded MMR 'risks' that have recently come to light.  Either way, it seems we are the victims of paranoia attacks and I never felt this more, than throughout my pregnancy.

Being prone to asking worrisome faces and questions I decided, from Day 1 of my pregnancy, that I would listen to the advice and judgment of those who were dealing with MY pregnancy (my Doctor, my Midwife, my parents and my partner).  But, like most parents in need of momentary support at times, I would occasionally log on to a forum in an attempt to seek advice from people in the same boat.  There, I was bombarded with 'he says, she says', do's and don'ts and tidbits of myths that led me to singularly question every stage of my pregnancy.  One woman had placed a mildly concerned post on a forum about her baby's movements slowing down; four comments down it descended into chaos as one woman scolded her for not rushing to A+E amidst the fears of Strep B or broken placenta.  Alarmist indeed.

We are both fortunate and unfortunate to be in possession of too much information these days; fortunate in that we can make informed choices to protect and nurture as best we can, unfortunate in the panic inducement and the misplaced guilt that articles such as yesterday's can cause.  It comes as no surprise to me that in between dodging fish, unpasteurised cheeses, avoiding alcohol and not standing up for too long; that the powers that be have decided that we pregnant ladies simply do not have ENOUGH to worry about.  If we listened to every warning put to us, we wouldn't open our front doors, for fear of an unnamed planet smashing into our back garden.

We can only do our best for our children, and I believe it is natural to worry about the effect this world has on our children, household cleaning appliances or not.  Our common sense must always prevail, I conclude that we are right to be 'careful' throughout our pregnancies and beyond, but it is not right to pump unnecessary and unfounded fear into a society already full to the brim.

Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know your thoughts on the article at https://www.facebook.com/lifeispeachytales

Or connect with me on Twitter @LivePeachy

 

Wednesday Wishlist: Say YES to Gnomes!

Every month, I gather together a collection of things for my 'Wednesday Wishlist', a basic collection of anything high on my 'wants' or 'love' lists right now.  This month...say YES to gnomes!

Some people dream big, others dream small; at the moment I'm dreaming small as we are starting to put together our little front and back gardens and I can't help but feel we are missing one or two colourful, cheeky additions!  My fascination with gnomes stems from an early childhood love of the animated series David the Gnome; a small gnome Doctor who dwelt secretly in an un-named forest with his wife, Lisa and spent most episodes curing sick animals and escaping the clutches of three fearsome and pesky trolls! 
 
There is something distinctly British about gnome culture and, love them or hate them, even the Chelsea Flower Show decided to relax it's age-old gnome ban this year.  By all accounts the amount of gnomes more than made up for the previous gnome-free years.

So here is my gnome inspired wants and wishlist, I'm ignoring IKEA's Summer campaign and simply saying YES to gnomes!  First of all, why not try a Life is Peachy Summer delight in the form of Strawberry and Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Gnome toppers?

Look out for my 'Friday's Kitchen Recipe' for more information.

Despite the sunshine we are having, I'm looking forward to getting stuck back in to knitting these Swedish Gnomes ready for the Autumn/Winter.  This was an amazing Alan Dart pattern I discovered not so long ago and knitted several for Christmas presents.  These rustic gnomes come in several colour ways and make perfect gifts!  I will eventually be selling these through my store; if you are interested in commissioning one or would like more information please email missemmaberry@gmail.com.  I can't wait to start creating these little guys again!

 

One of my hand-knitted gnomes

When it comes to fabric, I admit I can be something of a hoarder.  I've got beautiful fabrics I have yet to start working with, partly because they look too beautiful to touch.  eBay is always a great source for all my crafting needs and I have often found incredibly reasonable fabric sellers on there too.  This lovely piece (below) is from a great eBay seller, 'The Original Wind the Bobbin' and at £3.25 per FQ, it would make a beautiful quirky cushion cover for our red-themed lounge.

Alternatively, this would look great as a simple tablecloth at a themed Birthday party or even a sewing machine cover.  

There are fabulous gnome-inspired fabrics available from other sellers too.  Check out this beautiful pink fabric - slightly more cutesy and intricate - from 'ohsewcraftsyuk'.  A steal at £1.75 per FQ and a lovely Summer pattern for a little girl's dress or a light quilt cover.  This fabric is available in several colours.

After trawling, somewhat, through Amazon's wares, I came across these little gnome candles (below, right) - practically irresistible for the home or even to light a garden table at an evening barbeque.  Available for £6.95 each from www.amazon.co.uk.

Only available in this colour way - but perfect as a kitsch ornament and almost too sweet to actually light!

Gnome candle, £6.95

Of course, no gnome-inspired wishlist would be complete without the appearance of the tradition garden gnome itself.  Woodland Wilf Feeds the Birds (below, left) is an absolute favourite of mine, with his toadstool bird feeder, he would make a perfect addtion to my miniature back garden.  There are several characters available in the 'Woodland Wilf' range, they are currently available* at a reduced price of £9.00 at www.amazon.co.uk (price correct at time of publishing).

So that's my Wednesday Wishlist for June - it's all about gnomes and brightening up my interiors with the cheeky fellows, as well as adding character to a small garden space with colour and cuteness, this Summer, I'm saying YES to gnomes.

A Whole Lotta Love.....

It is a truth universally acknowledged (albeit, if the universe consisted of me, my other half and a legion of First Aid Kit fans), that Sweden is where it's at!  Not only does it boast a certain flat-pack furniture empire, a storming music scene (the aforementioned 'Kit, Lykke Li and Euro-sensation Robyn) and significant man-candy points (Al Skarsgard); it seems to know its stuff when it comes to footwear...in the form of Lotta from Stockholm traditional clogs!

Being a short-hat, at a mere 5"2, the warmer climes can present something of a dilemma in terms of footwear, especially for those of us whose style edges more towards the 'vintage inspired' end of the fashion spectrum.  Season after season there are hundreds of gladiators, brogues and wedges that do not compliment my seasonal knee-length dress addiction, neither do they compliment my fear of looking 'short and dumpy'.  We've done pumps to death and our underfeet have all suffered with the iconic Topshop nude ballerinas and skinny jeans combi.  

On the other hand, when I'm looking for something to give me a 'lift', heels and fashion and I are no longer seeing eye to eye.  That is, I no longer see eye to eye with the skyscraper heels and wedges that tower above me! It has taken me nearly 29 years to admit it, but there are some shoes that really are just designed to look beautiful.

After endlessly trawling the Internet for a 'go-between' stylish sandal with an innoffensive heel that doesn't make me trot like Bambi on ice, I stumbled across Swedish clogs.  Fashionista Blogs are going crazy for them, Office are stocking Swedish Hasbeens AND Lotta from Stockholm exists!

A Swedish native, now living in the UK, Lotta has built up her brand from her own fascination with clogs back in the 70s.  And there is no better time that now to invest in a pair with the strong 70s revival trend back again for Summer.  Not only that but at prices starting at £52.50 with free UK delivery on offer, they are some of the most reasonable clogs on the market

I bought a pair of cherry red peep toe clogs, with a 7cm heel they are the perfect height for walks with the pram and they compliment almost every outfit, including my skinnies and kneelength dresses.  With a wooden sole, I wasn't expecting them to be as instantly comfortable; the ergonomic design of the sole feels amazing, not to mention you feel as if you are walking 'properly'!  Finally, a perfect blend of style, femininity and practicality.  A triumph for women everywhere!  Head to their website to check out the various styles and colours....you can thank me later!

  www.lottafromstockholm.co.uk

Welcome To The House of Fun...

Once upon a time, a wise old 'Clever Clog' on Twitter was reported to have shared this gem of a tweet amongst his followers; 'The Internet called, it says it has enough Blogs now'. I laughed, then I moved on.

To Blog or Not To Blog?

Throughout my pregnancy, I was sometimes shocked at the level of negativity some of the motherly types I spoke to, about the impending change I was about to welcome to my life.  I was led to believe, by some, that there was little to no point in getting up in the morning, as life as you knew it would fade into oblivion; you would be left in a haze of oversized tees, baggy leggings and incessant screaming.  Daisy was born on March 14th, after two weeks of waiting, waddling to the nearest coffee shop and downing curries.  Life, as I had known it, became suddenly enriched.

I think this feeling of euphoria sealed my decision to set up Life is Peachy.  I thought I knew what to expect, I thought I would have no time for anything.  I had trawled through the internet, through working mums, stay at home mums, debating mums, sadly unhappy mums and decided that perhaps I wanted to put Motherhood in a purely positive light.  

Do Something Everyday...For You

When you become a Mother for the first time, the one thing you cannot be prepared for is the sheer amount of love and adrenalin you will wholly exist on.  Your world changes, your priorities change and you are suddenly facing each and every day with a tiny person whose constantly changing face and abilities will astound you.  There are times you will be tired, there are times you will be frustrated, but this always fades into insignificance when you consider what you have achieved.  Daisy is approaching the three-month mark and she's already insisting on standing when being held, she has developed a morbid taste for Lana Del Rey (just like her Mother) and loves nothing more than chatting and smiling away in her chair.  Those few things alone, personally, make it all worth it. 
As for me, the personality lobotomy I was so afraid of during those bleak, self-aware hours before I was commanded to 'push', it turned out, was nothing more than an urban myth.  I was proud to leave hospital the following day in a cheerful, if somewhat impractical, dress and tights.  I still found I had a borderline obsessive interest in music new and old, books, writing, fashion, crafting, baking, recipes, tattoos and I was still itching to try pastel hair.  In the end, the pastel was a short but much-loved moment of my peachy life.  I set about trying to do one thing every day that I enjoyed.  I read, baked and wrote my way through things I had been meaning to do for months and I created Life is Peachy to share these great things with you all, as I continue to grow, try new things and develop the sense of the word 'mum' that I am most comfortable with.  I'm lucky enough to have the support of the wonderful Mr Peachy, who loves nothing more than to Daisy-dote for an hour or two so I can type up my latest musings.  Everybody has different experiences, I feel I want to share mine through Life is Peachy And that, Mr C Clog,is why I believe there can never be enough Blogs. 

I hope, if nothing else, that Life is Peachy inspires others not to be afraid of losing their identity, to try new things and most of all, to be proud and comfortable in themselves.  Whether it's practicing a new craft, sharing a new recipe or daring to bear the wardrobe, Life is Peachy is a celebration of the creative parent, who challenges themselves and embraces all that they are post-birth.  Parents do wonderful things, but this should never be at the expense of losing all sense of themselves.  Life indeed feels Peachy, I hope you'll all agree... 

E x