Love is in the Air....
If the usual choice of Valentines gifts are causing you to groan and roll your eyes, perhaps it's time to expand your repetoire for this years event. A box of chocs or a heart clutching teddy are all very well if you're 12 but for the more mature reader, something a little more thoughtful is required....
What about a vintage style fruit crate filled with gourmet food and wine (or something more risque to spice things up)?? Not only is this a thoughtful gift, but it's really useful! Brownie points ahoy. Something for the garden for the more out-doorsie recipient or a statue of a very provacative Cleopatra for the man in your life. Or even a garden arch accommpanied by a climbing rose to symbolise your love.
On the other hand, you could think Valentine's Day is a huge commercial con created to sell cards and the afore mentioned heart clutching teddies. If this is the case, how about expressing your love with a little home baking. Here's a recipe for Strawberry Kiss Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 170 or gas mark 4 and line a 12 hole muffin tin with muffin cases
4oz Butter at Room Temperature
4oz Caster Sugar
2 Large Eggs at Room Temperature
4oz Self Raising Flour
1 Heaped Tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
Punnet of Strawberries
300ml Double Cream
Icing Sugar for Dusting
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until smooth. Add the vanilla essence. Sift and fold the flour and baking powder into the mixture until fully combined. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases and then bake in the oven until golden brown and springy to touch - about 15 or 20mins. Put the cakes on a wire rack to cool.
Meanwhile, whip the cream into soft peaks and thinly slice the strawberries. Once the cakes are cool, take a sharp knife and cut a wide, shallow cone of cake off each one. Put these to one side. Fill the holes with cream and a layer of strawberries. Spread cream on the underside of each lid and balance on top of the strawberries. Dust each cake with icing sugar.
Happy Valentine's Day!
- 9th February 2012
