The element of surprise

I finally got back in my Kitchen this week after an enforced ban due to having a window refitted and then the kitchen redecorated. I was really surprised to discover how much I missed being able to cook and I also had a bit of a light bulb moment when I realised that I use baking as a coping mechanism, I'll explain; when I'm having a day where my situation is getting me down or I need a distraction from the pain I would usually head to the kitchen to create something or just make an old favorite, but not having that option over the last couple of weeks has meant more tears and the odd disagreement in our house.

So the first thing I've baked is this huge chocolate sponge cake filled with a chocolate fudge butter icing, it was the basis for a surprise 30th Birthday cake for my friends sister.


When her mum sent me the picture of want she wanted I was a little bit concerned as I thought the cake was a little beyond me and also it wasn't the sort of thing I liked doing, still I agreed to do it and here it is

There are over two hundred flowers and although it looks relatively simple it took hours and hours of work.although it will all be worth it if the Birthday girl loves it.


and I'm happy because relative harmony has returned to our house.