Sunday 21 October 2012

Dotty About...Doughnuts

Firstly, let me say, I have been having a bit of a "rankle" with myself about whether it's a Doughnut or a Donut (any ideas??) I think Donut must be the American way, but I can't be sure.

Doughnuts happen to be one of my favourite treat and comfort foods, and I was flicking through this fantastic book: Gifts from the Kitchen; 100 Irresistible Homemade Presents for Every Occasion by Annie Rig, bought by my lovely Mum for me last Christmas and I just happened to come across an extremely simple recipe for plain old doughnuts!

Interestingly I didn't realise that doughnuts are a Hanukkah treat; when it is custom to eat fried foods baked in olive oil to commemorate the miracle of the flask of oil found in the temple in Jerusalem, that kept burning for eight days.

Well, I was so excited, and seeing as it was also National Baking Week last week, I thought it was about time I did something fantastic in my little kitchen, and here are the results!

Perfect Christmas Hamper Idea - if made fresh maybe
Great dinner party offering - definitely! 


I used a little cinnamon in my sugar coating, and then filled the little round doughnuts with some slow-cooker homemade apple butter. Amazing!

Best eaten fresh according to Annie, so ... see you later ;-)

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Dotty About...Being Famous!

How excited am I right now?!?! VERY is the answer.

Here is why: 100 Layer Cake have featured both myself (as bridesmaid) and my cake on their blog post about Susie and Moss' wedding.

Here are just a few sneaky pics to tantalise you to go and have a look at the post on 100 Layer Cake's blog:

scotland forest wedding
The Gorgeous Couple



custom foil wedding invitations
Their amazing invitations


gold striped goblets
The Girls!


light groom's suit
The boys!


outdoor forest ceremony
The Marriage

Thank you so much 100 Layer Cake for featuring me and my cake on your blog I am chuffed to bits!

And Thank you Ed Peers for your beautiful photographs.

Thursday 7 June 2012

Dotty About...Daisy's

Well my little floral high notes, it seems that my bezzie Susie was "bang on trend" to quote my friend Katie, when she decided to have a few daisy's and other wild flowers at her wedding.

Daisy-style flowers have been popular for a long time - in the form of the honest, brightly coloured Gerbera which will, of course always remain a big favourite, but now it's time for the little bobbing headed daisy to feel our love.

Some examples of daisy style below. Seriously you have to LOVE these wild, often fairy kissed, little white flowers with the jolly yellow middle. Who as a child doesn't remember sitting on a sunny patch of grass lacing a chain of daisy's together to crown their Grandma "Queen of the garden"? (or is that just me?!)

Note- some of the below images may be of chamomile, very similar to daisy

Source: Susie & Moss's wedding

Source: Susie & Moss's wedding

Source: savoirweddings.com via Pinterest

Source: Weddingchicks.com via Pinterest

Source: Weddingchicks.com via Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Stylemepretty.com via Pinterest

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Dotty About...Naked Cakes Again!

So, as promised a couple of weeks ago, here are my very own naked cakes. (apologies for the poor image on the first one, it was a phone camera picture.)

Congratulations to Sally & Phil

Congratulations to Susie & Moss

Saturday 5 May 2012

Dotty About...Naked Wedding Cakes

I have been asked by a lovely Bride and Groom to provide them with a "naked" cake! After doing a bit of internet research on what exactly is a "naked" cake (and can I also add, skimming through some very dodgy pictures - thanks Google image search!) I am now fully furnished with the knowledge that a naked cake is ... well like Ronseal actually ("Exactly what it says on the Tin")

In order to save your precious eyes Dotty-lovers, here is the lo-down.

P.S. Pics of my own "Naked" Cake to follow xx

Source: bowtiesandbliss.com

Source: aweddingcakeblog.com

Source: the20somethingsociety.com

Source: cassandradyane.blogspot.co.uk

Source: www.eventlucky.com

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Dotty About...Pretty Pastels

Is it the arrival of Spring which has turned on the pastel loving fiend in me?

I don't know what has become of me lately, but I used to wince at the sight of a subdued, muted pastel colour, and now, put enough of them together, and I just can't get enough. Subdued! Pah! Delightfully lively I would now say, with expressions used such as:

  • Candy Floss

  • Sorbet

  • Sugary

  • Icing
  • I was reading an article in Country Homes & Interiors magazine about ceramics designer, Julie Pettitt who likes to incorporate all these things into her ceramics to make them look good enough to eat! They sure do!

    Here are some pastel inspirations to whet your appetite for all things peach, lemon and teal:

    Images from my Pinterest board "All About Peach and Pastels" for links to original items

    Tuesday 10 April 2012

    Dotty About...Eurovision

    I don't know about you, but secretly I really enjoy watching Eurovision (although I have to make sure that Mr K is nestled cosy in the pub in order to actually be allowed to watch it!!).

    So on the 26th May I will be poised here on my sofa with Dixie-Dog and Chat-McBain, supporting this year's UK entry...Engelbert Humperdinck who has been dug out of retirement specially for this challenge! (And, let's admit, he will probably get further than many of the artists in recent years!). Here is his entry "Love Will Set You Free"....a first dance song in the making...hmmm it's not amazingly catchy, but Good Luck to him!

    Wednesday 28 March 2012

    Dotty About...Pastel Colours

    Wow, I had to share this amazing wedding with you. The colours of the cake match the colours of the bridesmaids waistbands.
    I am a new found fan of multi coloured weddings. Why have one colour when you can have five?

    Monday 12 March 2012

    Dotty About...Jammy dodgers

    Spending time with my sister and niece, today we made some shortbread jammy dodgers.

    unfortunately we now have to eat them all...that's if Mr D doesn't get there first! Not sure it's the best idea for us ladies to go to the cinema and leave Mr D to temptation!



    Saturday 25 February 2012

    Dotty About...Selina and Mike's Wedding

    Well, I had the most fantastic wedding on Thursday at work, so I just HAD to share it with you.

    My bride and groom, Selina and Mike, were amazing clients from start to finish, so much so that I almost felt I was one of their wedding guests!! Selina insisted on having twinkly lights everywhere throughout the venue, which really appealed to my romantic side, and they chose a brightly decorated Slattery's Giant Chocolate Cupcake as their main cake topper, appealing to my fun side!

    But best of all, they chose Jonny Draper Photography. I have never worked with Jonny before, but I so enjoyed his relaxed approach to his work, that I am really looking forward to working with him again...especially when he comes out with pics like this!

    For a peek at the pre-wedding shoot which Jonny did with Selina and Mike, visit his blog here

    To Selina and Mike: You guys are amazing. Wishing you love, health, wealth and happiness for your future together. xx

    Tuesday 21 February 2012

    Dotty About...Best of British

    A little insight into the Charity Ball at Heaton House Farm.

    A little fun had by all, and a grand total of approx £9600 raised for Cancer Research.

    Well done everyone.

    Best Of British Ball 18/02/2012 from Daniel Hough on Vimeo.

    Source: Daniel Hough

    Sunday 19 February 2012

    Dotty About...Best of British

    This week I ran event for charity - Cancer Research - organised every year at our venue by a fantastic lady who lost her best friend to cancer six years ago.

    The ball was beautifully themed with the tables being named after olympic champions and several very British accessories such as a Land Rover and a traditional telephone box for photo opps.

    But of course, my favourite bit of styling was the traditional English tea party table with cakes, sandwiches and...um pork pie(?!?!) and some of my very own vintage crockery donated for the night

    Wednesday 15 February 2012

    Dotty About...Pie

    Having watched a very odd but amusing film yesterday called "waitress", about a woman famous for her pies!, I felt it was about time to get the ol' baking skills out.

    Now, my Husband is a MASSIVE fan of the of the old Egg Custard Tart, personally I couldn't think of anything worse, but I guess I love the guy, so wanted to have a little go at it...well imagine my happiness when flicking through one of my Mum's cast-off Olive Magazines to find a Lemon Custard Tart recipe!

    Let's just say...I am DOTTY ABOUT Egg Custard too now!

    Anyone for Pie?

    Monday 13 February 2012

    Dotty About...Vintage

    Specifically The Vintage Village held at Stockport's Historic Market Hall, which is vintage in itself, on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

    What can I say other than...What a smasher of a fayre.

    With loads of little stalls selling a variety of vintage items to interest all and sundry from jewellery made from buttons to 50's radio's which have been wired up so they can play an iPod (no joke, that was SOOoo cool!), from original vintage clothing to vintage patterns and fabrics to make your own!

    I met a lovely lady who had a stall called Vintage Bell, with loads of gorgeous gloves! What she didn't know about gloves, wasn't worth knowing, and it made my purchase even more worth while when I was rewarded with a scrummy homemade macaroon!

    And, then we came across this gem!

    I really hope it goes to a great home and is spotted at a fabulous vintage style wedding

    Saturday 4 February 2012

    Dotty About...Valentine's Day

    I don't know about you, but I have started getting emails from a variety of companies, trying to entice me to buy something commercial and expensive for my loved one for Valentine's Day.

    Unfortunately, my husband's feelings about Valentine's Day is one of well, I can't describe it as anything other than hatred actually..."commercial clap-trap" is a phrase that get's regularly pulled out at this time of the year!

    As a lover, however, of all things romantic (it's true! opposites attract!) I am always on the look out for a nice gesture. In my opinion, Valentine's day was invented for men like my husband. Men who aren't always very good at saying things they feel, and who require an "love amnesty day".

    Anyway, I have been seeking out some wonderful home-made gifts to avoid the "commercial clap-trap", but to treat your partner on Valentine's day to something special and personal.

    Source: bhg.com via Catherine on Pinterest

    Now there is no excuse not to do something for your loved one on Valentine's.