Friday 30 December 2011

I raise a Baileys cupcake to you all

 

2011 has been quite the year for me.

In February I got a Kitchenaid, and love it as much today as I did the day I brought it home squealing all the way from Chiswick to New Cross. I still often stand in the Kitchen stroking it in a way that isn't particularly normal for a girl and a stand mixer.

In March left a job that I for some time despised with a rousing chorus of so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu, adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu. And yes I did sing it LOUDLY as I was leaving. Lots of Jägermeister may have been involved.

Then in April I buggered off to Madrid on a whim to see Manowar, visit twin baby pandas and eat cupcakes.

Then I started working in baking - first in a cafe in Brixton where I covered the bakery for two days a week while the other girl had time off. It was great while it lasted but alas I couldn't survive on just 5 or so hours of work a week and thankfully one of my favourite bakers in London was hiring and I was lucky enough to get the job. This led to months of baking, and learning, with someone I really admired. It also led to me getting more work with another fab baker. I can honestly say the time with these two has been the best time I've had at work in many years. I've learned lots - including NOT to turn a Kenwood to pulse just after adding the red colouring to red velvet batter or to turn it to pulse while only cream cheese is in the bowl. You will not look pretty afterwards. Mainly, don't pulse anything ever. And check the baking powder, bicarb each and every time - then recheck. Oh and don't pick up cake tins straight out of the oven with bare hands. This hurts. Lots.

I'm hoping 2012 leads to lots more baking and lots more good cake! Oh and can we hope that it's the year when some crapcake purveyors stop peddling their old tasteless poor excuses for cake please?

That shall be I Heart Cupcakes call for 2012:

What do we want?
Fresh n tasty cake!
When do we want it? 
NOW! please *  

Happy New Year everyone - may all your cupcake wishes for 2012 come true. 

Cheers, and thanks to everyone who continues to visit my blog!


* remember manners cost nothing

11 comments:

Pink Fairy Vicky said...

What a year! Happy 2012!

Cupcake Crazy Gem said...

Happy New Year Anne! I got the Lola's book for Christmas too and also made New Year's cupcakes from it last night! Glad 2011 was such a fun year for you, I'm super jealous of your baking career! Can't wait to hear more about it in 2012!

The Caked Crusader said...

Happy new year to you too!

Baking Addict said...

Happy New Year! 2011 sounded like a very eventful year. Glad it ended well, wishing you every success for 2012 and look forward to seeing what you get up to.

Kate@whatkatebaked said...

Happy New Year! What a great 2011, all the very best baking for 2012!

Bronya said...

Happy New Year!! Hope 2012 brings you everything you want!

By the way....in 2011, I learnt not to pulse the Kenwood when I'd just raised the beater covered in chocolate cake batter. Both me and the kitchen didn't look pretty, but we did taste good!

Cupcake Crazy Gem said...

Oh yes you should defo make them then! or if you look on my pinterest I have a whole board dedicated to delish looking s'mores recipes - you could probably find one that takes your fancy on there! I am using my graham crackers sparingly...as I know they will be gone soon and then I will be sad! Yes, I love Lola's book too - my fave part - the cute little bookmark!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! I was hoping for Lola's book in my stocking...no luck!

Can't wait for your posts during 2012!

Bella
http://modelcakes.blogspot.com/

Manny said...

If anyone deserves to make a living baking it's you sweetheart, I can taste the love you put into everything you bake :) Happy new year, 2011 was our best year yet, let's make 2012 even better :)

I love you so much xxxx

Abbie said...

What a fabulaous cupcakey year you have had!! :D A very happy new year to you! xx

Charlotte Pike said...

I know this is late, but I'm so pleased 2011 was a good year for you and that 2012 is even better!

Charlotte
@gofreecakes