The not so humble pasty

I've been experimenting with one of my latest cook book purchases, River Cottage Veg Everyday by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.  It is a real change for him as no meat features at all.  A good thing for me!  I haven't purchased a cook book of late where I'm inspired to cook something from virtually every page.  Although, the book may be simple at times, and indeed perfect if you are a new veggie, it has inspired me to make use of ingredients I forget how much I love.  And, I want to cook rather than bake.  Unusual!

The first recipe I ventured into the kitchen to try was his swede and potato pasties.  Let's face it, who doesn't love a pasty!!  And, as a bonus, I had both veggies in the kitchen that needed a good dish so was a perfect recipe!  It was also a first for me as I made the rough puff pastry he offered as the crispy, flaky packaging for the simple yet tasty filling.  The Great British Bake Off (oh, how I miss that programme!) had planted the seed for trying to make my own rough puff - and can I say, it was simpler than I thought and so worth the effort.  So yummy I'm going to make it more often.

Anyway, a subtle almost Cornish pasty-type filling -without the meat - was the central focus of the pasty.  Cubed potato, swede (or turnip if you hail from Scotland!), onion and carrot - and that was it with just a wee bit o' seasoning to enhance the flavour.  Doesn't have to be complicated to make a fantastic supper.   Served with a green salad, it was lovely.  Going to make it a regular occurance on the dinner table - and, those who know me well will not be surprised by this, but I'm going to fiddle with it!  I'm thinking a wee bit of curry powder would be grand or maybe a change of veg to include leek, sweet potato and maybe a mushroom or too would be tasty.

Here are the pics to get the taste buds working (hopefully!):

the filling!  Lovely swede, potato, onion and carrot.  It's all about the veggies!

all egg washed and read to bake

lovely!

I survived December....

It was an insane end to the first year of trading for The Bakehouse.  A busy, chaotic December!  It was all about cupcakes, Christmas fairs and festive cheer.  Feels like a lifetime ago now!

Dairsie Does Different @ Christmas was the event to start the festive period.  As marketed, it was full of Christmassy cheer, unique present ideas and new stall holders.  As always, the locals amongst others turned out in force to support us and we all had a really great day.  Couldn't do it without you guys! The range of items for sale exceeded expectations.  We had paintings and prints, knitted bunnies and photographs, aliens and bunting, jewellery to die for and origami amongst other things.  The cakes went well as did the jams, marmalade, shortbread, mince pies ...... the list goes on!  Roll on the next one in Spring of this year!  Watch this space!

My wee corner.... right at the beginning of the day!

Next was the Musa Cupcake Masterclass.  Musa is the Museum of the University of St Andrews - http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/ -  a fab wee museum which looks at the history, development and culture of the university with lots of lovely things to look at and a very friendly staff who are always happy to chat!  I did a Masterclass demonstrating how to decorate cupcakes and make them all festive.  I love meeting new people at events like this - and always love working with the Musa gang.  Any excuse to talk cake and share tips!  

 Cupcake perfection at Musa!

Keen students, one and all!

In between all of this galavanting, was the day to day co-ordinating of orders.  Cakes, mince pies, brownies, cupcakes, shortbread ... the list goes on... don't make themselves you know!  And, to make my year complete, all of my Christmas Cakes found homes.  Hope they were suitably enjoyed!

Christmas Cupcakes - candy cane & vanilla simplicity Christmas trees

Christmas Cake

Final event of the month was The Big Pink Christmas Fair in Arbroath.  It was organised as a charity fundraiser for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and was a lot of fun!  Yet more fantastically talented people showcasing their amazing wares.  I have a new felted Christmas tree decoration in the shape of a wee bird and a lovely cupcake fridge magnet to show for my attendance!  Oh, and I met lots of great people, supported a worthy charity and can't wait to do another event!

My willing helper for the day!  Couldn't have done it without her! 

So, now it is calmer and all about catching up on paperwork and admin not to mention starting planning for a new year of Bakehouse activity!  A wee bit of experimenting is being thrown in for good measure too.  Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry are all helping with that!  (Or their books are!).  Watch this space for the results!!  Bubble and squeak courtesy of Hugh tonight for tea.  Yum!

Finally, all I have to do is say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who has supported this insanely mad venture of mine this year.  From customers to friends and family and everyone inbetween ..... thank you, thank you, thank you.  I wouldn't be here without you!