Truly Scrumptious - Chococo, Swanage, Dorset

I've made regular pilgrimages to Chococo in Swanage over the years and miss it greatly now I've moved to Wales.  I know I can order online (and I do!) but it's not quite the same as browsing the chocs in all their sinful glory.

Now I don’t want you thinking that I’m deviating from my quest for things that will allow you lot to indulge in your creativity.  A workshop for example and here's one where you can pretend is educational (and we promise not to shatter the myth!) 

And if you'd like to have a go, but can't get down to Dorset, why not buy their book?  And don't forget you can always send us some of your efforts.  We're happy to review!

But if you can't get there go online and find something that will tickle your fancy (quite literally in the case of their chilli tickles - amazing chocs, with bite!)

One of my favourite selections has to be this box and although I know it's not the right season, surely this has to be the ultimate Advent calendar.  24 delicious choccies.  No kids allowed!

But worry not, February will soon be with us and I can hint heavily for something like this!

And we've got great hampers too.  You can see them here ....

www.cobwebknits.co.uk

Truly Scrumptious - Rachel Findlay of The Cake Stand, SW England

We all love the traditional three tier wedding cakes and have become familiar with the trendy cupcake, but when I saw these colourful fondant fancies I fell in love with them.

Having baked beautiful cakes for friends and family for the past 20 years, Rachel Findlay established the Cake Stand in 2010, specialising in elegant and unique cakes that reflect a couple's personal style and wedding theme.

Rachel skilfully crafts delicate flowers, butterflies, hearts, swirls and pearls from sugar and bespoke cupcakes are lovingly decorated with delicious buttercream, sprinkles and sugar-paste flowers, offering an alternative to the traditional tiered wedding cake.

But as I said, it's Rachel's scrumptious fondant fancies that caught my eye and if you prefer them in soft pastel shades or vibrant colourful hues they are easily whipped up to your taste.  

All images (c) The Cake Stand

Based in Somerset, Rachel takes orders in the SW of England and London and you can find out more from her website. 

Meet the Maker - Rosie Cake-Diva

Inspired by a post shared on the Cobwebknits' news feed, and with my younger daughter's first birthday coming up, I thought I'd attempt one of these amazing cakes by Rosie Dummer, of Rosie Cake-Diva.   Here's the link to the tutorial with step by step instructions on how to make this fabulous spotty cake.

Bespoke cakes with a splash of 'Ooh La La'! certainly sums up Rosie's cakes perfectly.  She describes herself as a manic mum of 4, based in the beautiful Ribble Valley. Shebakes and decorates cakes to make any event special and personal. And as you can see from just a small selection of her cakes, her imagination has no limits!

As well as the more traditional, she caters for every taste and each cake tells a story.

I love this cake with the words 'If you go down in the woods today ....'

'.... You're sure of a big surprise.'

And cakes aren't just for kids.  If Rosie needs any further endorsement of her products, the fact that the author wanted to see this design pretty much seals it.

Oh, yes, and here's the one I made for my daughter's first birthday.  Not bad, even though I say so myself.  (And we agree; editor)

Self Indulgence - I like driving in my car.

What do I do when I want to treat myself?  Go for a drive.

Living in the country and a small market town, I don't experience traffic jams any more.  I don't endure the daily commute to work, because I work from home, so if I can find an excuse to get out for a spin, I make the most of it.  And why is it such a treat?  I just love my car.

So fingers crossed (for everyone's benefit and not just mine!) that the sun will come out soon (and stay out) so I put away the hard top for a few months and enjoy the car at its best.