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a cup of tea and cake

a cup of tea and cake

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acupofteaandcake

Can we talk about JUST how good no-churn ice cream

mail order Lyrica

Scared of making doughnuts?
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They honestly aren’t as difficult as you might think – but there are some key things to remember if you’re worried about baking with hot oil. Here are my top safety tips:
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1. Invest in a large, wide and sturdy saucepan, and only ever fill your pan to a maximum of halfway.
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2. Make sure you have a well-fitting lid close to hand! This is something I insist on having to hand, in case the oil catches fire - which will only happen if you heat it too much. If you don’t have a lid that fits your saucepan, a large baking tray will do the trick. Place the lid / baking tray directly over the pan/fire to stop any oxygen getting to the flames. Do not throw water over oil that catches fire.
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3. Buy a sugar thermometer to keep track of the temperature of your oil. You need it to be at 180C for frying doughnuts, but don’t let the oil get hotter than 190C.
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4. Use a large slotted spoon or frying spatula with a long handle to remove food from the pan. This will allow the oil to drain as you lift it out and also ensures your hands aren’t anywhere near the hot oil.
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These are my biscoff cream doughnuts with salted honeycomb and I would highly recommend them 😉
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#acupofteaandcake #doughnutlovers

Still swooning over this pink grapefruit clementin

Still swooning over this pink grapefruit clementine cake…
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Here’s why:
🍊 There are only 5 ingredients
🍊 It’s gluten-free
🍊 There’s zero food waste
🍊 You can eat it cold
🍊 It transports easily – making it perfect for picnics
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Have you tried making it? Recipe linked in my bio @acupofteaandcake.
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#acupofteaandcake #summereats

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3 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN BUSINESS

Being your own boss can be liberating, but it also comes with its own challenges from loneliness, imposter syndrome, or simply burning out.

When you love what you do, it’s easier for the boundaries between life and work to blur, so here are three important things to consider to bring a bit more ✨ into your days…

👩🏼‍💻 THE POWER OF CONNECTION
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate you, AND support your growth is essential. Loneliness is a common feeling as a business owner and feeling connected with others is part of human nature. Having other people to turn to to cheer you on is a vital component of a thriving business. Shout out to the amazing women @thec0workingclub who have already brought a lot of positivity into my days!

💛 TAKE TIME OUT
It’s tempting to devote every spare moment of your time to your business {I’ve been there!} and “me” time is often first to go. Taking care of yourself provides the greatest chance of business success. Hustling 24/7 is only a recipe for burn out meaning you can’t show up fully or do your best work. Remember to be present with loved ones, relax and unwind, and do things OUTSIDE of your business that you enjoy!

🎉 CELEBRATE YOUR WINS
It’s super easy to achieve something and move straight on to the next goal or milestone. But acknowledging your wins along the way – no matter how small you might think they are – is hugely important to boosting mood and remembering why you started.

What do you do to protect your mental health? Drop your tips below 😘

#acupofteaandcake #mentalhealthawarenessweek

🍰 HOW TO MAKE FLUFFY CAKE 🍰

That first bite of cake should *always* be soft and moist but occasionally you take your cake out the oven only to find it's dry and dense. These top tips are all you need to make delicious cake every 👏🏼 single 👏🏼 time 👏🏼

USE CAKE OR PASTRY FLOUR
You might think flour doesn't make a huge amount of difference, but cake flour is a low protein flour and milled to a superfine consistency making for a soft, tender crumb.

ADD SOUR CREAM OR BUTTERMILK
Milk is usually used in cake recipes to thin out the batter and lighten the crumb, but switching it for sour cream or buttermilk is ideal for that creamy, light texture.

ROOM TEMPERATURE INGREDIENTS
Over-mixing causes a dense cake. That's why you want to make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature {especially your butter} so you aren't whipping it longer than you need to.

DON'T OVER-BAKE
Top tips for telling your cake is ready? It should be pulling away from the side of the tin just a little, a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake should "bounce back" if you press your finger into it {rather than leave an indent}.

BRUSH WITH A LITTLE SYRUP
Need your cake to last for a good few days? Make a simple syrup by boiling equal parts granulated sugar and water together until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before brushing it onto your cake. This helps add a little moisture!

Have you got any cake tips that you swear by? LMK below 👇🏼

#acupofteaandcake #cakesofinstagram

Want to know the secret to epic brownies / blondie

Want to know the secret to epic brownies / blondies / brondies?
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If you want that fudgy, decadent texture to your traybake, here are a few failsafe tips to always follow:
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USE A MIXTURE OF SUGARS
I like to include dark brown sugar in most of my brownie / blondie recipes for that beautiful molasses flavour. This helps make for a really indulgent squidgy brondie.
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WHISK EGGS + SUGAR UNTIL FROTHY
You want to bring them to what’s called the “ribbon stage” – handsomely pale and frothy, dribbling from your whisk in thick, luxurious ribbons. This adds heft to your batter.
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USE GOOD QUALITY INGREDIENTS
Make sure your chocolate is 70% or above – my preference is @menierchoc Swiss Dark Chocolate.
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FOLD IN YOUR FLOUR
This is really important because you don’t want to knock air out of the whisked sugar and eggs by mixing too vigorously.
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UNDER-BAKE SLIGHTLY
Remember, your bake will continue to cook a little in the tin. Under-baking them just a tad keeps them from being too dry!
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SPRINKLE WITH SALT
Ok, I’m a little obsessed with sprinkling these with flaky sea salt since it really complements the richness of the chocolate.
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What’s your top tip when making brownies?
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#acupofteaandcake #bakingtips

Do you stay curious? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ O

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It’s Friday AND it’s a bank holiday – which

It’s Friday AND it’s a bank holiday – which means G&Ts are 100% on the cards...
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This super refreshing herb-infused drink on the rocks is perfect for quenching that thirst and ideal for day drinking {I hear the sun's coming out tomorrow!}.
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Here's how to make these for two:
1 small cucumber
3 sprigs of mint + more to garnish
2 tsp sugar
2 rounds of lemon
120ml gin
30ml fresh lime juice
@fevertreemixers tonic water
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1. Using a vegetable peeler, shave 4 ribbons from your cucumber and set aside.
2. Muddle with sprigs of mint, sugar, and lemon slices in a cocktail shaker, then add the gin, lime juice and ice. Shake for ~20 seconds until the outside is frosty.
3. Strain into ice-filled glasses, topping each one with tonic water. Garnish with the cucumber ribbons and remaining mint sprigs.
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#acupofteaandcake #bankholidayweekend

Have you achieved the goals you set out for 2022?

Have you achieved the goals you set out for 2022? Or are they still lingering in the back of your mind, waiting to come to life?

Maybe you wanted to land your first food photography client, or were keen to grow your Instagram or mailing list 📨 Perhaps your dream was simply STARTING – because sometimes that's the hardest part. Or learning something new? ✨

If you're still procrastinating, or suffering from imposter syndrome or just can't see to get that idea off the ground, here are a few productivity tips to get started:

SET THE SCENE
We don't need to force ourselves to fit a mould that doesn't serve us. Appreciate and understand what focus, balance, success and fulfilment looks like for YOU.

DISCOVER YOUR WAY
Does time blocking work, or having someone to keep you accountable, or planning ahead? Find ways to keep focus that work for you.

TAP INTO MUSIC
Use music for specific things like writing or content planning. Choose a playlist to fit the mood you need – whether that's calming and meditative, or uplifting and motivational.

HAVE A 'NO TDL' LIST DAY
Create a "DONE" list – you'll realise just how much you actually get done. Reflect on this to see how your brain works and identify patterns. You'll see what you gravitate towards naturally and what doesn't make the cut - again and again.

What was your dream this year? What's holding you back from going all in? Big or small, I'd love to help you feel confident enough to take that leap 🙏 And if you've been taking steps towards your goals, how are you staying motivated and on track?

#acupofteaandcake #dreambig

I wish I could tell you this cake isn’t as morei

I wish I could tell you this cake isn’t as moreish as it looks. But it is.
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Orange, olive oil + thyme cake. The secret? Extra Virgin olive oil. I can’t tell you what a difference olive oil makes to a loaf cake. It’s peppery, full and fruity. But most of all, it’s moist.
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The texture is superior to that of a cake made with butter, baking up loftier with a tender crumb that’s lighter.
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I’d like to say the orange drizzle is optional, but it’s definitely not 😉
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Head to the link in my bio @acupofteaandcake for the full recipe. What are you waiting for?
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#acupofteaandcake #springbaking

Want to make the best cinni rolls of your life?
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For 5 days only, I’m giving you lovely people 20% off my 76-page e-book This Is How We Roll: a collection of cinnamon roll recipes for breakfast + brunch – because these are a MUST for a delicious Easter weekend wake-up.
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Here’s why you’ll love this recipe book:
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✨ There are 5 different dough recipes, 4 different fillings and 4 different icings so you can mix and match to make a roll that’s uniquely yours!
✨ You don’t need a stand mixer or any fancy equipment – you can knead everything by hand!
✨ I reveal ALL my secret cinnamon roll tips + answer your most common questions
✨ You’ll learn 4 different braiding, plaiting and knotting techniques with step-by-step photos
✨ There’s a vegan recipe + recommendations to brands I love and recommend
✨ Get 3 unique bonus recipes for the more experienced baker
✨ I share my favourite combos for dough, fillings and icings {in case you can’t decide!} 😜
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Use code EASTER20 at checkout for 20% off. Link to my shop in my bio @acupofteaandcake 💛 happy baking!
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#acupofteaandcake #cinnirollcrew

Still one of my favourites…
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A few recipes are getting a facelift on the blog this week, but this lemon + Earl grey loaf stands the test of time. Made with @teapigs Darjeeling Earl Grey and finished with a lemony drizzle icing, this is a delicious cosy weekend bake to have with a cuppa.
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Recipe linked in my stories this morning 🎥 have you got baking plans this weekend?
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#acupofteaandcake #weekendbaking

I will never ever be too old for Easter egg hunts.

I will never ever be too old for Easter egg hunts. You?
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But these super duper chocolatey cupcakes with white chocolate buttercream frosting are next level to find on a hunt. Topped with @cadburyuk’s mini eggs and 100s and 1000s, these cupcakes can be made in both regular size for the grown ups, or miniature for little hands to find 🧁
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Check out my newest post, linked in my bio @acupofteaandcake, for the full recipe.
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#acupofteaandcake #easterbaking

✨ MISO HAZELNUT WHITE CHOC COOKIES ✨ ⠀⠀⠀

✨ MISO HAZELNUT WHITE CHOC COOKIES ✨
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These have been on my mind for years – inspired by @islandpokeuk’s miso white chocolate cookies {which we always get when we order poké!}. And I FINALLY got around to developing a recipe that’s near enough with a few unique twists.
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These cookies have a crisp exterior and a chewy interior that’s packed with @valrhonauk white chocolate fèves, crunchy buttery hazelnuts and sweet miso paste from @souschefuk. They’re then rolled in sesame seeds for that nutty, sweet flavour as the cookie hits your tongue.
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Recipe linked in my bio @acupofteaandcake ✌🏼
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#acupofteaandcake #recipeshare

Step into my “office” will ya!

Turning a dream into reality presents all kind of challenges, but when you’re seriously looking to take your photography and business to the next level there are a few things that always come out top to get you there:

1. Play to your strengths! 💥 Seriously, you’re so good and you don’t even know it. What comes naturally, and what do you enjoy doing most? Double down on the things you’re an expert at AND be willing to learn about things you’re not.

2. Focus on you, and only you ✨ While I LOVE cheering on other photographers in this incredible space, I don’t let it distract me from my personal goals.

3. Keep 👏🏼 showing 👏🏼 up 👏🏼 Even when you don’t feel like it, even when you feel like no-one notices, even when the algorithm seems set against you. Consistency is key! 🔑

4. What does your ideal client look for? Who are you trying to attract? When creating, it’s important to think about how your work is going to pull in the right clients so you’re the right fit for them.

5. Surround yourself with like-minded people 💓 Community is a wonderful thing, and supporting others along their journey and being around those on a similar path to you can be *so* beneficial!

What do you feel is essential for thriving and truly living out your dream?

#acupofteaandcake #morningthoughts

You can’t eat just one of these… ⠀⠀⠀⠀

You can’t eat just one of these…
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Trust me. They are insanely moreish. When @carrs_flour kindly gifted me their new luxury cake mixes, I had all kinds of ideas on how to use them – and these cake pops, made using their sumptuous salted caramel flavour, was a winner.
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Think melt-in-the-mouth real caramel pieces, and creamy buttercream filled cake balls wrapped in silky white chocolate.
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Find the full recipe on my site, linked in my bio @acupofteaandcake.
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#acupofteaandcake #makinggreatbakingmoments

Is it too early?

Is it too early?

I sort of wish that hot cross buns were as readily available all year round. They’re one of my favourite things to eat and are absolutely delicious toasted and slathered in butter OR as the star ingredient in a pudding.

Turn these into my hot cross bun + butter pudding for Mother’s Day. It’s a super simple recipe, with the most delicious custardy filling and that signature hint of orange and spice.

Have you tried this one yet? Recipe linked in my bio @acupofteaandcake

#acupofteaandcake #mothersday

Did you notice? I took a week away from social me

Did you notice?

I took a week away from social media while on holiday – and it reminded me that the old adage “less is more” really rings true. Being able to show up in the best possible way, not only for you – my wonderful community – and all of my clients, but also importantly for the people I love and care about, can only come from giving yourself adequate time out and being truly present in the moment 🙏🏼

And last Tuesday, after a swim in the Indian Ocean at sunset, I said yes to marrying the man that makes me laugh harder than anyone else, who lifts me up when I’m down, who has believed in me more than I believed in myself at times and loves {and raves about} my Cornflake cookies more frequently than I can bake them!! Thank you for never doubting me, for only pushing and inspiring me to do my best every day, and being by my side no matter what @mrfirthy 💛✨

Here’s to a future that’s vibrant, and full of adventures, laughter and love – and many, many more Cornflake cookies 😜

P.S. You can find the recipe if you search ‘Cornflake cookie’ on my site 🥰

#acupofteaandcake

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