This time last year I started 'Baked by Rach' after I had a phone interview with the Great British Bake Off which inspired me to bake even more. I created this blog because I wanted to get better in the hope that one day I would be in that infamous tent and baking would take over my life. Sadly, this was not to be last year. This year I hesitated as to whether to apply again and I did. No phone call this year and whilst the cut off for hearing is the end of February I have come to terms with the fact that I'm not destined to hear the words 'ready, steady, bake' as I stand quivering behind one of those beautiful pastel kitchen benches. I have however brought myself a 'star baker' mug which will have to do!
I have baked lots since I started my blog and in fact in the last year I have written over 40 blog posts and recipes. I have had 8000 visits by friends, family and passers by checking out what I have made. I am well aware that many blogs get more visitors than this a day but considering my adhoc approach to posting, impatience with the finishing touches and mediocre photography I am please with this.
My relationship with baking has taken a few ups a downs during this year. I couldn't stop baking for the most part but then when I took on a few commissioned bakes I started to hate it! I did not like the pressure of baking for money and the enjoyment I had fizzled away. Then I joined slimming world, started a new job, went to Australia and so life got in the way a little bit and baking took a side step.
This year, I still plan to get better, I have already been on a chocolate making course (more on this to come), next weekend I am going on a royal iced biscuit course and later in the year I will be going on a vintage cupcake course.
My plan for Baked by Rach is that posts will spring up every now and again - hopefully at least one a month as I document new recipes I try an skills that I learn.
So in celebration of Feather's birthday and the birthday of this blog I made a cake. It is the messiest cake I have ever made as in typical fashion I decided to make some chocolate lollies at the same time. When will I learn - only one project at a time! I had visions of a chocolate extravaganza but evening baking on a Friday after a full week at work led to very different results. Still, despite the fact that it looks like a dogs dinner I thought I would include photos anyway after all - not every cake turns out like a show stopper! I did however put some of my chocolatier skills to good use and made some lollies and chocolate buttons to decorate it / distract from the messy icing.
Anyway, usual service will resume with future posts - less chit chat and more recipes.
For now though, happy baking!
Rach x
My relationship with baking has taken a few ups a downs during this year. I couldn't stop baking for the most part but then when I took on a few commissioned bakes I started to hate it! I did not like the pressure of baking for money and the enjoyment I had fizzled away. Then I joined slimming world, started a new job, went to Australia and so life got in the way a little bit and baking took a side step.
This year, I still plan to get better, I have already been on a chocolate making course (more on this to come), next weekend I am going on a royal iced biscuit course and later in the year I will be going on a vintage cupcake course.
My plan for Baked by Rach is that posts will spring up every now and again - hopefully at least one a month as I document new recipes I try an skills that I learn.
So in celebration of Feather's birthday and the birthday of this blog I made a cake. It is the messiest cake I have ever made as in typical fashion I decided to make some chocolate lollies at the same time. When will I learn - only one project at a time! I had visions of a chocolate extravaganza but evening baking on a Friday after a full week at work led to very different results. Still, despite the fact that it looks like a dogs dinner I thought I would include photos anyway after all - not every cake turns out like a show stopper! I did however put some of my chocolatier skills to good use and made some lollies and chocolate buttons to decorate it / distract from the messy icing.
Anyway, usual service will resume with future posts - less chit chat and more recipes.
For now though, happy baking!
Rach x
Hehe I still think it looks amazing! Abstract but amazing! I bet Nene will still love it. Good luck with the show. I hope they call you xx
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