Once bitten forever smitten - To Duck or not to Duck

This summer Jamie Oliver was extolling the virtues of Duck eggs in cakes rather than Hen's eggs. For those that have seen my foray into TV land (Cooks to Market on Sky Living) you will know I don't do what I'm told but if experiment and science gives me good reason to change tried and trusted recipes then I will.

First of all Duck Eggs look very pretty, they are clean and whitish with delicate mottled shading as if they have been dipped in water colour paints. They are also the size of a Large hens egg or even bigger. When cracked open the white is not so much white as really clear - looked wholesome and delicious. Here is a comparison of a Duck egg on left and a Hen's egg on right. I bought all the eggs in my local Waitrose.

We made two Victoria sponges using the same all in one method and the same amount of butter, sugar and flour. The cakes looked the same when baked and when eaten without any additional frostings they tasted the same but the texture of the Duck egg cake was firmer. I suspect this was the extra protein in the larger eggs. But the thing is the Duck egg cake didn't have any advantages and they cost about double the price of Hen's eggs so my advice is keep the Duck eggs to boil for breakfast when you want an egg that looks cute and special still in its shell and use hen's eggs for baking.

This is the Victoria sponge filled with cream and strawberries made with Duck eggs. I can make your special cakes with or without any key ingredient - I call them Freefrom Delicakes and more information is available on my website. If you have any wedding or celebration cake enquiries email janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

Once bitten forever smitten - Baking for One?

Baking is good for the soul but if you follow most recipes they are for huge quantities that are far too much unless you are entertaining. It seems to me that the main problem is the egg! and its not easy using a divided quantity of egg - so I'm going to share with you my classic baking recipe's using ONE EGG.

Today its Classic Victoria Sponge

• ONE EGG
• 55g unsalted buttter
• 55g caster sugar
• 55g self raising flour
• Pre heat oven to 160/130 fan oven. Line 13-16cm cake tin with baking paper. Put all ingredients in bowl and beat with electric beater for 2 mins - you will have a creamy smooth mixture. Scrape every last bit into prepared tin - level top with back of spoon and bake in centre of oven for 25 minutes **Cooks Tip use a timer and do not leave the kitchen as it may smell cooked before the timer goes off so you should check. If a sponge cake smells cooked and looks cooked - it is cooked!

Cut cake in half so you have two semi circles and sandwich together with jam and frosting of your choice. this makes 3 impressive portions of cake - one for now- one for tea- and one tomorrow!

Variations on the theme
1) Take out 4 teaspoons of flour and replace with 4 teaspoons of Cocoa powder to make the chocolate cake illustrated. (You can buy cans of buttercream frosting that will keep for ages in the fridge so you can use some to sandwich this cake and save the rest for next time you bake)
2) Divide the mixture between 4 muffin cases and bake for 18-20 mins. When cool spread the top with Jam and buttercream as above for individual Victoria Cupcakes
3) Make it into a pudding by placing 3 tablespoons of marmalade or golden syrup into pyrex pudding bowl. Put sponge mixture on top - Microwave for 2 minutes - leave for one minute & serve hot with custard or cream ( this will be too much for one person's pudding but you can keep half in fridge)
I haven't suggested you freeze the leftovers - but of course you can. Baking is indulgent and feel good, so bake in small quantities and enjoy your cake soft and moist and fresh.
For special events Birthdays Anniversaries Wedding Cakes call Janet on 01732 843518 or email

janet@weddingdelicakes.co.uk

  Best Wishes, Janet