It's been quite a while since I posted about making fairy cakes. I promised to give you the recipe, so better late than never, here it is.
- 1 1/2 cups sifted self raising flour+ 1 teaspoon baking powder for extra lift
- 1 cup sifted plain flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 150g (5½ oz) soft butter
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- Finely grated zest one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
I made mine in a gem scone pan and didn't use paper cases.
- Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Line a pan with paper cases.
- Place the flours, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, lemon and vanilla in a large bowl.
- Using an electric beater, beat until combined and fluffy - about 2 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into the paper cases.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Leave to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.
Fairy cakes can be made with the addition of vanilla, chocolate, orange or any other natural flavouring you have on hand. When the cakes come out of the oven, let them cool, cut the top off, add a teaspoon of cream or butter cream, then cut the top in two to make the wings and stick them side by side into the cream to stand up like little wings. I noticed there are a lot of recipes online for iced/frosted cup cakes that are called fairy cakes. True fairy cakes have wings and in Australia we used to eat fairy cakes, not cup cakes. Cup cake is an American term.
Another lovely thing I wanted to share with you is this sweet tea towel (above) my sister made me when she was here for the wedding. It's appliqué and stitchery and it's got an authentic old fashioned look that really appeals to me. I'm not sure I'll use it as a tea towel, it will probably serve me well as a little tray cloth. Don't you just love homemade things. These little household items, made with love, really make me feel warm and comfortable when I use them. The making process isn't long or involved but they stamp the home they're in with an authentic feeling that sits well apart from mainstream mass production. Thank you Tricia!
Hanno and I are going to visit Shane and Sarndra today and will have lunch with them. Everything has settled down since the wedding, they've returned to work and it will be nice to be together to celebrate Shane's birthday, which was yesterday. I am really enjoying getting to know my new daughter-in-law. I'm taking her a little gift of dishcloths, vintage knitting needles, a needle gauge and some knitting cotton and bamboo. Sarndra loves craft so I think she'll enjoy this little starter kit.
Thank you for your lovely comments in the past few weeks. I am often overwhelmed by the words you write both in comments and emails. I don't know what I've done to have such a wonderful group of readers, but here you are! Amazing. Enjoy your day and take time to enjoy something you love doing too.
