Tattooed Bakers

Last weekend the Cake & Bake Show came back in full swing to Earls Courts with a programme jam packed with workshops, recipes and chef demonstrations. It was my first time at cake and bake show last year and it was an incredible day so I couldn’t wait to go again this year. I was honestly like a kid on Chrismtas morning!

Arriving just after 11, Earls Court was already buzzing with people and there were some familiar stands from last year as well as plenty of new ones. Earls Court seemed to be more divided this year between cake accessories and cake stalls and although there was so much going on I felt it wasn’t as big as last year and one thing they didn’t have was the cake catwalk which was slightly disappointing as it was such a unique and fun visual last year. They did however still have some incredible towering, exceptional decorated cake from the decayed zombie mermaid to a jaw dropping Mary Berry & Paul Hollywood Cake with a unicorn in the middle.

I have visited chocopassion several times on my visits to exhibitions and their stalls are always buzzing with people. They supply mouth watering chocolate in all different shapes of characters, animals and objects so are perfect for presents or even just a little treat for yourself. 

Chocolicious – You could not look at Chocolicious stall and not stop by, the sweet smell of the chocolate was enough to make me halt in my tracks and stay for over 5 minutes. A selection of brownies were on sample allowing me to try the delicious crunchy malteaser brownie as  well as a firm favourite of mine, the Tiffin flavour. Want to add a bit more bling to your wedding cake then look no further than designs. Stylish and eye catching they range to chandelier dangling like pieces to having your cake transported on a crystal looking cinderella carriage. Perfect for anyone who likes their sparkles and a stylish looking wedding. This collection of bowls, jugs and olive oil holders were simply stunning. I love all the bright colours mixed together and could definitely envision them in my kitchen. The only problem is you want to buy a whole set of something which might not be too good for the bank balance.  Yvie’s cupcakes – I loved Yvie’s cupcakes and her wedding bouquet display to present them with such intricate detail and beautiful colours. I think these will be making an appearance on my wedding day. Cocao Antics – These cocoa antic spoons had me intrigued straight away. It seems a bit crazy to use one big block of chocolate for only one cup of hot chocolate but such a clever idea especially when the spoons can give a different flavour and texture to your hot chocolate such as darker, frothier (with marshmallow options) and even popping candy. I bought the latter as a treat, as although not a fan of popping candy, it just looked too fun not to try so when there’s a next cold dark and rainy night I will sit down and treat myself to one and let you know what it’s like! Mr Prempy’s was one of the new stalls at Cake & Bake and extremely popular. When I got round to it at about 3p.m they were already sold out of three of their cakes. Using only raw ingredients, Mr Prempy’s, named so to signify that ‘nothing is baked, everything is premped’, is original, healthy and beautiful in their cake designs. With a easy to navigate and effective website, all their cakes and ingreidents are displayed as well as the option of cake deliveries. ou can also learn about the ingredients and why they have chosen to use them in their products.

JANETTE MACPHERSON CAKE CRAFT

There might not have been a cake catwalk this year but there was a display of some incredible cakes made by professional and amateur bakers. Some were on the table and some were down on the floor and in corners that almost blended in with other objects so you had to do a double take to make sure they were real cakes. I absolutely love the intricate detail and creativity that goes into making cakes like these. With the success of Frozen there had to be a frozen cake this year and I loved this one below. It took me about 10 minutes just to get in to get a picutre because it was so popular. Must be all down to Olaf, of course.  It was a great way to spend a miserable rainy day in October and opportunity to discover new foodie talent and learn new skills as well as be inspired by all the impressive cakes and passion that everyone had. I picked up a few too many brownies and mini cupcakes for myself but also came away with some wonderful present ideas, a few future treats and many cards and websites which I will be scouring and ordering products from very soon!