It's all about the cakes

So, I have been designated the most important job on the this build, feeding people.  Now, I'm not the best cook in the world so this job my be swiftly passed onto some of the other members of Team Straw.  Anyways, so far no one has complained about my offerings.  Well, when I say offerings, all I have made is a Carrot Cake & Walnut Scones, not very much but non the less everyone survived & we've only had two meetings.

For those of you who would like to experience this momentous event of building a Straw Hoose, not only by this blog or by helping out with materials & labour; you can now make your very own cakes, as featured in Team Straw Meetings!


Each time  a meeting has been, a blog shall be posted of the tasty, delicious, delights that were served that day.  To start the recipes blog, I will put up the recipe for the Carrot Cake & the Walnut Scones.  

Enjoy!

Carrot Cake
300g plain flour
2tsp cinnamon
1tsp baking powder
1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda
200g soft brown sugar
4 eggs
250ml oil
zest of 1 orange
zest of 1 lemon
200g carrots, finely grated
150g chopped walnuts

For The Frosting
100g softened butter
300g soft cheese/ mascarpone
100g sifted icing sugar
1 vanilla pod


Sift the flour, cinnamon, bicarbonate, baking powder & add the sugar
Beat the eggs with the oil & the zests
Fold in the carrots & add the wet mix to the dry mix, fold in the walnuts
Spoon the mixture into a lined baking tin
Bake for 1hr 20min or until skewer come out clean
Oven 150/fan 130/gas 2


Beat the butter until really soft
Then beat in the cheese, icing sugar & vanilla
Wait until the cake has cooled before turning out onto a cake rack
Finish the cake by adding the topping.

Walnut Scones
200g self-raising flour
1/2tsp salt
50g margarine
25g sugar
50g chopped walnuts
1 egg beaten with 75ml milk (1 egg & milk to make 1/4pint)


Mix flour & salt, rub in marg
Stir in sugar walnuts
Add egg & milk, reserving a little for brushing on the tops
Knead lightly on a floured surface & roll out just over 1cm thickness
Cut into rounds, re-roll & cut out more
Place on a baking tray, brush the tops with the left over egg/milk wash
Bake in a hot oven 220c/425f/gas7 for 10 mins


So there you go guys, the first two recipes for you to indulge in.


 

Soup and Cake....

The two key ingredients to a perfect design meeting.....soup and cake.  Turns are being taken to host the meetings with high levels of research and time given to the nosh on offer.  As the saying goes, 'An army marches on it's stomach'.  The importance of the grub on site for the build cannot be underestimated.  We are lucky enough to have our own appointed Catering Manager in the shape of Claire Peacock, who will be making all manner of hearty nosh.  This will allow a proper meal break, re-fueled bodies and minds and happy workers.....Carrot Cake, anyone?

Idea's In action

Part of  Creative Team straw in Action at last Sundays meeting O minds at The Sholach!

This is the Beginning

Well the 'Straw Bale Hoose Dream' is under way.