Latest news with #cakes


The Guardian
5 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Bite-sized burnt butter and pecan cakes
These moreish little cakes were inspired by a friend's pecan farm in northern New South Wales. They're salty, sweet, rich and nutty, with a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft centre. Their toasty aroma comes from browning the butter until it turns a deep brown. I used panela sugar, which lends a lovely caramel flavour to the mix, but if it's not available you can replace it with more brown sugar. If you don't have oval cake moulds or a cupcake tin with oval holes, any muffin or mini-cupcake tin – or even one with more traditional rectangular holes – will work. If your moulds are a bit bigger than the ones I used, just bake them for a couple of extra minutes or until the centre feels just set. If they're smaller, take a little time off the bake as they'll cook a bit quicker. You can premake the mixture and refrigerate it for up to five days before baking, which helps to ensure an even rise. Makes 20 170g unsalted butter 100g brown sugar 75g caster sugar 75g panela sugar 45g almond meal 45g pecans 70g plain flour 4g salt 1g ground cinnamon ½ vanilla bean, seeds scraped 160g egg white (from about 6 eggs) To finish 150g pecans Lightly grease 20 7×2 cm oval cake moulds and arrange on a baking tray evenly spaced apart. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. When it starts to foam, stir frequently with a whisk. Continue cooking and stirring until the colour starts to turn deep brown and the smell is nutty and toasty. Strain the burnt butter through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter paper into a heatproof bowl. Set aside to cool to about 65C. Meanwhile, combine the sugars, almond meal, pecans, plain flour, salt and cinnamon in a food processor and blitz until the pecans have broken down to a fine texture (similar to the almond meal). Empty into a large mixing bowl and add the vanilla seeds. Add the egg white to the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined, then follow with the still-warm burnt butter and mix with the spatula until just combined. Pour into a disposable piping bag and cut a small opening in the tip, then pipe the mixture into each mould until it is a couple of millimetres away from the top (I weighed mine to 35g each). Refrigerate overnight to rest (or for up to five days) – this will ensure an even rise. Skipping this step will risk the cakes popping out of the moulds unevenly during baking. Preheat the oven to 185C fan-forced (205C conventional). To finish the cakes, place one whole pecan in the centre of each cake. Working carefully with a mandoline, shave the remaining pecans into very thin, paper-like shavings. Loosely pile shavings on to each cake. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the edges have browned slightly and the cakes feel firm to touch. Cool in the moulds for two minutes, then use the tip of a small knife to remove each cake from its mould. I love enjoying these warm with a coffee, but they'll also keep well for a few days if you store them in a cool, dry spot. This is an edited extract from The Baker's Book, Favourite recipes and kitchen wisdom by Australian bakers you love by Ruby Goss (Murdoch Books, $45)
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
OKC Cake Lady cheering on the Thunder with sweets
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahomans continue to find unique and different ways to support the Thunder during the NBA Finals. One fan is showing her support in a very sweet way. Chances are, you have seen Nicole Tissington's work on social media. From a Thunder hat to a Thunder jersey, she is getting creative in her Thunder-themed cakes. 'Sometimes the crazier the cakes, the more they love it,' Tissington said. Boys and Girls Club get renovations as part of NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects Tissington has made a living baking sweet, but exotic cakes. 'I love handing out the cakes and then getting to see people's reactions whenever they pick it up,' Tissington said. She says she draws inspiration from everywhere. 'I can just be in a grocery store and say, don't judge me on this, but like raw chicken, for instance, I've done a cake that looks like raw chicken legs around Thanksgiving time, making a cake that looks like a giant turkey,' Tissington said. She also says that what inspires her the most is her Oklahoma City Thunder. 'I've always been a Thunder fan, so of course I just want to make Thunder cakes,' Tissington said. 'This year with them, I don't know, just being where they're at and this whole group of guys, I feel like we all just get so attached to them. I was like, let's make some more Thunder cakes.' Tissington has been doing exactly that during their playoff run. 'I did get to make SGA's MVP cake, that was a huge honor,' Tissington said. 'I had made a Jersey cake, a standing jersey cake, and that was really fun.' The MVP jersey was made with Thunder colored cake batter before being decked out to look just like the real thing. As the Thunder battle for their first-ever NBA title, Tissington draws more inspiration for what could come next. 'I'll make some crazy cakes, come up with random things like I always do,' Tissington said. Tissington says she is mostly booked up for the next two months, but may make an exception or two for the Thunder. Those interested in getting a cake can message her on her Facebook page. You can also check out her work on her website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Khaleej Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Labubus in UAE: Monster doll-themed ice creams, cakes now 'best sellers' across stores
What started as a quirky little character from Hong Kong has now become a craze in the UAE. Labubu, the mischievous creature with spiky hair, wide eyes, and a cheeky smile, has made its way into the hearts and homes of residents across the country. From toys and keychains to cakes, ice cream, and even chocolates, Labubu is everywhere. 'I had no idea what Labubu was until my daughter turned seven,' said Misha Fernandes, a resident of JLT. 'She wanted a Labubu cake for her birthday, and when I got her one, the reaction from her and her friends was priceless. They didn't even want to cut the cake because it looked too cute.' Themed cakes have become a huge hit, with bakeries across the UAE receiving frequent orders for Labubu-inspired designs. Occasions Cakes UAE and Gateau Gourmet are offering custom creations, with prices starting at Dh200. Customers can place orders online and get them delivered to their doorstep. But it's not just cakes. Head to any supermarket or discount store, and you are likely to spot Labubu keychains hanging near the checkout counters. They range from Dh3 to over Dh300, depending on the size and quality. Some are plush, some are plastic, and others even have lights or sound effects. 'It's not just the kids who are crazy about Labubu,' said Abdul Rahman, a father of two from Muweilah. 'Even I have started noticing how cute it is. We bought Labubu-shaped ice creams last week, and the kids were over the moon. It's such a fun way to enjoy dessert.' Labubu ice creams are available at the Frozen Factory and have become a hit at birthday parties and family gatherings. According to a staff member at the Al Zahia branch, the ice cream is flying off the shelves. 'We have seen a sharp rise in customers coming in just for Labubu ice cream,' said a salesperson. 'Parents come in with their kids, and some even call ahead to check if it's in stock. It's become one of our best sellers.' Soft toys are another hot item. Labubu plushies of all sizes are now common in supermarkets and toy shops. While some are official merchandise, others are local versions made to resemble the beloved character. In Sharjah, a well-known discount centre has become a hotspot for Labubu fans. 'Every single day, people come in asking for Labubu toys, snacks, and keychains,' said Hameed Shukur, a salesman at the store. 'We restock constantly, and still, it's hard to keep up with the demand.' What makes Labubu so appealing? For many, it's the character's expressive design and playful energy. For others, it's the growing trend on social media, where influencers showcase Labubu-themed hauls, gifts, and decorations. 'My son carries a Labubu keychain on his school bag, and now his whole class wants one too,' said Arfa, a resident of Abu hail. 'It's cute, harmless, and makes the kids happy.' As Labubu fever continues to spread, it's clear this little creature has found a big fan base in the UAE. Whether it's a cake, a plush toy, or a scoop of ice cream, Labubu has become more than just a trend.


South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Your Hong Kong weekend food guide for May 9-12
Consider this your official reminder: it's Mother's Day on Sunday! Advertisement The long weekends may be over for now, but don't miss the opportunity to show the special women in your life some love. And what better way to do so than through food? Read on for some last-minute inspiration on what to do this weekend. The Cakery's collection showcases half-cakes that are presented like paintings on an easel. Photo: The Cakery Friday, May 9 For those keen on staying home, The Cakery's latest collection has the perfect Mother's Day celebration: unique half-cakes, intricately presented like paintings on a canvas. Taking inspiration from vintage art and blooming bouquets, the cakes are meticulously decorated with hand-piped ruffles and sculpted flowers and turned into delicate masterpieces with custom messages. Cupcakes, vegan chocolates and DIY cake kits are also available to order, just in time for Sunday. Where? Available at all of The Cakery's locations and online Advertisement When? The Mother's Day collection is available until May 18