Thursday 28 August 2014

The Cake Club comes to Braye!

For a couple of hours yesterday afternoon the population of Braye was augmented somewhat, when friends arrived for the August meeting of the Loire Valley Clandestine Cake Club (CCC)

We can blame it on the weather/our ovens/distractions etc but for some of us it was a bit more Brassed Off than Bake Off..

However, what some lacked in perfection was more than made up for in taste and sheer enjoyability!! And we have to remind ourselves that it's NOT a competition...

Colin's poster on the gate-post attracted some interest from villagers passing by who are more used to us leaving signs saying: "Fraises/Cerises/Tomates, Servez Vous S.V.P"

Once again the ingenuity applied to the theme - "French Picnic" - and range of cakes on offer was outstanding...

I'm naming no names but this cake really "rose" to the occasion - unlike some others (they shall also be nameless!)

In fact, in the left background of the above photo you may possibly make out the label "Cake Catastrophe!" It's creator likened it to the San Andreas fault but then again, cream covers a multitude of geological features!

Below is another example of a near disaster being turned into a creative opportunity. The intended topping didn't! So instead of wasting it, it was blitzed and made an attractive sprinkling to decorate this now showstopper of a cake.

Again, in the background of the above photo, you can see the meticulous attention to detail to create "arches" of icing, precisely arranged around the cake; it is NOT, as the unkind among you may think, simply runny icing!

The winner of the baking book was delighted, and is now looking forward to choosing and baking his contribution to the next CCC. We are all very happy for him!

Which leaves me with one last thing to say; and that is to send our heartfelt thanks and love to each and every one of the Loire Valley CCC for the early celebration they gave us for our wedding in under two weeks time. Their gift was perfect and, as I type, its root ball is soaking ready for planting later today..
Our thanks, also, for other gifts we've received from friends. Your kindness and generosity is very much valued and appreciated!

Wedding photos will follow as and when - possibly!!

6 comments:

GaynorB said...

A wonderful selection of delicious cakes, with the disasters giving some of us even more grey hairs and extra baking practice!

No mention that one amongst us laboured with a broken and painful foot...

I should watch that foot when Colin gets you to dig the hole for that pre-soaked root ball. I suppose you could always use your good foot to lever on the spade ;o)

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Gaynor, when did you fit the hidden cameras in our garden??!!

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Seriously though, I do Colin a disservice with that last comment... We planted it together!

And it was my choice to dig the hole...

Sarah said...

Oooo I have lots of delicious cake at my house but no pictures yet 😉🎂

Colin and Elizabeth said...

Now that's a cake we can't wait to see..... Jamie's birthday cake! (Only joking!) You'll win star baker in our eyes, I 'm quite sure! XX

RestlessinFrance said...

A great sense of dry and witty humour abounds about the CCC events which makes it such a hoot and fun to attend. One can only rise to the challenge of whatever the THEME is ... so thank you for the compliment. I have to say that THE CAKE was even better by Friday when I froze four portions.
I hope your wedding cake is superb and that you treasure the memories of DAYS together. :)
All best wishes!