Cake Glorious Cake!

Last night was the Middleton Hunt 'Bake off'. We had offered a pair of Sophie Althorpe gauntlets to  the winning entrants in each section.

Michael was busy helping to judge the cheesecake competition - divided into 'lads' and 'lasses' the entries were impressive.

In the lasses section it was a tough choice, with a field of 24 all to taste it took quite some time! With the help of two stalwart ladies from the Middleton Hunt, Nora and Alice. We managed to narrow down the top three. The winner was an extremely professional entry from Jeane Wilson.

The gentlemen displayed no less talent in their quest for success including a very interesting apple cheesecake. There was also the elegant quartered pieces that had a brownie forming their base and beautiful raspberry toppings. The winner was however Tom, whose cheesecake was both stunning in design and original in taste. Tom went on to win 'Star Baker' as his cheesecake was selected best in show!

The Blacksmith Arms at Flaxton provided excellent nosh, although after trying 35 cheesecakes the need for supper had somewhat diminished!

Funds were raised with the rest of the cheesecake being enjoyed as puddings and the winning cakes auctioned off.

Congratulations must go to Sue Mason and her helpers for a fun and successful evening. Wonder what the competition will be next year?!

Demonstrations

We host a selection of cookery demonstrations throughout the year.

Beginners Guide to AGA 

• Wednesday 24th September
• Tuesday 4th November
• Wednesday 10th December

Demonstrations are free of charge but please contact us to reserve your place.
Start time 7.15pm

Themed Cookery Demonstrations

• Autumn Entertaining - Wednesday 29th October £39
• Cooking for Christmas - Thursday 27th November £45

Themed cookery demonstrations run during the day, starting at 10.30am. The courses include tea / coffee and freshly baked biscuits on arrival and lunch with wine. 

AGA City60 Open Day 

• Saturday 20th September 

The open day will offer the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about AGA's latest model with live cookery demonstrations and sampling.
Please contact us to reserve your seat. 

AGA City60 Open Day

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting an AGA City60 OPEN DAY on Saturday 20th September.

The open day will offer the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about AGA's latest model.

The new AGA City60 is everything you would expect from an AGA, but wrapped up in a smaller more city-friendly package. At just 60cm wide, the same as a slot in cooker or standard kitchen unit - it's perfect for small spaces. 

Sample AGA cooked goodies and watch live cookery demonstration throughout the day. 

Please contact us for more information and to reserve your seat for the cookery demonstrations.

Email Michael@countrywarmth.co.uk or call 01653 694699.

The Perfect Yorkshires for Yorkshire Day!

Celebrate Yorkshire Day with the perfect Yorkshire puddings!

Ingredients: Makes 12 individual Yorkshire puddings

• Beef dripping, goose fat or sunflower oil
• 225g / 8oz plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• 2 eggs
• Approx 300ml / 1/2 pint milk 

Method
Put a little dripping or fat or 1 teaspoon of oil into each muffin tin. Put the tin directly on the floor of the roasting oven.

Make the batter - put the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Add the eggs and a little milk. Start whisking the liquids into the flour gradually adding more milk to make a smooth batter, the consistency of double cream (before whipping).

By this time the fat should be smoking hot. Remove the tin from the oven and ladle in the batter. Hang the shelf on the third set of runners from the top of the roasting oven and slide in the tray of Yorkshire puddings.

Cook the puddings for 35-40 minutes until the puddings are risen and golden brown.

Remove the cooked Yorkshire puddings from the oven and either serve immediately or leave to rest until needed. When needed return to the oven for 8-10 minutes to heat through.

Conventional cooking: pre-heat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan.425°:F/Gas mark 7. Heat the tin with the fat until smoking, about 10 minutes. Pour in the batter and cook Yorkshire puddings for 25-30 minutes until risen and golden.