We got creative over the weekend and made our very own edible tree decorations. Flavoured with all things Christmas and made even prettier with white icing, our heart shaped biscuits are centre stage on the tree. Very easy to make and even better to eat! Why not have a go yourselves and send us some pictures 
Recipe courtesy of ‘The Great British Bake Off: How to turn everyday bakes into showstoppers’
This classic English delight is named after Queen Victoria, who enjoyed a slice with her cup of afternoon tea. We’ve created our own version of this classic recipe by adding some fresh strawberries. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Ingredients to make a round 8″ Cake:
- • 200g caster sugar
- • 200g unsalted butter (make sure it’s softened)
- • 1 Tsp of vanilla extract
- • 4 medium free range eggs
- • 200g self-raising flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
- • 250ml double cream (to be whipped)
- • Raspberry or strawberry jam
- • Icing sugar (to sprinkle on top)
- • 450g fresh British strawberries
Preparing the cake mixture:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 190/170ºC fan/gas mark 5.
- 2. Butter and flour your cake tins
- 3. Place butter, sugar and vanilla extract into a bowl and beat until you have a creamy consistency.
- 4. Slowly add the eggs one at a time then fold in the self-raising flour. Mix well.
Baking:
Divide your mixture evenly into your cake tins and bake for approximately 20 minutes. The sponges should be golden brown & springy. To check if the sponge is baked throughout – simply insert a knife into the centre of the sponge, and when pulled out the knife should come out clean.
Once baked, remove the sponges from the cases and allow to cool completely on a rack.
Assembling:
Whip the double cream until stiff and sticks to the whisk. We like to add a little icing sugar to make it that little bit sweeter. Spread your cream onto one sponge, and your raspberry jam onto the other and Sandwich together.
Finishing touches:
Dust with icing sugar,and decorate with fresh strawberries as shown.
How did you get on?
We’d love to see some pictures of you and your finished cake. Send them to info@thecourtyardboutique.co.uk
We just love these beach themed bird houses that will be available soon from the Courtyard Boutique. Handmade on the beautiful cornish coast, these quirky bird house’s will make some feathered friends very happy and bring some all year round sunshine to your garden!
Every month, we are giving one lucky winner a £100 voucher to spend online at the Courtyard Boutique. To enter the prize draw, and to receive our latest news and exclusive offers, simply sign up to our newsletter. Entry is now open! For full terms and conditions click here.
What a day to remember…
The Olympic torch began its 8,000 mile relay around the UK early on Saturday morning at Land’s End, Cornwall. Passing through Falmouth and the Eden Project on the first stages of it’s route and at approximately 1pm, the torch and it’s team arrived in Truro. Met by excited crowds along the route through Lemon Street and down passed Truro Cathedral, there was a real buzz with people of all ages soaking up the atmosphere and celebrating the special occasion.
Olympic Torch Truro 2012
The weather was lovely and sunny which heightened the great sense of spirit. Crowds were 4 or 5 deep with lots of flags, cheering and even neighbours having garden parties.
Eight thousand people will pass the torch from hand-to-hand, reaching the length and breadth of Britain. Ten weeks from now we will see the flame arrive at the Olympic Stadium, bringing with it the excitement for the GB team!
