Author: Kate Virtue

Join Us for a Special Evening with Jess from Bread for Life

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 8th, 2024, because we have an exciting evening planned with a special guest! Jess from Bread for Life will be joining us for a fabulous bread-baking session that promises to be both educational and delicious.

Last year Jess spent an evening teaching us how to make some crunchy baguettes which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Jess has been coming to SBC for years now and in the past some of our own members have even shared their talents at local events – this means you will be in safe hands regardless of your baking skills to come along for some fun and flour!

Event Schedule:

• 6:30 pm – Welcome and Tea Time: We’ll start the evening with a warm cup of tea and a friendly chat, catching up with fellow baking enthusiasts and welcoming new members.
• 6:45 pm – Baking with Jess: Jess from Bread for Life will guide us through a delightful bread recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned bread baker or a complete novice, this hands-on session will offer valuable tips and techniques to help you create perfect loaves. And, of course, everyone will get to take some of their freshly baked bread home.
• Proofing = Raffle Time: We’ll have a raffle with fantastic prizes, and all proceeds will go to support the local food bank. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the community while having fun.
• 9:30 pm – Wrap Up: The evening will conclude with full hearts and happy bellies. We’ll say our goodbyes and look forward to the next baking adventure.

Secure Your Spot:

Spaces are limited, so if you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to get in touch with Mandy to secure your spot. You can reach her at [Mandy’s email or phone number]. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from Jess and enjoy an evening of baking, community, and giving back.

Join us for a memorable evening of bread-making magic with Jess from Bread for Life. We can’t wait to see you there!

Baking Our Way Through 2024

As the year progresses, our baking club has been on an incredible journey of culinary exploration and delightful gatherings. Let’s take a moment to savour the memories and highlights of our last five meetings of 2024.

April: Fakeaway – Onion Bhajis Delight

We kicked off spring with our “Fakeaway” theme, crafting delicious homemade onion bhajis. The evening was a spicy success, filled with the tantalizing aromas of fried onions and spices. Each member left with a portion of these crispy delights, ready to recreate the takeaway magic at home.

May: County Favourite – Brummie Bacon Cakes

In May, we celebrated local flavors with our “County Favourite” theme, diving into the rich tradition of Brummie Bacon Cakes. The savory bakes, filled with bacon and a hint of cheese, brought smiles all around as we indulged in this regional delight.

June: Patisserie – Crafting Gougères

June saw us stepping into the sophisticated world of French patisserie with a focus on Gougères. These delicate cheese puffs were a testament to our baking skills and patience, resulting in airy, golden bites that transported us straight to a Parisian café….once we had turned the oven on.

July: Botanicals – Lemon and Thyme Cake

July’s “Botanicals” theme brought a refreshing twist with Lemon and Thyme Cake. The citrusy sweetness paired with the subtle herbal notes of thyme made for a delightful summer bake, perfect for garden parties and afternoon teas.

August: Nuts About Baking – Macaroons Mastery

Our August meeting was all about nuts, with a focus on mastering the art of macaroons. These delicate, nutty confections tested our precision and technique, but teamwork and the amazing Rachel Clark meant everyone could take home some tasty treats.

Looking Ahead: September’s Bread Extravaganza

As we look forward to September, we’re excited to announce a slight schedule change. Jess is rejoining us for a fabulous dive into the world of breads. Mark your calendars for the second Thursday of September and prepare to knead, shape, and bake your way to bread-making bliss.

Join Us for More Baking Adventures:

If you haven’t yet secured your spot for September, now’s the time! Reach out to Mandy to reserve your space and join us for an evening of bread-making magic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, our baking club welcomes all who share a passion for creating and enjoying delicious treats.

Let’s continue our culinary journey together and make more unforgettable memories as we bake our way through 2024. See you in September for a dough-lightful bread-making experience!

Whipping Up Homemade Takeaway Delights: Join Us for Our “Fakeaway” Event

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and unleash your culinary creativity at our upcoming Baking Club event themed “Fakeaway.” Scheduled for Thursday, April 11th, 2024, at 7 pm, this promises to be an evening filled with flavorful fun and delicious discoveries.

• 7:00 pm – Welcome and Warm Conversations: Kickstart the evening with a cup of tea and a chat with fellow baking enthusiasts. Share your favorite takeaway memories and get ready for an exciting culinary adventure.
• 7:15 pm – Let’s Get Baking: Under the guidance of our talented bakers, we’ll dive into creating our own homemade takeaway dupes. Best of all, everyone will get to take a portion of their creation home to enjoy later.
• 8:00 pm – Share the Love: If you have time, bring along another bake to share with the group. It could be a homemade version of your favorite takeaway treat or a classic dessert to complement our culinary creations. Sharing is caring, and we can’t wait to sample each other’s delicious offerings.
• 9:00 pm – Farewell and Full Bellies: As the evening draws to a close, we’ll bid adieu with satisfied smiles and full bellies. Leave with new recipes to try at home and the warm glow of a delightful evening spent with friends.

Secure Your Space:

If you haven’t already secured your spot for this mouthwatering event, be sure to get in touch with Mandy via our social media platforms to reserve your space. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice enthusiast, everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

Join Us for a Fakeaway Feast:

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to whip up your own homemade takeaway delights and share in the joy of baking with our wonderful baking club community. Come prepared for an evening of culinary creativity, laughter, and plenty of delicious discoveries.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 11th, and get ready to embark on a fakeaway adventure like no other. We can’t wait to see you there!

A Delicious Start

As we ushered in the new year, our baking club embarked on a culinary journey filled with warmth, creativity, and camaraderie. Over the past three months, we’ve explored a range of delectable themes, each one bringing its own unique flavor to our gatherings. Let’s take a moment to recap the highlights of our winter baking adventures:

January: Winter Warmers – Sticky Toffee Pudding Extravaganza

We kicked off the year with a cozy Winter Warmers event, where the sweet aroma of sticky toffee pudding filled the air. Guided by our skilled bakers, we rolled up our sleeves and delved into the art of creating this classic comfort dessert. The evening was a heartwarming success, with each bite of pudding serving as a delicious reminder of the joy of baking together.

February: All About the Base – Crafting the Perfect Key Lime Pie

In February, we turned our attention to the foundation of every great dessert: the base. With a focus on creating the perfect crust, we embarked on a journey to master the art of making Key Lime Pie. From zesting limes to whisking creamy fillings, we honed our skills and indulged in the tangy sweetness of this iconic dessert.

March: Irish Night – Savoring the Flavors of Cheese and Rosemary Soda Bread

As St. Patrick’s Day approached, we celebrated all things Irish with a special themed event. Our ovens were filled with the irresistible scent of freshly baked cheese and rosemary soda bread, a delightful twist on a traditional Irish favorite. With each slice, we toasted to the spirit of friendship and the joy of exploring new culinary horizons.

Looking Ahead to April: “Fakeaway” Fun

As we eagerly anticipate our next gathering on the second Thursday of April, we’re thrilled to announce our upcoming theme: “Fakeaway” Fun. Get ready to put your own spin on a takeaway favorite as we craft our own versions of beloved dishes typically ordered from restaurants. From homemade pizza to DIY sushi rolls, the possibilities are endless, and the creativity boundless.

Join Us for More Baking Adventures:

If you haven’t already, mark your calendars and secure your spot for our next event. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice enthusiast, our baking club welcomes all who share a passion for creating, sharing, and savoring delicious treats together.

Here’s to many more months of baking joy and culinary exploration in the company of our wonderful baking club family. See you on the second Thursday of April for an unforgettable evening of “Fakeaway” delights!

Embracing Winter Warmth: A Baking Club Evening to Remember

As the winter chill settles in, what better way to warm our hearts and homes than with the comforting aroma of freshly baked delights? Join us on Thursday, January 11th, 2024, at 7 pm for our first meeting of the year – “Winter Warmers.”

• 7:00 pm – Arrival and Warm Welcomes: Kickstart the evening with a cup of tea and the joyous chatter of fellow baking enthusiasts. Whether you’re a regular or a newcomer, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.
• Let’s Bake Together: Our communal baking adventure for the night is none other than the classic Sticky Toffee Pudding. Under the guidance of our resident baker Mandy, we’ll knead, mix, and bake our way to gooey perfection. The best part? Everyone gets to take a portion of this delectable treat home.
• Share the Love: If you have a spare moment in your busy schedule, bring along another bake to share with the group. It could be your favorite winter spiced cookie, a comforting pudding, pavlova or tart. Anything that radiates winter warmth! Sharing is, after all, what makes our Baking Club so special.
• 9:00 pm – Farewell and Full Hearts: As the evening winds down, we’ll bid adieu, tins and hearts full with the warmth of freshly baked goodies and the camaraderie of like-minded bakers.

Spaces Still Available:

If the idea of a cozy evening filled with laughter, warmth, and the aroma of delicious bakes sounds appealing, there are still some spaces available. Don’t miss out on the fun; get in touch with Mandy to secure your spot.

How to Join:

Reach out to Mandy at southambakingcircle@hotmail.co.uk or 07764447604 to reserve your spot. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, Southam Baking Club promises an evening of shared joy and delectable creations.

Join us as we turn up the heat in the kitchen and celebrate the magic of winter through the art of baking. See you there, ready to whisk up some winter warmth!

As the festive season draws to a close, ot’s time to reminisce on the last SBC meeting. Our beloved baking club had the double joy of celebrating Christmas and a decade of delightful gatherings. The air was thick with festive excitement as we gathered for our special Christmas Party, a celebration of ten years sharing laughter, culinary adventures, and, of course, mouthwatering bakes.

The evening kicked off with the familiar hum of hot drinks and catching up on everyone’s lives. Conversations danced between upcoming festive plans and baking projects that sparked the anticipation of delightful treats. It was heartening to see familiar faces and welcome new ones into our community.

Our festive make of the evening added an extra layer of joy. Similar to this fantastic recipe found at Jus-Rol (https://www.jusrol.co.uk/pastry-recipes/christmas-tree-treats), we embarked on crafting our own puff pastry Christmas trees. With Nutella and Biscoff as our artistic mediums, we rolled, filled, and shaped these delectable creations, adorning them with star-shaped crowns.

Amidst the hum of crafting, chatter filled the room as members shared tips, stories, and the occasional laugh. The atmosphere was festive, and the creativity flowed as freely as the tea and coffee.

To keep the evening merry, a delightful array of party and Christmas-themed bakes were shared by our talented members. The spread was nothing short of a feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds. Paired with a selection of drinks, some of which may have been a touch spirited, it was a true celebration of the season.

Our tradition of generosity shone through in the raffle, where luck favored a few who walked away with more than one prize. Yet, the true winner was Marie Curie, as we managed to raise a fantastic £62 through our festive generosity.

The joy continued with our Secret Santa exchange. Presents were eagerly chosen, and the room buzzed with excitement. Some, unable to resist the anticipation, tore into their gifts immediately, unveiling new baking treasures that will undoubtedly find their way into future meetings.

Although I chose not to participate this year, I continued the tradition of giving by using the delightful baking goodies I was gifted from last year’s party to create sugar cookies for my work colleagues. It’s heartening to be able to extend the spirit of giving beyond our festive gatherings.

As our meeting wound down, bellies full and hearts warmer, our cake tins were bursting with a delightful assortment of treats to carry us through the countdown to Christmas. Holiday wishes echoed in the room alongside fond farewells, marking the end of another memorable evening in the history of our baking club.

Here’s to a decade of friendship, laughter, and countless sweet creations. Merry Christmas, and here’s to many more years of baking joy!