The 'Baking Mad' Challenge - Afternoon Tea Menu Ideas

A few weeks ago we were challenged by our friends at bakingmad.com to attempt an Afternoon Tea challenge using recipes from their website.

Tea for Two

Being fans of all things Afternoon Tea, we couldn't resist this opportunity and so headed over to their site to see what was on offer. The choice was quite substantial - offering everything from cupcakes to pastries - but after lengthy discussions we decided to go for a simple yet elegant tea of Bite Size Brownies, Butterfly Cakes and Tea Time Scones

Two Tiers of Treats

These recipes were quick, easy to make and perfect on a budget - The whole thing cost less than £7 (plus we still have plenty of ingredients left over to make it all again!)

Check out their website for information on how to make cupcake recipes and more.

Yummy Gooey Brownies

How do you think we got on? Do let us know if you try any of the recipes above, we'd love to know what you think!

Love

Laura and Caroline

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Cake Break: Ben's Cookies, Carnaby Street, London

Located in London's über cool Carnaby Street (So cool in fact that Irregular Choice shoes have their own shop - I know!) the aroma from Ben's Cookies turns a desire for the designer into a craving for cookies.
This cute mini cookie bar is decked out with bold red furnishings and shiny hearts that drape across the windows. Gorgeously romantic and also very British with Quentin Blake style artwork infused into its signature look - ideal surroundings for a Valentine's treat!

The cookies themselves are something else. Soft and gooey with huge chocolate chunks, in particular the white chocolate flavour. There are also raisin options and brownies on offer along with a selection of hot and cold drinks.
A spacious outdoor seating area puts Ben's Cookies at the top of our list for perfect summer coffee stops!

(Laura)

Cake Break: FM Caffe, Widnes

What we have here ladies and gents is a photo of a half eaten brownie.

And the reason it's half eaten is because these brownies are so addictively good that I rushed in to eat it before sitting back to take a photo.

 

Back on point, FM Caffe is without a doubt my little home from home. It's my oasis where I can just sit, use my laptop, read Celebs magazine or just indulge in brownie goodness.

The welcome is warm and personal and the decor makes you feel as though you've just stepped off a plane into a wonderful Spanish cafe - the music certainly helps too!

 

If you feel like having a 'treat day' (or what I'd pretty much call: any day that ends in 'y' that has a spare hour) FM cook the best 'Make Your Own' breakfasts I've ever had. Nothing is too much trouble.

 

If you're looking for somewhere with attentive staff, great food, oh and really lovely coffee (especially the cappuccinos!) then FM is just perfect. I'll see you in there no doubt!

Coffee Break: Apple Charlottes, Arndale Market, Manchester

In a world where having to splash out over £2 for a fancy cupcake has become pretty much the norm, you come to not really expect much from one that costs less.

But Apple Charlottes does just the opposite and for only £1 you can treat youself to a few of their fabulous different flavours!

The bakery on Manchester's Arndale Market offers a vast selection of cupcakes, brownies and muffins. My favourites have got to be the vanilla and chocolate orange flavours. Beautifully frosted with buttercream and glitter - and they really do taste as good as they look! Soft, creamy and the perfect amount of fluffiness - I could eat these cakes forever but unfortunately I enjoy being able to fit through my front door.

Just delightful.

(Laura)

P.s Head over to Manchester Arndale's website and download yourself their summer deals booklet where you'll find a voucher for a free Apple Charlottes' cupcake! (T&Cs apply) Manchester Arndale Voucher Booklet