A yellow pack of Silver Spoon caster sugar next to an out of shot person greasing a round baking tin with butter.

Silver Spoon is inspiring Britain to create more moments of baking joy. From a dollop of icing on your fairy cakes, lighter-than-air golden sponges and the fluffiest buttercream to top your celebration showstopper - this is your perfect baking partnership.

Prep

Our Products

A freshly made Victoria Sponge cake sat on a cake plinth, topped with strawberries and buttercream next to a yellow pack of Silver Spoon caster sugar.

Cake Recipes

A tray of freshly baked biscuits, some with icing and sprinkle decoration next to a pink box of Silver Spoon icing sugar.

Cookies & Biscuits

A cake plinth of chocolate cupcakes with swirled chocolate icing on top in front of a pink pack of Silver Spoon icing sugar.

Cupcakes & Muffins

2 glass jars of eton mess, raspberries, edible flowers and vanilla extract

Desserts

4 round dishes of coloured icing sugar being made up in various blue, pink and yellow colours next to a pink pack of Silver Spoon icing sugar.

Icing & Buttercream

Jams & Spreads

Freshly made Air Fryer Pop Tarts on a marble surface decorated with icing and multi coloured sprinkles next to a pink pack of Silver Spoon icing sugar.

Pies & Tarts

Freshly made scones with a small pot of sliced strawberries in front of a yellow bag of Silver Spoon caster sugar.

Scone Recipes

A freshly made tray-bake cake with icing being drizzled on top, in front of a pink pack of Silver Spoon icing sugar.

Traybake Recipes

Pop tarts decorated with biscoff, chocolate and pink icing with sprinkles. 

Air Fryer Pop Tarts

Recipes

Tips & Tricks

<h2>What kind of Honey is Best for Baking?</h2>
<p><br>
We’ve looked at the properties of different types of honey and categorised them as follows:<br>
<br>
Light &amp; Mild honey is perfect when you are after a simple sweetness from your bake when you want the honey flavour to act more as the supporting flavour.<br>
<br>
Dark &amp; Rich is great when you want the flavour of the honey to shine through and be the hero flavour in your bake.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What can I make out of the Light and Mild Honey?</h2>
<p><br>
This honey is particularly good in:&nbsp;<br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="3cd8408d-2c98-5eb0-afbe-ca7a83f1ebaf" href="">Honey Energy Balls</a><br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="a7a05780-2603-5db8-8da1-dc8b8bffcf3a" href="">Baklava</a><br>
<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What can I make out of the Dark &amp; Rich Honey?&nbsp;</h2>
<p><br>
Here are some recipes for Rich &amp; Dark Honey:<br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="69463b7e-8dd5-509e-9d71-6871ec7ec6d4" href="">Stem Ginger and Honey Loaf Cake</a><br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="c8b0932f-4b8a-5332-87fb-be20e7246e37" href="">Honey Sponge Cake</a><br>
<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What Does Honey do in Baking?</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
Honey is a ‘humectant’. This means that it retains moisture- great news for baking as it helps keep biscuits and cake moist. Honey compared with traditional refined sugar, also means you gain a richer colour and fuller flavour.<br>
<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>10 Top Bee Facts</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
1. Bees pollinate 80% of the world’s fruits, vegetables and seed crops<br>
2. Not all bees make honey! Most bee species do not make honey because they don’t live in a hive and tend to be solitary bees. It’s 3. social honey-making bees that create honey and live in a hive.<br>
4. In a bee’s whole lifetime, it will only make ¼ teaspoon of honey!<br>
5. You need 1 acre of flowers to sustain 1 hive of bees<br>
6. Bees visit 2 million flowers to produce just 500g of honey<br>
7. There are between 30,000 and 80,000 bees in a hive<br>
8. The average yield per UK hive is 12.5kg<br>
9. The queen bee can lay up to 2000 eggs per day<br>
10. It takes 6 weeks from when the eggs are laid to the bees being equipped to forage<br>
11. Bees have been producing honey for at least 150 million years<br>
<br>
If you’re a dab hand in the kitchen and want to experiment with honey in recipes yourself, why not familiarise yourself with our top tips? We’ve designed these to help you get the best consistency and bake you possibly can<br>
<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4 Top Tips for Adjusting Recipes to Bake with Honey&nbsp;</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
1. Honey contains approx. 20% moisture so when replacing sugar with honey in a recipe you need to reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe.<br>
<br>
As a starting point try reducing other liquid by 20% to compensate for the honey, however if the only liquid in the recipe is egg then try increasing the flour in the recipe by 2 tbsp for every 250g of honey.<br>
<br>
2. Honey is an acidic ingredient and so adding a very small amount of bicarbonate of soda to your recipe with help reduce the acidity and create the correct conditions for the bake to rise where required.<br>
<br>
Try adding ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda for every 250g of honey used.<br>
<br>
3. Honey is sweeter than table sugar gram for gram. Due to the higher fructose content and synergistic effect between sucrose and fructose, honey delivers an increased sweetness for the same solids when compared to table sugar.<br>
<br>
Watch the sweetness in bakes and if required reduce the honey content slightly. Try a 25% reduction to start with.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
<br>
4. Recipes using honey brown faster in the oven than white sugar equivalents due to the higher fructose content.<br>
<br>
Try reducing the oven temperature by 5-10°C as a starting point to avoid overbrowning.<br>
<br>
If you’ve been inspired by reading this, why not give it a go and try baking with honey. Be sure to share your photos on Instagram with us @BakingMadUK<br>
</p>

Baking with Honey, Everything you Need to Know

<p>Sometimes when you're new to baking and you look at a recipe it can be a bit overwhelming with what looks like a whole kitchen worth of ingredients, decorating tools, finishing touches and equipment. But it really doesn't need to be scary, all you really need are some key must haves to get you started and you can then build your baking arsenal bit by bit, recipe by recipe.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
We've made a list of what we think are the top 10 must haves for a beginner baker to have in their kitchen to get them started on the exciting past time that is baking.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>
1. Measuring Spoons</h3>
<p>Baking is an exact science and so you need to make sure you have the exact quantities as called for in the recipe.&nbsp;<br>
</p>
<h3>2. Measuring Cups</h3>
<p>Some recipes come from across the pond and ingredients are measured in cups instead of ounces and grams. Take the guess work out with some beautiful measuring cups.&nbsp;<br>
</p>
<h3>3. Rolling Pin</h3>
<p>Whether you're rolling out cookie and biscuit dough or sugar paste and marzipan to cover a cake, you won't get far without a decent rolling pin. To make sure you get an even result, try using the rolling pin ring guides.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>
4. Parchment Paper</h3>
<p>Baking Parchment Paper is a must for lining your cake tins to stop them from sticking and ending up with a mound of cake crumbs. Did you know you can even buy Greaseproof Circles and Side Liners that are ready to just pop in to the bottom and the sides of your cake tin without the need to measure and cut? It couldn't get simpler than that.<br>
</p>
<h3>5. 8" Cake Tin</h3>
<p>The majority of beginner cake recipes will call for a 20cm/8" cake tin. Particularly useful for Victoria Sponges, you can also use a round cake tin to make a heart shaped cake!&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>
6. Loaf Tin</h3>
<p>Not everyone wants to bake a cake, sometimes you fancy a loaf cake or a loaf of bread. Enter the loaf tin.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>
7. Cookie Cutters</h3>
<p>Everyone should make cookies at some point and cookie cutters are just what you need.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>
8. Cooling Rack</h3>
<p>You've baked your cookies or cakes and now what? You need to let them cool and the most effective way of doing this is using a cooling rack.<br>
<br>
As you start to bake more often, you'll soon come to realise that a single layered cooling rack may not be sufficient (especially when it comes to multiple cookies and biscuits) and we think this 3 tiered cooling rack is an absolute must have for beginners and master bakers alike.&nbsp;</p>
<p><br></p>
<h3>9. Silicone Spatula</h3>
<p>The humble spatula. It doesn't look like much but it really is an invaluable tool. Fantastic for folding ingredients together, scraping batter out of a bowl and smoothing. It really is a bakers best friend.&nbsp;</p>
<p><br></p>
<h3>10. Protective Transportation</h3>
<p>Last but no means least is an effective and efficient way of transporting your beautiful homemade bakes to their final destination. Whether you're taking them to work or for a family get together, you don't want to damage them in transit. Handy bake and carry trays are a fantastic space saving solution. Simply bake your traybake or cupcakes in the tin and then pop on the carry handle and you're good to go!</p>

Top 10 Baking Essentials for Beginners

<h4>Here’s our handy cooking conversions chart infographic, to help unravel those confusing moments when you realise that your recipe is presented with unfamiliar values.&nbsp; We’ve converted temperatures, weights and other measurements that will come in handy in the kitchen.&nbsp; Whether you’re confused by how many ml there are in a cup or scuppered when converting oz to grams, download and print our simple Cooking Conversions Chart and keep it your kitchen.&nbsp; Those of us who are taking this really seriously may just laminate it!<br>
</h4>
<figure data-asset-id="717f1b7c-415c-4415-b92c-5b488ccaac91" data-image-id="717f1b7c-415c-4415-b92c-5b488ccaac91"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/a9089b31-ca5a-4e82-a459-213ced434f77/Cooking-Conversions-Chart-Temperatures-Weights-Measurements-Infographic_1.jpg" data-asset-id="717f1b7c-415c-4415-b92c-5b488ccaac91" data-image-id="717f1b7c-415c-4415-b92c-5b488ccaac91" alt="Infographic of conversions for baking"></figure>
<p>Nothing beats committing some of these conversions to memory, so that you have a vague idea of how much something weighs or its relative volume, when you’re out and about.&nbsp; Here are our top cooking conversions to learn by heart to make your life a little easier!&nbsp;</p>
<h2><br>
&nbsp;9 Imperial to Metric Cooking Conversions to Memorise</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
We’ve rounded the numbers in places to make the conversions super easy, so be careful when multiplying if the recipe requires precision.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
<br>
1 cup = 250 ml<br>
1 pint = 500 ml<br>
1 quart = 1 L<br>
1 gallon = 4 L<br>
1 fl oz = 30 ml<br>
1 oz = 30 g<br>
5 oz = 140 g<br>
10 oz = 285 g<br>
16 oz (1 lb) = 450 g<br>
<br>
<br>
We’ll be very impressed if you can memorise the next set of conversions, while that’s not what we’re suggesting!&nbsp; Use the following conversions when cooking recipes that demand precise measures.</p>
<h2><br>
&nbsp;9 Precision US, Metric &amp; Imperial Cooking Conversions</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
1 US cup<br>
240 ml<br>
0.84 Imperial cup<br>
<br>
1 US pint<br>
473.18 ml<br>
0.95 Imperial pint<br>
<br>
1 US quart<br>
946.35 ml<br>
0.83 Imperial quart<br>
<br>
1 US gallon<br>
3785.41 ml<br>
0.83 Imperial gallon<br>
<br>
1 US fl oz<br>
29.57ml<br>
1.04 Imperial fl oz<br>
<br>
1 oz<br>
28.35 g<br>
<br>
5 oz<br>
141.75 g<br>
<br>
10 oz<br>
283.5 g<br>
<br>
16 oz (1 lb)<br>
453.59 g&nbsp;<br>
<br>
Now that you’re inspired to take on recipes from around the world, try our favourite bakes from the USA, while you’ll not find a cup measurement in sight!&nbsp;<br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="88050319-6a7b-5943-8f65-2a1a90e62274" href="">American Bagels</a><br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="ed693aed-9b33-55df-b14d-923790ef5ad0" href="">American Style Pancakes</a><br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="e09d98a4-7d56-5228-8f2b-13053b7bc221" href="">Cornbread</a><br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="9e103924-1068-5808-b285-4c995da28a70" href="">Pretzels</a><br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="3b0e02bb-89fb-5b2a-b840-a1244ca53c70" href="">Twinkies</a><br>
</p>

Cooking Conversions: Temperatures, Weights & Measurements

<p>Most people who bake are sure to have an abundance of disregarded eggshells at one time or another.&nbsp;But did you know,&nbsp;instead of throwing them away, you can repurpose them into many handy products for use in the home and garden?<br>
<br>
Here we tell you our 5 unexpected uses for this baking by-product.&nbsp;<br>
</p>
<h2>1. Garden Helper</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="56f943a2-8f98-401a-8540-0261e1c18630" data-image-id="56f943a2-8f98-401a-8540-0261e1c18630"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/61b808a9-3297-47a3-907c-05f3b0e0eab3/EggShell-Fertiliser.jpg" data-asset-id="56f943a2-8f98-401a-8540-0261e1c18630" data-image-id="56f943a2-8f98-401a-8540-0261e1c18630" alt="egg shells in soil"></figure>
<p>Quick to decompose, crushed eggshells make a valuable addition to any soil. Rich in calcium and other minerals, eggshells make a great natural fertiliser that can help your garden thrive.<br>
<br>
Made of calcium carbonate, eggshells are a brilliant way to introduce this much needed mineral into the soil.&nbsp;Simply grind the egg shells and mix them in to the soil. It will take several months for the eggshells to fully breakdown and be absorbed by the plant so it’s suggested that this is done in Autumn, but you can also add more in the Spring.<br>
<br>
You can also add the crushed eggshells to the bottom of a planting hole to help any new plants thrive.<br>
<br>
</p>
<h2>2. Control Pesky Pests</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
Scattering crushed eggshells around your vegetables and flowers not only gives the compost a boost but also deters common garden pests who dislike the texture like slugs and snails, without using pesticides.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. Nurture Seedlings</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="5f609be9-cda4-4e47-9a00-2a11d4376309" data-image-id="5f609be9-cda4-4e47-9a00-2a11d4376309"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/facb6d32-d140-4575-b905-862f5a966be8/Egg-Plant.jpg" data-asset-id="5f609be9-cda4-4e47-9a00-2a11d4376309" data-image-id="5f609be9-cda4-4e47-9a00-2a11d4376309" alt="seedlings in egg shells"></figure>
<p>No need for special plant pots or seedling trays. Simply fill your empty eggshell halves with potting compost and use them to start off seedlings indoors. The egg carton box can also be repurposed as a handy holder to keep your seedlings safe on your windowsill (they fit perfectly!) before transplanting them to your garden in the spring.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
Top Tip: When replanting the seedlings, simply crack the shell at the bottom and plant directly into the soil letting the shell naturally decompose.<br>
</p>
<h2>4. Houseplant Booster</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
To give your houseplants a much needed boot just fill a jar with water and submerge your disregarded shell and use for watering the plants.<br>
</p>
<h2>5. Cleans Tough Pots &amp; Pans<br>
</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="b8558ef2-6569-4bae-9b72-fb2e828f2beb" data-image-id="b8558ef2-6569-4bae-9b72-fb2e828f2beb"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/c8649623-70e0-4f4b-8325-4586569b3c7b/Pans_1.jpg" data-asset-id="b8558ef2-6569-4bae-9b72-fb2e828f2beb" data-image-id="b8558ef2-6569-4bae-9b72-fb2e828f2beb" alt="collection of metal pans"></figure>
<p>Crushed eggshells mixed with soapy water makes a powerful and nontoxic abrasive for tough-to-clean pots and pans.<br>
<br>
<br>
</p>

5 Useful Uses for Eggshells

<p>So you've baked your choux pastry buns and you're looking for the best way to fill them. We've got a quick video which shows you the best 2 ways we tackle the task.&nbsp;<br></p>

How to Fill a Profiterole or Eclair in 2 Ways

<p>Vanilla is the nation’s leading flavour choice and most people are sure to have a bottle of it stashed away at home.<br>
<br>
We all know it tastes delicious, but did you know it can be used for more than just baking? We've teamed up with our friends over at Nielsen-Massey to bring you 6 alternative uses for vanilla extract around the home.<br>
</p>
<h2>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Neutralise the Smell of Paint<br>
</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="370dd0a9-e272-4540-8439-4400c7da380d" data-image-id="370dd0a9-e272-4540-8439-4400c7da380d"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/9774d15b-3509-46a1-985b-95f262126679/Paint_1.jpg" data-asset-id="370dd0a9-e272-4540-8439-4400c7da380d" data-image-id="370dd0a9-e272-4540-8439-4400c7da380d" alt="paint roller"></figure>
<p>A freshly painted house looks amazing, but often the smell is not. To leave your house smelling delicious, simply add a tablespoon of vanilla extract into the paint can when you open it.&nbsp;Easy - Just don't forget to mix well before painting!</p>
<h2>2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Home Sweet Home<br>
</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="50fb00c7-c286-456b-9e1d-cc2ca448f550" data-image-id="50fb00c7-c286-456b-9e1d-cc2ca448f550"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/e33ba5d1-e21a-4f5f-8ca3-5370b329eda4/Home.jpg" data-asset-id="50fb00c7-c286-456b-9e1d-cc2ca448f550" data-image-id="50fb00c7-c286-456b-9e1d-cc2ca448f550" alt="white modern kitchen"></figure>
<p>Another sweet way of freshening up the smell of your home is by adding a drop of vanilla extract to your light bulbs. When you turn on the lights the heat will cause the extract to evaporate and leave your home smelling like a batch of cupcakes has just come fresh out of the oven.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Deodorising the Microwave</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
Remove any leftover food odours from your microwave safely and with ease using vanilla extract. Simply pour a little into a microwavable bowl and microwave on full power for one minute. Your Microwave will smell better in no time.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><br>
4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Freshen Up the Fridge</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
The same can also be said for your fridge. With so much food being stored in one place its only natural&nbsp;the odd smell may occur, but this is also why it’s important to make sure it can be dealt with without using any nasty chemicals. To leave your fridge&nbsp;smelling sweet just add a splash of vanilla extract to a cloth and wipe down the inside. Alternatively, if you want your sweet smell to last a little longer just soak a cotton ball in the extract, pop it on an old jar lid and sit it in the corner of your fridge.<br>
</p>
<h2>5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep Those Bugs Away<br>
</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="dd973dba-6b5f-4c52-b260-53276a71d7e8" data-image-id="dd973dba-6b5f-4c52-b260-53276a71d7e8"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/3b3fed94-f778-4196-9b2d-546e84e3a3ae/Mosquito_1.jpg" data-asset-id="dd973dba-6b5f-4c52-b260-53276a71d7e8" data-image-id="dd973dba-6b5f-4c52-b260-53276a71d7e8" alt="mosquito "></figure>
<p>We may love the smell of vanilla but insects don’t. For a natural insect repellent just add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to a cup of water, pop into a spray bottle, spritz and then rub into your skin.&nbsp;</p>
<p><br>
Please note: As with all skin products we recommend doing a patch test 24 hours before use.<br>
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>6.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Squeaky Clean</h2>
<p><br>
Due to the high alcohol content of vanilla extract, it’s ideal for removing the marks left behind from stubborn stickers or tape. Simply add a splash to your cloth and wipe away.<br>
<br>
As well as all these great uses, did you know vanilla&nbsp;and other flavour extracts also make great hair and beauty products? Find recipes to create your very own products to treat yourself, or make as a sweet gift or party favour.<br>
<br>
&nbsp;<br>
</p>

6 Alternative Uses for Vanilla Extract

<p>Flour is one of the most useful and versatile ingredients for any baker or cook, from a key component to bread&nbsp;and cake baking to using it to thicken sauces and gravy’s, flour is a must have kitchen staple. But did you know you can do more with flour than simply cook with it? We've teamed up with our friends at Allinson's to tell you about&nbsp;5 clever uses of which you may not have heard.</p>
<h2>1. Make Play Dough<br>
</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="65765fb5-bb70-5d8d-a3b5-33e7de446b9b" data-image-id="65765fb5-bb70-5d8d-a3b5-33e7de446b9b"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/e4806481-7476-4a25-bdb5-260058f3a4b0/play-dough.JPG" data-asset-id="65765fb5-bb70-5d8d-a3b5-33e7de446b9b" data-image-id="65765fb5-bb70-5d8d-a3b5-33e7de446b9b" alt="play-dough.JPG"></figure>
<p>Simple and easy to make, your kids will have a great time helping you whip up their very own batch of play dough. Made with natural and safe ingredients, the only part you'll need to worry about is what colour to make it. Want to try it for yourself? Watch our <a data-item-id="1a722657-b6ed-509c-b982-eebe0544cf58" href="">how to make play dough video</a>.</p>
<h2>2. Glue</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
Ideal for smaller papercraft projects, this glue is safe, cheap and so&nbsp;easy to make! Simply mix together 3 parts flour to 1 part sugar in a saucepan and add cold water gradually until it forms a paste consistency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beat out any lumps and stir over a medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken. Add a teaspoon of white vinegar and allow to cool before using. Glue will keep for a few weeks if stored in the fridge in an air tight container.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. Dry Shampoo</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
No time to wash your hair? No problem with this handy DIY dry shampoo recipe. Simply sieve flour into a bowl and sprinkle onto your roots, let sit for 20 to 30 seconds and brush off with a clean make up brush. The flour will absorb the excess oily residue and voilà - clean, fresh hair in no time at all!</p>
<h2>4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Ant Deterrent</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
We have all experienced this unwanted house guest at one time or another,&nbsp;but did you know flour is ideal for keeping these pesky critters at bay?&nbsp;Ants don’t like the taste or feel of powdery flour and will usually try and avoid it at all costs. If you spot ants somewhere in your home simply sprinkle a line close by to keep them away.</p>
<h2>5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Metal Cleaner</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
Did you know you can use flour to clean brass and copper? Just combine equal parts flour and salt in a bowl and add white vinegar until it forms a paste. Apply the mixture to the brass or copper surface, let it dry, rinse with warm water and buff with a dry cloth. As with all new cleaning methods though, we recommend doing a patch test before cleaning the entire surface.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
It's not just brass and copper that flour is good for either, it's also ideal for making your stainless steel appliances sparkle. Simply sprinkle flour onto a clean dry cloth and use it to buff your stainless steel surface to a shine.&nbsp;<br>
</p>

5 Clever Uses for Flour

<p>Isn't it frustrating when you are all ready and excited to start baking, only to find out that you only have plain flour and not self raising. You don't particularly want to pop to the shops as it'll really take the fun out of baking. So why not turn your plain flour into self raising flour? It's so easy to do you'll wonder why you haven't done it before.&nbsp;<br></p>

How to Turn Plain Flour in to Self Raising Flour

<p>If&nbsp;like lots of others, you love baking but can't eat eggs then the prospect of cake making&nbsp;can seem daunting. <a data-item-id="c1f792d6-3a6e-516b-9a4b-95dbbf54ba8f" href="">Aquafaba</a> has been revolutionary in helping widen the range of egg free baking recipes. If chickpea water is not for you then don't worry, we have done our research and put together this handy guide of&nbsp;alternative egg substitutions to help you still achieve those show-stopping bakes -&nbsp;Let's get Egg-less!</p>
<figure data-asset-id="3883a682-643c-4f69-9e5f-f610a90945a3" data-image-id="3883a682-643c-4f69-9e5f-f610a90945a3"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/88152b3f-c616-47bf-a8fc-eb09087f3654/Egg-Infograph.jpg" data-asset-id="3883a682-643c-4f69-9e5f-f610a90945a3" data-image-id="3883a682-643c-4f69-9e5f-f610a90945a3" alt="Egg replacement and alternatives for baking infographic"></figure>
<p><br>
Why not print this guide and stick it on your fridge for whenever you need it? Print <a data-asset-id="8540281a-b2df-4867-851e-2eb5781fd05e" href="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/faf964d5-8484-4ff1-a0c8-61b2bc74f9ae/Eggfree-Infograph.pdf">PDF</a>.<br>
</p>

Egg Free Baking

<p>When you think of yeast you may&nbsp;commonly think of a beer brewing or bread baking ingredient used to help the dough rise, but this useful little organism is handy for so much more than that. Here are some top tips for using yeast you may not have previously heard about.</p>
<h2>1. Refresh Your Skin</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="03e6052b-e3ca-4326-9210-d494f050e8ee" data-image-id="03e6052b-e3ca-4326-9210-d494f050e8ee"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/689ee86d-026c-4f5b-a089-ae6343b602bc/Yeast_beauty.jfif" data-asset-id="03e6052b-e3ca-4326-9210-d494f050e8ee" data-image-id="03e6052b-e3ca-4326-9210-d494f050e8ee" alt="woman rubbing cream onto her cheek"></figure>
<p>The purifying qualities of yeast make it an ideal face mask. The B Vitamins refresh and tone the skin, the antioxidants and amino acids restore skins youthful glow, vitamins PP,N and E are essential for skins nutrition and the minerals actively nourish . To make a yeast face mask just mix a sachet of yeast with warm water till it forms a thick paste. Leave to stand for 30 minutes before applying to your face. Leave for 20 minutes before washing off using warm water.<br>
<br>
<strong>Please note: As with all beauty products we recommend doing a patch test 24 hours before use.</strong><br>
</p>
<h2>2. Give Your Hair Shine</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
To produce long and luxurious hair our bodies need a good supply of vitamin B8, and yeast is full of it. By simply creating a hair mask by mixing half a sachet of yeast in warm water, massaging it into damp hair and leaving it for 30 minutes before washing off you will give your hair a much needed boost.<br>
<strong>Please note: As with all beauty products we recommend doing a patch test 24 hours before use.</strong><br>
</p>
<h2>3. Slug Control</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="f0c434d7-58bf-4019-a855-fa5bb2759332" data-image-id="f0c434d7-58bf-4019-a855-fa5bb2759332"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/67f5708c-dd32-4b03-8f6f-bb2b68ca9ebd/Yeast_Slug_1.jfif" data-asset-id="f0c434d7-58bf-4019-a855-fa5bb2759332" data-image-id="f0c434d7-58bf-4019-a855-fa5bb2759332" alt="slug on a nettle leaf"></figure>
<p>Do you despair at slugs munching their way through your garden? Yeast slug traps are the earth friendly solution to removing these little blighters without using toxic chemicals. Simply fill a jar with a mixture of dried yeast, salt, sugar and warm water and bury into the soil at an angle. The slugs are attracted to the fermenting mixture and can easily make their way into the open mouth and down to the solution. &nbsp;Empty and refill every 2 to 3 days.<br>
</p>
<h2>4. Good Bug Food</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="7a7e3cb1-c6a3-4760-85bf-4c7cf80a7f70" data-image-id="7a7e3cb1-c6a3-4760-85bf-4c7cf80a7f70"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/1a7f23ba-4d44-41ea-b192-cc7c77ae6542/Yeast_bee.jfif" data-asset-id="7a7e3cb1-c6a3-4760-85bf-4c7cf80a7f70" data-image-id="7a7e3cb1-c6a3-4760-85bf-4c7cf80a7f70" alt="bee on a purple flower"></figure>
<p>A simple mixture of yeast, honey and water in dishes around your garden can provide much needed protein rich food for insects such as ladybirds and bees to help them pollinate and fight garden pests.<br>
</p>
<h2>5. Compost Accelerator</h2>
<p><br>
<br>
Due to the organisms in yeast a mixture of brewer’s yeast, water and sugar added to a compost pile speeds up and fuels the decomposition of the organic materials. A warning though, the more active the organisms the warmer they make the compost. If the compost is above 160°&nbsp; the organisms begin to die out so always ensure the compost is cool before adding the yeast solution.<br>
<br>
With all these handy uses, this versatile ingredient proves itself a true essential for every household.<br>
</p>

Top 5 Alternative Uses for Yeast

<p>Ever got half way through baking and realised that you have run out of an ingredient or not got the right piece of baking equipment that you need? Sometimes thinking outside the box and getting creative with other kitchen objects can be the difference between rescuing your baking and an ultimate #cakefail.<br>
<br>
We have collected together some of our favourite baking hacks to share with you all.</p>
<h3><br>
Tip 1: Can’t find your rolling pin?</h3>
<p><br>
<br>
A bottle of wine is a great temporary rolling pin (and you could even treat yourself to a cheeky glass afterwards)</p>
<h3><br>
Tip 2: Forgotten to bring your eggs up to room temperature before baking?</h3>
<p><br>
Place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to bring the temperature up.</p>
<h3><br>
Tip 3: Accidentally dropped a bit of egg shell in your cake mix?<br>
</h3>
<figure data-asset-id="55b989d7-beeb-4752-bda3-0d6f1a2f9f97" data-image-id="55b989d7-beeb-4752-bda3-0d6f1a2f9f97"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/960cce32-ceb8-4bea-9662-9416ce6f8318/eggs.jpg" data-asset-id="55b989d7-beeb-4752-bda3-0d6f1a2f9f97" data-image-id="55b989d7-beeb-4752-bda3-0d6f1a2f9f97" alt="Eggs"></figure>
<p>Wet your finger. This will make it easier for the shell to stick to your finger when removing.</p>
<h3><br>
Tip 4: Not got enough time to make buttercream?</h3>
<p><br>
Place a marshmallow on top of your cupcakes for the last 5 minutes of baking in the oven. The marshmallow will melt and create a deliciously fluffy topping.</p>
<h3><br>
Tip 5: Want even shaped cookies?</h3>
<p><br>
<br>
Spoon the mixture into the holes of muffin tin this will create evenly sized cookies.</p>
<h3><br>
<br>
Tip 6: Looking for an alternative cupcake decoration instead of buttercream?</h3>
<p><br>
<br>
Keep a cut off of lace fabric in your kitchen. Lay on top of each cupcake and gently dust with icing sugar to create a pretty design.</p>
<h3><br>
<br>
Tip 7:&nbsp;Forgot to buy chocolate chips for your cookies?<br>
</h3>
<figure data-asset-id="3c268fa2-a1c8-4b6c-917c-00aa18ce05bd" data-image-id="3c268fa2-a1c8-4b6c-917c-00aa18ce05bd"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/3380bae1-7ef1-4c10-ad07-60d645575576/cookies.jpg" data-asset-id="3c268fa2-a1c8-4b6c-917c-00aa18ce05bd" data-image-id="3c268fa2-a1c8-4b6c-917c-00aa18ce05bd" alt="Cookies"></figure>
<p>Place a few squares of chocolate in a freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin to make chocolate chunks.</p>
<h3><br>
<br>
Tip 8: Burnt cookies/cakes are a thing of the past</h3>
<p><br>
If you have accidentally left your bakes in the oven too long, remove any burnt edges by lightly rubbing with a cheese grater.<br>
</p>
<h3><br>
Tip 9: Get in a pickle when filling a piping bag?</h3>
<p><br>
<br>
Place your piping bag in a large jug or glass and peel down the sides of the bag, freeing up both hands to fill the piping bag. When ready, gently roll up the sides of the piping bag and away you go.</p>
<h3><br>
<br>
Tip 10: Cookies on the go</h3>
<p><br>
<br>
Make an extra batch of cookie dough and freeze in an ice cube tray for ready to bake cookies for those moments when surprise visitors pop by.</p>
<h3><br>
<br>
Tip 11: Run out of piping bags?</h3>
<p><br>
<br>
Fill a zip lock freezer bag with buttercream and snip off one of the corners for a handy alternative piping bag.<br>
<br>
Share your baking hacks with us on Facebook or Instagram @BakingMad.&nbsp;<br>
</p>

Handy Hacks for Making Baking Simpler

<p>We sat down with Master Pâtissiers William &amp; Suzue Curley to find out their 10 top tips for creating&nbsp;perfect pâtisserie at home.<br>
</p>
<figure data-asset-id="cd5cd689-9e41-43d7-97db-eaa0a86c6b34" data-image-id="cd5cd689-9e41-43d7-97db-eaa0a86c6b34"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/0db325e5-58b2-409d-8c96-4c765a28d7d5/Patisserie.jpg" data-asset-id="cd5cd689-9e41-43d7-97db-eaa0a86c6b34" data-image-id="cd5cd689-9e41-43d7-97db-eaa0a86c6b34" alt="patisserie cakes in a row"></figure>
<p><br>
<strong>Tip 1:</strong>&nbsp;When using butter in cakes in, allow it to come to room temperature, it will more easily become light and fluffy.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 2</strong>: When adding eggs to any mixture, ensure you add them slowly, to prevent the mixture separating.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 3:</strong> When melting chocolate, melt over a water Bain-Marie, with the water hot, but not boiling, as the chocolate will burn if it gets too hot.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 4:</strong> When preparing pastry, it is important to let the pastry rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This will prevent the pastry shrinking or changing shape upon baking.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 5:</strong> A good set of digital scales is well worth the investment as precision is essential for successful baking.<br>
</p>
<figure data-asset-id="f173e1f4-3624-4141-b12f-c05694ec9609" data-image-id="f173e1f4-3624-4141-b12f-c05694ec9609"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/42797a08-203d-4285-8200-259c5758118b/Patisserie_2.jpg" data-asset-id="f173e1f4-3624-4141-b12f-c05694ec9609" data-image-id="f173e1f4-3624-4141-b12f-c05694ec9609" alt="patisserie cakes "></figure>
<p><strong>Tip 6:</strong>&nbsp;Sieving dry ingredients is important, thus breaking up any lumps that have formed, when using baking powder it is advisable to sieve with the dry ingredients twice.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 7: </strong>When whipping cream, insure you have a dry cool bowl, it may worth popping your bowl in the fridge in advance to keep it cool until you need it.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 8: </strong>I love my chocolate, always pick good quality chocolate, but try use the flavour characteristics to match the flavour of dish/cake you are making.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 9:</strong> Recipes can be adapted to suit different shapes and sizes of moulds and tins, you don’t always have to buy new equipment when you make something new.<br>
<br>
<strong>Tip 10:</strong> Always shop around for good quality ingredients, ideally in season.<br>
<br>
Happy baking!<br>
</p>

Ten Top Tips for Perfect Pâtisserie

<p>Make sure you grease and line your cake tin to prevent the cake from sticking to the side whilst baking, making it difficult to remove from the tin. Use a pastry brush and brush a small amount of butter or oil around the sides of the tin.<br></p>

How to Grease & Line a Circular Cake Tin

<p>Rubbing butter into flour can be done in a few easy steps:</p>
<ol>
  <li>Take the butter and cut it into cubes. Your recipe will tell you whether the butter needs to be cold or at room temperature.</li>
  <li>Put the cubes of butter into the flour and using your fingers, rub the mixture together until you get a consistency which looks a bit like breadcrumbs.</li>
  <li>Keep going until all your mixture looks the same.</li>
</ol>

Rubbing in Butter and Flour

<p>Make sure you grease and line your cake tin to prevent the cake from sticking to the side whilst baking, making it difficult to remove from the tin. Use a pastry brush and brush a small amount of butter or oil around the sides of the tin.&nbsp;<br></p>

How to Grease & Line a Square Cake Tin

How to Line a Pastry Case & Bake it Blind

<p>Throwers, kneaders and folders - we know nothing beats homemade bread but to some of us, knowing which type of flour to use when baking bread is a complete mystery.&nbsp;We sat down with our friends at Allinson's to find out&nbsp;which flour we should be using&nbsp;to achieve your best bake yet.</p>
<h2>Strong White Bread Flour</h2>
<p>It is important to use bread flour when baking a loaf. Some denser loaf recipes such as soda breads may use plain flour but this really is the exception. Strong white bread flour has a high protein level required to bake the perfect loaf. It is really versatile and can even be used to bake pizza dough and pasta.<br>
<br>
Allinson's Strong White Bread Flour is a great all purpose bread flour and its high gluten content makes it particularly suitable for bread making.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
Suitable for Vegans &amp; Vegetarians&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Very Strong White Bread Flour</h2>
<p>Very strong white bread flour is made from a blend of premium wheat and has an even higher protein content and gluten strength than the strong white bread flour.<br>
<br>
This guarantees a fuller rise and when blended with other flours such as rye and wholemeal will help give a rounder loaf.<br>
<br>
Suitable for Vegans &amp; Vegetarians&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Very Strong Wholemeal Bread Flour</h2>
<p>Allinson's Very Strong Wholemeal Bread Flour contains 100% of the wheat grain, keeping all the natural nutrients resulting in a flour that contains significant amounts of fibre, iron and B vitamins.<br>
<br>
The bran in wholemeal flour reduces the effectiveness of the gluten during bread making meaning that generally wholemeal bread dough will not rise as much as white bread dough. This means, wholemeal bread has a denser, moist texture and has less spring to it than white bread. We recommend using a proportion of Allinson's White Strong Bread Flour or Very Strong White Bread Flour with the wholemeal flour to make it a little lighter.&nbsp;<br>
</p>
<h2>White or Wholemeal Seed &amp;&nbsp;Grain Bread Flour</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="69797f6e-77f4-4da5-9f66-d848c604777f" data-image-id="69797f6e-77f4-4da5-9f66-d848c604777f"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/4be8db14-5bad-4480-b2bc-f8d50ade8506/Seed-Grain-Flour.jpg" data-asset-id="69797f6e-77f4-4da5-9f66-d848c604777f" data-image-id="69797f6e-77f4-4da5-9f66-d848c604777f" alt="Allinson's seed and grain flour"></figure>
<p>For a more textured loaf try baking with Seed and Grain bread flour. This can be used in the same manner as wholemeal or white bread flour however as it is blended with wheat and barley flakes, kibbled rye, sunflower seeds, millet and linseed these extra ingredients really add a special touch to your loaf.<br>
<br>
Suitable for Vegetarians</p>
<h2>Country Grain Flour</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="42493257-af78-452d-a1d4-3955b9c66992" data-image-id="42493257-af78-452d-a1d4-3955b9c66992"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/dcc5584f-fd12-46fd-a3b3-78f444960d02/Country-Grain-Flour.jpg" data-asset-id="42493257-af78-452d-a1d4-3955b9c66992" data-image-id="42493257-af78-452d-a1d4-3955b9c66992" alt="Allinson's country grain flour"></figure>
<p>If you are looking to achieve a granary style loaf then Country Grain bread flour would be the recommended flour of choice. The combination of white bread flour, malted wheat flakes, rye flour and malted barley flour gives a great nutty flavour and rich texture to your loaf.<br>
<br>
Suitable for Vegetarians<br>
<br>
All these flours are suitable for use in bread machines using either the ‘white’ or ‘wholemeal’ basic settings.<br>
<br>
Some recipes may simply specify ‘strong white flour’ or ‘wholemeal flour’ which can be confusing. However, if you are in doubt, remember that using the correct bread flour is essential to achieving a delicious well baked loaf.</p>
<figure data-asset-id="309215bc-d4de-49db-9c67-cf53ce8f81f5" data-image-id="309215bc-d4de-49db-9c67-cf53ce8f81f5"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/7f55f8fd-1b1e-4b2d-86e5-af7256f7e159/allinson%27s%20logo.png" data-asset-id="309215bc-d4de-49db-9c67-cf53ce8f81f5" data-image-id="309215bc-d4de-49db-9c67-cf53ce8f81f5" alt="Allinson's logo"></figure>
<figure data-asset-id="c1aaf8fb-4cc1-4182-b063-bb103679b6db" data-image-id="c1aaf8fb-4cc1-4182-b063-bb103679b6db"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/f6c9d244-b6d7-483f-8ed4-a29636fef5b2/Thomas-Allinson.png" data-asset-id="c1aaf8fb-4cc1-4182-b063-bb103679b6db" data-image-id="c1aaf8fb-4cc1-4182-b063-bb103679b6db" alt="portrait of thomas allinson"></figure>
<p>Allinson's - helping make you a better baker for 125 years! Want to <a data-item-id="2a91b76f-8d17-5ad1-ae06-6d4b76e8a2c3" href="">make your own self-raising flour</a>? Follow our guide!</p>

Bread Flour - What's The Difference?

<p>If you’re at home surrounded by a seasonal glut of fruit which will soon peak, you might want to start thinking about how to preserve the rich and sweet taste of your summer bounty. And what better way is there than making your own delicious home made jams and preserves? We’ve got the know how, top tips and recipes to help you on your way.<br>
<br>
First things first. Ever wondered why you’ve lost colour or flavour when making jam previously? It’s probably all down to your pectins. Depending the level of pectin in your fruits will depend on which sugar type is best to use to get the optimum flavour for your preserves. Sound confusing? Silver Spoon have taken the stress out and developed 2 key sugars especially.<br>
<br>
</p>
<h2>Silver Spoon Preserving Sugar</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="46233aae-9a1a-4655-a698-4681c46b87a0" data-image-id="46233aae-9a1a-4655-a698-4681c46b87a0"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/36498e7e-c189-47f3-b385-f4f243ad05a6/PreservingSugar.jpg" data-asset-id="46233aae-9a1a-4655-a698-4681c46b87a0" data-image-id="46233aae-9a1a-4655-a698-4681c46b87a0" alt="Silver Spoon Preserving Sugar packshot"></figure>
<p>Silver Spoon Preserving Sugar is perfect for making marmalade, jams and preserves using fruits that are naturally high in pectin.<br>
<br>
The large sugar crystals dissolve slowly and reduce the risk of burning or the need for stirring and skimming. Silver Spoon Preserving Sugar also produces less froth, which helps create a clearer preserve.<br>
<br>
Use with fruits such as plums, redcurrants, blackcurrants, gooseberries, greengages, damsons and Seville oranges.<br>
</p>
<h2>Silver Spoon Jam Sugar<br>
</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="be6d6288-88fe-4fc4-9037-71a0ae4b6857" data-image-id="be6d6288-88fe-4fc4-9037-71a0ae4b6857"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/119813ba-0a3e-46c7-9f7d-8208bb64cfe5/JamSugar.jpg" data-asset-id="be6d6288-88fe-4fc4-9037-71a0ae4b6857" data-image-id="be6d6288-88fe-4fc4-9037-71a0ae4b6857" alt="Silver Spoon Jam Sugar packshot"></figure>
<p>For soft fruit containing lower levels of pectin, Silver Spoon Jam Sugar helps ensure these jams and jellies set successfully every time.<br>
<br>
Containing the right amount of natural pectin that certain fruits lack, it helps ensure the jam or jelly sets quickly and retains its fresh fruity flavour and natural colour.<br>
<br>
Use with fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apricots, blueberries, cherries, pears, peaches, rhubarb and loganberries.<br>
<br>
<strong>&nbsp;Here are 3 of our most popular recipes:</strong><br>
<br>
<a data-item-id="6020ef15-8548-5f58-a5dc-eb7880a1db42" href="">&nbsp;Raspberry jam.</a> With raspberries in season from June to October. Get yourselves outside and foraging for big juicy berries.<br>
<br>
Fancy something different? &nbsp;This delicious <a data-item-id="0ba9ed1e-8538-5015-81a7-48c149beb57a" href="">Orange &amp; Passion Fruit Curd</a> is a lovely alternative to lemon or orange.&nbsp;<br>
<br>
&nbsp;Blackcurrants are usually quite sharp in taste, making it the perfect base for a <a data-item-id="345455a1-47c9-57cf-aa65-40f835c296c4" href="">blackcurrant jam</a>.<br>
<br>
You’ve got your recipe, you have the ideal sugar, now for some Top Tips to guide you through the making process:<br>
<br>
-&nbsp;<strong>If you’re wondering how to tell when your jam is close to it’s setting point; You can spot the change in the rolling boil (Rolling boil? check out out FAQs where we explain further) as the bubbles will turn to a slower pace and the surface of the jam&nbsp;will look shiny and feel thicker when you stir it. The air bubbles will go as the jam thickens and forces the air out. The temperature should read 105°c but be&nbsp;careful not to overdo it. If you over cook the jam, the process cannot be reversed.<br>
<br>
- Choose your jar. If you’re going for something with a twist metal lid, you do not need to use waxed discs. Make sure you sterilize your jars to keep the contents as fresh as possible.<br>
<br>
-&nbsp;When you come to jarring your jam, make sure you fill to the brim when the temperature of the jam is still over 85°c.</strong><br>
<br>
Now you have the know how, why not give it a go?<br>
<br>
&nbsp;<br>
</p>

How to Make Jams & Preserves

<p>Shopping the sugar aisle in the supermarket can be a daunting experience, with so many different varieties to choose from knowing which sugar to use in your bakes can often be a mystery. That‘s why we have teamed up with our friends at Billington's to make it easy for you.<br>
<br>
Here is their guide to the most used unrefined sugars and shows you which one to use and when.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<strong>‘Did you know that many different varieties of sugar can come from the same sugar cane? The trick is stopping the process at exactly the right time, in order to create the different flavours and colours that make up the full spectrum of sugar. This is why we craft our sugars with such precision, time and care. Unrefined sugars of the highest quality, which we’re proud to produce, retain more of the cane sugar’s natural depth of colour and flavour.’&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h4>Billington's Sugar&nbsp;<br>
</h4>
<h2>Molasses<br>
</h2>
<figure data-asset-id="329ec0f6-b55a-4f25-9e43-2e8942f9a1eb" data-image-id="329ec0f6-b55a-4f25-9e43-2e8942f9a1eb"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/5517ebb6-37eb-4d88-a841-0a1147087921/molasses.jpg" data-asset-id="329ec0f6-b55a-4f25-9e43-2e8942f9a1eb" data-image-id="329ec0f6-b55a-4f25-9e43-2e8942f9a1eb" alt="molasses sugar on a spoon"></figure>
<p>The deepest and richest from the sugar spectrum, Natural cane molasses provides a deep treacle flavour and has the deepest flavour of all sugars. This is ideal for Fruitcakes, BBQ Sauces and marinades.<br>
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<h2>Dark Muscovado<br>
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<figure data-asset-id="c4b2ae5a-6625-4def-af47-a982e92f3aeb" data-image-id="c4b2ae5a-6625-4def-af47-a982e92f3aeb"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/50be95f7-ff67-4924-bab7-1dbd3f639d94/dark%20muscovado.jpg" data-asset-id="c4b2ae5a-6625-4def-af47-a982e92f3aeb" data-image-id="c4b2ae5a-6625-4def-af47-a982e92f3aeb" alt="dark muscovado sugar on a spoon"></figure>
<p>Has rich treacle and liquorice flavour notes due to high molasses content. Deep, long lasting flavour, it’s perfect for indulgent chocolate and fruit recipes. This full flavoured sugar is also ideal for adding richness to marinades.</p>
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<p>‘An essential ingredient I always use at home and in my chocolate business is Billington's Dark Muscovado unrefined sugar. If you want silky ganache and desserts with flavour then switch your white sugar now. You will be surprised by how your cooking will be transformed from doing one simple thing and its already packed with natural caramel and Molasses making sweet sauces explode with flavour.‘</p>
<h4>- Paul A Young, Master Chocolatier&nbsp;<br>
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<h2>Light Muscovado</h2>
<p><br>
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The finest and softest of the brown sugars with a warm honey colour and creamy fudge flavour. It’s perfect for cookies, fudge and sauces but is a good multi use sugar that will enhance all baking.<br>
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‘I love the Billington's Light Muscovado unrefined sugar, it gives my caramel and chocolate cakes such a rich fudgy-ness. It is truly sugar heaven.’</p>
<h4>&nbsp;- Juliet Sear<br>
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<h2>Demerara</h2>
<p><br>
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With large crystals and a deep caramel flavour, this sugar is ideal for dissolving in coffee or caramelised on crème brulee for a perfect crunch and finish.</p>
<h2>Golden Granulated<br>
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<figure data-asset-id="2e0c4f0d-0e51-45e1-aca7-598bc05c0bde" data-image-id="2e0c4f0d-0e51-45e1-aca7-598bc05c0bde"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/fc4dade9-2d1a-4839-bfdc-6ae4df6416d9/Sugar_Trio.jpg" data-asset-id="2e0c4f0d-0e51-45e1-aca7-598bc05c0bde" data-image-id="2e0c4f0d-0e51-45e1-aca7-598bc05c0bde" alt="trio of sugars on a spoon"></figure>
<p>Light Golden in colour and perfect for everyday use in team and coffee as well as on cereal or with fruit.&nbsp;<br>
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<h2>Golden Caster Sugar<br>
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<figure data-asset-id="a7975c39-78f3-4923-8c4b-529351a529d9" data-image-id="a7975c39-78f3-4923-8c4b-529351a529d9"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/6ab23748-d9bb-4599-aa4f-2ae552ad5365/Golden-Caster1.jpg" data-asset-id="a7975c39-78f3-4923-8c4b-529351a529d9" data-image-id="a7975c39-78f3-4923-8c4b-529351a529d9" alt="Golden caster sugar on a spoon"></figure>
<p>A golden and unrefined alternative to white caster sugar. It’s a great multi-purpose sugar ideal for sponge cakes and biscuits.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>‘When it comes to quality sugar there really is only Billington’s. Their collection of unrefined, Mauritian sugars are the finest you can buy and bring a smell, flavour and taste that is divine. I use their Golden Caster Sugar in my recipes as using quality products such as this gives you much better results.‘</p>
<h4>- Eric Lanlard, Master Patissier</h4>
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Which Sugar Should I Use?

<p>My first experience of rhubarb was when I was a child and came in the form of rhubarb crumble, warm, straight from the oven and served alongside my nans homemade vanilla custard, with milk from the cows, eggs from the chickens and rhubarb grown straight outside her kitchen window. Now I am a thirty-something living in a suburban housing estate, I don’t have the luxury of a wealth of crops and livestock directly outside my back door but with the carefree nature of rhubarb it’s easy to still have some home grown goodness when baking a trip down memory lane.<br>
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Now Rhubarb season is upon us, what would be better than making your tasty creations using Rhubarb picked fresh from your own garden? Here is our handy guide to tell you all you need to know.<br>
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Very few crops are as easy to grow as rhubarb. Plants almost seem to take care of themselves, hiding away in garden corners producing a crop year after year. With how easy it is, it really is a plant that all kitchen gardeners should clear a space in their garden for. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
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Rhubarb is a long stalky Plant that varies from light pink to dark red in colour. Hard wearing and unfussy, it will perform best in well-drained, fertile soil and preferably in full sunlight. A young plant can be planted at any time of the year but for best results early spring and autumn are the best times, whilst roots are still dormant and before the plants begin to grow and leaf out.<br>
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For the first year only harvest lightly, to allow the plant to establish properly. After the first year, stalks can be harvested from April till July. When harvesting always leave half a dozen stalks intact so as to not weaken the plant. To harvest, hold stalk at base and pull whilst slightly twisting. Most recipes then call for the cleaned stems to be cut into bite-sized pieces. Freshly harvested rhubarb can be stored unwashed, in the refrigerator, for up to one week. Try our tasty <a data-item-id="8ea4daef-a833-5044-933d-300467f0359d" href="">Rhubarb &amp; Raspberry Crumble recipe.</a><br>
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<figure data-asset-id="e3502a4c-7ab6-4aca-bf81-cdc1c61aaca5" data-image-id="e3502a4c-7ab6-4aca-bf81-cdc1c61aaca5"><img src="https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/7d86daa4-c668-01be-7af8-44c5dd436d14/5f4724a9-1b99-4296-904f-dc70b27a6e29/Rhubarb-Article.jpg" data-asset-id="e3502a4c-7ab6-4aca-bf81-cdc1c61aaca5" data-image-id="e3502a4c-7ab6-4aca-bf81-cdc1c61aaca5" alt="Rhubarb"></figure>
<p>On no account eat the leaves. Only the stalks are edible; the leaves are toxic.<br>
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Although Rhubarb is a vegetable, when cooking with it, it must be treated like a fruit and stalks sweetened before eaten due to the naturally sharp flavour.<br>
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The classic way to cook rhubarb is by gently stewing it in sweetened liquid for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the rhubarb is soft and cooked, but still holds its shape. Fancy a slice of our <a data-item-id="cafe02b8-f379-5f3d-a0df-b1df622bcaeb" href="">Rhubarb &amp; Ginger Bakewell Tart?</a><br>
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Vanilla is the classic accompaniment, usually in the form of custard or ice cream but spices such as cinnamon and ginger work well too. The tart tangy nature of the rhubarb flavor needs a sweetness to balance it out, but if you don’t want to consume too much added sugar then honey, maple syrup or orange juice could also be ideal alternatives. It also pairs well with sweet fruits such as Apples, Lemons, Mangos, Pears and Strawberries.<br>
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This <a data-item-id="1db26987-a06e-5e41-81b0-9d84d5f4d315" href="">rhubarb fool</a> is so simple and tastes yummy but most classic bakes such as crumbles, pies, tarts and cakes can all be adapted to feature this in season ingredient.<br>
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What’s your favourite?<br>
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