Here’s a special call out – and suggestion – to any veggie gardeners out there, currently knee deep in courgettes, who are wondering what an earth to do with them all.

PUT THEM IN A CAKE!

Did you know that courgettes are the Prince Charming of cake ingredients? They bring such a lovely lightness and joy to a cake sponge, it could almost float away. Which surely makes this spicey limey nutty creamy work of art, a perfect Summer afternoon sweet treat to get your gnashers round.Read more

This little beauty tastes every bit as heavenly as it looks. Bite into this cutey and your lucky tastebuds get to enjoy a seductive combo of cardamom, warm buttery sweetness with a nuanced after-zing of fresh lime. Pistachios always move a cake up the luxury scale for me. I find their unique flavour incredibly moreish. It’s a wonder they made it from the jar to the mixing bowl. And their gorgeous decorative spring green colour light up the top of any cake. Read more

Let’s face it, flapjacks are the Julie Andrews of the cake world really, aren’t they? They don’t have the frivolity nor kerbside appeal of a good chocolatey or iced toppingy type of cake. But as a wholesome and satisfying sweet snack, they’re unbeatable. Read more

Sweet Jesus! this cake is absolutely divine! 

Ok, maybe you couldn’t readily imagine being bowled over by a sponge with some rhubarb in it, but take it from me, this is the most delightful, delectable treat. It’s so light and moist and melty. Read more

A few years ago, back in the sugary days, I used to make a gorgeous banana and chocolate cake a Nigella Lawson recipe. May the Lord forgive me for my lack of modesty but I think the recipe I’ve come up with here is even better.  Read more