Wednesday 3 September 2014

Tea, cake, biscuits...and dahlias

I have been baking recently - above is my first attempt at a carrot cake.  Well, I say carrot, but it also has bananas and coconut in it. The recipe said walnuts, but as I don't like them, I substituted coconut instead.
It's a moist and dense cake, a little crumbly, but very delicious.  I was going to make some icing, but we felt it didn't need it.  I will definitely bake this again and maybe add in some ginger and cinnamon too...mmm!
 For the biscuits, I made shortbread and added chocolate chips.  I like shortbread on its own, but you can't go wrong by adding chocolate!  I also have some fudge pieces in the cupboard, so shortbread with fudge pieces may be next on the 'to be baked' list.
My lovely husband went to get us some milk at the weekend and came back with not just the milk, but these beautiful dahlias.  They were being sold in aid of the Salvation Army at a jumble sale-type event.  It was a lovely surprise and I am really enjoying the beautiful colours and amazing flower formations.  I have tried growing dahlias before, without much success, as the slugs and snails think I have planted them just for them.
 
 I couldn't resist some close ups because the petal formations are so amazing.
 Thanks, Chris, they are gorgeous!
This richly coloured velvety one is my favourite!

20 comments:

  1. The colours of the dahlias and the petal formation make them one of the most 'sumptuous' of blooms. Rich and decadent. Like dark chocolate.
    Your baking looks most excellent too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, EC. They are beautiful flowers, although some are a little past their best now. Thanks goodness for the photos! The cake and shortbread were very successful but I now need to make some more...
      Enjoy the rest of your week.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  2. Your baking looks delicious and those dahlias are spectacular they are one of my favorite flowers. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sharon. The dahlias are lovely and I can enjoy them without having had to battle the slugs and snails! I shall be doing more baking at the weekend, hopefully.
      Enjoy the rest of the week.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  3. So sweet from your husband! Your bakings look delicious...
    Love from Mirjam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mirjam. I know, Chris is very thoughtful. The cakes and biscuits haven't lasted very long - we need more supplies!
      Have a good rest of your week.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  4. Oh Ellie your baking looks so delicious! I love carrot cake-it seems a healthier option somehow (my excuse!)Those chocolate shortbreads look to die for! My younger daughter loves baking and we all like the Great British Bake-Off I wonder if you watch it too?

    The dahlias are gorgeous-like you I have attempted to grow them in the past but have given up due to the little beasties getting at them. I may have to have another go -their colours are so beautiful.
    Have a great day
    Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Alison. I have not really liked carrot cake much before, but this one was really nice - possibly the addition of coconut helped. I certainly do watch the GBBO and have watched it right from the beginning. Who knew that watching people baking could be so addictive? I am defintiely not up to that standard, but I do really enjoy baking. The dahlias were a lovely surprise and I have really enjoyed having them in the house.
      Have a good day too.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  5. OOh, fudge in shortbread... thanks for the idea, I think I need to try that too!
    LOVE those dahlias - their colour is just so rich and beautiful.
    Happy Thursday,
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Gilly. I'll perhaps be able to try the fudge in shortbread at the weekend so that should be fun. Somehow, I don't think they'll last very long either. The dahlias are gorgeous and their rich colours are just right for this time of year.
      Happy Thursday to you as well.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  6. Yummy food and sweet flowers... Lovely!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mii. The perfect combination, I think!
      Have a good rest of the week.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  7. My Dad used to grow huge Dahlia's, consequently they are on of my favourite flowers. Yummy cakes.
    Briony
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Briony. I really like dahlias too. I have grown an annual variety before, which was quite successful, but I really don't have the space for the large luscious ones like these. Maybe when I get my bigger garden one day...well, we can all dream!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  8. The dahlias are amazing aren't they. What a nice present to receive. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Amy. They are stunning - I was very lucky to receive them!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  9. I love making the normal bakes and then finding something in the cupboard and thinking 'what if I?' Your combinations sound great, I will have to have a go! Also, such rich and lovely dahlias to brighten your day, you lucky thing! Have a wonderful week x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Chel. The chocolate chip shortbread didn't last very long at all! I haven't yet got round to the fudge one, but I will. I have also just received a mix for lavender shortbread in my blog swap parcel, so that's another I need to try...
      The dahlias were so lovely, I really enjoyed seeing them.
      Have a good week too.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  10. Stunning photos and fudge shortbread sounds soo yummy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Josie. I haven't had a chance to make the fudge shortbread yet, but I will! I also need to make more chocolate chip shortbread as well. The dahlias were so photogenic, I couldn't resist a few close ups!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete