Hep C-ya!

Well this is a post I never thought I'd get the chance to write! Friends, relatives and regular readers of my blog will already know that my Mum passed away from Hepatitis C in 2003, and subsequently I was diagnosed with it in 2004. I've had it since birth but it lay undiagnosed until 2004.

In 2005, I underwent treatment to clear the disease - and unfortunately it failed. I've been extremely lucky to not suffer toooo many symptoms of the disease but my liver has been a bit battered (I have Cirrhosis and a few other medical complications). It's always been a dream of mine to one day be clear of it before things started to get worse...

Fast forward to 2014, and a flurry of activity in the research sector started to give me, and millions of others, hope. Hep C is often called the 'silent killer' as many people are unaware they have it but with millions of people around the world suffering, and some dying, a raft of new treatments suddenly became available.

2016 - Let's do this!

Goodbye 2015, and Hello 2016! Last year ended with a unexpected bump, but I can honestly admit that I'm utterly looking forward to 2016 and all the adventures it brings!

I have lots of exciting things already lined up for this year starting with a crocheting class at the Craft Studio in Nottingham. Now that might not sound exciting to you, but the idea of taking on a NEW non-cake related hobby sounds like bliss to me! They have lots of other fab looking courses so no doubt I'll be finding lots of new hobbies this year.


Between cake shows, Comic Cons, weekend city breaks and other social shenanigans; I really am starting to feel excited at the prospect of an action packed year. Throw in the usual bi-monthly Cake Club and my diary is already starting to look suitably cake filled!

Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Cookies

Is there anything better than a chocolate chip cookie? Answer: Yes, when it's a chocolate chip cookie filled with delicious things!

This cookie recipe is my go-to recipe and it's so adaptable, you can add in any mix in of your choosing with great results. I've added in nuts, sprinkles, flavoured chips etc and each time they've turned out great.


After stuffing my cookies with Oreos and Nutella a few years back, I've been experimenting whenever I have some leftover chocolate and these Peanut Butter Cups and Marshmallows make a winning combination.

Dessert Nachos

This Summer, I decided to take a little blogging break. I still regularly tweet/facebook/instagram all of my cake related adventures, but I've been especially busy with work and any time I had to bake, was quickly eaten up with another task that needed finishing!

It was only recently when my other half whipped up some dairy free scones for breakfast one day that I decided I didn't really have any excuses not to enjoy some time in the kitchen again...


I'm blogging a very simple recipe today which I made in under 15mins in the run up to a family movie night. Removing dairy from my diet means that food like flavoured crisps etc are generally a 'no go'. As me and the boys sat down to watch a film one night, I realised that whilst I'd made them snacks - I had nothing to snack on for myself. Gutted!

Caramel filled chocolate chip cookie bars

 It's no secret that I have a cookie addiction. For me, cookies are the perfect baked treat; you can eat them whilst they're warm, they have a great shelflife and unlike many baking recipes you can often play around with your ingredients list to make your own personalised cookie of choice.

I LOVE a giant cookie and this recipe is no exception to that rule! I use an 8" square tin to make my cookie bars giving you 16 portions of double thick gooey cookies to scoff alone - or share if you're in the mood I guess...

I made these cookies using the pre-made carnation caramel which worked perfectly. You can also make your own homemade caramel and I think a salted caramel version would be utterly delicious as this version is super sweet so enjoy at your peril!

Our trip to Butlins Skegness!

We first visited the Skegness resort of Butlins back in July 2010, for a weekend break before the arrival of our 2nd son...a mere 4 days later! We were instantly hooked by the 'all inclusive' feel of the entertainment and activities offered on site and so the resort has become a firm family favourite.

Our 2nd visit back in 2012 was thoroughly enjoyed by the boys but myself and their Dad has a few reservations which caused us to question another visit.


But here we are in 2015, just returned from a 4 day trip and whilst we had an amazingly restful trip, some of our earlier observations still stand. You can read my earlier post here so I'll just update you with the new things we encountered on our holiday this time around.

3 things you're gonna love!

I don't know about you but as the weather turns hotter, my food thoughts turn towards tapas style grilled food and smoothies. My boys love smoothies and as they're so easy and healthy to make, I love to indulge them!

Being on a struct food budget means that whilst I'm never short of apples/bananas/oranges, the softer more luxurious fruits and veg are often out of my reach. Until recently that is! A few friends of mine had already discovered the amazing Anthony's Fruit and Veg Boxes who offer great value fruit and vegetables delivered straight to your door (within an NG postcode) and from my first delivery, I can safely say I'm a total convert!


I ordered the full £20 box which includes fruit, veg and a salad selection and boy was I surprised when the delivery driver turned up with this lot...

Gingerbread loaf with salted caramel glaze

A few weeks ago I attended the newly revamped Sneinton Urban Food Market and FINALLY got to meet (and sample) some of the lovely sauces from The Sauce Shop!

The Sauce Shop is a business run by the 'food passionate' Pam and James who make natural sauces from their home in Nottingham. A true local food business if I ever saw one! Pam is working hard to rejuvenate the Urban Food market scene in Nottingham and as The Phat Doughnut Co were also there, how could I resist attending?!

I managed to bag a couple of jars of their Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Sauce and I have to say - I'm smitten. I've already used half a jar of the Salted Caramel Sauce and it won't be long before I need to stock up again...