The end of the tax year looms...

Hands up if you're super organised and prepared for the end of the accounting tax year? I won't lie, I'm not exactly the most organised business owner I know but I have learnt to become more prepared for my tax return by keeping up to date with all incomings and outgoings and more importantly keeping track of all those receipts.

It might sound obvious to many people but running a cake business isn't all about making beautiful cakes and having lots of baking fun in the kitchen. Ask any professional baker what their normal hours of work are and I can guarantee that like me, they regularly become acquainted with 2am finishes!

Managing your actual workloads is difficult enough but when it comes to getting organised for the end of the tax year then I can assure you that it pays to get your accounts in order sooner rather than later.

Hot fudge sauce

Sometimes you come across a recipe that just oozes off the screen at you, and if you're lucky enough you'll even have the ingredients in your cupboard to allow you to make it. RIGHT NOW.

Where I grew up on the East Coast of the States, we had very hot summers (well compared to this country anyway). We were lucky enough to live near the beach, and in turn many ice cream outlets. Ice cream is definitely a luxury purchase so we were often treated to cups of Richie's Italian Ice instead - watermelon of grape favour for me please!

But if we did get to buy ice cream then I would ALWAYS opt to have it with hot fudge. I mean, hot chocolatey sauce turns the standard sundae into something else. Something decadent that smacks of special occasions.

Creme egg brownies

These creme egg brownies caused quite a stir on my Twitter and Facebook streams when I posted a sneak peak picture last week, it seems that people like nothing more than filling brownies with all manner of sweets and treats and this were certainly no exception.

This recipe is very forgiving and you could use it as a great 'base' brownie recipe. There are a few tips I discovered whilst making these and they are:

• Creme eggs are much easier to work with when they're cold - I froze mine for about an hour
• Smaller size creme eggs are a lot easier to cut in half

My Sugar Coated life is born

Welcome to my new look blog! This months sees my 4th blogging anniversary so I decided it was time for a new look, and a new self hosted website address.

This blog started as a document of the beginnings of Star Bakery and has evolved into a haven for recipes, family happenings and anything else I feel the need to write about.

I have divided posts into 3 categories (displayed at the top of the page) and I have kept all posts archived on the site as I continue to get people asking about starting a cake business so there are some useful tips in my older posts. The main focus of this blog will be baking related recipes and family activities but I'm sure I'll still throw in useful cake business insights and some information that surrounds the cake business in general.

I have lots of exciting things planned for this month including at least 3 yummy Easter themed recipes and don't forget you can still keep up to date with my bakery life via Twitter and Facebook.

Frugal half term activity for the kids

Like most parents, I'm on a budget for this half term. My boys have more than enough toys to occupy them but you know what it's like, they seem to lose interest in anything they already own and you're never more than a few minutes away from the dreaded "MUUUM, we're bored" routine.

A few days ago we were stocking up at Aldi when I spotted this cool box (OK, did I just say that out loud??) but I just knew it would occupy the boys so I nabbed it and used it for our shopping.

Fast forward to today when we broke out the felt tips, broke the box in half and let each boy create their own little 'stage'. I knew Milo would want a train track so I helped him just a teensy bit ;)

Easy American Biscuits

I've been making american biscuits for a few years now and finding the perfect recipe has so far alluded me. If you've never tried and american biscuit then I'd say it's similar to a savoury scone but softer and fluffier and best served warm - you typically make them to soak up any gravy after a feast of chicken and mashed potatoes. YUM.

I came across this recipe on my blog travels and couldn't believe it's minimal ingredients. Double cream and flour. THAT'S IT. Surely this is a typo? But nope, I was proved wrong when I made them and they came out delicious!

The key to this recipe is to not overmix. I used a wooden spoon and barely worked the dough until it was combined, my biscuits came out a little 'rustic' as I had to re roll my dough after forgetting to flour the surface (d'oh!) but I'm definitely making these again so I've learnt a lesson for next time.

Chocolate covered Oreos

I never knew this mould existed until I started working in a cake supplies shop and ever since I saw them I knew I had to buy one. I'm talking about chocolate moulds for Oreo cookies.

Wilton is one of my favourite cake decorating companies and we're not lucky enough to be spoiled with all of the fun stuff they get in the States but that's slowly changing...hurrah!

Brownie Pops for Valentines

It's the annual week of love. Everywhere you turn you're surrounded by hearts, flowers and other grand displays of romance and whilst I don't buy into spending lots of money to measure my love for Mr Star Bakery - I do like to make an effort and make a little something nice.

I'm all for using the skills that god gave me so what better way to treat someone than to bake them some treats? It's also becoming more commonplace to make something for the kids to take to school so I've found a little recipe that might just fit the bill.