Blueberry brownies...and a question...with a prize!

 September is a week old already...and here at Sugar Moon we're experimenting with some new brownie flavours and combinations. One of our customers, and fellow blogger , Guillaume suggested we try fresh blueberries...

 ...so we did! There are dried sour cherries in there too, for extra flavour...

 and milk chocolate chips on top, as well as milk & white chocolate chunks inside...

 ...the colour combinations are quite beautiful, I think....

 ...and the tray is currently cooling on the rack before being chilled overnight prior to cutting...

I think this will be a very 'juicy' brownie - and, of course, I'm really hoping it will be delicious.

Now, for a disclosure and a question. My confession is that I'm not terribly fond of 'wacky flavoured' brownies. Some I have seen for sale elsewhere seem to contain everything but the kitchen sink! I've seen Tiramisu, Black Forest, Ginger, Strawberries & Cream, Carrot Cake....in brownie form. I love anything nutty - I think every nut just goes beautifully with chocolate...and strong, single flavour notes - like Espresso or our bestselling Salted Caramel. But we don't only bake brownies for ourselves! So my question is...what are your views on this (if you have any?!) and what is your favourite brownie flavour?

I'd absolutely love to know...so if you'd like to, please leave a comment! To act as a little thanks, I will send 6 of the blueberry brownies above to the poster of my favourite UK comment (the other 6 are being sent off to Guillaume, for his great idea...) and the best comment from 'the rest of the world' will win a little something too. But these brownies won't wait too long - so, British readers, I need those comments by midday tomorrow please so I can get them in the post in great condition! Rest of the world...you have until the next post!

Thanks so much - I can't wait to read your views!

Finally it was Easter!

It doesn't often happen, but this weekend - with Easter orders and the Farmer's Market today to bake for - I was actually fed up with baking!! But we had a wonderful couple of day's break in London...and Paul took me out or cooked every meal so I could have a complete rest from the kitchen...and although I'm so tired right now (see my post on Mozart's Girl for the early morning expedition that contributed to this...not that I regret a moment!) I know that I'm already looking forward to the Royal Wedding weekend and planning the treats I'll be making for the holiday...

So first thing on Friday morning came the spicy Hot Cross Buns...

I added to their fragrance this year with a special - and very authentic - ingredient. Beautiful essence of cloves from a fantastic company....Bakery Bits ....which sells all sorts of hard to find and indispensable bread baking ingredients and accessories. They were recommended to me by the British food writer, all round guru of local produce & radio broadcaster Vanessa Kimbell, and what a find they are. It was less than 24 hours after ordering that my parcel arrived (I bought some other lovely bits too!) Fabulous service and products...so now I'm recommending them as well!

Next, a Simnel Cake. I decided to leave the traditional sultanas, currants & raisins out of this one to give it a twist. I used dried apricots, plums & dates instead...but I had to stick with tradition for the 11 marzipan ball decorations on top to represent Jesus' disciples...or the customers would have balked!

Not really my kind of cake - to make or eat - but most religious celebrations demand traditional foods and I find it's best not to tamper with them too much!
Lastly...and because I knew there would be lots of child visitors to The Coffee Tree at the weekend...

Chocolate Truffle Caramel Nests. Don't they look cute? Rich dense chocolate truffle cake with homemade caramel sauce & sugar coated eggs...

So that was Easter made & delivered. And then we escaped for a couple of days...absolute bliss. I wanted to show you some of the gorgeous produce I bought on Sunday at the Farmer's Market...it all looked so beautiful!

Inspirational...already thinking of ways to cook it all. You see? It doesn't take me long to be refreshed & revived!

Have a wonderful Tuesday xo

A Plum Cake...

Sorry I haven't posted much this week but Paul took the camera with him to Cumbria...and if you take a look at my other blog you'll hopefully be glad that he did!

Anyway, he got back last night...happy to be home and just in time for me to photograph today's Coffee Tree delivery...

It's an upside down Golden Plum & Blueberry Cake.

There's caramel there too...it's a little like a cake version of a Tarte Tatin.

The juices from the plums & purple berries sink into the vanilla sponge and make it very moist & delicious. I've played around and made this with all sorts of fruits...it's especially good with peaches or apricots in summer...and you can also vary the flavour of the cake itself - so maybe a lemon sponge with fresh raspberries or an orange one with rhubarb...I think it would also be lovely served warm with cream as a dessert.
Whichever way I make it, it's a favourite at the coffee shop!

Enjoy your weekend....and eat well! We're off to London to revisit brand new restaurant Nopi in Soho. I was lucky enough to be invited to one of the opening nights on Monday evening...and I want Paul to try it too, so we'll be there for lunch tomorrow. I can't wait!! xo