Category sweet-things

Classic German Bienenstich

Sweet yeast dough, vanilla custard cream and a crunchy honey almond topping - it can only be a Classic German Bienenstich or Bee Sting Cake. This most beloved of German cakes is perfect for afternoon tea.
Sweet yeast dough, vanilla custard cream and a crunchy honey almond topping - it can only be a Classic German Bienenstich or Bee Sting Cake. This most beloved of German cakes is perfect for afternoon tea.

Almond and Apricot Cantucci

Often known in the English speaking world as ‘biscotti’, Cantucci are a deliciously crunchy Italian treat. My recipe for Almond and Apricot Cantuccini is so easy and perfect for the festive season. Serve with a strong espresso or a glass of Italian vin santo.
Often known in the English speaking world as ‘biscotti’, Cantucci are a deliciously crunchy Italian treat. My recipe for Almond and Apricot Cantucci is so easy and perfect for the festive season.

Vanillekipferl – Vanilla Moons

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in Germany without the wonderful tradition of ‘Plätzchen’ - tins of mixed, homemade biscuits, all different and made with exceptional care. Possibly the most beloved of all are Vanillekipferl, crumbly, buttery crescents or moons.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in Germany without the wonderful tradition of ‘Plätzchen’ - tins of mixed, homemade biscuits, all different and made with exceptional care. Possibly the most beloved of all are Vanillekipferl, crumbly, buttery crescents or moons.

Zimtsterne / Cinnamon Stars

Zimtsterne Cinnamon Stars

Christmas baking in Germany is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I grew up in the land of Christmas puddings and pavlova, quite frankly, store bought more often than not, delicious, but nothing on the level of care and dedication Germans…

Almond Cranberry Homemade Nougat

Sweet, crunchy and incredibly moreish, it is easier than you think to make homemade nougat. This recipe has no glucose or corn syrup and can be made with ordinary household ingredients. Perfect for Christmas gifts!

It’s a chilly morning, there’s jazz on the radio, and as usual I’m in the kitchen cooking up some delicious sweet treats. Today I’m making candy, a deliciously chewy honey nougat filled with almonds, pistachios and cranberries. If you’re a…

Sticky Toffee Pudding

It must be nearly winter because I am craving Sticky Toffee Puddings. The magical transformation of dried dates into a luxurious pudding is what I call kitchen alchemy. Make one big pudding to share or bake in individual ramekins.

When I was a kid, there was one food I hated above any other. Dates. I couldn’t stand them, and my mother (who makes excellent sweets) always used to put them in her scones, thereby ruining them as far as…

Torta Caprese al Limone

Torta Caprese is a classic chocolate cake from the Italian island of Capri. This version is a mouthwatering combination of almonds, lemon and white chocolate with a soft and fudgy interior. This gluten-free treat is ideal for enjoying after dinner with a glass of limoncello.

Two of my favourite ingredients have to be lemons and white chocolate, which is why today’s recipe Torta Caprese al Limone or Capri Lemon Cake is one of my favourite sweet treats. The incredible smell of this cake baking in…

Bread and Butter Pudding

What could be more comforting than an old fashioned Bread and Butter Pudding? The magical transformation of stale white bread into a sweet and custardy pudding is always a delight.

Rain, rain and more rain. The house is surrounded by fog and drizzle, the fire is roaring happily away and I’m wrapped up warm with a big pot of tea. ’Tis the season for comfort food in my house, long-simmered…

Soft Honey Vanilla Caramels

Chewy, creamy, perfect caramels with a delicate hint of honey, my recipe for Soft Honey Vanilla Caramels is super easy and dangerously addictive.

One of my favourite things to make in the kitchen is candy. I grew up in a family of sweet-tooths, and some of my earliest cooking memories are of helping my mother, sister or grandmother to make a batch of…