BBC Good Food

08 January 2009

Tested

"Hi Beth, thanks for your comment - I'm so glad you found it easy as it was designed for taste and simplicity. I suggested using dark choc on the top in this recipe to make shopping easier - you only have to buy one type of chocolate, and can pick up a 200g bar and use the whole thing. However yes, milk choc would be delicious too- and perhaps more suitable if you were making this for kids in particular. Happy cooking, Jane "

15 December 2008

Tested

"Hi there everyone - and quickcookmum in particular. I haven't made this pudding in the microwave, but I have too made sponge puds and Christmas puddings in the microwave before. The pud won't be as golden and gorgeous as it appears in the shot above though... I think that if you place the pudding on a plate and microwave on Medium (not high, I think that will burn the outside before the middle is done) for 15 mins it should be about right - if you can see that the middle starts to sink down a lot once the oven stops, put it on for another few mins. Once you're more or less certain it's set in the middle, give it a test with a skewer - if it comes out clean then it's ready. Leave to stand for 5 mins before you serve. Hope this is successful - let me know how you get on! "

05 December 2008

Tested

"Hi everyone I'm so glad that most of you are enjoying the truffles and Mrs Bunny, apologies if you have been disappointed with the amount of mix for the filling. I allowed more mix for the middles as it's always better to have too much mix than too little when making sweets like this - especially if you're a first time sweet-maker and may have a few 'prototypes' before you get into the swing of rolling truffles. If you do have some left over caramel mix, why not try gently melting it in a small saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of milk or cream - it makes a fabulous sauce over vanilla ice cream. Happy cooking x Jane "

21 November 2008

Tested

"Hi everyone, glad you're enjoying my cake! Belkey, you really can't tell that the mix has dates in it - it's dates that give classic sticky toffee puddings (and this cake) their toffee flavour. However, if I really can't convince you, then I wouldn't go for cherries as Peter suggests- wrong texture really. You could use ready to eat prunes or apricots, but they will give the cake a fruity flavour. Do you like banana? I have to stress that I haven't tried it with this recipe, but you may be able to add a ripe mashed banana instead of the dates. It would certainly go well with the pecans and maple syrup! Let me know how you get on... x Jane "

19 November 2008

Tested

"Hi Aimee Great idea - it will work fine for you in a loaf tin. Thinking back to how much mix the recipe made, I would go for a 2lb tin (you may even have a little extra to stick in a ramekin as chef's perks!). Just make sure you let it freeze overnight and line your tin really well with cling film. Hope you like it! x Jane "