Commence Christmas Sweets

Christmas season is here yet again which can only mean one thing....delicious treats!!  One of the most popular treats during this time of year is gingerbread cookies.  Gingerbread arrived in Europe in about 992 but did not become widely available until the 18th century.  Even though the cookies are more popular, it can also be made into a cake or bread.  We will stick to the basics though. Here is our recipe for sweet, delicious ginger bread cookies!

Ingredients:
225g Butter
170g light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
340g plain flour
1 tspn soda
1 tspn baking powder
2 tspn cinnamon
1 tspn ginger
1/2 tspn salt
1/2 tspn ground cloves

Method:
Beat the butter and sugar until light fluffy
Gradually add egg, beating well
Sift all remaining ingredients and stir into mixture
Press the dough into a flat layer between two sheets of greaseproof paper. Chill 1 hour until firm.
Heat the oven to 190 degrees/375 F/Gas mark 5
Roll out the dough on lightly floured surface, 5mm thickness for softer cookies or thinner for crispy
Cut out any shapes you would like! Place on greased baking tray, chill
Bake in the middle of the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are light brown.
Cool for one minute, transfer to wire rack
Dust with icing, sugar, or decorate as you wish!

Mustaches for Men's Health

Since 2004, in the month of November men grow out their mustaches to raise awareness of prostate cancer and other men's cancer initiatives.  This phenomenon is known as Movember.  Movember originated in Melbourne, Australia but has spread world wide in less than a decade.  Starting with just 30 participants (known as Mo Bros), it has increased to over 854,000 in 2011.  The most important part is the money they raise for charity and cancer research.  In 2011 alone Movember raised £79.3 million!  In fact, on their Facebook page they have leader boards showing which Mo Bro and which team has raised the most money creating a friendly competition for a good cause.  If you are a lady and don't think you can participate, think again!   Mo Sistas are basically females who are dedicated to supporting friends, family, colleagues and all Mo Bro's through their undertaking of growing a mustache.

Family Cakes is in the spirit as well supporting Movember and all its hairy members. We think it is a great cause and even decided to grow out our own mustaches to show it! Even Anna!!

For more information about Movember and the Movember Foundation check out the official website here: http://uk.movember.com/?home

New Intern!

Arriving on my first day at Family Cakes, I was a bit nervous.  Here I was, a college student spending a semester in London and now starting my internship.  This would be my first time working in the U.K. which is quite a long way from my home back in Minnesota.

When I arrived, I was surprised to see how lively the staff were given they had been here since 3 a.m!  I felt a bit ashamed for yawning at 10.  I am still getting used to the surroundings and the tasks Dan has me do.  It's different than any other job I have had before.  I steered clear all day of the kitchen for fear or ruining a recipe or two.  But after Vincenzo and Anna left, I took some time to explore it.  It seemed confusing to me at a stand still.  I cannot even imagine what it is like during its busiest hours.  But, hopefully by the end of my time here, I will become more comfortable with it and maybe even get my hands a bit dirty! (Vincenzo permitting)  

Either way, FCC is looking to be a great place with great people and I look forward to spending the next 7 weeks here.

How can I not love this place??