Cake making

[mystery]

It is curious that you were drawn on to an 11plus website for tips on culinary technique. I thought you were a spoof at first, but now I have decided you are a nuclear physicist.

[yoyo123]

http://www.cookingforengineers.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[scarlett]

I've just spent the afternoon baking a cake...as I have 2 extra boys staying the night and I am hoping stomachs full with stodge might stay in bed longer...

Anyway, my cakes are now no longer burnt to the bottom of the tin, resembling thin biscuits or in pieces due to cake liners that I buy from Lakeland...the cakes just pop out ...( I'm afraid I also buy ready made mix...but why make life hard for yourself ?! )

[Snowdrops]

Basil, being a research scientist, you should be right at home making cakes. Baking is the only part of cookery which is a science in itself, in as much as (technically) everything should be weighed and measured precisely to get the results intended. With 'other' cooking it's much more about 'try it and see if you like it' sort of thing.

Do as the ladies suggest, and follow Delia, once you have mastered the techniques, then you can play around with the recipes (a tiny bit - remember, it's a science ).

Good luck and come back and tell us how you got on.

[doodles]

Sorry people have to disagree with you. Whilst I am a huge fan of St Delia, for cakes it is Mary Berry for me everytime. I would also advocate a good electric whisk/mixer - none of that creaming butter and sugar together by hand.

While we are here does anybody have a foolproof (and that is the important part) receipe for scones? Mine always turn out like biscuits.

[scarlett]

So did mine....then I discovered Tescos scone mix...

[KS10]

I've tried Delia and Mary Berry (and combined the two!) but my favourite recipes are from a party book and a kids' cookbook, both M&S . And I do everything by hand to avoid extra washing up. Oh, and extra milk is my secret ingredient too. No beautiful finish here, though - definitely the home-made look. I'd be quite happy to send you the recipes if you're interested.

[marigold]

Scarlett, you cannot imagine the joy of the middle aged women of Chelmsford when Lakeland arrived a couple of years ago, I am seriously devoted to their muffin liners.

I almost applied for a job there but felt that the navy slacks and yellow blouse uniform was far too unforgiving.

[poppit]

Doodles

The BBC website has over 100 scone recipes (yes really!).

This one came from the Great British Bake Off series screened on BBC2 last year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_ ... ones_70005

It is recommended by lots (77 when I looked) of people and comes with a 'how to' video. It is on my list of recipes to try too.

Poppit

[scarlett]

Marigold......I absolutely love Lakeland and can't walk past without popping in and buying something which I know I will never use,as I am probably the worlds worst cook. I do own nearly all their specialist cleaning products though...so at least the lovely smell in my house disguises the burnt smell coming from the kitchen