We are very lucky to live in a small rural village where there is a strong community spirit and a full calendar of local events to raise money for various good causes and allow friends and neighbours to get together and enjoy socialising. There tends to be 'something for everyone', from Burns Night meals, Fun Runs, Music Festivals and of course the annual Skittles on the Green, which has been running for over 60 years.
But no matter what the event, they all seem to have one thing in common...and that is the obligatory cake stall! Donation requests for baked goods to sell start early, and on the day, there is always a table groaning under the weight of a higgledy piggledy tower of various boxes, tins and cling wrapped plates with a wide variety of baked offerings. I love seeing old family recipes which have been baked the same way for decades rubbing shoulders with the crispy cakes and the chocolate brownies which are always a hit with the kids. (side note, there was a ginger and lemon cake which was simply to die for this year - I NEED that recipe!).
Now of course, this totally plays to my strengths, and I am always happy to donate - but as a small bakery business there are decisions to be made! I can't help but see this as an opportunity to bring my bakes to an audience who may not have tasted my cakes before, so what do I want to showcase? How much should I donate? How much is too much (no one likes a show-off)? Is there a chance I am overthinking this?
My go-to is to a make a batch of biscuits and decorate them in keeping with the event in question. So for the Fun-Run I did winners medals and some race related wording. For the tennis club I did tennis ball design biscuits. For the duck race, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I did duck shaped biscuits. And for the Skittles on the Green - green icing with skittle wording and flower garden designs. James said it was rather distracting him from the enjoyment of watching the skittles when I kept nudging him to point out every time someone walked past eating one of my creations!!!
At this stage, I think I am giving Nigella a run for her money with my extensive cookie cutter collection! Rarely seem to bake the same shape twice!