I love Nigella. For me she’s just totally and utterly glam. I loved that she was recently on the cover of one of my favourite magazines and came across as this earnest, shy woman despite the sexy goddess persona we see on TV.
Nigella Bites – a cookbook I use time and time again
Her book, Nigella Bites, was one of the first cookery books I bought and used properly. I remember watching the TV series captivated by her commentary and the food. Marvelling that she ate it all right there in front of us. The simplicity of the instructions and the lack of fuss propelled me into cooking and baking more. She made me believe I could do it.
There are recipes in this book that hold so many memories for me so it’s one I’ll never part with. Not even hand down to my girls. I cherish it not for the recipes but the memories it holds.
The only birthday cake recipe
One recipe that I’ve made every year since 2002 is the Chocolate Fudge Cake. It’s just bloody marvellous! Goes down a treat with adults and children alike. I’ve baked it for almost every birthday …
Amy’s 1st Birthday
And adapted the decoration to suit my daughter’s hobbies and party themes. From mermaids and pirates …
Amber’s Seashell Cake for a mermaid themed party
…to ponies.
Amy’s My Little Pony Cake for her pony grooming party
Flicking to the page in the recipe book brings a nostalgic smile for all the birthdays gone by and anticipation for those yet to come.
A worn but cherished page 47
Forever Nigella #23 – Nostalgia
If you’re not familiar with it, Forever Nigella is organised by Sarah at Maison Cupcake. You can bake, make or cook absolutely anything from any of Nigella’s books and this month, as I am the host, I’ve chosen the theme of Nostalgia.
I hope you’ll share your memories of the Nigella recipes that are nostalgic for you.
If you don’t have any of Nigella’s recipe books, there are lots of online sources so you can still take part:
A few guidelines from Sarah
1. Blog your entry by 28th of February 2013 showing:
a) the current Forever Nigella badge
b) a link to this post : http://wp.me/p1FV2w-I4
c) a link to the Forever Nigella page at Maison Cupcake: http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella
n.b. posts must have been published since the announcement post. Archived posts need to be re-published afresh if you wish to submit.
2. Remember copyright.
You must NOT reproduce Nigella’s recipes verbatim. Tell us which book it is from and/or link to it online. If you’ve adapted the recipe in some way i.e. changed at least two ingredients or amended the method then it’s ok to publish the a recipe in your post but you MUST write directions in your own words.
3. Submit your post
Email me the link to your post (thebotanicalbaker AT hotmail DOT co DOT uk), copying in Sarah (sarah AT maisoncupcake DOT com).
You can also tweet your post quoting #forevernigella. I am on @botanicalbaker and will retweet any that I see. You will find Sarah at @MaisonCupcake.
I’m so looking forward to seeing your recipes and hearing your stories! I’ll post a round up on 1st march 2013.
I adore that photo of the girls, and gosh they still look the same. Would be lovely to see you all soon. x
Aww thanks. Let’s meet up before you start work?
Such a cute family snap. I hope you’ve got plenty of family pix on your phone when I see you Tuesday. And I too used that same Chocolate fudge cake as my daughter’s birthday cake for ages, but never did I confect it up so prettily and professionally. Mary and Paul would be proud 😀
It really is the best cake. Lovely blitzed in microwave with Haagen Daaz Cookies and Cream
I’m a huge Nigella fan and I love that chocolate cake, isn’t it a gorgeous recipe? I’ll definitely join in the cook-a-long, will just have to decide what to make!
Excellent! Look forward to it 🙂
I can’t believe I’ve not actually made this cake – I love how you’ve reinvented it for every birthday. All families should create their own traditions – they’re what make memories!
Thanks for hosting Forever Nigella this month, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s entries and hearing their stories!
I’m a big Nigella fan too and my copy of Nigellla Bites has lots of food smudges on most of the pages – a definite sign that it’s been well used for years!
I loved reading this post and I would love to take part. What gorgeous pix too! Thanks for hosting this month! Nigella’s books are a huge hit in my house too and I enjoy baking from her books, especially her Feast one. That’s stuck together with coffee spilt over it and spattered with cake mix.
Is there a linky for this month’s Forever Nigella? Love the theme!
Hi. You just need to email me at the above address. See the guidelines in the post.
Have you tweeted this link to her? I’m sure Nigella would be delighted to see her cake being re-invented every time! Can I join the Forever Nigella challenge?
That is one gorgeous photo of your daughters Urvashi and I wouldn’t say no to a slice of that cake either. Shockingly, I don’t think I’ve ever made Nigella’s chocolate fudge cake. I shall be posting my entry tomorrow, so I hope it’s not too late.
Thanks lovely. Look forward to your post xx