Fantasy Cakes - Review and Giveaway - Recipes from a Normal Mum

Well hello, look a bit of a disclaimer to start with – this book is written by a lovely lady called Angela Romeo (what a gorgeous name!) who I met when I used to be in little recipe films for Sainsburys. This was not very long after the Bake Off had finished and was my first proper job where I made real money rather than breaking even, or, shock horror, pay to work. There is SO much of that in the early days of blogging. If you are new to it and feel like you give more than you receive then just hang on in there, it does get better!

Anyway, Angela is quiet and not in any way showy offy and yet also supremely talented. She is one of those people who reminds you that empty vessels make most noise (as in, she sits there quietly being fabulous and makes the rest of us who might be a bit loud and annoying seem, well, loud and annoying). In short, she is a treasure.

And sadly, it’s usually the loud and annoying and shouty people who do well in this whole foodie media game. It’s the way it is. Angela has written so many recipe books for the Sainsury’s own label collection (which are ace) and this book, Fantasy Cakes, is her first book where her name is front and centre. And it’s ace.

There are lots of cake books out there, we all know that. Book after book after book promising you a new variation on classic cakes, or offering up strange ingredients not usually associated with cake, just for the very sake of being different. I don’t want Marmite in my cake thanks. I do love it on toast, or by the spoon from the jar, but no, not in a flapjack. Maybe I am unadventurous.

This book is very well pitched. There’s enough explanation to make it easy to use if you are a novice cake maker and yet it is not patronising. My overwhelming feeling about the book is one of awe; Angela has managed to create visually stunning cakes that are a little different the usual stuff out there, but not for the sake of being unusual. My favourites are pineapple passion, the mermaid cake and the mad hatter’s tea party. I should also mention that this book caused my three year old son to take such a sharp intake of breath I thought he might pass out. He has been enjoying this book as his bedtime ‘story’ for a few weeks. Altogether now ‘Mummy, can we make that one please?’ Yes, son, we can.

I have two copies of this book to giveaway – all you have to do is share this post, like and comment on Facebook and away you go. I will choose two winners at random, using a random number generator on Sunday eve. UK entrants only, prize not transferable, no cash alternative etc. Good luck!

If you would prefer to buy a copy you can do so here. Would make an ace Christmas present.