The Start Of Something Inspiring, As The Best Is Yet To Come.

Evening my lovely foodies,

It has been a while, I know, but the world of food just does not stop! In my last post I said I'd recently visited London and well now, I am back in the Capital again! But this time, it really is all about the food.

In June, George and I visited as 'tourists' and spent time going to the London Zoo, watching the Lion King at the theatre, which was phenomenal! George even shed a tear. Bless! We had some fantastic food and indulged in some decadent, but naughtily delicious cake in Selfridges. I do love a good city break!

 At the Thames :)

 Show time at the theatre.

 We found NEMO!

Me as a puffer fish ;)

 CAKES!

 Beautiful cake cabinet at Fortnum & Mason.

 Treating myself to sugared rose petals and lavender. 

Clearly mine is the chocolate one!

Being back down in the big city this time, however is a lot different. With 6am starts and 4 hours of traveling, all in the name of delicious food and future promise. It can only be Leiths. If you follow my social media, you will all be drooling at some of the delicious delights I have been creating, under my short course training at the famous cookery school. It is absolutely amazing and I am sure it will be life changing. There is more to come and I promise with a smaller time delay, keep posted and get in touch!

Brownies, ofc!

 Traditional fish pie.

Roast beef sirloin and all the trimmings.

New business email, which is rather exciting so send the love to jessica@redvelvetbaking.co.uk.

Keep calm and follow your heart.

Mine always says chocolate fudge cake.

Love, as always,

Jess

xox

The Joys of June so far...

Evening my fabulous foodies, or should I say early morning!

More and more these days I'm turning into a night owl, the more work I get, the less sleep I seem to allow myself! BUT...the sun has had his little straw hat on, in the last two weeks, so I have made a little time to catch up with friends and utilise 'lunchtime', as me time. I cannot say I have tanned particularly, mind you!

Although I'm not quite this tiny...never trust a skinny baker ey!

I thought May was manic, but boy was I wrong! June is THEE month, I think, lots of time consuming tasks and tasters of whats to come.

The 1st June saw me off retail work, poorly with sinusitis and debilitating back pain, which sadly still has not gone! And really, nobody has time for that! Having an afternoon to try recover, I could not lay in bed and decided to work in my Pjs, as time is money in one view, but also time is lost, if not spent wisely.

Thursday brought the graduation party of Faye Smith, at Keep Your Fork's Brand Booster Bitesize course, which was fantastic. We shared delicious nibbles, including Jamie Oliver recipe burgers, in bitesize buns, and homemade Bakewell slices. It was a great chance to get to know a lot of the clients I do work on behalf of, but also to network with like-minded, enthusiastic people, willing to support and share ideas. Let's put it this way, I may have a fabulous wedding connection, as a potential chief supplier!! If you're looking for wedding planning in the North, check out Karen at Kurly Bird Events...

Faye, Mel (my new intern!) and I at the Graduation Event.

The following friday I got the chance to support Faye, from Keep Your Fork PR & Marketing, as she was nominated as a finalist for the Sue Ryder Award in business. It was an amazing experience, with over 650 women celebrating female entrepreneurial success and outstanding achievements, so uplifting and inspiring. Although Faye did not win her category, this time, she was still a winner in my heart, supporting and guiding not only myself, but many businesses in Sheffield and afar, helping them to succeed and achieve their dreams. I felt honoured to be invited and cannot wait to submit more entries for others that truly deserve the recognition.

Awards line up :) Faye in the RED!

Speaking of awards, the Guardian's Observer Food Monthly Award are taking nominations and I am greatly pushing to get my blog seen by more readers. I would really appreciate your support and encouragement, as without you guys, I'm just a lonely obsessed foodie! Sharing is caring and I do wish to give it back to you guys too! You can vote for my blog on...http://www.easyanswer.net/observer/ <3

To finish I'd just like to mention that I am featuring in the Sheffield Star's Style supplement tomorrow, with my Nan's famous chocolate yogurt cake! I have videoed myself baking it this evening and hopefully, with a touch of magic from my partner, the edited version will soon be online for you to see me in action!! I'll keep you guys posted.

Ciao for now foodies, 

Keep calm and remember to recognise and reward the worthy :)

Love and warm wishes, 

Jessica

RVB 

xox

2013 - A Cake Filled Start...

Morning Foodies :)

Hope you are all warm and tucked up under the covers - this snow really is limiting my activity! But, I am going to venture out today, snow boots at the ready!

It is really crazy to think we are over half way through January - like when did that happen! Time really does fly! Thinking back over the last 21 days, so much as happened. I don't even know how I fit things in, but they do say if you want something doing, ask a busy person - busy people always fit extra things in!

So...January so far has offered excitement, stress, worry, passion and most of all, hope and inspiration. In cake terms I kicked off my Cake calendar with a Vintage Fair, at Sheffield Revolucion de Cuba (amazing cocktails!), raising awareness and money for Amy's Retreat, my charity of choice. I did a selection of tea time cakes, including chocolate fudge cake, lemon drizzle and rhubarb and custard cupcakes! It went down a storm and I am hoping to continue my partnership as the year progresses!

Also, as it is January, it means exam period :(. I have had two exams this month, one being tomorrow! I have spent a little time revising (not one to revise for weeks) and I am feeling reasonably confident. My course mate, Liam, and I spent some time revising with cocktails and mexican food, which I must say is now my favourite way to revise. Rather relaxing and extremely productive, strangely enough.

In terms of further plans this January...I met Clare Shepherd from Your New Life Plan, which has recently launched in Sheffield, as a refreshing new approach to changing your life round, with health as the focus. We met at a beautiful little italian cafe on Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, called Bragazzis - well worth a visit for the beautiful coffee and delicious deli! Recently, I have been doing a little writing work for Clare and I am attending her nutrition course this Feb - watch this space foodies!!

Tuesday night I am going to an inspiring people talk, set up by Natwest bank to celebrate the success and independence of people in the local region. I will report back and let you know what is said and if you fancy coming down, it is free and on tomorrow at 6:15pm at Sheffield Hallam University - the details are online.

January has been so exciting so far, how has your January been? Get in touch you beautiful people!!!

Keep calm and make snow cakes ;)

Love & warmth this winter, 

RVB 

xox

2012 RVB...

2012 has been a big year for RVB, seeing the launch of my official business and starting to progress forward. The year of getting the ball rolling and sizing up the opportunities available to me and my passion. My biggest tip from this experience, would be to never let your ambitions die. No matter your age or circumstance, it is possible.

Last year I experienced my first market stall in Bakewell, trained in hygiene, insured a business and started taking more official orders. Towards the latter end of the year I produced some well received halloween themed cakes (below), made links with a local children's charity in Sheffield and started the official design of my website (which is soon to be released!!).

2013 has big things in store for Red Velvet Baking, so watch this space!!

Below are a pictures of my favourite pieces from  Christmas 2012. At Christmas I enjoyed indulging in a little me time, which is time in the kitchen for all of you that don't know me! I made a beautiful set chocolate custard tart, with sweet vanilla pastry and a gorgeous milk chocolate roulade, with caramel and white chocolate cream. I can assure you, both were devoured!

Feel free to get in touch with any questions or requests...my repertoire is gradually building and you are my inspiration!

Keep calm and get back in the kitchen!


Love RV xo

I'm Back and In Business!

Evening Foodies,

I have the internet again, hallelujah!! I thought it'd never happen! So I am back online and back in business. :) And have I got news and plenty of food to share with you!!

As I forgot to explain earlier, the PANEL. It was amazing. Baking in a beautiful industrial kitchen, creating tasty treats and then getting all the feedback. I went up against a local competitor and thankfully smashed it! I got some fabulous feedback, "moist", "rich", "melt in the mouth"...I was so pleased.

Also, the business plan is in! I had the worst hand in day possible, fire alarms and broken copiers...oh my days. But hopefully it will all be worth it. You will have to keep posted, but all your support is really appreciated!

I am now on Instagram too :). Redvelvetbaking. Get on it!

Keep following and get in touch! I'd love to see your inspiration, your talent, your passion.

Keep calm and get sharing...

Love, as always,

RV xo

Technical Fault :(

Had a little bit of a glitch with the email...so I am terribly sorry if you've been trying to send in your inspirations and designs. This, thankfully, has been corrected! So I can now unveil our email as;

redvelvetbaking@gmail.com

No excuses not to email your scrumptious pictures and ideas now!!!!!

Keep calm and carry on...

Love,

Red Velvet xo

Sunday Morning Blues...

So I woke up this morning with a terrible sore throat :( and I'm now trying a concoction of different remedies to help get rid, fast! I've started with honey and lemon tea and thinking of steaming and everything! Do you have any good tips?

Apart from feeling a little under the weather, however, the sun is shining this sunday morn and that, I must say, makes a lovely change for English weather!! Anyone got anything exciting and sunshine filled planned today? :)

When I came back to Uni yesterday, I was welcomed by an array of ransom notes in my room - NEVER leave your door unlocked! One main one being the ransom note for a teddy. This requires a supply of delicious cakes for his return. I didn't half laugh! But, due to demand I am thinking of cooking up something scrummy as a treat :). Any suggestions on flavours, to treat these naughty madams?

As for more serious baking, my plans for the upcoming season are blossoming and if you're lucky I may share a sneaky peak this week into the Red Velvet kitchen :). Keep posted foodies and please share your ideas, inspirations and thoughts!!

Keep calm and dare try a Spring sunshine picnic?

Love&CakeWishes

Red Velvet <3

Late Night Inspiration :)

Last night, me and the girls decided to go to the pub. It surely progressed into a crazy and rather eventful night out - it felt like I was on a soap or something!!

Firstly, as we were going into the local pub, a woman and it seemed ex boyfriend were fighting - but she was screaming for help and it was all rather Eastendery! Whilst in the pub a lot of older men were making passes at my beautiful friends and it was all getting rather intense. At half 10 we made a rash decision to go out and after a little (or lot!) of alcohol I woke up with chocolate all over my duvet and a hazy alcohol tainted glaze over my head!

However, whilst I was out, I took notice of all the advertising for St Patricks day, March 17th. Now what are you guys thinking of making? I spent a lot of my night thinking of flavour combinations and presentation ideas.

This is where you can get involved...let me know your ideas and favourite decorating techniques! Share the late night inspiration and we can create something beautifully inspiring. Send your pictures to redvelvetbaking.gmail.com and i'll be sure to post them :)

Social network baking :) <3 Get involved!!!

Keep calm and inspire the baking nation this march,

Kisses & Wishes,

Red Velvet xo

Food for Thought...

Hey foodies!!

Just a quick blog to highlight the ever expanding list to the right of my blog posts. I have been researching the internet and in magazines for fresh and unique blogs, looking at fantastic baking schools and websites, full of inspiration. I decided to share my favourite findings with you guys, of corse, and over the next few months can't wait to see the list grow!

If you know of any fantastic websites, magazines or anything you find inspiring, let me know! I'm happy to feature your own work also...

Get in touch kiddies.

Keep calm and always keep in the kitchen <3

Love,

Red Velvet xo