Katie [makes] Cakes

I like cake.


I like making it, reading about it, blogging about it, photographing it and, most crucially of all, I like eating it.


Turns out a lot of you seem to like it too, and I've had such a great response to some of my recipe posts that I'm hoping to carry them on for good while :)


This Friday however I bring you something more exciting but just as sweet as another recipe, in the form of an interview with the gorgeous and talented Katie from KatieCakes.


Say Hello!

This lady's blog is such a beaut, with some stunning photography and positively drool worthy recipes, I've no doubt it'll be added to your bookmarks quicker than you can say nom. And if that weren't convincing enough, she's just been heralded as one of Channel 4's top baking blogs. It's about time I say!


This is the first interview I've done, and Katie couldn't have been more kind, grateful, and downright lovely when I asked her if she'd mind answering a few questions for a blog feature. So Katie, for taking part in this humble little post, for being so kind and quick in answering my questions, and for creating such darn delectable treats, I thank-you. Enjoy!
Katie, your blog has been up and running now since 2008 [how on earth its awesomeness bypassed me until last year I do not know] and you've got through an astounding array of mouthwatering recipes - is there one that sticks out for you?

Oh yes, for sure!  The recipe that really stands out to me is the banana and toffee blondies I made for my post on how to use up old bananas.  I don't make them very often as I fear obesity may follow but boy do I love those blondies!

Baking is clearly something you are deeply passionate about, how long has it been a hobby of yours?

I remember my fiancee would often jaunt up to Edinburgh to visit an old friend.  He would always come home with wondrous tales of a bakery which sold Mars Bar muffin made with chopped up chunks of Mars Bar.  The thought of such an amazing treat haunted me until I finally decided to have a go at this baking lark and attempt to make them for myself.  I haven't looked back since.

Whenever I bake, I have to have music on - it's not until I've got the radio blaring out, and I'm squawking along to the latest tunes can I focus [apparently noise and baking go hand in hand for me!] do you have any rituals that you stick to when you bake?

Baking has become such a second nature to me now that I can do it without even thinking about my actions.  The only ritual in my house is my fiancee turning on the xbox whenever he hears the whir of my kitchenaid.

Who is the lucky devil that gets to test out your recipes?

My fiancee, Kris, is my little guinea pig.  I always get an honest reaction from him whether it's moans of pleasure or a look of disgust.  I'm planning on having a bit of an experiment with a bottle of Chambord and my madeleine tin later today, I'm not sure he's gonna like that one...

♥peanut butter krispie bars♥

I know that you started blogging after a while of reading plenty of baking blogs, do you have a favourite?

Well, the blog which inspired me to start my own was a Swedish blog named A Cat in the Kitchen but sadly she has since stopped posting.  I still venture back to that little part of the internet and read through the archived posts, her recipes are so simple and perfectly executed.  I love it.

I recently had an almost catastrophic baking disaster, what's the worst mistake you've made in the kitchen?

Oh, I've had plenty of those!  My most recent mistake was a Victoria Sponge for the Royal Wedding.  I must have read the recipe wrong and only made enough for one layer.  When I cut it in half it looked like a sad flatbread sandwich. The birds got that one.

Your photography and food styling are stunning, have you had professional training?

I haven't, no.  Although my fiancee is a professional photographer with his own studio so I do get to play around with some awesome equipment.  We recently bought a light table, I'm itching to have a go with that.

♥glitter jam cookies ♥

You set yourself a challenge this year to bake something from each of your cookery books- how is that going?!

Not that well, actually.  Simply because I can't stop myself buying more books.  Right now I'm flicking through Gwyneth Paltrows new cookbook and expecting a delivery of another two. Ooops!

And finally Katie, are you a cake or cookie gal?

Cookies! Definitely!  There really is nothing better in life than a chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven... mmmmm!

♥chocolate chip cookies♥

Isn't she lovely?! 

I think while Katie works her way through a mountain of cookbooks, I'm going to do the same with her recipes.

Now just to figure out where on earth to start. Cake or cookies, cake or cookies....

xxx