I am really slacking on this baking thing. Have promised myself I will bake some soda bread tomorrow morning and then catch up with this week's GBBO tomorrow night.

Week 2 & already I am falling behind! Never mind, I finally got round to making some biscotti, following last week's biscuit challenges. I have never made them before and in fact would not previously have considered making them - but I will definitely be making them again! They were so quick and easy and whilst not regular in size and shape they tasted fantastic with a great crunch. Here they are:

They are pistachio and cranberry flavour - a lovely combination! There are only a few here as I had already eaten a couple & sent some home with my Mum before I got round to taking a photo.

So, I have finally gotten round to making my first bake. I decided to go with plain, old-fashioned lemon Madeira cake as I have never candied anything before so figured that could be my learning curve this week.
I have decided the carrying needs more work. Whilst the slices look good & I am pleased with the finished look of the cake, the rind is still tough & they are far too bitter to eat.
Anyway, here's a pic of the finished cake:

It tastes great, has a nice close texture and isn't too dry. It didn't quite crack on the top as a Madeira cake should, but this is a Mary Berry recipe so I'm blaming her! (Although it could be the fact that the kids insisted on helping)!

Have recorded last night's episode to watch this evening - looking forward to biscuit week!

Just caught up with the 1st episode of GBBO - my first bake will be a madeira cake. Unfortunately, neither the tech nor showstopper are a good choice as the walnut cake contains partially cooked eggs (which I can't eat as I'm pregnant) and the showstopper contains alcohol (same problem).
Gonna have a think about flavours....

I am off on my holibobs today - a week in rural Wales - so I won't be able to start on my challenge till next weekend. BT box is set to record and can't wait to watch the first episode of GBBO when I get back!