Stress & mess aside, I really do love baking with The Boys. John in particular loves nothing more than putting on his apron & chef’s hat and getting his hands floury. It doesn’t actually matter what you tell him we’re making, he will always tell people he’s been, “making biscuits!” But as far as recipes for baking with kids go, I’m always a fan of something, quick, easy & with flavours that meet their approval and these Rainbow Cookies come out tops.
8 Valentine’s Bakes
If I’m being brutally honest, Valentine’s Day is not something I can really get in to. I am one of those cynical people who seems the whole event as a commercial goldmine and a day that can leave some people feeling on top of the world but a whole load more a bit down in the dumps.
That being said, I love any excuse to bake up a storm and although all these recipes are of a pink theme, with lots of love hearts in tow, I’d happily eat bake them any day of the year! So if you’re looking for something sweet (both in taste & thought) to surprise your Valentine with this February 14th, then here’s 8 Valentines Bakes to help inspire you.
Easy Cinnamon Swirls

In an ideal world, I’d eat pastry for breakfast everyday. Although if anyone from my work is reading this, they’ll likely tell you that I have a Pain Au Chocolat most mornings… But lets just ignore that unhealthy little habit for a moment and concentrate on how amazing these little Easy Cinnamon Swirls are.
Read MoreTunnocks Teacake Cupcakes
When I think of Tunnocks Teacakes, I think of Still Game. In particular the one where Jack & Victor share some Tunnocks Teacakes and cristicise one another on either being the type of person who rolls their teacake wrapper into a perfect little ball or the type of person who has to flatten the wrapper out into a flawless square. (I’m definitely the latter). And for those of you out-with Scotland (or the UK – do you get Tunnocks Teacakes down south?) who have absolutely no idea what a Tunnocks Teacake is, these Tunnocks Teacake Cupcakes are just the education you need!
Granny’s Shortbread
If there’s one smell that takes me back to growing up in the home that housed Granny’s baking, it is shortbread. Alongside her Empire Biscuits, Shortbread is one of the recipes that Granny is best known for. Delightfully Scottish, these sweet buttery biscuits are what dreams are made of. And let me tell you, Granny has got the art of Shortbread mastered!Read More
Irn Bru Cupcakes
You know when you get an idea in your head and you just can’t let it go? Well, Irn Bru Cupcakes were my most recent obsessive idea! For whatever reason, I set myself a mission to turn Scotland’s number 1 soft drink into something I could bake & enjoy. And let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy task!
Empire Biscuits
If there’s one recipe that people always ask for from Granny, it’s her Empire Biscuit one! These little gems are so simple & so versatile. You can go all traditional and opt for a Glace Cherry or a Jelly Tot on top, or you can get creative with fondant and top them with any shape you like! We particularly love going all festive with holly sprinkles, just for Santa.Read More
White Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge
For the past few years I’ve made up little hampers full of hand made foods for friends & family. From chutney & jam to biscuits & cakes, each year I’m always on the look out for tasty new ideas to add to our home made gifts. Alongside Great Granny Coconut Ice I wanted to add another form of sweetie this year and White Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge is just the thing I had in mind!
Stained Glass Christmas Biscuits
I’ve always wanted to try making stained glass biscuits and the festive season seemed like the perfect opportunity to indulge my inner child. So drum roll please for these Stained Glass Christmas Biscuits! Granny used to have an array of recipes books which I remember flicking through as a child. In fact, I’m pretty sure she probably still has most of them.Read More
Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cupcakes
It’s acceptable to start getting excited about Christmas now, right? Well how about a Christmas style recipe that can be enjoyed all year round – that’s definitely ok, yeah? Ok, good. Here I present to you the moistest cupcakes in the best flavour combination you could ever hope for: Terry’s Chocolate Orange cupcakes!