A week or so ago, I was sent a copy of a brand new cookbook to review, which covers one of my favourite Autumn and Winter food groups – pies. It’s safe to say that I’m not the worlds best cook – most things that are a triumph in my kitchen are a result of luck rather than judgement. Don’t get me wrong, I can make a good ol’ shepherds pie or lasagne from scratch, but Nigella I’m not. However, I’m slightly better at baking – I know how to make cupcakes (mostly thanks to my Mum’s infallible recipes), I’ve recently learned how to make pizza dough (ta very much, Hugh F-W) and I’ve got grand plans to work out how to make yorkshire puddings (because Sunday lunch just isn’t the same without them).
The book I was sent, ‘Tart It Up!’ by Eric Lanlard is a beautiful, beautiful hardback cookbook with mouth watering food photography like this:
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| Don’t give me that, we’re all thinking about the ‘C’ word already…. |
This book is ace. There’s a section at the front on perfecting your pastry, the majority of the recipes have gorgeous images to accompany them, and right at the back is a space dedicated to quick sweet bakes – which is where I took my tester recipe from. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, banana and chocolate puffs:
I’m going to be honest – I tried making these when the eldest was running around my feet, desperately trying to lick everything that had chocolate on it, and the baby was wailing , and I forgot to put the sugar on top before they went in the oven. That aside, they were great – the Husband claimed they were awesome, my Mum liked them, and they took about five minutes to prepare, and fifteen to cook. A great little project if you have youngsters that can keep their tongues to themselves. Ahem.
To celebrate the publication of the book, I’ve decided to roll out the very first Owl and Accordion giveaway. Drum roll please…. drrrrrr……
Readers of this blog have the chance to win everything pictured above – the cookbook, a 1960’s paisley apron (to protect your frock while you whizz up a few pies), two vintage linen napkins, two vintage plates from my collection (one is pyrex, PYREX I tell you!) and two retro cups. So basically, tea for two. Hurrah!
To enter all you have to do is:
1. Leave a comment on this blog post, making sure that you have the correct contact details attached to it.
2. Follow me on Twitter, or like the Owl and the Accordion on Facebook.
The giveaway closes one week from today, and the winner will be announced via this blog shortly after.
And that’s it! On your marks, get set, go!
Oh man, those pies look good. And that apron is so pretty! I can't BELIEVE you are giving away pyrex. You must love us very much! 🙂
Wow that book looks amazing! Have a new flan dish and pie tin but haven't used them yet!!!What a fantastic giveaway! That pyrex plate has a gorgeous pattern!
ACE giveaway! You gotta be in it to win it. Live the apron 🙂
What a fab giveaway! Loving the apron and the cups.my email is just about to follow you on twitter as Mrs Tibbs Teacups.c
A very generous giveaway! Love the look of that cook book.x
Yummo! They look amazing, and the rest of the book looks good too…and as for the selection of vintage loveliness!!! I'm not on Twitter, but I've popped over to 'like' you on facebook instead, hope that's ok? x
Looks like a great book perfect for winter meals, I would love to try the banana and chocolate puffs. Thanks for the giveaway.
Ooh what a generous giveaway. I've just given away the same book on my blog so would love to get my hands on another copy (and all your lovely goodies – that Pyrex, that apron).Please count me in!
Ooh those little cups are beautiful! The photography in the book looks amazing too… Fantastic giveaway!
What a great giveaway, I have a little dish the same as the Pyrex plate, such a cute design. The book looks fab. Katy xKaty@love lemon.co.uk
Those cups are amazing!! Love love this giveaway! The tart book looks tasty too xx
These look yummy, such a lovely giveaway, and I love your kitchen! I could really do with brushing up on my pastry skills! Xx
Can I still enter even though I already follow you on Twitter?I was already planning on adding that book to my Amazon wishlist while reading your post, so the giveaway at the end was a lovely surprise! Kim x
Hello! It's fine to 'like' me on Facebook instead – I've updated the rules on the original post. And added a closing date!Good luck ladies!x
Great giveaway, I would love to be the proud owner of those cups and plates! Leanne xPs I follow on twitter!
Thank you for the chance – I love Eric Lanlard so would love to win the book. My daughter and I had a day making cupcakes with him in London. Great day! Love Sharon
Ooooo I love everything in this giveaway and would love to win it. So beautiful. How very nice of you!! x
Ello…just me again! I already follow you on twitter and I already have liked your facebook page too, so hope these both count! And my email is martha moopette at gmail dot com xx
Pyrex? Tarts? I'm in! x
Also a twitter follower 😉 x
I'd love to enter please! I need another cookbook 🙂 x