Bake Club
First ‘Homemade By You’ Bake Club Meeting
This week was very exciting for one main reason. I hosted my first ‘Homemade By You’ Bake Club, (round of applause). I had been thinking about doing this for a few months, so to see the idea become reality was fantastic. The concept is that members bring along a homemade ‘bake’ of their choice which fits with a monthly theme, (this month was chocolate and spring time) then they share the recipe and any tips with the other members all over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
My thinking was that people would enjoy a reason to bake. As I mentioned in my previous cake therapy post, this is something I actually look for and I was sure I would not be the only one. I also hoped that by bringing people together who share the same passion there would be lots of happy cake chatter, and hopefully some new friendships too. I know my husband gets very bored of me talking about baking and all the ideas I have, so he for one was very keen on the idea of a bake club.
The night itself was everything I hoped it would be. My guests went all out and brought an amazing selection of cakes and bakes with them. They had clearly gone to a lot of trouble which was fantastic. Here’s what was on the table:
French style chocolate gateaux cooked in the microwave. A revelation to most of us and it was so moist as no chance of drying out in the oven.
Chocolate cupcakes, with a very cute vintage style floral decoration on the side of each one
Lemon, white chocolate and black pepper muffins. A new and gorgeous flavour combination.
Mini chocolate cheesecakes cut out from a big cheesecake by using a round cookie cutter.
Chocolate Easter fridge cake which had all manor of delightful ingredients including crushed mini eggs in the cake…superb!
Chocolate Guinness cake with marmalade and cream cheese frosting. This cake looked and tasted amazing, and being Irish myself I fully approved of the addition of Guinness.
Chocolate, banana and honeycomb loaf cake. My offering using the lovely Cakeboule’s recipe. Not much of this left at the end of the night, so must have been good.
I loved being able to cut a little slice of them all and try each one. Such treat to have a cake to try and the person who made it to ask questions about it. Thanks to everyone who came along and helped to make my first Bake Club such a success. 
This brings me onto the next ‘Homemade By You’ Bake Club. In fact I enjoyed it so much I’ve set dates for the next two. If you would like to come along here are the details:
Next Bake Club
Date: 29th March 2012
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Cost: £5 per person
Location: Chipstead, Sevenoaks
Theme: Seasonal delights
To book: Please email [email protected]. Don’t forget you can bring one non baking guest with you as well. Just let me know when booking
Be quick! Places are limited and will be booked on a first come first served basis.
Following Bake Club – *date for your diary*
Date: Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Cost: £5 per person
Location: Chipstead, Sevenoaks
Theme: Queen’s Jubilee
Booking: Please email me at [email protected] to register interest and further details will be sent to you nearer the time.
Tagged Bake Club, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate guinness cake, chocolate microwave cake, homemade by you, lemon, new friends, white chocolate and black pepper muffins
kerrycooksMarch 2, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Thats great! Are you guys raising money for charity too?
Homemade By FleurMarch 2, 2012 at 3:59 pmAuthor
Thanks Kerry. The cost per head covers the organising and refreshments, but I will definitely plan do a few charity meetings the raise some money.
kerrycooksMarch 2, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Great! All the cakes look fab
cakebouleMarch 3, 2012 at 5:40 pm
So glad it went well – the cakes all look divine. It must be wonderful to chat and eat cake! Definatley my kind of club! Thanks for the mention as well with my banana cake recipe. Good for you for setting it all up and organising it – the first of many I am sure!
AnnalisaMarch 3, 2012 at 9:16 pm
If you do a ‘Bake it Pink’ charity night for Breast Cancer Care, I’ll be there like a shot!!!!!!!!! (and with a hefty donation!) You’re only 40 mins away from me and I would happily drive there and back for the occassion!
You’re an inspiration, as ever, and i’m proud to call you my very dear friend.
xxxxxxx
Homemade By FleurMarch 3, 2012 at 9:25 pmAuthor
Anna, lets do it!! I’ve set the theme for the next two, but how about the June Bake Club? I would be thrilled to have a ‘bake it pink’ night I really would. I’ll get the June date sorted and let you know. Maybe you could bring a whole car load of your pals too. Ahhh, I can’t wait. xxx
whatkatebakedMarch 4, 2012 at 9:56 am
What lovely, lovely event to organise Fleur- I’m going to be attending my first ever cake club in a few weeks and I can’t wait to get together with like minded people, have a good natter over a nice cuppa and, of course, many a slice of cake!
Homemade By FleurMarch 4, 2012 at 7:50 pmAuthor
Thanks Kate. I’m certain you will enjoy your evening as much as I did. I’m looking forward to the next one already!
HannahMarch 5, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Gorgeous round up! Was lovely to meet you, all the cakes were absolutely delicious!
ChocletteMarch 7, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Lovely idea Fleur and the cakes all look gorgeous. I’m off to attend my first CCC next month and am really looking forward to it.
Homemade By FleurMarch 8, 2012 at 7:11 amAuthor
Thank you! Very exciting that you are off to a Cake Club too. I’ve no doubt you will have a great evening. X