hi there Reader

Hi from New Zealand

Hello, hello!

For the last week or so, I've been blessed to be enjoying a family holiday in New Zealand's beautiful South Island. I've shared a few piccies on Instagram but in case you missed it, here's a quick snapshot of my favourite things (in no particular order).

Picture-perfect lakes, stunning gardens, cheeky sheep and cows, snow-covered mountains, glorious boat rides and plenty of picnics.

My favourite food discoveries so far have been cheese scones - these are everywhere. I've had 4 so far and each one has been more delicious than the last. We also had a pink lamington (see above) which apparently is sometimes called a raspberry lamington or a jelly cake (reply if you have more info on these because I must know). All I know is with loads of fresh NZ cream, it was heaven. I was also wowed by the amazing cookies from The Remarkables Cookie Shop. I left inspired.

I can't wait to jump back into my kitchen at home and recreate some of the delicious NZ treats I've had here. If you're planning to visit Queenstown any time soon, just hit reply and I can send you my recommendations.

5 simple bakes to master

After 12 years of posting recipes online, here are five of most popular recipes of all time. If you haven't yet made one of my recipes, this is the best place to start.

My Apple Cake, Corn Cookies and Caramel Slice are so popular that they made it into my new cookbook, Something Sweet.

Apple Cinnamon Cake

The easiest cake recipe that's never dry, not but always perfectly moist. And it's the ideal way to use up that one last apple sitting in your fruit bowl.

RECIPE HERE

Corn Cookies

Don't worry, these cookies don't have actual corn in them but rather they're made with polenta or cornmeal. They're buttery, soft and surprisingly moreish.

RECIPE HERE

Almond Raspberry Cake

I love this teacake. She's quick and easy and has a rich almond flavour running through it. This cake needs only a dusting of icing sugar to be made complete.

RECIPE HERE

Chocolate Banana Bread

With almost 50 five-star reviews, this one takes a few spotty banana in your fruit bowl and transforms them into a sumptuous choccy cake.

RECIPE HERE

Caramel Slice

A trust-worthy Caramel Slice recipe comes in super handy when you need to whip out something for a party, afternoon tea or just because.

RECIPE HERE

what you've been baking

"Hands-down the best muffins! Easy and so delicious! I make them for school and for the office and they are so loved! Thank you!" - Rita

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MUFFINS

something sweet ❤️

My new cookbook, Something Sweet is now available for pre-order.

It is packed with 80+ easy baking recipes, including 40 brand-new recipes that you cannot find anywhere else. Every recipe comes with a full-colour photograph, helpful tips and easy-to-follow steps.

PRE-ORDER MY BOOK

Happy baking, Jess x

❤️