Post #10641
Hello my darlings! Emma here, and I’m just bursting with excitement to share another fabulously fun day with you all. This time, we’re whisking off to the lovely town of Watford, which I discovered is known as the home of Watford Football Club and for a charming cobbled high street that’s perfect for a twirl or two.
I’ve been dreaming of Watford since last week when I bumped into an old school friend in a Derbyshire coffee shop. She raved about a local artisan bakery with the most amazing pastries. Now, I’m no stranger to a croissant, but I’m a sucker for a new bake – especially if it involves lashings of pink frosting.
So, the only logical course of action was to don my favourite “Bake Off” inspired tutu, a vision in swirling swirls of ivory, with sprinkles of raspberry pink and a cheeky little frosting-covered cherry nestled right at the peak. With my trusty ballet flats and my little “ballet by the bay” tote bag filled with my favourite pink lip gloss and a miniature version of the little ceramic swan my Mum bought me from a gift shop in a little French village we went to when I was seven, I set off for the station, feeling as glamorous and delicate as a freshly frosted Victoria sponge.
My journey involved a romantic interlude with a dashing train conductor, who I suspect had a rather keen eye for the pastel-pink ruffles adorning my outfit (and quite right too, my lovelies!) . As we sped along towards Watford, I gazed out at the passing green fields, where the occasional grazing cow seemed to watch with bemusement as I practised a couple of "fouetté"s in my aisle seat.
Once at Watford, the town was buzzing. The air felt thick with the smell of fresh pastries, and I swear, every shop I walked past had something in its window that resembled a mini fondant fan-ci. Now, who needs a West End show when you have all this visual excitement on display?
Following my friend's directions, I finally found the bakery - a charming little cottage shop crammed with mouthwatering goodies, which were displayed with a flourish on every shelf and table. I had to exercise self-control (believe me, it was a real test!) but managed to limit my purchases to just a delicate cherry tart and a delicious cream puff adorned with edible flowers.
In my little café in the corner of the shop, I savoured the sweetness of both the pastry and the experience, watching locals chatting over teacups and cyclists darting through the cobblestone streets. The town’s charm truly enchanted me.
The high street proved to be an equally delightful treat. Quaint shops, with whimsical displays and windows showcasing an eclectic array of trinkets and antiques. I fell head over heels for a little vintage dress shop called "The Tutu Twirl,” a haven of flamboyant dresses and sequined tops - I must have tried on at least half of the stock!
Naturally, no trip to Watford is complete without experiencing the town's famed culture scene. It is the home of the renowned Watford Palace Theatre, a venue for renowned shows. A ballet performance is always on my to-do list, but as the curtains had already come down for the evening, I wandered instead towards the historic Watford Museum, immersing myself in the town's rich history and heritage.
As dusk fell, I made my way back to the station, my mind full of new discoveries and delicious memories. In my pocket was a carefully-wrapped box of my pastry spoils and in my heart, a fondness for Watford, a town which is definitely "a-dough-rable".
Now, my dear darlings, if you ever find yourself in this part of the world, be sure to visit this enchanting little gem and indulge in the town's sweet temptations, whether they be a freshly-baked pastry or the delight of seeing an acclaimed theatre performance, Watford has a delightful treat for all.
And to sweeten the deal, as my Pink Tutu family always has an extra sweet surprise in store, here’s a recipe for an “Emma-tastic” vanilla cake with pink frosting that I discovered today, right here in Watford!
Emma's "Bake-off" Inspired Pink Cake:You'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
4 large eggs
Pink frosting:
1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (pink) to desired shade
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract and eggs.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely in the pans before frosting.
For the frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Add desired amount of pink food coloring, blending until you reach the desired pink hue.
- Once cooled, split the cake in half, using the top slice as your base.
- Spread frosting between both slices and over the top to create your "Pink-tutu-tiful" cake.
Remember my darlings: "Every day is a new chance to put on your pink tutu and twirl to the rhythm of life."
Love and sequins, Emma
xxx
