Iced Ring

I have always fancied making one of those fruit rings that you used to get in the local baker's when I was a kid and when I was given the Two Hairy Bikers baking book for Christmas I came across their recipe for a Scandinavian Iced Ring. I took the ring to a New Year's eve party and it was gone in minutes, guess I'm not the only one who likes iced cakes.

It came out pretty well, maybe a bit too much cardamon for my taste, next time I'll tone it down a bit.

Inspiration

One of last years holidays was a trip to central Spain taking in Segovia, Salamanca, Toledo and Madrid, a whirlwind tour, it seemed like a month rather than a week. While wondering around these various towns I came across several bakeries and cake shops and not being one to pass up an opportunity to see what  was on offer I couldn't resist having a look. Okay, I know that they are professional bakers and they have all the right equipment, oven, etc. but I can't help but be jealous of what was on offer, a huge array of breads; sourdough,white, black, seeded and in so many different shapes and sizes it was hard to know where to look.

 

Rather than be jealous of all the fine bread and cakes on offer I will take it as inspiration of what can be produced. I have decided to make a speciality bread each weekend starting with Dan Lepard's Black Bread.