Five Minute Desserts, Guest Photography and a Happy New Year!

If any of you have attempted a last minute dash to the shops, as I did this afternoon, you might find that the shelves are empty! Not great news if you are on dessert duty this evening, which is why these two very quick recipes may well still be useful. I am very pleased to also introduce to you my friend, Michelle Wiggett, or rather, her guest photography, in this post. These photos were taken during a recent food styling workshop at my home, for a few local friends and bloggers. I’ll be writing more about the food styling morning itself soon. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy Michelle’s stunning photos and that you also enjoy the New Year celebrations ahead!

Michelle Wiggett Blackberry Tart

Lemon Curd and Blackberry Tartlets

All Photography copyright Michelle Wiggett Photography

Lemon Curd and Blackberry Tartlets

All you’ll need – some ready made tartlet cases, or use meringue nests, a few tablespoons of lemon curd, some double cream whipped with vanilla, some fresh blackberries and icing sugar. How to make them – spoon some lemon curd into the tart cases, pipe or spoon in some whipped double cream, sprinkle a few blackberries over the top, dust with icing sugar.  Add a sprig of mint if you have it.

Michelle Wiggett Photography

Michelle Wiggett Photography

Michelle Wiggett Photography

Drunken Panettone Cocktail Glass Trifles

All you’ll need – some leftover panettone (I used one called a Drunken Panettone, pre-soaked in alcohol) some pears poached in mulled syrup, some ready made custard and double cream whipped up with Ndalli vanilla. I like to use a selection of different cocktail glasses. Chop the panettone (or sponge or cake) into small cubes and chop the fruit. Add both to the glasses. Pour over some of the syrup or some alcohol of your choice, pour over some custard. Pop them into the fridge and when you’re ready to serve them, whip up some double cream and spoon over the top. Dust with icing sugar.

Michelle Wiggett Photography

Drunken Panettone Cocktail Glass Trifles –

All Photography copyright Michelle Wiggett Photography

Michelle Wiggett Photography

Food Styling Workshop

I’m sure you’ll all agree that Michelle’s photographs are stunning.  Michelle asked to come along to try out her new lens, as she usually shoots babies and people, but I think she’s definitely uncovered a new skill here for food photography! Thank you to Michelle for all your tips and advice during the food styling morning.

I’m looking forward to lots more creative collaborations in 2013. I’m also looking forward to sharing lots more recipes and news as well as continuing to enjoy developing my blog and being part of the growing food blogging community here in the UK.

Thank you all so much for your support during 2012 – every post has been a pleasure to write and every comment a joy to read.

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18 Comments

    1. Thank you Denise, all the best to you, too x

  1. A very Happy New Year, Ren. The tartlets are stunning and the pictures inspire!

    1. Thank you Jamie, all the very best to you, too. When is our next Cognac trip?!

  2. Stunning images. Love the lighting – it almost feels vintage. Lovely easy recipes too. I tend to make two batches of sweet pastry and prep these ‘ready made’ cases and freeze them as I can never find them in the supermarket anyway. As you say a quick whisk of curd and cream is a treat in a flash.

    1. Thanks Urvashi, Michelle did a beautiful job here. A great idea to make extra batches of sweet pastry. I also found some really tasty lime and lemon curd at the farmer’s market which made these extra tasty!

  3. These are such lovely ideas for easy puds, presented so beautifully. Happy New Year Ren!

    1. Thank you so much Andrea, all the very best to you and your family for 2013

  4. Gorgeous photos. I would love to learn a bit more about food styling photography. Might treat myself to one of Vanessa’s courses at some point this year. Happy New Year to you and I look forward to keeping up with your blog in 2013. x

    1. Yes, I’d defintely recommend a day with Vanessa, she taught me a lot, more food styling tips and posts to come! x

    1. Thank you, Sally and the same to you xxx

  5. Liz Thomas says:

    Happy New Year to you too. Michelle’s photos are great and I love your beautiful cocktail glasses. That’s a great Idea.
    All the best for a wonderful 2013!

    Cheers!
    Liz

    1. Thank you so much Liz, lovely to connect this year x

  6. Lovely post Ren. The photographs are indeed stunning. The mini trifles sound particularly good. Thank you for your inspiration, lovely blog and my big win last year and I wish you and our blog all the best for 2013.

    1. Thank you so much Choclette, wishing you a Happy New Year and lots of foodie fun in 2013 x

  7. Beautiful pictures! Lovely warmth and atmosphere in them. I do like those ready made pastry cases, they’re good to stash in the cupboard for quick puds for guests.

    1. Thank Sarah, they definitely are. And funnily enough, those cases and merinue nests were just about all that were left tonight at the shops! Happy New Year to you and yours xx

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