Cake for a great cause, and treats with Eat Out to Help Out

Karen Wright's chocolate orange cake - for a good cause

I know I have experience of working in extreme heat from my time in the Great British Bake-Off tent, but it is still a challenge, chocolate and buttercreams do not perform well in a heatwave (writes Karen Wright).

The first cake was a chocolate and raspberry affair - a match made in heaven. The second also had a classic pairing, chocolate and orange

.This second cake was destined to be sold off in slices to raise money for my local food bank.

The food bank has set up its HQ at Calder Grove Cricket Club and provides food parcels to around 100 households a week.

Holly Buxton, who helped set up the food bank at the start of lockdown, needs donations of non-perishable food, tins etc. .

In addition, they are building a purpose-built unit to work from. They need building materials and skilled tradespeople, to get it up and running. The community again steps up to the mark!

Last week, we saw the Eat Out to Help Out initiative begin in pubs, restaurants and cafes. How fantastic, a win win for everyone.

On Tuesday we went for lunch at our local pub, The Station at Crigglestone. Everything was great. From the one way in, another way-out system, hand sanitisers, distanced tables and screens, table service and delicious food served by friendly, efficient staff, perfect!

On Wednesday we went for a walk around parkland at Nostell Priory.

I booked a parking spot online which is essential to maintain social distancing. It was so beautiful, my mam came and was zipping around on her mobility scooter.

After our walk we had lunch, again on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. We sat in the courtyard to enjoy a sandwich, cuppa and cake.

This week I have a unique engagement and am very excited. If you tried to guess it, you would struggle, but clues are; it doesn’t involve food, but does involve a lucky winner! I shall tell you all about it next week...watch this space...