Irresistible bakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between
'Absolutely enchanting' Nigella Lawson | 'Marvellous... a ravishing trove of recipes and baker's lore' Jeremy Lee | 'My favourite baker ... A Violet recipe always works perfectly' Anna Jones | 'Generous, intuitive, beautiful' Laila Gohar
Whether it's for ourselves, to show love for a child, friend or partner, or to celebrate a rite of passage, there is no denying the incredible effect that cakes can have. I started baking as a child, taught by my mom and grandma, which is an experience so many of us share. I have now been running my own food business, Violet Cakes, for nearly two decades but it still never ceases to amaze me how much impact the gesture of baking a cake for someone can make.
This book is a collection of my formative baking stories and tips and current favourite recipes - what I am baking throughout the day, for any occasion. Some draw inspiration from my hometown in Northern California and others are inspired by my life in London: British classics with a twist. Each recipe takes the very best local ingredients and flavours - from fresh-picked berries to peaches straight from the orchard - to create something special and new.
From Brown Sugar Victoria Sponge, Chocolate Violet Babka Buns, Tahini Halva Brownies, and English Angel Cakes that are perfect for a birthday party to Ras el Hanout Snickerdoodles, Coconut Pudding Cake and Black Tea and Poppy Seed Muffins, you'll find treats that are perfect for making every day delicious and memorable. You'll even find the recipe for Prince Harry and Megan Markle's famous Lemon and Elderflower Wedding Cake.
I hope these 85 recipes - from cakes to cookies and puddings to savoury treats - can also become favourites of yours and your dear ones. I want this book to be a reminder that baking is, in its own way, a love story too.