So for the first challenge of 2014, I’m reaching for a book I bought last October when it was first published.  Already it has seen some use as I am a huge fan of Lorraine Pascale.  I love her recipes, many of which are easily achieved and taste fab!  As a keen baker and one who struggles with weight issue, I was pleased that Lorraine’s latest book, A Lighter Way To Bake has been a massive help to me. Here are some delicious recipes which you can enjoy (within reason of course!) as part of a healthier lifestyle.  It has been a difficult decision to choose which recipes to make for my baking adventure as there were so many!  I ended up choosing things that I knew my whole family would eat as well.

A Lighter Way To Bake contains several chapters: Breakfast and Brunch, Bread, Savoury Bakes, Puddings and Desserts, Cakes, Cookies and Traybakes, Teatime Treats, Special Occasions and Entertaining, Pastry and Basics.  I am challenging myself to bake one thing from each chapter wherever possible.

Upon looking through the book I have chosen to make the following over the next few weeks:

Breakfast and Brunch: Mixed Berry and Cinnamon Muffins

Bread: All Grain, Nutty, Seedy Soda Bread Loaf

Savoury Bakes: Lighter Herbed Lasagne with Courgette Pasta

Puddings And Desserts: Key Lime and Lemon Cheesecake Loaf

Cakes: Lemon Yoghurt Pound Cake

Biscuits and Traybakes: Peanut Butter Cookies.  As I love baking biscuits I’m definitely keen to try baking the Cardamom and Ginger Shortbread as well!

Special Occasion: Pumpkin and Spice Cupcakes with A Cream Cheese Frosting.

Special Occasions/ Pastry chapters: Nothing in here that would appeal to my family or would be suitable at this point.  Maybe nearer Christmas?

Here are some bakes I have already attempted from the book in the past couple of months:

So, watch this space over the next few weeks to see how I get on with my “Cooking The Books” challenge!

Happy Baking!

Love Sam xx