I first came across Natalie Paull of Beatrix Bakes some years back when I saw a book of hers in the kitchen of the flat I rent whenever I’m in Sydney, and where I am, very happily, right now! I was instantly smitten, and her Salty Sweet Lime Crisp Sandwich Cookies are a firm favourite in Casa Lawson. I knew therefore that I had to get my hands on her latest book, Sweet Heart, and it’s a beauty — to look at (I want the cover illustration made into a shawl), to read, and to bake from. Chapters are beckoningly named Fruity; Dark, Bitter & Sticky; Tart’n’Tangy; Creamy; A Bit Nutty; Yeasty; Fluffy & Flaky & Full of Air; and Spicey & Nicey. I’m all in! Let me give you some indication of the recipes you will find within so that you can get some idea of the scrumptiousness on offer: Banana Crunch Cake; her exquisite and most superior Raspberry Jelly Lamingtons; Coffee Granita con Creme; Fluffy Chocolate Mousse; Lime & Yogurt Bundt; Lemon Meringue Hand Pies; a dreamy Passionfruit & Coconut Bombe Alaska; Peanut Butter Chiffon Cake with Blueberry Jam; White Chocolate & Pistachio Truffles; Walnut, Turkish Coffee & Date Blondies; Sticky Maple Monkey Buns; and Vanilla Olive Oil Layer Cake. All sang sweetly to me, but the recipe I just had to share with you today is The Beatrix Bakes Featherlight Sponge Cake!
Sweet Heart by Natalie Paull is published by Murdoch Books, £25.00, www.murdochbooks.co.uk.
Photos by Rochelle Eagle.
