Julie's interview
Interview by LaurenceWe interviewed Julie!
Visit the blog: Angelina Cupcake.
Discover Julie's favourite recipe: Lemon Cheesecake
" Don't be afraid to experiment with flavours, you might just surprise yourself!! "
Hello Julie, so tell us...
When did you begin your blog and what inspired you to start it?
I began my blog in 2009, the same year I started my business. I'd been reading other people's blogs for recipe inspiration and loved the idea of sharing as I learned. It started as a mini diary, writing about what I'd been up to, then soon started adding recipes of my own, reviews for books, restaurants, food shows and kitchen equipment.
How did you accomplish the dream that many have had before to get into cupcake making professionally?
I've always had a passion for baking and cooking so it felt natural for me to do this professionally and share my growing knowledge. My two children were just starting school so it worked around them too, allowing me to be there for them through their early years. I relied a lot on word of mouth and social media and soon had requests for cakes and cupcakes from people I'd never met before. When I won the award for Northamptonshire's best local product for my chocolate surprise cupcake in 2010/2011, I knew I must be doing something right!!
What is your favourite dish of all time?
I don't think I can choose just one dish as it depends what I fancy on the day... I'd have to say my favourite dishes are tapas. Such a wonderful mix of flavours and a really social style of eating. I make a lot of Asian dishes too, I love them for their fresh flavours and vibrant colours.
Your photos are fantastic, in your opinion what makes a dish beautiful?
It's lovely to see a beautifully constructed and visually appealing fine-dining dish. But for me, if a dish really grabs your eye and makes you want to pick up a fork and tuck in, that is just as beautiful.
Do you have a secret weapon in the kitchen?
I'd have to say my KitchenAid Artisan mixer. I rely on it so much for baking cakes and desserts, as well as savoury dishes for my family. It's the one thing I couldn't do without!
What is your earliest memory involving food?
I come from quite a traditional family as far is food concerned. My grandma baked bread daily, my mum always had a home cooked meal on the table for us. Both my brother and sister also have a passion for food. I remember my dads Sunday breakfasts, his steamed suet puddings. My mums lemon drizzle cake. Grandmas trifle. I also remember visiting the local Indian restaurant at an early age and my first taste of prawn korma, long before any of my peers.
Are there any chefs that you admire in particular?
For his passionate approach to food and easy to follow and prepare recipes, I'd have to say Jamie Oliver. I've just bought my 8 year old son some of his earlier books.
For his delicious and beautiful desserts, Eric Lanlard. I visited Cake Boy in London last year and he came out to say hi with bottles of pink Champagne!
If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show what show would you choose?
I'm loving 'The Taste' at the moment so think that would be a fantastic experience. I'd also like to be on the Great British Bake Off... I did apply once but wasn't lucky enough to be accepted!
Which Gourmandize recipe would you recommend? (if none take your fancy add your own and share it with us!)
I love baked cheesecake and there's a really lovely lemon recipe here that I've tried. I don't tend to stick to recipes much but use them as more of a guide, adding my own twist and to my own tastes.
Any last words or message for our readers?
Don't be afraid to experiment with flavours, you might just surprise yourself!!
Thank you Julie for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laurence - 22/01/2014
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