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Welcome to the Blog by Faye Palmqvist

For home bakers who care about flavour, technique, and quality.

This space is for curious, passionate bakers who want more than just instructions — they want to understand the why behind every great bake.

Here you’ll find clean-ingredient baking tips, flavour-focused recipes, expert techniques, and ingredient insights — all crafted to help you bake with confidence and intention.

Bake Like It Matters: Why “Quality over Quantity” Is the Future of Pâtisserie — and How to Start Today

Table of Contents

  1. Why Bigger Isn’t Better (and Never Was)
  2. 5 Lessons from Japanese Food Culture Every Baker Should Steal
  3. The Hidden Cost of Ultra-Processed Baking Trends
  4. The Quality-First Pastry
  5. ...
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The Ultimate Guide to Scaling Cake Recipes

Ever doubled a cake recipe only to take out a dry rim and a gooey middle?

(Metric & U.S. Measurements for Every Tin Size)

Scaling batters is one of baking’s biggest headaches. This step-by-step guid...

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The Dirty Dozen & The Clean 15: What UK Shoppers Need to Know (2024 Update)

As a pastry chef, I know that the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference between a good bake and a great one. But how can you trust that your fruit, veg and pantry staples aren’t hiding ...

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What Baking Ingredients Can You Freeze? A Complete Guide for Home Bakers

Freezing baking ingredients can be a game changer for home bakers and cake businesses alike. Whether you're trying to save money, reduce waste, or prep in advance for a dinner party or big order, unde...

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Cake Lettering 101: Why I Ditched the Piping Bag for Cut-Out Letters (and You Might Too)

Here’s something most people don’t expect a classically trained pastry chef to admit:

Even after more than 20 years in professional pastry kitchens — and formal training at Le Cordon Bleu — I never...

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How to Sell Mini Loaf Cakes: Storage, Pricing & Profitable Tips for Home Bakers

Mini loaf cakes aren’t just adorable — they’re one of the smartest products for home bakers and cottage businesses looking to grow a loyal customer base.

Whether you sell at markets, take custom orde...

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Perfecting Mini Loaf Cakes: A Batter Measurement Guide

 

Mini loaf cakes are more than just cute — they’re one of the most versatile bakes you can master. But there’s a catch: getting your mini loaf cake batter measurements right is the key to baking bea...

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Pistachios in Pastry: Why You’re Probably Using the Wrong Product

Pistachios have become the darling of the dessert world. From Paris to Dubai to Pinterest, they’re everywhere — tucked into croissants, blended into gelato, and piped into glossy cakes. But here’s the...

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Cocoa Powder Shortage 2025: Why Cocoa Is So Expensive & How Bakers Can Adapt

If you’ve noticed cocoa powder costing far more — or disappearing from supermarket shelves — you’re not alone. The global cocoa powder shortage is hitting home bakers, artisan chocolatiers, and small ...

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Rhubarb: A Seasonal Gem in Baking & Desserts

Growing up in the Mediterranean, rhubarb wasn’t something I encountered as a child. It was only after moving to the UK that I discovered this strikingly tart and vibrant ingredient. During the first l...

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Plain Flour vs All-Purpose Flour: Everything UK Bakers Need to Know

Have you ever opened an American recipe and felt a little lost at “all-purpose flour”? You’re not alone. With more UK home bakers diving into US-based recipes, the confusion over flour types is more c...

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Cream Caramel: The Elegant & Effortless Dessert

One of my absolute favourite desserts since childhood? Cream Caramel. 

This classic treat holds a special place in my heart, and it’s the perfect choice when you need a dessert that’s equal parts ele...

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