The Baker's Toolkit

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.

Metallic Taste in Mini Loaf Cakes: Common Causes and How to Fix Them

If you've ever taken a bite of your mini loaf cake only to be surprised by a metallic or bitter taste, you're not alone. This common issue can be confusing and disappointing, especially when everythin...

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Why Butter Prices Are Rising!

If you’re noticing that the cost of butter has increased significantly, you're not alone. In the UK, USA, and beyond, butter prices are at a high, creating challenges for bakers and consumers alike. L...

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How To Use Citrus Fruits In Your Baking

As winter approaches, citrus fruits reach their peak, bringing bright, refreshing flavours that add depth to seasonal desserts. From the orchards of California and Florida to the Mediterranean groves,...

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Why Are Chocolate Prices Rising So Much?

The Rising Price of Chocolate: What It Means for Bakers and Why Quality Matters

Chocolate has always been more than just an ingredient—it’s the heart of many desserts, an indulgent pleasure, and often ...

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My Favourite Sugar Cookie Recipe

When I ran my novelty cake business in London, I made thousands of sugar cookies for birthday parties, corporate events, and holidays.

Here are some tips I found helpful for making cookies in larg...

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Festive Gift Ideas You Can Make!

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s not that long to go!

With less than two months until Christmas, and with Thanksgiving arriving even sooner, our minds inevitably turn towards some festive baking ideas. I have been ask...

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American v. British Baking Terminology

‘England and America are two countries separated by the same language.’
George Bernard Shaw

I was brought up in an American international school in Greece, but I have lived in the UK for the last 16 y...

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The Best Apples To Bake With!

There are so many more varieties of apple than we think and as a result we tend to resort to the varieties commonly found in supermarkets.

In the UK, there are over 2,000 varieties of apples that hav...

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Tips For Photographing Cakes & Desserts

When I look back at my earlier photos of cakes and desserts, I have to admit they weren’t very good! But, like everything in life, it’s all about practice, research, and experimentation. Over time, yo...

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Space Saving Ideas For Home Bakers With Limited Storage

Baking in a small kitchen can be a challenge, but with a few clever storage solutions, you can maximize every inch of space and keep your baking essentials organized.

For years, I ran my home baking bu...

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The Ultimate Flour Guide for Home Bakers

Let's talk about flour—the backbone of all our delicious bakes! Understanding the different types of flour and their protein content can help you choose the right one for your cakes, breads, pastries,...

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The Best Butter for Buttercream: Your Guide to Silky, Stable Frosting Every Time

Why Butter Matters in Buttercream

If you’ve ever wondered why your buttercream won’t whip smooth, pipes too soft, or splits without warning — your butter could be the reason. As a pastry chef, one of...

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