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Cake, tea and me

Birthday bake-along live on Good Friday.

14/4/2025

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​Forget the chocolate eggs, we've got scones! 

I have been wracking my brain for an idea to celebrate our 9th year in business, at the end of April, and then a post popped up from 5 years ago in lockdown, where we did our live bakealongs with Warrington Guardian. 

And I thought, what a great idea.  Everyone loves a Room Forty scone and I am certainly not precious about my secret recipe - as I teach people to make it on our Italian Bread making class (not Italian, but very delicious). 

Anyway, I digress. 

On Friday 18 April at 10.00am  I am inviting you to visit our Facebook page and bake scones along with me. It won't take more than half an hour, including the baking time, so it is a really nice one to get you ready for the bank holiday weekend.

If you can't eat all the scones yourself, your friends and neighbours will be VERY happy for you to take one to them (my neighbours love me!).

You can make half a batch (6) and, if you don't want to share, or are waiting for guests on Sunday or bank holiday Monday, you can freeze them. They really do freeze beautifully. 

So. what will you need. 

An oven set to 200 degrees.  I think they will work in an air fryer, but I haven't tried it yet! 
Scales - preferably digital ones as we weigh liquids and flour on them.

A baking sheet, lined with baking paper, or well greased. 
A bowl
A jug
A fork - or anything to mix the egg with milk
A rolling pin / wine bottle / palm of your hand will do!
A circular cutter - not essential, you can just cut the dough into squares if you want. 
A pastry brush - again, not essential, you can use your fingers!


Ingredients (makes 12 approx)
450g self raising flour
50g caster sugar
2 large eggs
200ml milk, (I use full fat or semi skimmed) 
75g unsalted butter, at room temperature. 

That's it.  Log on a few minutes before 10, as we'll be ready to go, and scones are so quick to make and REALLY EASY. 

Our Facebook page link is here. 




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Mother's Day afternoon tea delivery 2025

26/3/2025

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 Our Mother's Day afternoon tea delivery service is now taking bookings. I can deliver in Warrington, or you can collect 11-12 on Sunday (I then need to leave to deliver the rest of the boxes).

All the cakes are made using real butter, not margerine, and I do not use 'flavourings' or colourings, so you know what you are eating is decadent, but delicious. 

Inside every individually filled ten inch box you will find.
MENU
SANDWICHES 3 x dainty finger sandwiches with salad and crisp garnish.  The savoury items will not touch the sweet stuff in the box (eugh). 

SCONES Freshly baked that morning, with quality jam and Roddas clotted cream

THREE  CAKES 3 individual cakes,  which will usually include something chocolatey, a pastry and cake, so there is a variety of choice, but fairly familiar flavours, as I try to appeal to everyone's tastes on these grand occasions.

I can cater for vegans and gluten free, and will do so gladly with enough time for the additional preparation and baking.  I need to know this by Friday afternoon at the latest. 

Afternoon tea boxes are £17pp and delivery is around £3 depending on where you are in Warrington.  Collection is free from WA1 4QQ. 

To order please email [email protected] with your name, address, quantity, phone number (for delivery only) and dietary requirements. 

Then sit back, knowing that the shopping is taken care of, the food will be super fresh, your cakes are being baked for you and all you need to do is unpack the boxes and pop it on a nice plate, with a nice cup of tea. 

(and if you don't have nice plates we can also sort that out with crockery purchase or hire!) 

Thank you,  Jen x 



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Make your wedding day last longer!

9/2/2025

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Extend your wedding with afternoon tea before or after the big day.
​
​Trust me when I say your wedding day goes so fast, that you wish you could make it longer so you can chat to everyone properly. We have the solution, (and it doesn't cost a fortune either!)

Get the parents and bridal party together the day before the wedding, or the day after (so you can wear your dress again) to catch up and have a lovely relaxed time, without you having to lift a finger - we'll take care of everything.

The Room Forty team will bring a complete four course afternoon tea served on vintage crockery and linens, flowers (or use the bouquet!) and we'll look after you in your own home (or wherever you want us to hold it), washing up as we go so you don't have to do a thing.


We don't charge for pouring your fizz either. It really is a lovely way to celebrate and relax.

Share with a bride you know, maybe they'll invite you!

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We WON !

21/8/2024

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Thanks to the people of Warrington who voted for us, our tiny little micro business won the mightiest annual battle of 'Best for Afternoon Tea' awarded by Warrington Guardian. 

We are absolutely thrilled to bits with the award, knowing how much our customers love our unique hand made offer, with nothing bought in - everything is made fresh using proper quality butter and real ingredients! 

If you voted, thank you, we're so very happy to accept your love! 
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National Cream Tea Day - for Dementia

14/6/2024

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A National Brain Appeal Charity Fundraiser on National Cream Tea Day - Jam or cream first?
On Friday 28 June 2024 local baker Jen Perry from Room Forty will be donning her apron to raise funds for the National Brain Appeal, following hearing her friend Gary Skentelbery’s heart rending story about his wife’s fight with early onset Dementia, after being diagnosed at just age 51.  

Jen’s own stepfather Tony passed away from Dementia in December 2023, so she is well aware of the tragic impact that the disease has on the person, their family members and friends and is keen to help in the fight to find a cure so that other families don’t have to suffer in the future.  

“I asked Gary to decide on the charity that he would like the funds raised to go to and he has selected the National Brain Appeal, as they specialise in fundraising for rare dementias,” said Jen.

Gary added: “I have been overwhelmed with the messages of support from friends and complete strangers and would like to say a big thank you to Jen for her very kind offer to help raise funds and awareness about these terrible conditions which are sadly becoming more common.”

The event will be held on National Cream Tea Day, at JD Kitchens in Padgate. Orders for the individually boxed scones with serviette can be placed with Room Forty by Wednesday 26 June, with a few available on the day for people to enjoy in the kitchen showroom with a cup of tea. 

Order and collect a box of scones for your workplace, for family and friends, or just for yourself. Each scone with clotted cream and jam is priced at only £3.50 with all the profits going to the charity. Jam or cream first? It’s up to you! 

Orders are now being taken by Jen on 01925 357940 or email hello@roomforty,co.uk 
So give colleagues, friends and yourself a treat and raise money to support research and support for a fantastic charity at the same time.  
​
Jen assures those on a diet that these delicious scones come guilt and calorie free* 
*Disclaimer – we are not too sure about that but enjoy anyway.
 ENDS
 For further Information contact Jen Perry 01925 357940
www.roomforty.co.uk
www.nationalbrainappeal.org

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Baking and Yoga Retreat Liverpool

29/5/2024

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This day retreat brings together two of my loves, teaching people to make delicious home made bread and all things yoga and relaxation - there's even tea and cake included in the price! 

I'll be taking care of the bread and cake side of things, teaching you in a hands on baking class how to make our award winning white loaf and pizza, which we'll eat for lunch. 

Whilst the bread proves Jane from Ince Benet (near Formby) will guide you through a gentle yoga class, and meditation, with forest bathing after your home made pizza. 

And this is an introductory offer, as we think it's going to be a regular thing! 

Get your tickets from Jane [email protected] but feel free to ask me any questions. 

(You CAN make the pizza vegan/dairy free if you wish but I need to know in advance!)
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8 reasons to make your own bread.

7/4/2024

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​Learning to make bread is a valuable investment for several reasons:

  1. 1. Cost Savings:
  2. Homemade bread is typically cheaper than store-bought artisanal bread, and it's much tastier and more filling than mass-produced loaves, so you eat less! 

  3. Over time, the savings from making your own bread can add up significantly, especially if you have teenagers that love pizza as we teach that on our beginners class. 

  4. I have had a few people comment on our social media posts recently about our need to charge for classes. Whilst we are passionate about sharing our skills and knowledge so participants leave as confident bakers (with a loaf or 2 tucked under their arm), there are some practical things that we do need to cover as well as wages, but we do try and keep them as low as possible, and haven't increased our charges for several years! 

  5. Rental space, equipment, time to prep all the shopping - not to mention the hours and ingredients spent test baking to make sure the classes and bakes are good all add up!    
  6. Rant over.

  7. 2. Health Benefits: This, for me is  a winner all by itself. When you make your own bread, you have full control over the ingredients. You can choose to use whole grains, organic flour, and avoid additives and preservatives commonly found in commercial bread. This allows you to create healthier options tailored to your dietary preferences and requirements.

  8. 3. Quality Control: Making bread from scratch allows you to ensure the quality of the ingredients you use. You can select high-quality flours, grains, seeds, and other ingredients, resulting in a better-tasting and more nutritious loaf, or if you're budgeting you can make it as simple as its key ingredients, it is still higher quality than shop bought! 

  9. 4. Customization: When you bake your own bread, you have the freedom to experiment with different flavours, textures, and styles. You can add ingredients like nuts, seeds, herbs, or dried fruits to create unique and personalized bread recipes that cater to your taste preferences.

  10. 5. Skill Development: This is the bit that we bring to the table, literally. We'll give you the knowledge and skills so that you can take away and improve with practice. Learning to make bread involves mastering techniques such as kneading, proofing, shaping, and baking. These skills not only enhance your baking abilities but also transfer to other areas of cooking and culinary arts.

  11. 6. Therapeutic and Enjoyable: Many people find the process of making bread to be relaxing and enjoyable. Kneading dough can be meditative, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen is incredibly satisfying. It can also be a fulfilling hobby or creative outlet, not to mention great if you're selling your house! 

  12. 7. Self-Sufficiency: Being able to bake your own bread contributes to a sense of self-sufficiency and independence. In times of shortages or emergencies, having the ability to make your own bread can be particularly advantageous.

  13. 8. Social Connection: Sharing homemade bread with friends and family can be a wonderful way to connect with others and strengthen relationships. It's a simple yet meaningful gesture that can bring people together and create lasting memories.

Overall, learning to make bread is a rewarding investment that not only saves money and promotes healthier eating but also fosters creativity, skill development, and a deeper connection to food and community.


If you would like to learn, join us on one of our many classes across the north west - or ask us to run one at your house! 
​

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Happy Easter and Hot Cross Buns Recipe!

4/4/2023

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Hello Spring and British Summer Time! 

And happy Easter to you all.

As ever, thanks for all of your support for everything we do. It is thanks to you that things like our Crafternoon Tea on 26 March was such a success and we raised a phenomenal £656 to send to the Turkey/Syria Earthquake relief fund.

We’ll be announcing some new bread classes after Easter including a couple of exciting new ones. Our existing class schedule is fully booked!

Coming soon: Our SEVENTH Birthday celebrations and details of our Coronation celebration packages!

But for now, Easter is just a couple of days away, and, as a family time it is nice to share the love of baking with the ones nearest and dearest - or eat it all yourself! 

Hot Cross Bun, the history
As the mince pie is to Christmas, the Hot Cross Bun is to Easter. And I do love a Hot Cross Bun. The commercial ones are okay but just like a homemade mince pie at Christmas you cannot beat one that is homemade. Next year we should run a class but in the meantime I’ve included my recipe below. For any of you who have attended any of our classes these are a cinch, they taste great and family and friends  will be amazed at your skill.

Fun Facts:
I’ve been doing a bit of fact digging about the Hot Cross Bun, so did you know…
·        The cross on the top of the bun was originally cut into the bun (just as we do on a soda bread) and not made of flour paste
·        The cross on the top of the bun has always been symbolic – we now interpret it as a symbol of Christ, but it wasn’t always so. Crosses on buns date back to Roman and pagan times and represented the four seasons or phases of the moon.
·        Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 decreed that no baker should ‘make, utter, or sell…any spice cakes, buns, biscuits or other spice bread’ except at burials, Christmas and on Good Friday.
·        The ‘one a penny, two a penny rhyme…’ hot cross bun rhyme appeared in the 1730’s. Little chance of getting a hot cross bun nowadays for a halfpenny but a halfpenny in 1730 was worth the equivalent of 39p today.


Hot Cross Buns - The Recipe
Ingredients
·        500g strong white flour
·        75g caster sugar
·        2 tsp mixed spice
·        1 tsp ground cinnamon
·        1 lemon, finely grated zest only
·        10g salt
·        7g fast-action dried yeast
·        50g butter
·        300ml milk
·        1 free-range egg, beaten
·        200g sultanas
·        50g finely chopped mixed candied peel
·        oil, for greasing
·        For the topping
·        75g plain flour
·        2 tbsp golden syrup, for glazing

Method
1. Put the flour, sugar, spices and lemon zest into a large bowl and mix together. Then add the salt and yeast, placing them apart on opposite sides of the bowl.
2. Put the butter and milk into a jug and war in the microwave for 50 seconds (enough that the milk is slightly warm and the butter very soft or melted). Add half the tepid milk/butter liquid to the dry ingredients. Add the egg and use your hands to bring the mixture together, incorporating the flour from the edges of the bowl as you go. Gradually add the remaining milk, to form a soft pliable dough (you may not need all of the milk).
3. Tip the dough out on to a lightly floured work surface. Knead for 10 minutes until silky and elastic and forming a smooth ball. Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in a bowl, cover with cling film or a dinner plate and leave to rest in a warm place for about 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
4. Turn the risen dough out on to a lightly floured surface. Knock back flatten out the dough and incorporate the sultanas and mixed peel and give a light knead for a further minute or so. Return to the bowl, cover again with cling film or the plate and leave in a warm place to rise for a further 50 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Turn the dough out again on to a floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces, shaping each of these into a ball.  – if you want uniform buns weight the dough ,divide weight by 12 and weigh each dough ball individually. Line 1-2 baking trays with paper and place the balls on the tray, placing them fairly close together and flattening them slightly.
6. Lighly oil some cling film and lay over the buns on the trays. Leave for 40-60 minutes until the buns have doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
8. For the topping, add the flour to a bowl with 100ml/3½fl oz water. Mix together to make a thin paste and spoon into an icing bag (or freezer bag and just chop off a corner).
9. Here’s a fun bit  - when the buns have risen remove the polythene bags and pipe a cross on each bun.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until pale golden-brown, turning the baking trays round halfway through if necessary.
11. Melt the golden syrup in a pan (or a few seconds in the microwave) and while the buns are still warm, brush them with a little syrup to give a nice shine, before setting aside to cool on a wire rack. 

Enjoy and remember to tell us what you think of them, with pics!
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Crafternoon Tea 26 March

2/3/2023

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Spring is just around the corner, and we're ready to celebrate its long  awaited arrival with our crafternoon tea with Limetree flowers. 

It's going to be a sensory experience with delicious floral aromas, then sumptious cakes to tickle your tastebuds (plus sandwiches, savouries and plenty of tea!)

If you'd like to join us we'd love to see you - and if it is a gift (Mother's Day is the week before) then we'll do a gift voucher to present. 

To book please drop me a line on our contact form:  Easy as that!  Contact
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Christmas Mincemeat for Mince Pies

2/12/2022

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Room Forty’s Orange Mincemeat
Unlike making a jam or chutney, making your own mincemeat for mince pies is a cinch. The only skill that you need is the ability to mix ingredients together - it is that easy.

Personally I find commercial mincemeat sometimes rather heavy and solid. This is our recipe which we think is far lighter and fruitier. Unlike most commercial products it doesn’t contain any suet.
This will make about 1.3kilos or about 3 large jars full
Ingredients
  • 225 g apples (preferably a sharp apple like a Bramley or Cox)
  • 1 x large orange (unwaxed)
  • 1 x lemon (unwaxed)
  • 225g currants*
  • 110g raisins*
  • 110 g sultanas*
  • 110 g candied peel
  • 110 g unskinned whole almonds
  • 50g ground almonds
  • 110g demerara sugar
  • 75ml brandy, or whisky, or port or Cointreau, or orange juice
*The raisin/sultana mix is interchangeable. Dried fruit is expensive so as long as you have about 450g of dried fruit that’s fine.

Instructions:
Wash and pare the rind off the lemon and orange, then shred the rind finely.
Simmer the rind in boiling water for ten minutes in a pan. Remove and put it aside.
Juice the lemon and orange and pour the juice into a bowl

Wash, peel and core the apples, then chop them into chunks, as you do so chuck them into the lemon/orange juice (you don’t have to do this but it will slow the apple browning and keep it whiter)

Mix together the apples, juice, currants, raisins and sultanas in a bowl, then taking small quantities at a time give them a quick whizz in a food processor to break them up a little.

Chop the candied peel and coarsely chop up the whole almonds.

Then in a large bowl add the apples, juice, currants, raisins and sultanas that you prepped before then add the ground almonds, rinds, candied peel, chopped almonds, sugar and the alcohol (or orange juice if you prefer) and give it all a really good stir.

And it’s done! Pot up into sterilised jars and seal them up, or just leave in a plastic tub in the fridge. You can use it straight away but given a week or more for the flavours to mature it’ll be even better. It’ll keep in the sterilised jars for about three months.

And if you want to join us on our baking class where we'll make them, join us on 14 December at Weaverham 6pm-9.30pm.


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    Jen Perry; loves discovering beautiful vintage china, eating cake and drinking proper tea.

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  • HOME
    • Contact >
      • About
      • Blog
      • Cakes and bakes
      • Media
  • Special Events
    • Crafternoon Tea
    • Bake and Balance
  • Vintage Crockery Hire
    • Terms and conditions
  • MENU CHOICES
    • Afternoon Tea
    • Funeral Catering
    • Wedding Catering
    • Buffets and Bespoke
    • Tea
  • Baking Workshops
    • Kids baking party