Today I'm back with the 'Taste of Lancashire' feature, where we feature all the best and local suppliers that Lancashire has to offer, and today is no different with the magnificently talented Helen from Cats' Whiskers Cake Design.
Welcome to Lancashire Bride Helen! So how did you get into making cakes?
"I kind of grew up with cake decorating! My mum took night school classes when I was small so I was always around fabulous birthday cakes and other cakes she did as a hobby. When my brother got married in 2003 I helped her making his cake and I was hooked! Twelve months later I was doing night school classes and the business developed on a part time basis from there. In September 2009 I was made redundant from my job in Finance and took the plunge into full time baking and the business has grown from there."
Where can we find you? And which area do you serve?
"I work from home in Ramsbottom, but cover all over the north west really. I’ve had cakes collected to be taken to celebrations all over the country too."
What kind of cakes can you make? Can you supply anything else?
"I make bespoke wedding and celebration cakes, designing something specifically for you to make your cake unique. This may be a novelty cake or a three tier traditional wedding cake, cupcakes or miniatures and be something simple or something ornate with my handmade sugar flowers or beaded cake jewellery."
"I also make iced biscuits, cupcakes, treat cakes and bake-your-own kits too and can supply favour boxes. The millionaire’s shortbread by mail has proved to be very popular as well as the build your own gingerbread house kits."
"Oh and there’s a book as well! It’s called ‘The Recipe Tree’ and is designed for you to record an informal family tree alongside well-loved family favourite recipes that have been passed down to you. It came about as a result of me using old family recipes as part of my baking, It makes a fabulous and personal wedding gift."
Do you have a favourite cake that you have made?
"I think the ring cushion cake has been my favourite of late. The lady who ordered it really wanted it to look like a cushion, and I love a challenge! I also love this set up of miniatures that we did – I think the pink and minky brown colour scheme is lovely."
What does the rest of 2011 have in store for you?
"The rest of the year is set to be busy! I have a number of wedding orders still to go this year and we’re already in full Christmas flow preparing designs and steaming Christmas puddings. The autumn bridal fairs are also about to start and alongside that I’ll be at various Christmas markets too. In addition, one of our products will be appearing in the notonthehighstreet.com Christmas catalogue!"
Where can our readers meet you?
"You can meet us at any of the events we attend, or if you’d like to arrange a consultation you’re more than welcome to come round for a cup of tea and to discuss cake! The website is http://www.catswhiskerscakedesign.co.uk/ and you can contact me via there. You can also find me on notonthehighstreet.com – just search for Cat’s Whiskers Cake Design."
I've tried Helen's cupcakes and believe me they are scrumptious and they look so great that its almost mean to eat them! (Almost but not quite!) Helen is also part of the supplier showcase at the newly opened Glamour Bridal and Prom, so I'm hoping I'll get to taste much more scrummy cake in the near future!
