Meet Annie Rigg, Author of Holiday Cupcakes

Annie Rigg is a bestselling author, freelance food stylist and recipe writer. She regularly contributes features for the several food and lifestyle magazines in the UK including Sainsbury’s Magazine, Waitrose Kitchen, Delicious, Good Food, Easy Living and Red Magazine. She is the author of Birthday Cakes for Kids, Christmas Cooking with Kids and Decorating Cupcakes, Cakes, & Cookies (all published by Ryland Peters & Small). For more on Annie check out annierigg.com.

How old were you when you started baking?

I started baking when I was old enough to read a recipe I think – chocolate fridge cake and peppermint creams were two of my specialities. I still have a notebook that I wrote in from when I was around 10 years old and in which I pasted recipes and pictures of cakes and cookies! I trained at the prestigious Leith's School of Food and Wine in London where I completed a Diploma Course.

How did your culinary career begin?

After leaving college I worked all over London in various high profile establishments and catering companies specializing in providing incredible food to A-list parties. I got itchy feet and then spent 3 years travelling the world cooking for rock and roll bands while they were on tour.

Can you tell us how you create new recipes?

When I'm writing recipes for baked goods I draw on my experience in all things sweet and use a selection of basic recipes as building blocks. And then I like to try out new flavour or texture combinations to come up with something new. I then ask my family and friends to be taste testers for me.

Why is it so satisfying to bake instead of just going for store-bought desserts?

Anyone can buy a store bought dessert – but a home baked treat will not only taste better but I think desserts and baked treats are fun to make – filling your kitchen with tempting aromas. By baking your own cakes and cookies you can be sure that the ingredients you are using are of a high quality too – no preservatives and other hidden nasties. This is especially important when cooking for kids.

What inspires you?

I try and cook according to the seasons and am inspired by the regional, seasonal produce I find in my farmers markets and local stores. I also love to travel and pick up ideas and new flavours from my journeys – I spent a long weekend in New York recently eating brownies and another weekend in Paris eating macarons - it's a tough job but someone's gotta do it!

Your new book, Holiday Cupcakes, is full of festive treats for the holidays. Can you give us your top cupcake-making tips?

Invest in good quality piping bags and a set of basic piping nozzles - plastic, disposable piping bags are brilliant though can be pricey. I keep a good selection of food colouring pastes, edible sugar sprinkles and edible glitter in my cupboards so that I can make a batch of decorative cupcakes whenever the mood takes me. I also have cupcake cases in just about every colour of the rainbow so that my cupcakes are always dressed up to the nines.

What are some of your favorite recipes from the book?

I love the caramel cupcakes for when I'm feeling in the need of a triple dose of toffee sweetness. The glittery green Christmas trees are perfect for full-on festive fun and the Flock of Robins are bound to bring a smile to anyone's face. Any anything with chocolate is always a winner.

What is it about the combination of the holidays and cold

weather that makes the home-baked goodies so magical?

During the holiday season when I have a little more time I love to make myself a mug of coffee, turn the radio up, switch the oven on and settle in for a comforting day of baking. If the weather outside is chilly it somehow makes an afternoon spent baking sweet treats even more indulgent. And if you can get the kids involved too the whole process becomes more creative - and messy.

Interview by Marny Smith.

Talking with Selina Lake, author of Romantic Style

Selina Lake is a freelance interior stylist who loves all things colorful, quirky and vintage. Her work appears in home and lifestyle magazines including Marie Claire and Real Homes. Selina’s first book, Bazaar Style, is also published by Ryland Peters & Small. For more on Selina be sure to check out her website www.selinalake.co.uk and her blog www.selinalake.blogspot.com.

How did you get started as a stylist?

I studied Surface Pattern at college and worked freelance as an assistant stylist for a year before I started getting my own shoots commissioned. I have now been self-employed as a stylist for almost 6 years. I feel really lucky to be doing a job I love!

What inspired you to style this book? Why do you think Romantic Style is so popular right now?

I had this idea in my head for a while before I approached the publishers with it, my work has always had a pretty, romantic edge to it and I could feel this was a trend on the horizon. I love creating romantic style images and styling rooms with pretty themes. There are lot of pretty florals and peachy pink tones in all fashion and interiors shops at the moment and this mixed with vintage/antique finds makes for an for an appealing, feminine and achievable look.

Can you talk about how you collaborated with Sara Norrman?

Once Debi Treloar [photographer] and I had shot all the photos and the book pages had been designed by Megan Smith, I met with Sara to discuss what I wanted to say. She has written fantastic words to accompany the images.

Romantic Style discusses different variations of the Romantic Style look. Can you briefly describe these styles?

My favourite Romantic Styles are Vintage Romantic and Modern Romantic. Vintage is all about using items from yesteryear, it has a quirky charm and rooms have a whimsical and nostalgic feel. The Modern style is all about softening contemporary furniture, with pretty wallpapers, fresh flowers and patterned fabrics. In this section bright bold colours work well, old wooden chairs can be given a modern twist by painting them with neon pink paint. The Simple Romantic theme has a no-frills feel with a very soft colour palette walls are kept pale and interesting to offset furniture. This look is relaxed and cool. Elegant Romantic is deliberately faded and subdued to offset embellishment and ornate furniture pieces. This style includes hints of gliding and displaying antiques.

How can you add some Romantic Style to your home if your partner has different taste in décor?

Slowly and subtly!!! And also with accessories, a good place to start is with some floral pattern cushions, a couple of tea lights and pretty bed linen.

Do you have any decorating tips for those on a budget?

Make use of what you already have, perhaps revamp a piece of furniture with a lick of paint or put pictures of roses into frames and group together on a wall, the cheapest way to bring Romantic Style into your home is with a bunch of pretty flowers.

Do you have any favorite design blogs?

I've found so much inspiration from blogs, I'm currently loving these.

frydogdesign.blogspot.com/

www.nestprettythings.com/blog

cassiab.blogspot.com/

kristybee-kristybee.blogspot.com/

www.oncewed.com/

powder-blue-birdie.blogspot.com/

moderncountry.blogspot.com/

Interview by Marny Smith, marny.smith@rylandpeters.com

An Interview with Ros Byam Shaw author of Farrow and Ball Living with Colour

Ros Byam Shaw is a former Features Editor of The World of Interiors and Deputy Editor of the British Edition of the fashion and lifestyle newspaper W. She has written numerous books and articles including the bestselling Perfect English and Perfect English Cottage for Ryland Peters & Small. Here, Ros talks about using colour in the home and what makes Farrow & Ball so special.

Tell us a little about your new book for Ryland Peters & Small, ‘Farrow & Ball Living with Colour’?

The idea for this book came up when a room in my house was being photographed for Farrow & Ball’s Archive magazine. We were talking about how versatile the colours are – I was saying that we had used this same colour, Light Blue, in three very different houses over the years and how good it looked in all of them. We thought it would be great if we could come up with a book that reflected that diversity and showed Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers used in interiors in a wide range of architectural contexts and decorative styles. I hope it doesn’t sound immodest to say that I think we have achieved this.

The first half of the book is devoted to ‘case studies’ of 16 houses, all very different, but all decorated exclusively with Farrow & Ball – a real range of locations from a flat in Soho, to a cottage down a bumpy track, covering a range of styles from slick and contemporary to chic and shabby, and a range of budgets from a swanky mansion with every modern luxury, to a rented portion of a farmhouse furnished on a shoe-string.

The second half of the book is divided into chapters according to five different colour palettes, including all white schemes, neutral schemes, bright, bold colours, and dark colours. Here we look at how these types of colours are used in a wide variety of locations and styles, and advise on their effects.

What are your own experiences of using Farrow & Ball paint?

As mentioned above, we have used Farrow & Ball paint in all three houses we have lived in since the mid 1980s – the first a Regency maisonette in Greenwich, the next a contemporary house in Blackheath, and the most recent a Tudor house in Devon. Three weekends ago I had hands-on experience when we painted our entrance hall, changing it from Fowler Pink, to Saxon Green. I don’t suppose this is how the professionals would do it, but we only used one coat and the coverage was so good we didn’t have to go over it again. I haven’t done any decorating myself for a long time and I had forgotten how satisfying it is, seeing the transformation of a room progress with every sweep of the brush.

Ros Byam Shaw has used 'Light Blue' in all of her houses. The image
on the right shows the house of interior designer Emma Sims-Hilditch

Farrow & Ball are famous for their selective colour palettes and evocative colour names. What are your favourite shades and why?

Light Blue is a colour we have used in all our houses. It is an exceptionally subtle colour, sometimes blue, sometimes grey, always interesting. It is also a very calm colour and makes an elegant background for prints and engravings. String is another colour we have now used in two houses as it is a lovely, warm neutral.

You moved from London to the West Country. Do you think there is a difference in how colour can be used in the town and country?

As I have already mentioned, we have stuck to very similar colours even though the style of all three of the houses we have lived in has been very different. But I think as a general rule the whites and neutrals with a yellow base, such as White Tie and String, are more suitable for country cottages, while sophisticated whites and neutrals with a grey or mauve base, such as Elephant’s Breath and Skimming Stone might be considered more appropriate for slick, city interiors. As I said earlier, these are incredibly versatile colours and there are no rigid rules on how or where you should use them.

Furniture designer Aiveen Daly uses 'Strong White' above dado level
and 'Elephant's Breath' below to create a dramatic contrast between
muted and brilliant colours

What did you most (and least) enjoy about restoring your 16th century house in Devon?

I tried very hard to enjoy the whole process – it lasted for at least four years, and in fact we are still fiddling and just about to have some work done in the kitchen. But there were times – like when there were nine different workmen, all doing various things from wiring to plumbing to painting, and I was trying to write a book – when it was difficult to be entirely positive. And I did hate the dirt and dust when it was at its worst, and I hated the windows being boarded up when the leaded lights had to be taken out to be restored. But there were also real pleasures – the satisfaction of seeing things put back as they should be, the excitement of finding a blocked in early 16th century fireplace and the remains of an Elizabethan privy, and then the excitement of decorating and arranging rooms.

What tips would you give to someone who would like to use colour in an interior where space is more limited?

There is no doubt that if you want to make a small flat or house feel bigger, painting it all a single, pale colour is the most effective way to do it. However, if you want to create visual interest, rather than simply maximise the feeling of space, then strong colour can be very dramatic in small spaces. You can see this illustrated in the book in the London flat of architect Ben Pentreath who has painted his tiny entrance hall in Harissa, a bright pillar box red. He has also used strong colours in his tiny bathroom and tiny kitchen but in between these very small rooms, his living room and his bedroom are in space-expanding off-white. This is a clever way to use the decorative power and visual punch of colour without making the whole flat feel claustrophobic.

Architect Ben Pentreath has painted his tiny
entrance hall in 'Harissa'

Is there any advice you can give to someone who is nervous about using colour in their home?

George Carter, a superb designer of gardens and exhibitions as well as interiors, reserves the use of strong colour for bathrooms and cloakrooms because he says these are rooms we spend limited time in and because everything else in them, ie sanitary ware, tends to be white. The house remodelled and decorated by him that is featured in the book has a bathroom in Gervase Yellow and a cloakroom in buttercup yellow Babouche. If that is too intimidating, you can always try out colour in smaller areas, such as inside cupboards, or inside book shelving, or the shelves of a dresser. And the great thing about paint is that you can paint over something if you decide you don’t like it after all. Even the most experienced decorators and colourists get it wrong and sometimes there really is no substitute for just giving it a go.

George Carter has used vibrant 'Gervase Yellow' in
this small bathroom space

Farrow & Ball has a loyal following and seems to evoke a strong reaction in people. Why do you think people have such a personal connection with the paint?

I can say from recent, and personal, experience that it is exceptionally nice paint to use. But I think the reason that people become addicted is because, after you have used even a small selection of Farrow & Ball colours, you come to trust them – whether a particular colour is to your personal taste or not, they are never harsh or brash, never grating or insipid. And there is a fantastic choice.

Talking with Hannah Miles, Author of Sundaes & Splits

Hannah Miles' new book, Sundaes & Splits debuted this Spring. Here she discusses fleeing the rat race, eating tons of ice cream and her life-changing decision to try out for Masterchef.

When did you realize that cooking was a passion?

I have always loved to cook. I used to love helping my mum in the kitchen and by the age of about 12 I was making my own birthday cakes. My mum and I dream of opening a tea room and hopefully we will get to realise this dream one day soon.

Before becoming a professional chef, you were working at a top law firm in London. You traded that life in to move to the English countryside. Was it scary to make that transition?

It was a brave decision to leave the security of my job in London. At the time I think my work colleages thought I was crazy taking such a large salary cut, but it was definitely the right decision. We now live in a 17th Century thatched cottage, with a stream in the garden and my flock of hens who cluck around the back door waiting for scraps from my cooking. It is idyllic and I am so lucky to be able to work from home.

What led you to try out for Masterchef?

My brother appeared on Masterchef two years before me and it was him who made me apply for the show. I originally didn't get on but was called as a last minute standin when one of the contestants dropped out. I had two days notice and then ended up being away from home for about 7 weeks when I found myself in the final. It was a complete rollercoaster adventure but I loved every minute of it.

How was your life changed since being one of the three Masterchef finalists?

The strapline on the show was: "This is Going to Change Their Lives," which John and Gregg, the Judges, would yell at the beginning of every episode. We laughed about it at the time but looking back the programme really did change my life. I always enjoyed cooking but didn't realise until the programme that I was actually better at it than I thought. The programme gave me a lot of confidence to follow my dreams. I now have two cookery columns each month for UK food magazines and have just finished my third cook book. If you had said to me when I was working on London that I would publish one cook book, let alone three, I would never have believed it. People always used to say I should write one but it wasn't until the programme that I was given the opportunity to do so and I will always be so grateful for that.

Sundaes & Splits is the first book you've done with Ryland Peters & Small. How did the book come about?

I woke up one winter morning with lots of sundae ideas in my head - I think I had been dreaming about ice cream - which given the temperature outside at the time was very strange indeed. I jotted them all down and sent them to [editor] Julia Charles at Ryland Peters & Small and she kindly agreed to publish my little book. I am so grateful to her for loving ice cream as much as I do and for giving me the opportunity to see my recipes in print.

What was the process like creating the recipes for the book? Were you on ice cream overload by the end of it? Did you recruit friends to help as testers?

The book was a joy to work on - just imagine eating ice cream every day for 6 weeks! Some days I had two ice cream machines churning in tandom! We ate a LOT of ice cream. The whole village became my taste panel - I think they enjoyed me writing the book as much as I did. It was really useful to have their feedback and some of the recipes were tweeked as a result. I find children are often the best tasters as they give really honest answers and will say if they don't like something.

The desserts you create and chronicle on your blog, Hannah's Country Kitchen, are absolutely breathtaking. Where do you find inspiration?

I take inspiration for my cakes from everywhere. I know as soon as I see a decoration what sort of cake I will use it for and its then just a question of waiting for the right person to bake the cake for. I have crates and crates of cake decorations and ribbons in my kitchen - people think I'm crazy always buying decorations but I know they will all come in use one day! I love to bake something that the recipient will always remember and always try to make my cakes personal to their likes and interests. Many of my cakes are inspired by my garden - lots of fresh flowers and maypoll ribbons, sugar ladybirds and butterflies. I also use flowers from the garden to flavour the cakes - rose, violet and lavender are all my favourites.

What's coming up next for you?

I have just finished my third cookbook - Whoopie Pies - with Ryland Peters and Small. This has been such a fantastic project to work on and I have loved decorating the pies in as many wild and wacky ways as possible. Steve Painter and Maxine Clark who styled the book have done such a fantastic job and I was thrilled with the photos when I saw them last week. I can't wait

for it to be published and to share it people. My next project is a cookery demonstration in the Prince of Wales' garden at Clarence House in London in a few weeks time. I don't think things get much more exciting than that!

For more on Hannah Miles, visit her blog: http://hannahscountrykitchen.blogspot.com

Interview by Marny Smith, marny.smith@rylandpeters.com

Romantic Style Book Launch Party at Powder Blue

The launch party of Romantic Style, the new book by Selina Lake and Sara Norrman, will be at the fabulous and beautiful Powder Blue boutique in Leicester. The launch is being hosted by Debbie Johnson, who owns the shop and whose gorgeous home and props are featured in the book.

Stylist Selina Lake, the author of Bazaar Style will be there signing copies of the book. This party is extra special as it also celebrates the 10th birthday of Powder Blue so expect plenty of birthday cake and pink lemonade. Yum.

The Launch Party is on Saturday 18th Sept, from 1.30pm onwards.

Address: Powder Blue, 3-5 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2BE.

In the meantime, enjoy these pics of Powder Blue:

Doll's House Furniture Project

How to make Dolls House Furniture from Paper Scissors Glue by Catherine Woram

This delightful collection of dolls' house furniture is made from recycled matchboxes. cardboard and craft sticks painted in bright colours and decorated with patterned origami papers and beads.

You Will Need:
(for the chest of drawers on the left of the picture)
4 Small empty matchboxes
Glue
2 Different shades of paint
Paintbrush
4 Small beads for feet
4 Small clear beads of knobs

Stick Matchboxes together
Apply a layer of glue to the bottom of the first matchbox and stick to one of the other matchboxes, pressing down firmly. Continue sticking until the four matchboxes are joined together. Allow the glue to dry completely.


Paint Matchboxes
Paint the outside of the matchboxes and allow to dry completely. You may need to apply a second coat of paint for complete coverage.






Paint Drawers
Paint the four drawers using the second shade of paint and leave to dry completely. Again, you may need to apply a second coat of paint for complete coverage.



Finishing
Dab a blob of glue on the base of the matchboxes , pressing down firmly with your finger until all four are in place. Now glue a clear bead to the front of each drawer. You may find it easier to ask an adult to stick the beads on for you using a hot glue gun.


Wardrobe
This freestanding wardsrobe was made from a large box of matches. The front of the box was cut in half to create doors. The wardrobe was painted to match the dressing table and has metal feet and bead knobs to finish.

Dressing Table
Made using eight small matchboxes with a thick cardboard top, this dressing table also features a decorative matching mirror made using a piece of painted card and a mirror cut from kitchen foil.

You can find more fun and creative projects for children in Paper Scissors Glue by Catherine Worum.

All photographs by Polly Wrexford, copyright Ryland Peters & Small, Text copyright Catherine Worum