Coronation Cakes, Bakes and Cocktails from Bonne Maman

The coronation of His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty The Queen Consort on 6th May heralds a royal Bank Holiday weekend of feasting and good cheer. 

Whether you are aiming to share fun and food with others at a Coronation Big Lunch or celebrating at home, here are some delicious coronation treats, perfect for all the family to enjoy making as well as eating, plus showstoppers to crown the occasion and wow the crowds!

The Coronation Cake

Triple-tiered, of course, for His Majesty, this is the simplest of recipes but the most delicious chocolate cake. Made with Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread it will satisfy even the most demanding chocoholics. Rich and moist with a creamy fudge frosting and then decorated with its very own white chocolate 'crown' jewelled with nuts and edible gold sparkles.  It's a crowd-pleasing, magnificent creation fit for a newly-crowned King!

Glittering Shortbread Crowns

These delectable vanilla or chocolate shortbread crown biscuits are sure to keep everyone in right royal spirits. An easy dough for little hands to roll and cut out. Use crown-shaped cutters, add some edible glitter magic and then sandwich with your favourite Bonne Maman conserve or Hazelnut Chocolate Spread for a truly celebratory coronation display.  

Picnic Dessert Jars

These beautiful individual servings are a great way to serve a delicious treat at an al fresco coronation party or picnic. First gather a few spare Bonne Maman jars to upcycle and then pack full of soft, red fruit flavours and a quick, dreamy cheesecake topping. Add a glittery gold shortbread crown biscuit for the final royal seal of approval.

Coronation Party Traybake

This sublime, flavourful carrot cake ticks all the right boxes for a celebratory tea.  Filled with what are understood to be some of His Majesty's favourite fruits and flavours, it's subtly spiced with a hint of ginger and Darjeeling tea plus fruity damson and cherry undertones with a cool, creamy contrasting topping. 

Hazelnut Chocolate Martini Royale

When it comes to The Royal Toast after dinner or at a celebration party, this is the perfect tipple. Espresso coffee mixed with Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, vodka and Drambuie for a royally luxurious Martini.  Simple to make and utterly delicious.

Hip hip hurray!

King of Beers? The crown belongs to W J King, Brewers!

W. J. King area proud traditional brewer based in Horsham, West Sussex.

Although they declare themselves to be a new style micro brewery, they are clearly more akin to the master brewers of yesterday, when each town of note -and with a good supply of water- had at least two or three breweries, each producing some extremely fine beers all under the watchful eye of the master brewer.

And this is what drinkers will get this Christmas and New Year should they be fortunate enough to find themselves drinking beers brewed by W J King.

Because W J King are proper, traditional brewers of finely crafted ales who do not compromise on brewing technique or on the fine ingredients that they use.

Their IPA, for example, is a fine example of this style of beer. Although it is heavily hopped, this is not over done so the high hop content is well balanced and there is a wonderful fruity tang that supports the hoppy bitterness.

There Market Porter is another fine beer. My wife -an expert on Porter style beers- has declared this the finest Porter she has drunk in many a year!

It is darkly roasted, and yes, one can imagine Victorian market porters using this to slake their considerable thirst before heading back, satisfied, for several hours more hard work. And then, after work, imbibing some more of it before making their way home.

These are only two beers from their extensive range of CAMRA recognised and bottle conditioned beers. To find out more and where to buy them visit www.kingbeer.co.uk

You must get a selection in for Christmas and the New Year.