New Year Tipsy Cake

Well, here it is, my final bake! I have completed my challenge, and in less than a year, well 362 days!
Yesterday, we had a family get together, and so I was delighted to be able to make this cake for everyone. Although I baked it on New Years Eve, I had to assemble it at Mum and Dad's as I did not have anything to make it tipsy with! The recipe suggests a quarter of a pint of sweet white wine, with 1 tblsp of brandy. I decided to use sherry instead of the wine and brandy, as I figured sponge, cream, fruit - it was almost a trifle. I used 2 tblsp, although in the end, it could have taken more.
The cake itself turned out to be quite crunchy on the top, so I turned it over before cutting out a lid. Inside are segments of orange from 4 oranges and whipped cream. The lid was then replaced, and the whole thing covered with more whipped cream - great start to the new year diet!!
The cake went down really well, despite stiff competition from a pavlova made by Ad - yes it was his first ever meringue, and it was very tasty. The tipsy cake scored a respectable 8.0

Thank you to all of you who have read my blog, placed comments, eaten much cake, and given ratings - I couldn't have done it without you. Several people have asked me what I am going to do this year - probably go on a diet! It's not been the best thing for our waistlines, but it has all been in a good cause! I was given a new recipe book for Christmas - Save with Jamie, and I noticed it only has 120 recipes, I was almost tempted!
Looking back, this has been a really good challenge. I have baked things that I would probably have never tried, and picked up a few new skills on the way. I think I may have even inspired a few people to get baking - I know that at least 3 people have bought the Mary Berry's Baking Bible because of this blog.
I should also say a big thank you to Mary Berry, who will probably never even hear of my blog, but nevertheless has been my inspiration and my baking guide. Her recipes have proved to be straightforward, and by and large delicious. I look forward to reading her autobiography which I received this Christmas, and to watching her new TV series. Bring on the Great British Bake Off - and no, I am still not entering!!

Although this is my final recipe this may not be my final post, several folks have asked what my favourites have been, so I may do some sort of top ten - watch this space!