Pear Tree Cottage Garden: Witton Hill Bake Off

The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers

24 March 2016

Witton Hill Bake Off - Round IV

Hot Cross Buns & Drop Scones

Joan's had pieces of apple in them

Mine had mixed spices

Two different recipes were followed for hot cross buns with work starting at 10:30am. Both recipes were followed to the letter. Joan followed Paul Hollywood and I followed Mary Berry. Joan's were ready by 4:15pm whilst mine came out of the oven at 6:20pm. All the waiting for rising and proving took FOREVER!!! Both had different twists and both were really lovely but different. Moral: allow a lot of time!! It was surprising how much better they looked after applying a glaze.

During the long waiting times, we made two batches of drop scones - sweet and a cheesy savoury version which we ate for lunch with strawberry jam and guacamole.

More baking photos here.