32 Comments
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Claire Ruston's avatar

Looks like an appropriate amount of marzipan to me. Well done! And thanks for the kind mention. I always look forward to your latest baking adventure.

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Oh you're very welcome, lovely one :) I keep meaning to say about spotting you in Gather mag, too!

I'm glad you have said that, along with others - I'm starting to feel quite proud of it now 😊

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Claire Ruston's avatar

Oh cool! It's a lovely magazine.

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N Leana's avatar

That's fabulous for your first attempt! Wanna try Kek Lapis Sarawak next?

https://mymodernmet.com/kek-lapis-sarawak/

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Oh my days - I thought a Battenberg was hard! They look equal parts amazing and terrifying 🤣 Maybe someday though!

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N Leana's avatar

Haha for the same amount of time, you could make 5 other cakes. Personally I go for one-bowl traybakes that take less than an hour from start to finish 😝

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Anna Rose's avatar

Wow! These look amazing, jaw dropping art.

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N Leana's avatar

Gorgeous, aren't they? But I have no idea how they keep all the pieces straight - I'd completely mess up the order.

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Matt Inwood's avatar

That Battenberg looks really impressive: I wouldn't have the patience. I art-directed a book with Claire Clark many years back in which we featured the most beautiful Battenberg: https://www.instagram.com/chefclaireclark/p/C2AMXniIpdf/?img_index=1

Claire was the pastry chef at The French Laundry for a few years. Everything she made on that book shoot was immaculate. Battenberg reminds me of childhood: Mum would buy it as a treat every now and again, but I've not had one in years!

And thank you for the kind 'Creators' mention: most kind and always appreciate your comments on both platforms.

Good luck for the next challenge!

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Thanks Matt! And you’re very welcome 😊

I think I’m getting more proud of it the more people tell me it’s not an obscene thickness of marzipan, too. This week is biscuit week, so that should be fun. Then it’s the dreaded bread week 🙈

Claire’s Battenberg looks like a work of art 😲 her whole feed is, to be fair!

Snap on the rare treat from mum! If I knew how best to send cake in the post, you’d be inundated.

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Kathryn's avatar

I always suspected a degree in applied engineering was needed to make a Battenberg lol 😆😆, but I think you’ve an excellent job 10/10….now, how about the taste test 😋?

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Haha thank you - definitely felt like I needed to go back to school! 😅 If the marzipan wasn’t so thick, it’s not half bad!!

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Crystal Moseley's avatar

I also stan the banana bread! Well done on your battenburg, looks great! I can't bring myself to attempt it yet haha 😂

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Yay - hello fellow b-bread lover 👋 And thank you - you should definitely give it a go! It seems daunting, and seems a bit of a faff, but great fun 😋

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Jan Egan's avatar

You can never have too much marzipan so that Battenburg looks just terrific to me!

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you! 😋 well, we’ve polished the lot off - so it must have been better than I originally thought 😂

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LisaG's avatar

Ooh, this is like Julie Powell doing all of Julia child’s recipes. Fabulous and you are doing a bang-up job? 👏👏👏

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you, Lisa 😊 Aaah you’ve just reminded me I must watch that again soon! It’s a cracking film, isn’t it!

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LisaG's avatar

Yes, I have to agree - the series also included Judith Jones’ (her editor - amazing person) and James Beard! And-the other actors are all fab: David H-P, Bebe Neuwirth, etc. I had some trepidation but ate it up (food pun intended)? Love both but Sarah clinches it.

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LisaG's avatar

OK, Meryl Streep or Sarah Lancashire?🤔 Big Stanley Tucci fan

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Mark Thomas's avatar

100% yes to the Tooch but otherwise that’s such a hard decision!! I live Meryl but for me I think Sarah was just absolutely brilliant. What about you?

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Wendy Henry's avatar

Gorgeous!

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you Wendy! 🤗

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Anna Rose's avatar

I watched the first episode of bake off over the weekend, and you were right it was BRILLIANT. This may be controversial but I think it might be the best one yet. Honestly your Battenberg looks like it could have achieved top spot. I’m still in awe of your baking and photography.

The ‘re-wilding of Anna’ absolutely adore that phrase and shall be using it forever more! Thank you so much for mentioning me ❤️ xx

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Haha you’re very welcome - and, it has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it 😊

You are too kind 🤣 This is the first time I’ll be religiously watching GBBO all the way through! But I’m absolutely loving it - seems so emotional this year.

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N Leana's avatar

Seriously though, we think GTBBO is a great idea and can't wait to see your other bakes 💪

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Sheryl O'Connell's avatar

Bravo 👏🏻! Battenburg 10/10!

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Why thanks, lovely one! 😄

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Vanilla Black's avatar

Well I think it’s a dandy looking Battenburg

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Thanks man 🙌 At least it looks the part! (sort of) Haha

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Vanilla Black's avatar

👊🏻

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Alex Keerie's avatar

I love this self challenge that you have set yourself, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you progress. Blueberry loaf looks awesome.

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