Herman The Friendship Cake.

Herman was lovingly given to us by our dear friends Jen, Clare and sweet baby Jack. He was handed to us with instructions on how to care for him and help him grow into a delicious cake. For ten days we stirred, fed, loved and encouraged little Herman and we watched as he tripled in size! Then came the big decision, should we bake him into a fruit, chocolate or ginger cake? For us it was easy, all The Rampling's LOVE ginger...

Audrey has really taken to cooking and helping in the kitchen so it was no surprise when she enthusiastically jumped up on her chair and got ready to bake her gingery Herman. Our first attempt at baking Herman didn't quite go to plan, upon tapping his cooled tin onto the cake cooler he fell apart. Another day and another attempt, we popped him in the oven, we crossed our fingers and we asked him very politely to bake well and become strong. As we waited we snacked on the failed Herman (who was delicious regardless of his crumbled appearance) and sang our cooking songs. "DING"! Nervously we took Herman out of the oven and placed him on the counter to let him cool, his beautiful ginger aroma filling our home. With hands steady and careful we eased our ginger Herman cake onto the cooling rack and he looked marvellous!

Now considering Herman is a friendship cake who better then our friends, Luke's cousin and her partner, to share him with? Served with fresh strawberries and cream, he was enjoyed while we spoke of family and love and the new life growing in Kate's rounded belly.

Tomorrow we are off to deliver four baby Hermans to their new homes...