Baking skill share at Carsphairn SWI
President, Melissa Ade welcomed everyone to the first meeting back after the summer break. There was a very healthy turn out.
Melissa then introduced our two visiting speakers for the evening. Two fellow SWI members had agreed to share their knowledge and experience of baking. Members and friends enjoyed sampling different types of shortbread that had been prepared to share.
Tips were given along the way as yuletide, oaty and mincemeat sandwich shortbreads were tried. Then tablet made from white chocolate was passed around. The quantities in the recipe for this were easy. From discussion it looks like quite a few members are going to give these recipes a go.
Next a demonstration was given of putting together a hazelnut meringue vacherin. This proved to be as lovely to look at as it was to taste. When the tasting was done a quiz was shared inviting members to identify different kinds of biscuits. This was good fun and most people there learned at least one new biscuit. Betty Peacock gave a sincere vote of thanks which was heartily endorsed by everyone there.
Melissa and Susie provided very welcome refreshments which were enjoyed by all.
A considerable amount of business was then addressed. Nancy gave a financial update. Then reviews of previous events were given which took in the Open Evening/ Beetle Drive and the visit to the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Betty gave a helpful and detailed report from the Stewartry Federation meeting which took place on 2nd September 2025.
Upcoming events were also discussed. The Carsphairn SWI 90th Birthday Party combined with festive celebration will take place on 4th December 2025 in the Lagwyne Hall. In 2026 there will be a Stewartry Spring Show in March. A Community Work entry will be submitted by Carsphairn. Important dates were also shared.
Our two guest speakers kindly judged the competitions. The results were as follows:
Vegetarian Quiche, 1. Dorothy Faulds, 2. Nancy White, 3. Sheila Little.
Flower of the Month, 1. Dorothy Faulds, 2. Sheila Little, 3. Nancy White.
The raffle was drawn. Melissa thanked everyone for their contributions to the evening. This had proved to be a late one and everyone helped to tidy up. As members and friends headed home, some thought it might be past their bedtimes.