I have worked as a consultant dietitian in the food industry, then as a community and public health dietitian for a number of years. After which I resigned to take on a role as a youth pastor. We’ve had countless dinners and meetings at our house over the years, so there has been plenty of opportunities to bake and cook for guests. Again and again I have been asked, “Can you teach me how to cook that”. After writing out the recipes numerous times and even having friends come to my house to learn how to cook, I decided to one day start a cooking blog.
In March 2011 my third son was born (three wonderful boys), he was quite unwell and I was up feeding him 3 hourly throughout the night until he was 7 months old. To stay awake during those times I started howtocookthat.net Yes, that’s correct most of the first years posts were typed one handed at all hours of the night while feeding a baby.
I often get asked how can you make all of those cakes and desserts and not be overweight? Well, there is no magic pill – all of our meals are low fat and healthy, I eat plenty of fruit and excercise regularly. I try to only make amazing desserts when we have people coming over to share it with. I did have intentions of adding the recipes that I use for dinner to the blog, but I keep getting sidetracked with desserts – they photograph so much more beautifully.
I have been cooking sweet things and collecting recipes ever since I was a little girl. What a blessing to have a mum that taught me to cook despite the mess that kids make in the kitchen.
Above is a pic of the first recipe I ever wrote out – my friends mum had made the most amazing chocolate cheesecake, so I asked for the recipe. I have a recipe file that is thick with gems collected over the years. If there is no source listed it is because I don’t actually know where they came from or I have adapted or developed the recipes myself.
Ann
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Hi Ann. 🙂
I’m a 19 yr old girl from Cape Town, South Africa, who absolutely loves your website and YouTube channel!! You are truly an inspiration to me. And, I love the fact that you love God! 😀
Although I haven’t had time to try any of the recipes yet, your instructions are so clear and easy-to-follow that I’m determined to try as many as possible during my 3 month holiday. 🙂
Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into these recipes. It is much appreciated. 🙂 May God continue to use you this wonderfully.
Love
Cindy
Thanks so much for your lovely comment Cindy, you are so encouraging 😀 looking forward to seeing your creations over your holiday.
Hy ann.. I really love your cake decoration videos and ideas….
Can you make a cake with Samsung S3/S4 phone?
Thanks!
My daughters and I love your great website and tips and recipes.
We were wondering how you record your videos, do you use a head camera?
lol, my head is not that still until a couple of weeks ago I have been filming on my iPhone 😀
Hi Ann,
After trying to troubleshoot my disastrous attempt of making my first tiramisu desert, I found your website which is so homely and practical, especially baking the macarons. I watched your video on how to make tiramisu and it seem so easy. My mascarpone mixture looks like scramble egg and it was terrible. I continued to assemble the sponge fingers and the mixture and left in the refrigerator overnight and doubting it will turn out
at all. I am not sure if I did not cool the egg custard long enough or something else. Anyway, will see how it turn out. I like your website because it is practical and easy to understand.
Thank you and God bless you for your talent
Joleen
Hi Joleen did the eggs look scrambled or smooth before you folded in the mascapone?
Hi Ann big follower
Im Casey and my little sister is having a birthday party
and she would like a sofia the first cake (the tv show)
and im making her cake for about ten people its gonna be a round cake already have the recipe but i would like a couple if ideas for her cake if you could do a tutorial on how to decorate a sofia the first cake that would be a big help i know ots a big ask but also tell me how to make a fondant sofia
PPPLLLLLEEEEEAAAASSSSEEEEEEE
Casey
hi casey – there is a fondant recipe here: https://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/recipe-for-home-made-fondant-sugar-paste/
and here: https://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/marshmallow-fondant-recipe-for-cake-decorating/
or you can buy ready made fondant
For sofia the first use this cake: https://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/how-to-make-a-princess-cake-using-fondant/
and adapt the dress colour and style to make ti look like hers.
Hi Ann! 🙂
I love your videos so much & you’re so creative! Truly blessed.
I came across a picture that looked absolutely cool to make & thought of you straight away. I was wondering if you could try to re-create it? 🙂
Thank you xx
agreed very cool, do you know where it is originally from so credit can be given to the creator? Looks fondant to me
Hi Ann, After looking through google you seem the best person to ask. Can I freeze macaroons? I need them in a week but would like to get them done.
Thanks in advance
Yes you can
Hello,
Nowhere close to being as good as yours, but using the resources i had (including a wine bottle instead of a rolling pin) the cake went down a treat!! Your videos are so amazing and even if i never make another of your recipes ( i know i will attempt some more) they are still so enjoyable to watch and read about!!
Thank you 🙂 keep it up!!
Hi Brenda, I love that you used a wine bottle as a rolling pin, great job on the cake 😀
Wonderful!!! Brilliant !! I am a complete fan of your recipes ..thank you so very much ..
thanks Anjali
hi. I’ve been following and watching you videos on youtube and I can say that your techniques are easy and very smart 😉 good job! Do you think you can figure out what technique did Sharon Wee used on her cheeky teddy cakes? thank you
hi ann,
im just a 12 year old girl with passion of cooking and im really looking forward to make that princess fondant and princess buttercream because im an avid fan of Barbie.. im seeing it in bakeshops and wondering on how they make it and im surprised the way you make and design the gown. And i was thinking if i can make it with wings like a fairy like the photos below? it would be great if you have any ideas to this… any help will be appreciated.
Thanks! And have a Good Day!!
thank you..
hi abby, try making the wings ahead of time out of fondant and leave to dry out at room temp. I’d make two sets in case one breaks.
Hello Ann, After buying fondant for many months, I wanted to make my own and didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, after much searching I found your site and the recipe, and the fondant is excellent. I found it so easy to make. I make a coffee and sit and look through all your videos. I adore baking and these videos have given me so much inspiration and lots of interesting facts. Thank You. I shall definitely be a constant visitor on this site
awesome thanks for your feedback Pamela
Hope one day be like you. I’m just in the beginning!
Kisses from Brazil! =)
Hi Eliza, nice to meet you 😀
Hi Ann I love your you tube creations,I have been looking for so maney moist spong cake an came across yours an it looks fab I am going to try it at the weekend, but could you tell me what the ingredients would be for the nx size up please. Thank you so much for your time
Hi Rachel, that depends on you tin size, easiest way to calculate it is to calculate the volume of the tin compared to mine. My tin is 20cm diameter (10cm radius) and 5 cm tall. To calculate volume is radius squared x pi(3.14) x height so 100 x 3.14 x 5 = 1570 cm2. Do the same to calculate your tin volume and then divide yours by mine to see how much you need to increase the recipe.
I love your recipes and your creativity!! You are awesome!! I’m always hopping to see a new video of HOW TO COOK THAT!!
thanks so much Miriam
Hi Ann!
Do you write from Mexico, I wonder how can I Cook this?
I love your youtube channel, thanks for sharing with us what you know.
Best regards.
Hi Ami, follow these instructions but do not roll it, use as the top layer for the cake… https://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/patterned-roll-cake-recipe/
HI! ^-^ I would love to do the Macaron but I need measuring cups and spoons measurments. I dont go by grams or ounces. so if you could make the recipes with thows please that would help a lot.
Hi felicia you will find cups here:
https://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/easy-macaron-macaroon-recipe/
Hi Anne, My wife and I are really interested to make a chocolate and we are so happy that you have this website to teach and give Technics on how we will decorate and make a beautiful chocolate design. However we haven’t start making a chocolate cause here in the Philippines we can’t find a cocoa butter, so i just want know if what is the best substitute for a cocoa butter that will also create a grate test and beautiful bars of chocolate?
Hi dionislo all real chocolate contains cocoa butter, some compound chocolate uses solidified vegetable oils instead but it does not taste as good.
Hi Anne, I have just recently come across your blog and have been constantly scrolling and looking through your awesome videos, I really like them and have already made a few things from your website.
I was just wondering if it was possible for you to make a printable template or guideline sheet for the ziplock bag piping cuts video so i can stick it in my recipe book thing for me to use.
Thank you,
From Geordie 🙂
hi geordie, great idea, these is one page that shows all the vids with cuts on it here: https://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/piping-using-just-a-ziplock-bag/
Hi ann readon i was just wondering if you could tell you viewers if they can please check out my new channel called BAKE IT OR BREAK IT and i made my first video on how to make churros but i only got 6-7 views and if you can please do that then i will have a succesfull channel like you and my video is weird how do you make your so bright and the introductios
Hi vicente, that is normal not to have many views on your first video it takes time to build a channel. This link might help you… http://www.youtube.com/yt/playbook/ For lighting you wither need a good window and daylight which is what I have used thus far or daylight balanced studio lighting which is pricey.
Hello. I was wondering if you could give me some tips on how to make a special minion cake for my cousins birthday. This minion is dressed like a maid and I wanted to know if you had tips on how to make the dress,the bonnet on his head, and the duster. Thank you for your help.
Id make the bonnet ahead and support it with foil or baking paper to dry in the right shape same with the bow. The feather duster is harder though you could try making chocolate feathers …https://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/chocolate-feather-decorations/
Thank you so much.. I really appreciate it. 🙂 I look forward to make this cake.