Pumpkins, piglets & a little spell casting
A letter from Jess · October 2026
We went to Sandy Lane’s pumpkin festival the other week. Such a beautiful day. Piles of their locally grown pumpkins and squashes that go into their shop and veg boxes. It was lovely catching up with Sue, and seeing her beautiful piglets.
I came home thinking about pumpkins, and about the loaf we used to serve by the slice at SILVIE with roasted plums or apple butter. I have a real soft spot for it. Very good with coffee. Even better toasted with a decent wedge of salted butter.
More than a decoration
With October slipping into November, a little nod to Good Food Oxfordshire’s Pumpkin Rescue work, encouraging us to cook with pumpkins and squash. So many are grown for decoration, then thrown away, often ending up in landfill. A lot of food, and a lot of growing, for a few days on a doorstep.
A little spell casting
A little witch, inspired by a cake I spotted in a vintage 1970s cake decorating book. I made my own version: sprinkle vanilla sponge, vanilla and milk chocolate buttercream, and hydrangea petals from the garden for her hat (decorative only, not edible).
I’m getting more into themed and constructed cakes, and really enjoyed making this one. A bit of seventies fun, brought into my own kitchen.
And lots of love and respect for witches. What’s so frightening about an emotionally intelligent, creative woman, anyway?
Let’s get spell casting.
A cake for your table
I’m taking commissions for birthdays, weddings and other gatherings, big or small, alongside wedding dessert tables and cakes to give as gifts. Themes and slightly unusual ideas are very welcome.
See cake flavours, prices and enquiries →
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Jess xo