St Andrew House Soda Bread

Coming from a very large Irish family, Soda Bread is always on the menu in our house. This is my adapted recipe that I created as an alternative during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in March 2020 due to the unavailability of Buttermilk and the finished result is rather delicious! But I’ll let you judge for yourself.

The loaf is named after our home St Andrew House.

Coming from a very large Irish family, Soda Bread is always on the menu in our house. This is my adapted recipe that I created as an alternative during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in March 2020 due to the unavailability of buttermilk and the finished result is rather delicious! But I’ll let you judge for yourself. The loaf is named after our home St Andrew House. The bread mixture makes 1 large loaf, two medium sized loaves or you...

Easter Chocolate Nest Cake

For all the Chocolate Cake and Mini Egg Lovers out there! this is the only recipe you'll ever need. It's quick, easy and perfect for all your Easter parties and get-togethers.
For all the Chocolate Cake and Mini Egg Lovers out there! this is the only recipe you'll ever need. It's quick, easy and perfect for all your Easter parties and get-togethers. Easter Chocolate Nest Cake For all the Chocolate Cake and Mini Egg Lovers out there! this is the only recipe you'll ever need. It's quick, easy and perfect for all your Easter parties and get-togethers. Easter Chocolate Nest Cake Ingredients - Option 1 - Makes 2 Medium Nests and...

Rachel's English Rose Cake

Ahead of Valentine's weekend, I thought I would share some baking inspiration with you just in case you're struggling to think of something new and delicious to make this weekend.
My English Rose Cake, is both delightful and delicious and simply the most perfect cake to serve to your true love on Valentine's day or evening. You'll find it works equally well, when accompanied by tea or Champagne. I think you can probably guess my preference! 
Ahead of Valentine's weekend, I thought I would share some baking inspiration with you just in case you're struggling to think of something new and delicious to make this weekend. My English Rose Cake, is both delightful and delicious and simply the most perfect cake to serve to your true love on Valentine's day or evening. You'll find it works equally well, when accompanied by tea or Champagne. I think you can probably guess my preference!  It's a very quick and easy recipe and...

Monday 18th Glamuary - Victoria's Chocolate Slab

A few years ago, my good friend Victoria Hamilton recounted details of her holiday to France over afternoon tea. Whilst there she fell in love with what she called a delicious chocolate slab that was served in shards with her coffee. She asked me if I could recreate this delicious wonder for her and I accepted the challenge. In Victoria’s words “it’s like a large slab of rich dark chocolate Rach, topped with fruit and nuts. They break it with a toffee hammer and serve you a single shard with your coffee, it’s just divine.”
A few years ago, my good friend Victoria Hamilton recounted details of her holiday to France over afternoon tea. Whilst there she fell in love with what she called a delicious chocolate slab that was served in shards with her coffee. She asked me if I could recreate this delicious wonder for her and I accepted the challenge. In Victoria’s words “it’s like a large slab of rich dark chocolate Rach, topped with fruit and nuts. They break it with...

Tuesday 5th Glamuary - Wholesome Fridge Soup with Pa...

One of the things I love most about winter cooking is the endless possibilities of making homemade soup!
One of the things I love most about winter cooking is the endless possibilities of making homemade soup! My Mother has always been a wonderful home cook as was my grandmother Patsy and my great aunt Kathleen (Coty) before her. Coming from a large Irish family, mealtimes were a celebrated ritual within the household. One of my Nana’s famous quotes was 'Food is Love' and she truly believed that. If she was cooking warm and nourishing meals for the family, she was lavishing them...

Monday 4th Glamuary - Lady Arabella Champagne Cocktail

Today has been the first day back to work and normality for most after the Christmas and New Year holiday period. To celebrate the fact that we have all survived the first day back to the grind and to boost our mood a little, as I imagine were probably feeling a little flat especially as we have just been placed into another National Lockdown, I’ve decided this evening calls for a cocktail to keep us chipper and ensure that January is most definitely ‘Glamuary’ and continues in an appropriately stylish manner befitting of our new approach to the first month of the year.
Today has been the first day back to work and normality for most after the Christmas and New Year holiday period. To celebrate the fact that we have all survived the first day back to the grind and to boost our mood a little, as I imagine were probably feeling a little flat especially as we have just been placed into another National Lockdown, I’ve decided this evening calls for a cocktail to keep us chipper and ensure that January...

Turning January into Glamuary

January can often leave us feeling a little blue, so this year we have decided to turn January into Glamuary. This month on our Instagram feed we'll provide you with a daily tips and inspirational ideas to help make your January altogether more glamorous. So don't forget to follow us on Instagram @rachelbatesofficial

For the month of January you can shop our 'Quick Ship' shop with a glamorous 25% off to celebrate the new year. Using code GLAMUARY25 at the checkout.  

January can often leave us feeling a little blue, so this year we have decided to turn January into Glamuary. This month on our Instagram feed we'll provide you with a daily tips and inspirational ideas to help make your January altogether more glamorous. So don't forget to follow us on Instagram @rachelbatesofficial For the month of January you can shop our 'Quick Ship' shop with a glamorous 25% off to celebrate the new year. Using code GLAMUARY25 at the...

Rid yourself of the January Blues with joyful blue l...

The January Blues can hit hard, but they don’t have to be a bad thing. The colour itself is supposed...
The January Blues can hit hard, but they don’t have to be a bad thing. The colour itself is supposed to be beneficial to your mind, body and soul, and I believe the start of the year shouldn’t be shrouded in doom and gloom. In fact, Pantone has made Classic Blue their colour of the year as its reassuring traits brings peace and tranquillity to the human spirit. As a reflective tone, Classic Blue re-centres our thoughts to bring clarity...

Taking a moment to reflect on 2019

Taking a moment to reflect on 2019

2019 was a big year for Rachel Bates, filled with exciting product launches, a new website for our growing brand and exciting opportunities. With so much going on, it's been hard to keep up. So, I've taken time to sit down and reflect upon the successes of last year and take a look at what's in store for Rachel Bates throughout 2020.

2019 was a big year for Rachel Bates, filled with exciting product launches, a new website for our growing brand and exciting opportunities. With so much going on, it's been hard to keep up. So, I've taken time to sit down and reflect upon the successes of last year and take a look at what's in store for Rachel Bates throughout 2020. A new home for the evolving Rachel Bates brand For me, 2019 was a year of significant transformation,...

3 tips for creating an unforgettable Thanksgiving table

I absolutely adore the Thanksgiving tradition that our Atlantic neighbours host on the fourth Thursday of every November. Even though...
I absolutely adore the Thanksgiving tradition that our Atlantic neighbours host on the fourth Thursday of every November. Even though I’m not American myself, I do love to embrace this tradition and throw a Thanksgiving dinner in celebration of my many family, friends and business partners located across the US. I find that filling the house with guests to celebrate all we’re thankful for is possibly the best way to ease ourselves into the often-chaotic festive period. Besides, I’m sure...

What’s the difference between Glass & Crystal?

Typically, the difference between crystal and glass is the amount of lead included. Adding a lead content of 24% or...
Typically, the difference between crystal and glass is the amount of lead included. Adding a lead content of 24% or more to glass is how crystal is usually created. However, the potential health risks associated have made people turn towards safer lead-free crystal glass, created by using barium, zinc or potassium oxide. Even with the lead content replaced, crystal still looks just as gorgeous with the same level of brilliance and clarity. So, whether it’s for a dinner party or...

Spoil yourself with the latest Corali Crystalware co...

Earlier in July, I launched my exciting new Corali Jewellery collection, a selection of gorgeous pieces each inspired by the...
Earlier in July, I launched my exciting new Corali Jewellery collection, a selection of gorgeous pieces each inspired by the stunning ecosystems that exist in Coral Reefs around the world. Now, I have a new addition to the Corali signature design, beautiful pieces of crystalware designed to embody the rainbow of colours found under the sea. Inspired by a love for my Mother’s collection of antiques, The Corali Crystalware collection features crystal water jugs, glasses and double old-fashioned tumblers modelled...