I am absolutely delighted to finally announce the forthcoming Spanish Connection in the World of Artisan Baking .

I will now be dividing my time between My beloved Homeland of Scotland and my long love that is Spain .

Over the last few years i have seen the growth in Artisan Baking in pockets all over Spain and i am now delighted

to be a part of this enterprising future . In the next 12 months i have my work cut out as i will be starting a new

" Spanish Baking Awards " in conjunction with the existing successful " Scottish Baking Awards" . My eventual

aim will be to have a worldwide Awards system that includes all the main countries competing . The diverse and

amazing different styles of baking that exists in every country in such to be celebrated and learned from. Muchas

Gracias to all my Spanish counterparts that have helped me and supported me massively in even getting this far .

Watch this space folks . !! 

A Challenge was set to 5 Professional Bakers to produce mouthwatering Cakes and Pastries without any refined or unrefined sugars on the 24th April 2016 at Melanie's Tearoom - Craigard Tearoom in Helensburgh . Could it be done ? Over 300 pieces of Baking were eaten in just under 3 hours and the result was a resounding YES ! With the Government issuing a Sugar Tax, Melanie wondered if  the Baking industry could survive should sugar be taxed on all things sweet . The answer was a resounding YES . The Cakes and Chocolates produced by Master Baker Melanie , CocoMo Artisan Chocolatier , The Tea Jenny , Pastisserie Chef at Knockderry House Hotel and Kris at My Home Bakery In Hyndland were absolutely brilliant and proved that refined sugars are not necessary to produce mouthwatering Bakes. Now for our next challenge ???  

Melanie Andrews has successfully managed to teach another class of under 16 year olds to complete her "Free" Cook and Bake course at Craigard Tearoom. All the students ranging from 11 to 15 all sat and passed their Basic food Hygiene course and now can add this to their list of achievements . They were taught the names and uses of over 100 fruit and vegetables and how to prepare them. They made sweet and savoury Pastry , Quiche , Apple tarts, Wheaten bread , Meringues and finally sat their exam after 6 weeks . All passed with their very own Cook and Bake school certificates.

Melanie's next course is in May 2016 where she will teach a further class free of charge . For all the details and how to apply please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Melanie Andrews is again offering" Free " Courses on Cookery and Bakery to children between the ages of 12 and 16 . These life skills are important to young adults and are sadly sometimes lacking in full time education. The courses are always in high demand and this February 2016 course, which lasts 6 weeks ,was booked out in under 24 hours. The courses are open to all children  whether they have a budget or not as Melanie donates her time and experience free of charge. The courses range from Basic skills to Advanced and come complete with a certificate at the end of the course. The courses are held within " Craigard Tearoom " and have become hugely popular with the younger budding Chefs , Bakers and Cooks. For more information or to book the next course contact Melanie on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.