Fergusson Plarre Bakehouse in Moonee Ponds

There is a Fergusson Plarre and that is in Moonee Ponds, near the tram stop. I had been wanting to check this out for some time and when I saw the $2.50 custard sign and my stomach grumbling I thought I would try.

The store was clean and old fashioned. I was served by a grumpy old woman with no glasses. The younger one was wearing glasses and she was friendlier. The older one I think was the manager and she did not smile a bit. But I did appreciate the warning of I'll put this in the microwave for you. I did take a while to order and the lady did not mind.

The older lady managed food with her bare hands which I don't know whether they were clean. I only found out after ordering and paying for the food.

I ordered a chunky vegetable pie for $5.70 which was really soggy. It was microwaved and the pastry was still a tad bit doughy. Also it was bland and sauce was an extra $0.20. The filling was good though but I would liked some more cheese in it.



Rating: 9/20- I prefer the one in Queen Victoria Market as they have the best pasties and pies and their staff are friendly not grumpy

Baking: how to make

As part of Bupa's best blog competition for 2015

Students baking is an essential skill if you don't want to waste a lot of money buying café laden snacks. We show you some videos on how to bake basic snacks.

Choux pastry.

It should be light and fluffy and with a little bit of cream on the inside. Saveur an online magazine shows you how to make them easily in their video below.

Red Velvet cupcakes

These are simple to make and you can make it from scratch. They are about 400 cal for a big one. But you can do baby ones or vegan ones as they have less calories.

Joyofbaking.com shows us to make it.

Chocolate tart

This is so rich and decadent and easy to make at home. The ones you get outside can be stodgy and calorie laden. And very expensive. The video below shows you how to make an easy chocolate tart.

Macarons

These are small cookie like snacks but the ones outside are sugar laden. Do it yourself with egg whites is even better. This is Martha Stewart's recipe below

Decorating fun @123 Cake by Kathryn

123 Cake has just opened last year. It is in North Melbourne on my way to work and about 5 mins from RMIT and Melbourne Uni by tram. It is also near the MELD offices and Arrow on Swanston.

One day I saw the place and how cute it was and I really wanted to visit. I know I'm not a child but I love these cute quirky places.

The ingredients for a fun decorating session

Short Black

The end result- I really loved eating this

Cute decorations

Lots of inspiration for you to look at before you start decorating your cake

Kits which you can buy

I had bought a $9 Living Social voucher which entitled me to two cupcakes, tea or coffee, four decorating things and a huge bag of icing.

The lady who owns the place was very friendly

The coffee was meh and burnt, but I wasn't here for that. I was here for the decorating fun. A plain cupcake normally costs $3.50 ($4 for gluten free). On top of that you pay $2 for a big bag of icing ( you can choose between eight flavours). Decorations is normally $0.50 each or 3 for $1.50. Altogether its $7-$8. Throw in a coffee and it sets you back by $10.

The fun part you get to choose your own combinations and make it yourself. You can take pictures of your cake and post it to their Facebook page and you might be able to win a price.

The cupcakes tastes like the ones your mum makes at home. Yummy.

I loved choosing the decorations and making one with my initials on it. I used the cream cheese icing and loved it.

Verdict: Get in touch with your inner child and have some fun here. Its a great chance to get away from the books for a while.

Come here for experience not the food or the coffee