For a simple sprinkly cake decoration, y0u still cannot beat 'hundreds and thousands'. Phoebe reminded me of this when she shook some over a tray of rose-pink buns and transformed them into the kind of thing we ate at parties when I was little (although I don't remember cochineal-coloured icing being quite so pretty - it produced a much harsher shade of pink).
I've had 'hundreds and thousands' of things going on here for the last few months and that's more than I need or want. So I'm going back down to single figures this summer with two months of house-related work, three children and one long summer holiday, one big pile of books to read, one book to be published, one husband to spend time with in the garden. But I think I may break my single-figure rule when it comes to glasses of wine. Hundreds and thousands of those sounds about right.
***
I've just read John Burningham and loved every page. John Burningham's style must be indelibly etched on many a parent or child's visual memory, and Tom, Alice, Phoebe and I still ask each other would you rather? questions. And Winifred Nicholson reminded me again that I would commit serious art-theft to have one of her lovely flowers on a windowsill paintings. I'm now reading Cold Cream which is absolutely wonderful - funny, poignant, self-disparaging and beautifully written.
PS thanks for all the kind comments about the quilt. The sun has gone in since. I am hoping that what we have just had was not our provencal summer.
Absolutely, the most proper thing for a fairy cake are hundreds and thousands (and ice cream!).
My "would you rather?" question the kids like to corner me with at the moment is Jack Bauer or Dr Who!??
Don't make me choose!
Posted by: The Antidote | June 05, 2009 at 15:49
When I was little we used to call hundreds and thousands, piecey tops, as they were obviously the pieces that went on the top! Almost the best bits.
Your Summer is being sprinkled with piecey tops rather than hundred and thousands!
Posted by: Gemma | June 05, 2009 at 16:07
Ooh, I've just noticed the Sophie Dahl book in your list. What do you think of it ? It's a little bit 'lifestyle' for me, but the first recipe I tried turned out brilliantly - and it was for something (banana bread) that I'd never liked previously. Probably the first cookery book where I'll be really upset if I get splodges over it.
Posted by: Ponytail | June 05, 2009 at 16:29
I love putting a mini smartie on a pale pink iced cake and a little sprinkle of 100s and 1000s!
Posted by: felicity | June 05, 2009 at 16:41
Congrats again on the upcoming book, and be sure you enjoy your well-earned pleasure reading! Now that summer's upon us, I'm pleasantly reminded of how quickly and easily I read things that are new to me and in English. :-) I may take some cues from your reading list, as I am almost out of Neil Gaiman!
Posted by: Sasha | June 05, 2009 at 17:27
In New England, they are called "Jimmies." When tourists get asked if they want jimmies on their ice cream cones (the most usual application here) they are often very confused.
But the colors of yours are very pretty.
Posted by: East of Weston | June 05, 2009 at 17:49
I have just come across your book (and therefore your blog) and am just loving it!!! Thank you so much for all your inspiration. I had intended to only browse through your book, but started to read and realized I'd be reading every word. Can't wait to follow along on your blog.
Posted by: Heather L. | June 05, 2009 at 18:14
I love 100s & 1000s, I remember when I was little Iused to lick my finger and dip it in the pot.
Posted by: Julie | June 05, 2009 at 19:32
Interesting new term for me... 100's and 1000's sounds much more fun than sprinkles. I suppose the wet springs and summers of the midwest were what gave us that name instead. Enjoy your summer holidays, you really deserve it!
Posted by: Amy | June 05, 2009 at 21:48
We call them "jimmies" in parts of California, too -- though I like "hundreds and thousands" better!
Posted by: Meg | June 06, 2009 at 00:41
Recent convert to your book and blog here! Long-standing John Burningham fan , though, with two home educated children. We liked "Time to get out of the bath, Shirley" and "The Shopping Basket" - thanks for the re-kindled memories :)
MrsL
Posted by: MrsL | June 06, 2009 at 00:54
LOl at Julie - I still do!!:)
Posted by: MrsL | June 06, 2009 at 00:55
i love the term "hundreds and thousands!" so much more fun than the american "sprinkles..."
Posted by: Jen | June 06, 2009 at 01:06
I like the round ones best - pure prejudice - I"m sure there's no material difference. And I especially liked them sprinkled onto Angel Delight so that the colours ran and looked like it had rained a rainbow! Now, admit it - that list is a bit of a cheat - I'm willing to bet it's 'hundreds and thousands of books'. I'm also sure hubby is pleased he numbers only one! :-) t.x
Posted by: kitschen pink | June 06, 2009 at 01:22
I do believe on the little cakes there should be 100's and 1000's ...but when it comes to summer. I totally agree the number one is the best of all! Enjoy the summer and time with family and friends. Oh...and a few glasses of wine indeed!
Posted by: Alice | June 06, 2009 at 01:34
I have fond memories of "Mr. Gumpy's Outing." (John Burningham) Does the cake for tea at the end of that have 100's and 1000's?
Posted by: Pam | June 06, 2009 at 07:37
I am glad to hear that your life will be calming down a little, do enjoy those glasses of wine, and I am thrilled to come across the John Burningham book.
Posted by: Rebecca | June 06, 2009 at 17:01
I like "hundreds and thousands" better than "sprinkles" and they look so beautiful on the cupcake... like a little burst of summer in your hand.
Posted by: Lori | June 07, 2009 at 05:22
O.k. the secret's out! I just received an advance notice from Amazon UK about your next book. It looks like ripping good fun.
Posted by: Anna | June 07, 2009 at 14:04
I just love the cupcakes and cakes you share on your site. It makes me want to catch a plane and come eat to my hearts content. Especially since I've hit 9 months today of pregnancy - that cupcake looks so yummy.
Posted by: Sally | June 07, 2009 at 17:54
Bring a plate of cupcakes to an afternoon tea and people say in tones of anticipation and delight "oooo, sprinkles!" At birthday parties the adults are just as excited as the kids about the fairy bread. Sprinkles have universal appeal!
Posted by: Jacqui | June 07, 2009 at 23:23
I love your book. I've enjoyed it every day since I won it on a favorite blog! Now, I'm a convert to your blog, too. You make the most beautiful cupcakes. YOU are a smarty.
Posted by: Pom Pom | June 08, 2009 at 01:21
I called them 100's and 1,000's as a child. Sainsbury's seem to call them sugar strands now, which is quite pretty but not the same. Looking forward to your next book post, Jane.
Posted by: Nicola | June 08, 2009 at 20:06
In my years as a Nanny I organized many childrens parties. The ultimate treat was 100's and 1000's sprinkled on pieces of white bread and butter, then cut into fancy shapes with cutters- the whole plate would disappear in minutes!
John Burnigham was much loved bedtime reading- Mr Gumpy's Outing especially.
Enjoy your summer, well deserved.
Posted by: Fran H-B | June 08, 2009 at 23:08
As a child I never enjoyed hundreds and thousands at parties. As an adult I get a lot more pleasure out of sprinkling them over everything with my daughter when baking. In Australia they have a version called Dollar Dazzlers which are not as good in my opinion.
Posted by: Josephine | June 09, 2009 at 12:05
Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer was mentioned in this morning's free Metro! It was on a double spread about 50s revival. I'll scan it when I get home and send it to you :)
Posted by: Jen | June 10, 2009 at 17:24
sounds like the perfect summer plan.
Posted by: Account Deleted | June 11, 2009 at 23:41