Happy New Year! We have entered 2013 (as I’m sure you’re aware) and FrugalFeeding has entered its third calendar year – though it has yet to reach its second birthday. Ring shaped cakes, usually known as bundt cakes, are traditionally eaten at this time of year because they symbolize the cyclical nature of the calendar. However, the New Year is also a time of frugality, a point at which all of the gluttony of Christmas should be erased (not that my previous post adheres to such a thing). As such, this particular recipe for orange and poppy seed bundt cake is perfect; not only is it circular, it refrains from outrageous decadence.

Poppy seeds are up there amongst my favourite ingredients in baking. They bring with them a subtle nutty flavour that complements citrus fruit extraordinarily well and graces cakes with an eye-catching speckle that is very close to being irresistible. Actually, now poppy seeds have been mentioned, why not check out my recipe for lemon and poppy seed cupcakes – such a thing shouldn’t be missed.

Putting this recipe for orange and poppy seed bundt cake to one side, 2012 has been a great year for FrugalFeeding – thank you ever so much for your support, each and every one of you! I shan’t go into all of my facts and figures and ideas about where I’ll be going over the next 12 months, but it’s all very exciting. Instead, here’s a run-down of my most popular recipes of 2012, each and every one of them is a frugal delight and well worth reading! (Sorry if this is a little lengthy!)

Mocha Mousse - This recipe was by far my most popular of 2012 and you can see why. This fabulous dessert has it all – flavour, texture and decadence. Who would have guessed that the entire batch set me back a mere £1.50?

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Garlic and Herb Flatbreads - Inspired by ‘The Great British Bake Off’ this recipe was probably my favourite bread recipe of 2012. Brushed with a little garlic oil, these flatbreads pack a real punch worthy of any curry and/or stew! Best of all, they set us back just £1.10.

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Spicy Baked Falafel - This particular post was an updated version of an old recipe and boy was it good! Falafel are usually deep fried in oil, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a soft, moist inside. However, when I realised that such a thing could be achieved in the oven, there was no stopping me. As such, these little balls of chickpea heaven would be the perfect post-Christmas snack and they only set us back around £2.

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Chocolate Mousse – You lot really like chocolate based mousse don’t you? I’ll remember to post another mousse recipe next time my page views are flagging! To be honest, there isn’t much to say about this post that hasn’t been said above – it is spectacular and delicious. Please give it a whirl – these only set us back 70 pence!

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Autumnal Minestrone – Last but not least is my autumnal recipe for minestrone. This Italian soup/broth is one that can be made all year round and as such, you can expect similar posts for the remaining three seasons. However, this is one dish you’ll really want to make – it’s hearty, warming and brimming with flavour. Don’t miss out at only £2.50!

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Orange and Poppy Seed Bundt Cake {recipe}

Makes 1 bundt cake

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs

• Butter, self-raising flour and caster sugar, the amount of each should be the same weight as the eggs (roughly 170-180g)

• Pinch of salt

• The zest of two large oranges and 1 tbsp of juice

• 20g poppy seeds

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C. Grease and flour your bundt tin. Cream together the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy, before incorporating the eggs one at a time.

2. Add a pinch of salt, the zest, juice and poppy seeds and sift in the flour from a height. Fold everything in gently. Pour this into the bundt tin and bake for 45-50 minutes until brown and cooked through.

3. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before turning out. This cake freezes well and can keep for up to 3-4 days in an air tight container.

Cost: The entire cake, which is really rather sizeable, should set one back no more than £2.10 – very frugal indeed. Isn’t it funny how we usually associate cakes with decadence, when really they can be the epitome of value for money!