Welcome to Butter and Love, where we believe that these two simple ingredients are all you need to make anything taste absolutely delicious.
I'm Armi, the face behind this sweet venture.
Picture this: A corporate world escapee turned baking aficionado. Yep, that's me! I once roamed the halls of the business realm (please excuse the corporate attire) but fate had other plans for me. When I made it to the final stages the Masterchef Australia auditions in 2020, there was no turning back. The allure of the culinary universe pulled me in like a gravitational force. The flame of my passion for baking was ignited to an inferno and my corporate job became a thing of the past.
Baking has always held a special place in my heart. It all began with a cookbook and a sprinkle of childhood curiosity. At the tender age of 7, I picked up my first cookbook and embarked on my baking journey. By the time I turned 12, I cherished the Woman's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book like a coveted treasure. Little did I know back then that a career in dessert was a tantalising possibility.
As luck would have it (or maybe it was just the universe nodding its head), my corporate position bid me farewell not long after, leaving me eagerly awaiting the response for the Masterchef Australia 2021 auditions. To sharpen my skills and perfect my craft, I embarked on a mission during those dreaded lockdown days (ah, the notorious 5km rule!). I baked up a storm and shared my creations with locals in exchange for their feedback. The last dessert drop featured my pièce de résistance: the legendary Banoffee Pie. And that, my friends, was the turning point that carved Butter and Love into the history books.
What is Banoffee Pie?
Ban(ana) + (T)offee = Banoffee
But what exactly is Banoffee Pie, you may ask? Well, it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines the irresistible flavours of bananas and toffee, hence the name "Banoffee." Picture this: a buttery biscuit base, homemade toffee (caramel or dulce de leche to be precise), fresh bananas, luscious cream and often topped with chocolate. It's a classic British dessert that's as iconic as the Beatles, Sherlock Holmes and afternoon tea.
Back in 1971, Nigel Mackenzie, the owner of The Hungry Monk Restaurant in East Essex and his talented chef, Ian Dowding, developed this heavenly creation. They took inspiration from an American recipe called "Blum's Coffee Toffee Pie," which featured toffee topped with coffee flavoured whipped cream. Ian, the genius that he was, decided to use dulce de leche instead (imagine soft, milky caramel that melts on your tongue). But Nigel felt they needed something extra, something that would take it to a whole new dimension. And that's when the magic happened – they experimented with various fruits like apples, mandarins and oranges until Nigel suggested bananas. Boom! They hit the jackpot.
They christened the dish "Banoffi” and the moment it graced their menu, it became an instant sensation. Customers fell head over heels for the Banoffee Pie, declaring that it was simply too good to be removed from the menu.
Need proof of its magnificence?
Throwback to one Sunday morning in 2013. My (then) 5 year old niece helping me make Banoffee Pies…
Me: “Will you by still be my Sous Chef when you’re older?”
My 5 year old niece: “Aunty, I’ll be your Sous Chef even when I’m 55”
Me: *wipes tear from her eye*
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That's the power of food and family coming together. Speaking of family, food has always been the binding force that brings us together. In my family, baking and cooking have been central to our connection. And my grandmother, was the guiding light of our culinary journey. Her kitchen was a haven of love, where she created magic without a recipe (or any kind of measurement). Even a simple sandwich tasted extraordinary when she prepared it. Her touch was nostalgic, her food delicious, and as far as I'm concerned, it was pure magic.
Dessert holds a special place in our hearts. It's the sweet conclusion to every birthday, celebration and milestone event. It leaves an indelible mark in our memories. When you take a bite of my Banoffee Pie, I want it to transport you back to heartwarming memories and fill you with a sense of nostalgia, generosity and pure joy. -
In this fast-paced world we live in, I want you to experience a precious moment where time stands still as you savour each mouthful of pie. I want you to walk away with a full stomach and a happy heart. One of the greatest compliments I've received is when people tell me they can feel and taste the love that goes into my pies. That, my friends, is mission accomplished!
So here we are today, with Banoffee Pie reigning supreme. But tomorrow? Ah, tomorrow holds limitless possibilities. Today? Banoffee Pie. Tomorrow? The World! With Butter and Love we'll continue to create mouthwatering delights that will leave you craving for more.
Ready to indulge in the sweet symphony of Butter and Love? Go ahead, place your order now. It's time to make your taste buds dance with joy.