TV chef Rosemary Shrager backs Cupcake Day

TV chef Rosemary Shrager is uniting against dementia with Alzheimer’s Society by backing the charity’s Cupcake Day fundraising campaign this week.

Cupcake Day, taking place on Thursday, June 15, is uniting the public against dementia by encouraging families, friends and colleagues to bake or buy cupcakes to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

The culinary whizz has not only spoken out in support for Cupcake Day, but has also shared her tips for making the perfect cupcake:

Rosemary, who presented The Chopping Block on ITV and is a judge on BBC's The Big Family Cooking Showdown to air later in 2017, said:

“I’m delighted to be a part of Cupcake Day because it’s an event that’s great fun for all ages to get involved with and for such an important cause.

“Someone develops dementia every three minutes, and there’s currently no cure but your help can go towards changing that.

“Cupcake Day is a perfect opportunity to do a good turn and help others; dementia is little understood by many but is set to affect more and more of us.

“There’s surely no better way to do your bit for this great cause than by baking, buying and eating cakes.

“It’s not too late to take part in Cupcake Day! We’ll be making it a team effort at my cooking school; you can do the same with friends, family and colleagues.”

Whether you’re a whizz in the kitchen or a first-time baker, here are exclusive tips to help you create the perfect cupcake, courtesy of Rosemary:

• When you’re making any form of cakes, the first thing is to make sure you whisk your butter and sugar properly, that’s very important - I think it’s quite nice to make the mixture fluffy with plenty of air bubbles.
  
• The next step is to add your eggs and then you add your flour, folding the flour in nicel
  
• Make sure you add a rising agent to the mixture, ie self-raising flour or baking soda - as long as you do this the cakes will rise in the oven. The eggs are also a rising agent too.
  
• The fun really begins with the topping and you can actually start experimenting– you can make the toppings different colours, putting colouring in the icing.
  
• Try whipping a little bit of double cream into some curd cheese for a topping, or you could whisk some butter and some sugar for the top of the cakes, or simply top the cupcakes with icing fondant - anything goes!
  
• Just try it and if it doesn’t work try it again. The most important thing is not to be rigid, to just experiment and to have some fun!

Michael Dent, Alzheimer’s Society director of fundraising, added:

“With dementia set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, we urgently need to unite so that dementia doesn’t win.

"It’s great to know that Rosemary is backing Cupcake Day because it will raise vital funds to help people with dementia live the lives that they deserve now, and ultimately help fund research to find a cure.

“From baking pros to novices, everyone can join in the fun. Whether you choose to celebrate on June 15 or mark the occasion another time in the month, there are no excuses not to get involved in Cupcake Day and rise against dementia.”

To find out more about Cupcake Day and for more helpful ideas visit: www.cupcakeday.org.uk

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

• Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051.
• Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
• Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.
• Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK's first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.
• Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
• Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia.
• Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc
• Like us on Facebook
• Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety

Press Office: 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk