Celebrating Afternoon Tea Week

Hello lovely readers! Welcome to another blog and this one is all about CAKES! What more could you want?

Afternoon Tea Week is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful and stoma-friendly treat? Having an ileostomy shouldn't mean missing out on the joy of sweat treats, especially when it comes to something as quintessentially British as afternoon tea. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that is gentle on your digestive system, easy to make, and perfect for an afternoon tea celebration.

Over the years, I’ve realised that living with an ileostomy involves some dietary considerations to ensure comfort and health. Certain foods can cause blockages, excessive gas and discomfort, which we definitely want to avoid. The key is to focus on ingredients that are easy to digest, low in fibre but still packed with flavour! I absolutely love cooking and baking and when I was in school, I wanted to be a chef – but I took a trip down the computer route instead! So, now I just enjoy cooking up masterpieces (and fails) in my spare time!

Lemon drizzle cake is a classic that’s perfect for our afternoon tea. It’s light, zesty, and wonderfully, dare I say it… *moist*. Best of all, it uses ingredients that are gentle on your tummy. I’ve also added an option to make this recipe vegan, as I like to make this for myself and my partner, who is vegan.

Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 225g unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
• 225g granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (or 4 tbsp ground flax seeds mixed with 10 tbsp water for a vegan option)
• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 lemon, zest only
• 2 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk)

For the drizzle:

• 85g granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 and a half lemons
• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf tin with baking parchment.

Preparation

Mixing

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
• Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a tablespoon of the flour to bring it back together.
• If using the flax seed option, mix together the ground flax seed with water and let it sit for 5 minutes for it to become gelatinous before adding to the sugar and butter.
• Fold in the self-raising flour and lemon zest gently. Add the milk and stir until the batter is smooth.

Baking

• Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top with a spatula.
• Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Drizzle

• While the cake is baking, mix together the granulated sugar and lemon juice to create the drizzle.
• As soon as the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork, then pour over the lemon drizzle. The juice will sink in, and the sugar will form a lovely, crisp topping.
• Leave the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice your lemon drizzle cake and serve it with your favourite cup of tea.

Cooling

Enjoy!

Over the years, I’ve learnt a few things that have helped me to stay comfortable while I’ve been indulging in the good stuff:

• Small Portions - Enjoy smaller portions to help your digestive system process the food more easily.
• Stay Hydrated - Tea is great, but make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Chew Thoroughly - This helps with digestion and can prevent blockages. (This tip has been the game changer for me – I can practically eat anything I want now because I make sure I chew my food thoroughly before I swallow!)
• Avoid Fizzy Drinks - They can cause gas and bloating, which can be uncomfortable.
• Know Your Body - Everyone’s body reacts differently. Stick to foods you know you tolerate well.

Creating a stoma-friendly afternoon tea spread doesn't mean compromising on fun or flavour. Add some stoma-friendly sandwiches (think soft bread with smooth fillings like egg mayo or ham and cheese), some crisps and a selection of your favourite teas!

Afternoon Tea Week is one of those ‘holidays’ that gives you the opportunity to enjoy a bit of indulgence and celebrate the finer things in life. Our little bodies have been through so much – so let’s enjoy it! With a little bit of planning and the right recipes, nothing in life has to change apart from your attitude towards dealing with our conditions! Give this lemon drizzle cake a try and let me know how you liked it. Here’s to happy tummies and joyful afternoons!

Until next time, keep smiling and enjoy every moment!

Nathan xx

For more tips, advice and support around enjoying a balanced diet with a stoma, download our free diet and nutrition guide.