Anchor Butter Feedback Thread - see what Mumsnetters created with Anchor butter PLUS chance for non testers to win £250! NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 250 Mumsnetters who have been trying out Anchor butter and the baking kits with their children. Non testers - do check out the feedback from the testers PLUS what's your favourite flavour cake? Chocolate, Victoria Sponge, Carrot, something else? Add your comment to this thread and you'll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £250 voucher to spend in John Lewis (imagine all the baking kit you could get!)

Here's what Anchor says: “We're looking forward to seeing what MNers have created with our rich and creamy block butter. We know it's perfect for all types of tasty bakes, whether it's making the pastry for your homemade chicken pie, or millionaires shortbread for that weekend treat with the kids. At Anchor we've been making block butter for over 125 years, to bring bakers high quality, rich and creamy butter for their bakes."

Plenty of recipe ideas here – including delicious
ginger biscuits or does anyone fancy
Cheese Scones for a snack?

Below are the questions we'd like testers to answer, but please feel free to add your own comments too.

1. What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!

2. What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.

5. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?

6. Were you pleased with the results of your baking?

7. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?

8. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?

All testers who leaves their feedback on this thread and who complete the survey (emailed to testers) will be entered in to a prize draw, where one lucky Mumsnet tester will win a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Closing date: Friday 8th May at 9am

1. What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!
   We made chocolate house cakes - I bought a silicon mould in Aldi, so we had to test it out. Their favourite parts were licking out the bowls, watching the houses come out of the mould and decorating them. Eating them as well! We also made some biscuits. They went too fast for me to remember to take any pictures!

2. What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!
   Their favourite parts were licking out the bowls, watching the houses come out of the mould and decorating them. Eating them as well!

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?
   Watching them decorate them, they interacted really well together!

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.
   Cakes do taste yummier - difficult to define how, but richer somehow.

5. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?
   For everyday cakes I use Stork - it's cheaper and I don't have to take it out he fridge in advance so can produce a quick batch of cupcakes at short notice. For the special birthday cakes and biscuits I use butter, unsalted for preference. And for butter icing.

6. Were you pleased with the results of your baking?
   Very.

7. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?
   Probably. I might well buy it for special occasion cakes rather than everyday ones, but yes, I really liked it and how well it worked in the baking. in fact, when I went to buy the block with my voucher, I found it was on special offer so I have a small supply waiting for the next baking session - planning simple butter biscuits the kids can ice again. I do like the Anchor brand, I remember it from childhood and when I buy it I somehow feel I'm buying "real" butter.

8. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?
   Yes. Good quality.

We had a lovely time making the ginger biscuits which we found on the Anchor website.My DC loved licking the whisk best! The mixture was delicious and so was the finished biscuit - they won't last long. The butter was really creamy and soft. I always use unsalted butter but normally buy supermarket brand because it's cheaper and I do a lot of baking. If I had more money I would consider Anchor - I think it is creamier. I didn't realise Anchor has been around for over 125 years! I love to cook with my DC, they learn maths, science , have to read the recipe and we learn teamwork and life skills. Thanks Anchor for my kit we had great fun!

1. What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!

My 12yo decided she wanted to make coconut biscuits and the 4yo cupcakes. I am so sorry there are no photos, I completely forgot I was supposed to take some, despite having the camera ready, by the time I got them sorted out with ingredients :(

2. What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!

For the 4yo, definitely licking the bowl out! The 12yo loves the rolling and cutting out process.

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?

I really enjoy doing baking with them, although they make so much mess, we get to chat properly because all other pressures are off.

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.

5. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?

I prefer butter but do use margarine when money is a bit tight

7. Were you pleased with the results of your baking?

I loved the end results, as did the rest of the family. In a household with 4 children baking does not last long!

8. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?

Yes definitely, it is my favourite butter because it brings back a lot of childhood memories

9. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?

Yes I would, it is just traditional for me, one of the names that has been around for years.

Non Tester:

I am loving the feedback photo's for this product test!

My favourite cakes are chocolate cakes! The more chocolatey and the more layers, the better! Either warmed up with cream or eaten with ice cream! mmmmm :P

Tester.

1. We made brownies. We didn't have enough walnut pieces, so added dried cranberries. The result was delicious!
2. DD loves breaking eggs, licking the spoon and, of course, eating her creation.
3. Mine was letting DD do the measuring, planning etc. it's great to see her enjoying something that I loved doing with my grandma.
4. We always use salted anchor.
5. The results were fab. Soft, chewy, tasty, moreish!
6. Yes. I like the traditional style of anchor.
7. Yes. Because it's easy to use, quality and often on offer in the supermarket.

1. What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!

Me and my DD made chocolate Brownies! Using some easter egg chocolate!

2. What was your childs favourite aspect of the baking process? Weighing out all the different ingredients and cracking the eggs!

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?

We love making things and seeing how seperate ingredients can combine to make something wonderful. I also enjoy repeating the same recipes and seeing what she had learnt/remembered from last time. I hope I'm teaching her life skills.

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.

I normally use Aldi own brand. I think its hard to tell a difference with chocolate brownies to be honest.

6. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?

always use butter and always use unsalted.

7. Were you pleased with the results of your baking?

Yes!! We loved it!

8. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?

Yes I would but only if the same price as supermarket own brand.

9. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?

Yes but not because I feel it's loads better than what I normally use but it does the job and tastes nice so I have no reason not to recommend it!

1. We made chocolate brownies.
2. He liked making a mess and licking out the bowl afterwards.
3. I liked that we got to spend time together without it involving a computer.
4. I don't normally use anchor. I have not noticed it tasted any different.
5. I always used butter. And always unsalted as it is also heather.
6. I was please the results and so was my son.
7. I was not aware that they were the original block butter and have been around for so long. I may use it again I'm not sure at the moment.
8. Personally I wouldn't recommend it over any other. I would say that it does produce good bakes the same as others though.

1. What bakes did you and your DC create?
   We did a lovely apricot loafy thing and Mary Berrys mini scones. So good!

2. What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process?

Dc1 loves it all to be honest. Loves licking out the bowl, blobbing mixture in to the tin and cutting out scones.

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?

There is nothing that dc1 and I love more thank cooking together. Dc1 is getting so good at it and a lot more independent. In really pleased to be able to pass on my love of baking.

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.

I was pleased actually. I softened nicely and tasted pretty good. Didn't leave a nasty aftertaste which cheap butter can do.

6. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?

I always use butter, without fail. And always always use unsalted.

7. Were you pleased with the results of your baking?

Yes. The scones come out well without fail every time
The loaf needed more icing apparently!

8. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?

I do like tradition and history. Would consider buying it.

9. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why? Yes. I'm a big fan of unsalted and always sing its praises!

1) What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!
Fruit Scones - photos below

2) What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!
He loves it all. He insists on doing everything himself. He is more than a little obsessed with baking, a stand mixer was top of his Christmas list this year (Santa was very happy to oblige ), we bake at least once a week and GBBO is his absolutely favourite TV program.

3) What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?
I love how much he (somewhat unexpectedly) loves it. My baking has got lots better in the past couple of years as a result!

4) If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.
Not really much difference to the bake to be honest from other butter. Though I can tell the difference between quality butter (Anchor is one) and cheap butter when spread on the scone.

6) Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?
Butter, usually unsalted, unless otherwise stated.

7) Were you pleased with the results of your baking?
Yes, although DS tapped knowledgeably on the bottom of one of the the scones and, chanelling Paul Hollywood, pronounced it 'slightly overworked' .

8) Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?
I would if it was available at a good price, but I wouldn't really seek it out. Historical context not important.

9) If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?
Not really. Don't find that much to differentiate it over other 'good' butter.

1. What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!
   DS (age 4) and I made funny face cupcakes.

2. What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? He loved
   cracking the eggs, decorating the cakes and 'testing' the mixture!

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?
   I enjoyed seeing him have fun, and I also like seeing the things he's learned since we first started baking together.

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.
   I always use butter as I hate margarine. The cakes tasted nice, but I can't say I noticed any real difference to our normal brand of butter. Maybe on toast any differences would be more noticeable, but certainly not just as cake batter.

5. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?
   I usually use unsalted butter.

6. Were you pleased with the results of your baking?
   Yes! I had a different idea about how the cakes might look, but Ds had different ideas. I've learned that things don't have to be perfect, and it's better to let him enjoy himself and try out ideas himself.

7. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?
   Yes, I'd use it, but probably only if it was on offer as it was more expensive that my usual brand.

8. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?
   Yes, I liked it, but it is more expensive.

Hi sorry unable to post photo(not very tech headed) thank you so much ds and I had so much fun
1)what did we create-chocolate and strawberry marble cupcakes with butter icing
2)child's favourite aspect was - cracking the eggs and licking the bowl
3) what was my favourite aspect- spending quality time together
4) I often use shop own brand but anchor made a lot taster butter cream I would buy again,it made it really smooth and creamy
5) I often use margarine but tastes so much better with butter,I bought the salted anchor as like a slight salted taste
6)I still prefer salted butter
7)everyone loved our cupcakes my eh said the butter cream was greAt tasting
8) I would use anchor again,I did not know that it was original block butter, which makes it a trusted brand for me
9) I would recommend anchor as it has a lovely creamy rich taste and was easy to cream together with sugar

Trying to add photo now might not work

Non tester, but enjoying the thread and love baking (DS is a wannabe chef in the making!). My current favourite flavour is bitter chocolate. TBH I am trying to cut down on the sugar and finding that butter, coconut and avocado can add some richness and "compensate". I use salted and unsalted butter, depending on what I am making. I do use Anchor (always find it good) but I tend to go for Sainsbury's own brand more often than not, if it is cheaper. I sometimes cook with olive oil or coconut oil instead, never margarine!

1. What bakes did you and your DC create? We made chocolate brownies

2. What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Cracking the eggs and licking the bowl

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC? Spending time with just my oldest child - having fun

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain. - don't normally buy Anchor - chocolate brownies tasted rich not sure if it was related to the butter though?

5. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking? - Usually buy large tub of cooking butter/marg. Unsure of whether salted/unsalted.

6. Were you pleased with the results of your baking? Yes

7. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you? - not sure if would buy again as quite pricey compared to large tub. Didn't know they had been established so long.

8. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why? - might mention it.

1. We made Apple sponge cake

2. being allowed to use a knife to chop the butter. Normally we use soft butter so we don't normLly do this.

3. I find cooking with my son enjoyable, it's just nice for us to make something together and my daughter wanted to join in too so we gave her a little bowl so that she could copy us.

4. I didn't really notice any difference.

5. Most of the children's recipes I have use unsalted butter. Mostly we use Flora Buttery.

6. Yes, absolutely

7. Yes. That's very impressive and would make me have faith in the brand.

8. Yes. It was easy to use, readily available and priced competitively.

1. We made a Victoria sponge as this is my daughters favourite cake.
2. Cracking eggs, licking the bowl and testing the cream.
3. Baking is something we've always enjoyed doing together so we were very happy to be chosen to take part in this challenge!
4. We use various butters depending on what looks good/ is a reasonable price. The cake was delicious.
5. Until a few years ago I always used dairy free margarine but now my daughter can tolerate more dairy, we've switched to butter as we prefer the taste. I usually buy unsalted.
6. We were really pleased with the results! Everybody loved the cake!
7. I would definately use Anchor butter again, if the price was reasonable. I wouldn't be able to justify paying a lot more than other brands that I felt would produce good results.
8. I would recommend Anchor butter as the results were delicious.

My mum always recommends anchor butter. We were really excited to bake with anchor butter but we were so surprised when a mixing bowl and spatula were also given. The kids couldn't wait to get baking.

1. What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!

We made cookies. Due to them being quick to bake but the process involves a job for everyone.

2. What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!

Using the bowl and spatula I think! As it is red and great for the kids.

3. What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?

Spending time together and watching their smile.

4. If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.

I normally use Anchor butter for more premium desserts and shortbread. It tastes richer.

6. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?

A mix. Whatever the recipe asks for.

7. Were you pleased with the results of your baking?

Yes! The biscuits aren't crumbly and last longer.

8. Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?

Yes! Anchor butter is better quality, provides a truer taste and as my mum always recommended it to me, it's my time to pass it on. No wonder Anchor butter has been around this long!

9. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?

Yes! Because it's amazing butter. Makes all desserts better.

1) What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!

My DD made the Hummingbird cupcakes, a favourite recipe of hers.

2) What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!

She loves measuring and weighing the ingredients and of course licking the bowl!

3) What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?

It's nice to do an activity together and getting a great reaction when the cakes have been baked.

4) If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.

We just use regular supermarket branded butter, but I have to say that Anchor gives a better result. Definitely richer and more tastier.

6) Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?

We normally use butter as we prefer the taste. I am not the biggest fan of unsalted butter to be honest and have always made cakes and biscuits with salted butter.

7) Were you pleased with the results of your baking?

Yes very pleased.

8) Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?

I would use it for special occasions such as birthday cakes as it is more pricier than our usual brand. I understand it's been around for a while, but cost is important and I can't justify paying more every week. I would buy it if it was on offer though.

9) If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?

Lots of my family use Anchor as it is their favourite butter. It does make excellent cakes!

Non tester here. Coconut cake is my favourite closely followed by coffee and walnut. Would choose cake over chocolate every time!

I was too preoccupied with stopping DCs smearing biscuit mixture all over the kitchen to take a photo but will try and do so next time we bake - in the meantime:

1) What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!

We made some chocolate biscuits.

2) What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!

Licking the bowl and cracking the eggs. They are four and two and enjoy mixing everything together but they make a huge mess. DD realised we were making biscuits so she ran off to get the playdough cutters.

3) What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?

Seeing their enjoyment.

4) If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.

I didn't notice any difference.

6) Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking?

I often use Stork, but have started using butter more. I use unsalted to reduce salt intake.

7) Were you pleased with the results of your baking?

Well they weren't exactly a culinary experience but we had a good time making our basic blobs biscuits.

8) Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?

I don't think my palate is discerning enough to notice the difference between brands of butter. Anchor seemed fine and I was happy with it.

9) If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?

If the fairly unlikely event that I had a conversation about butter I might.

Non - tester!

We made rice crispy cakes at the weekend with all the ridiculous amount of easter chocolate lurking around.

My fave has to be millionaires shortbread. If only I had the skill to bake it!

Non tester
Carrot cake is my all time favourite, the carrot makes it so moist and the frosting is Devine! Yum yum.

Non-tester here.

All cake is good, but lemon drizzle is definitely a family favourite. Followed very closely by chocolate cake. Then carrot cake. Then apple cake....

Did I mention that all cake is good?

1) What bakes did you and your DC create? Please post a photo or two on the thread of the finished result or of the baking session!
We made flapjacks.

2) What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Getting messy, licking the bowl at the end or anything in between!
A bit of one to one time as he's one of five.

3) What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC?
The funny things they come out with when you're not expecting it.

4) If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? Please explain.
Didn't taste much different, but we didn't use too much. Will try again with something else.

6. Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking? I normally use a baking fat from Lidl, sometimes own brand blocks of butter. I think it's unsalted

7) Were you pleased with the results of your baking?
It was a bit overdone, but tasted alright.

8) Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you?
Managed to get 2 blocks from Tesco for the voucher so will use the rest. We love Anchor butter, my grandparents used to have it when we had basic margarine. The grocery budget has been tight so we buy other butter for baking and everyday, but also buy Anchor spreadable. Didn't realise it was the original and had been going so long, although my memory of it is from 30 years ago.

9) If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why?
Maybe, it has a nice taste, but it's a little pricey.

1) What bakes did you and your DC create? I made the usual Tuesday night chicken pie with DD3 (5) using Sunday's chicken roast leftovers. We used butter in the white sauce and in the shortcrust pastry.

2) What was your child’s favourite aspect of the baking process? Being allowed to finally stir the white sauce on the hob while it heated and thickened. I've never let her before.

3) What was your favourite aspect of baking with your DC? I really enjoy sharing top tips with them to make the end result better or easier. It's not always one-way: they often come up with nifty wee tips for me themselves.

4) If you don't normally use Anchor, do you think that your bakes taste different when using Anchor butter compared to your normal butter? There was a more distinct flavour to the pastry that I liked, but the pastry was less crisp than usual, which I didn't like.

6) Do you normally use butter or margarine for baking? Do you usually use unsalted or salted butter for baking? How aware were you that using unsalted butter is great for baking? Always, always butter. I'll sometimes 'cut' it with some lard if I'm making pastry. I use a mix: unsalted for cakes, but I tend to use salted butter for crumble toppings, scones, dumplings and pastries.

7) Were you pleased with the results of your baking? I preferred the flavour of Anchor, but preferred the crispy results of my normal, el-cheapo butters in pastry.

8) Would you use Anchor butter again for your baking? Why? Were you aware Anchor was the original block butter company having made butter for over 125 years? Is this important to you? Yes, but only in things where a softer butter is useful, or when I'm going to melt it, eg cakes, sauted things, pancakes, spreading. No, I wasn't aware, and no, it's not important to me.

9) If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Anchor butter to friends and family? Why? To be brutally honest, probably not - I think the cheaper butters give a better all-round performance, and don't feel that paying over twice what they cost is worth it to get a better flavour (Evidence: the butter I normally use is 86p for 250g; the block of Anchor I used today was £1.80 for 250g)