A partridge in a pear tree

Well here is the finished product for my Christmas Cake, I decided to use a modern take on A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

I got the idea from this christmas card, but l wanted to try something new and use a ivory and grey colour theme. I really loved how this cake turned out, l don't usually do modern designs but l really love this. I'm all ready planing how my Christmas dessert buffet will work with this cake!

Enjoy!

Y x

The race that stops the nation

Well today was Melbourne Cup and for all of you that don't know, Melbourne Cup is known as the horse race that stops the nation. It's run on the first Tuesday of November and for everyone that lives in Melbourne it means a 4 day long weekend ( if you work for a generous company)

Crowds flock to the races and the Flemington grandstand are usually packed to maximum capacity. This year they had over 100,000 people. The atmosphere is similar to that of a large party with champagne flowing, racetrack fashions and ladies with huge hats. I highly recommend going if you can!

But for me l celebrated it with a BBQ at our house with some dear friends, it was a bit of a last minute affair so l quickly whipped up my classic vanilla cupcakes with buttercream icing. I decorated the cupcakes with some lucky (unfortunately unlucky for some) horseshoes which were made out of fondant.

Here is a snapshot from our BBQ, they all had jockey hats on (back to front apparently it's cooler). Cooper was the lucky one and won our sweep, he was so excited with his $40.00 win as was I. His parents on the other hand won nothing, oh well better luck next year.

Enjoy!

Y x

A way to a man's heart...

Unfortunelty l married a man who is not fussed with food, don't get me wrong he loves a good meal but would be quite happy with fish fingers and frozen peas. He sounds quite ideal doesn't he? but there is no way l could win him over with a nice meal or a delicious dessert.

But my brothers on the other hand are easily lead by food! My brothers are spending the weekend installing my mum's new kitchen, and after they have worked all weekend this is probably not something they want to be doing.

So trying to brighten their moods l made them some Banana and Chocolate Muffins for their morning tea. After reading all of these great reviews on Epicurious l just had to give them a try, everyone was right they were delicious but they stuck the wrappers which is a big pet peeve of mine. But l was the only to notice this and the tradies didn't mind at all :-)

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 
  

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line twelve 1/3-cup muffin cups with foil muffin liners. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Mix mashed bananas, egg, melted butter and milk in medium bowl. Stir banana mixture into dry ingredients just until blended (do not overmix). Stir in chocolate chips.

Divide batter among prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake muffins until tops are pale golden and tester inserted into center comes out with some melted chocolate attached but no crumbs, about 32 minutes. Transfer muffins to rack; cool.