It's beginning to look a lot like christmas

Well as scary as it sounds Christmas is just around the corner, so what better way to get the Christmas preparations under way then baking your Christmas cake. I have had my fruit soaking for quite some time just waiting to find the perfect recipe. I was lucky to stumble upon one on FlickR, the photo was so inviting I just had to give it a try.

With my trusty sidekick by my side we set off to make the beginnings of Christmas! The cake cooked beautifully, leaving the house smelling like Christmas. You will have to wait a while to hear what it tastes like, but l promise l will get back to you!

Enjoy!

Y x

Throw it all in quiche!

Normally Quiches in our house are saved for occasions when there is very little food in the fridge, but last night l thought I might actually put a little bit of effort into it. I normally make Donna Haye's Short Crust Pastry but the last two times l have made it has failed miserably.

I'm so glad l decided to try another recipe, because this one was so beautiful. I couldn't believe how easily the pastry rolled, there were no tares or cracks which is a very rare thing for me! Oh and of course tasted fantastic.

The recipe for the pastry is

Pre-Heat oven to 180' Degrees

2 cups of flour

125g butter chilled

2 egg yolks

Iced water if needed

Chop butter into small cubes and place in flour, combine until it looks like breadcrumbs. Mix together until a dough is formed, add small amounts of water if required. Wrap in plastic and put it in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Roll out and then place in a tin I used an 8 inch tin, cover with baking paper and put rice or baking weights over the paper. Cook for 15 mins , then remove the paper and weights and cook for another 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Now for the filling l am just a throw it all in kind of girl. So l added bacon, mushrooms, spring onion, roasted capsicum, feta cheese, 4 eggs, and about 200 ml of cream.

Mix all your filling ingredients and cook until lightly brown and the mixture is set.

Enjoy!

Y x

Planet Cake Part Two

Wow what an amazing three days! I can't believe how exhausted l am. This is my masterpiece, a two tier chocolate mud cake layered and covered in ganache and iced with fondant. We decorated the cake with a Magnolia Flower and Bamboo Skewers which were all made by yours truly.

Here is a picture of all the other cakes that were made, I think everyone did a fab job!

With the over abundance of cake l decided to donate my cake to a local charity that serve meals to people in difficult situations.

Enjoy!

Y x

Planet Cake Part One

Today was my first Planet Cake workshop, to say l was excited would be an understatement. I felt like a little kid that couldn't sleep because it was going to be Christmas the next day. I even had a night mare and woke up in the middle of the night thinking that l hadn't baked a cake to bring to class.

We had ten people in our Class with Jessica (she is holding the cake in the below picture) as our teacher and Fran (bottom centre) our facilitator, Jessica is amazing and at the ripe old age of 2o something is a fully qualified chef, pastry chef, chocolatier and guru cake decorator. And Fran is equally talented and incredibly funny! You can see some of her woke here http://www.flickr.com/photos/franjmc/3921809359/ .

The class was very full on, I think l learnt more in the past six hours, then l did doing the previous 8 week cake course. We were taught so many "cool tricks", but it will be a long time before l perfect Planet Cakes sharp edges.

Tomorrow we will do a two tier square cake, stay tuned for part 2.

Enjoy!

Yx

Hey Hey it's Donna Hay

The Gourmet Cupcake Packet Mix

Sorry about the corny title, but this is always what springs to mind when l see her name. I love all things about Donna Hay and you could even say l have a deep fascination with her. For many months whenever l'm in David Jones l always eye of these beautifully packaged Cupcake Mixes, but could never justify spending $14.95 on a Cupcake Mix that only makes 12 when l could easily make 24 for considerably less. That is until they came on sale, even at $8.95 I still find them expensive but if you are novice in the kitchen and want to make something special with a home made taste l would differently try these. The packet contains, the cake mix, icing mix and 12 cupcake case although l actually got 20. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

The mixture is quite thick, which makes it a bit tricky to get even amounts in the cases. I normally would use a piping bag when adding the mixture, but thought l should sticks to basics and just used two spoons. I was worried that l might have varying sized cupcake but as you can see they all came out pretty even.

The cakes are light and fluffy and slightly crunchy on the outside which l love, I'm not a huge fan of the icing but I'm not big of chocolate icing.

I have a new baby!

It has been a long time coming, but it has arrived my new Canon G11! I've been after a new camera for ages I'm always envious of the beautiful photos l see on everyone's blogs. Originally W bought me a Canon G10 while he was in Hong Kong, he took it out with him the next day and accidently left it behind on the ferry. It wasn't even 24 hours old, to say l was devastated would be an understatement. Hopefully it went to someone that was having a really bad day.

This little incident that l don't like to talk about could of been fate , the day that he lost it they released the new version. After we got the cheque from our travel insurance, we ran straight out and purchased my baby!

So far so good, now off to read all about it.

Enjoy!

Y x

A taste of Sweeden

Halloumi Finger Pirogs

You'll have to excuse the bad photo, but l was pushed for time. I was given the recipe from my cousins wife who is Swedish. These are delicious cheese pasties/parcels, the pastry is somewhat unusual and is something l haven't seen or tried before, but everything together worked wonderfully.

The recipe is easy to follow and relatively quick, the only problem I had was getting use to working with the dough. It is almost like pizza dough, l found l had to roll out each individual piece of dough to make it thin enough. I highly recommend giving these a try, the combination of the mint and the cheese is incredible!

Dough: makes 20

1/2kg flour
1 cup orange juice
1 100 water
125 ml olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

Filling:

250g Halloumi shredded
125g shredded cheddar cheese
50ml fresh mint chopped
1tsp baking powder
3 egg

1 egg wisked for brushing the pirogs before cooking
Pepper
Sesame seeds

Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add oil and mix well. Add juice a bit at time. Mix and let it rest for 20min.
Mix all the filling ingredients. Devide the dough to 20 bits and make little oval shapes. Put a tblsp of filling in each and press together. Place on tray and brush with egg and sesame seeds. Cook in oven for 20-25min in 225 degrees.

Enjoy!

Yx

Monster Bash

Well what a whirlwind weekend! My baby Cooper turned five on Saturday, it's so hard not to look at him and think that he is no longer a baby. If only feels like yesterday that l was putting him to bed with his sleeping bag, 3 dummies and a drink bottle. As silly as it sounds it really feels like he has matured over the weekend.

He wanted a monster party, l found some great monster themed scrap booking paper in which l based the cake around. The cake wasn't going to have the black dot's on it, but Cooper said it needed more black and that he wanted to do it himself eek... so l gave him a few practices and he was actually pretty good. He did most of the dots himself, he's going to be my little budding cake decorator!

The party was a hit, we had 27 kids running crazily around the house. Cooper had a ball, unfortunately l didn't get to photograph all the food as l was a bit pushed for time. But l did get one of the dessert table! I love parties and l can't wait to do Hamish's in November.

Enjoy!

Y x

A taste of Sweeden

Halloumi Finger Pirogs

You'll have to excuse the bad photo, but l was pushed for time. I was given the recipe from my cousins wife who is Swedish. These are delicious cheese pasties/parcels, the pastry is somewhat unusual and is something l haven't seen or tried before, but everything together worked wonderfully.

The recipe is easy to follow and relatively quick, the only problem I had was getting use to working with the dough. It is almost like pizza dough, l found l had to roll out each individual piece of dough to make it thin enough. I highly recommend giving these a try, the combination of the mint and the cheese is incredible!

Dough: makes 20

1/2kg flour
1 cup orange juice
1 100 water
125 ml olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

Filling:

250g Halloumi shredded
125g shredded cheddar cheese
50ml fresh mint chopped
1tsp baking powder
3 egg

1 egg wisked for brushing the pirogs before cooking
Pepper
Sesame seeds

Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add oil and mix well. Add juice a bit at time. Mix and let it rest for 20min.
Mix all the filling ingredients. Devide the dough to 20 bits and make little oval shapes. Put a tblsp of filling in each and press together. Place on tray and brush with egg and sesame seeds. Cook in oven for 20-25min in 225degrees.

Enjoy!

Yx

what's a party without sausage rolls!

It has been a while since l have posted something that is savory, and these sausage rolls make the perfect savory post. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect sausage roll recipe, and whilst visiting some very good friends of ours l think l may have found a winner. We were served these mouthwatering homely Sausage Rolls, K kindly gave me the recipe and with Coopers Birthday on Saturday Sausage Rolls are a must.

The Recipe is from Donna Hay, but K adds something special and this something is something that l would never in a million years think of adding. Well l suppose l should tell you, the special ingredient is a hand full of sultana's. I was contemplating whether or not l should add them but I'm so glad l did.

1kg sausage mince
2 eggs
2 c fresh breadcrumbs
1/3 c worcestershire sauce
2 tbs tomato paste
S&P
3 sheets puff pastry
2 yolks, lightly beaten
sesame seeds to sprinkle

** I always add stuff - usually a grated carrot or 2, half a grated zuchinni and a good handful of sultanas. Dont use a really fine grated or the rolls will be mushy!!

200 degrees C.
Combine mince, eggs, bread, worcest, tom paste, S&P (and anything else you want to add!!).
Cut pastry sheets in half.
Place mince mix along center and roll them up! Cut into thirds (or whatever!). Place on baking paper on tray. Brush with yolk and sprinkle seeds.
Bake 20-25 mins til golden.

Enjoy!

Y x

Love you to the moon and back

It's hard to believe that my baby is turing 5 on Saturday, it's seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Tomorrow they will celebrate his birthday at school, he decided he wanted a rocket ship for his cake. I got this idea from the Planet Cake Cook book, I had quite a hard time with this cake because l had to use a sponge cake and it was quite soft to work with.

Cooper is a very affectionate child and l love it when he comes up to me and says to me "Love you to the moon and back mummy". He (and I) are so excited about his birthday party, there will be about 25 kids he should have a ball!

A Bouquet of Cupcakes

Well what a weekend, l think l have been baking for 48 hours straight.

My niece and my mum share the same birthday, so l wanted to make something special for my mum. I have been wanting to try a cup cake bouquet for quite some time, I just love the summery feel it has.

To make this cupcake bouquet, fill the base of your choice with florist foam cutting it so it forms a round shape above your base.

Insert screwers into foam, leaving 1.5 inches poking out. Poke the cupcake through the skewer, I then filled the spaces with some doilies l would of made some more bows but I unfortunately ran out of ribbon.

Enjoy!

Y x

Flip Flop Flip Flop

Just another reminder that summer is just around the corner, it is my nieces 12th birthday this weekend and as she flicked through my cake books she instantly fell in love with this and kindly requested one giant flip flop for her birthday cake.

This is the first time that l've done a carved cake and to my surprise it wasn't that difficult, I've always been fearful of carved cakes. But not anymore, l loved the way it turned out especially the sand icing on the cake board it is so life like. I can't wait to show my niece.

One cake down and another 5 to go!

Until next time, enjoy!

Y x

mmm giant freckles

With Cooper's birthday just around the corner l've been trying a few different treats, and what better treat then Giant Freckles. Rather then the standard lolly bags l thought l might make these, I can just see all the kids eye lighting up when they see them and the parents thinking oh no.

Be warned they are extremely addictive!

Another bonus is that they are really easy to make

To make them

Gently Melt 500g of Chocolate and 50g of Cocoa Powder over the stove top stirring to combine.

Pour melted chocolate over disposable plates, spread evenly and then cover with sprinkles. Place in fridge and wait until set, once set they should remove easily from the plate.

Thought l would also add a photo of the banner l have made for Cooper's Birthday. He's having a Monster party, you can't tell but there are little monsters on the paper.

Enjoy!

Y x

Christmas is coming...

Scary as it is Christmas is just around the corner and one thing that l really love is Christmas baking. I have been on the hunt for a traditional shortbread recipe, I had some spare time today so l thought l would give Margaret Fulton's recipe a try.

The biscuits are mouthwatering and l can see myself making them time and time again. They would make the perfect handmade Christmas gift.

2 Cups Plain Flour
1 Cup Corn Starch
1 Cup Icing Sugar
250g Butter Softened
Sugar to sprinkle on top

Heat oven to 160 Degrees

Beat Butter until it looks like whipped cream, slowly add the sifted icing sugar until combined.
Slowly add the remaining dry ingredients

Line a slice tray with baking paper, place mixture in the tray until and spread out evenly.
Poke the mixture decoratively with a fork and then sprinkle with sugar.

Place in oven and bake for 40 minutes until lightly browned.

While warm slice the biscuits but leave them in the tin until cool.

Enjoy!

Y x

Birds Paradise

I promise that these are not gingerbread cookies, well almost ;-). I followed the same recipe for the gingerbread, but added some vanilla bean instead of the ginger. They were lovely, although l don't know if they are better then the gingerbread!

I made these beautiful biscuits for a clients baby shower, they were having a bird themed shower. I was a little bit disappointed that the piping colours didn't come out as dark as l wanted them too, despite adding lots of colour.

Thought l would just share this adorable picture of my two boys! They are growing up so fast, Cooper even managed to wrap and put the ribbon around the present. I think he will be handy over Christmas.

Enjoy!

Yx

Marshmallow Pops

With Cooper and Hamish's birthday just around the corner, I thought it was about time that I start looking into catering for the party.

I found the idea for Marshmallow Pops whilst flicking through a magazine in the hairdressers, what a perfect little treat for the party goers!'

And what's even better, they are so simple to make. Just place a marshmallow on a lollypop stick and the dip it in chocolate and decorate with some sprinkles and a lolly of your choice.

Stick the pops into some foam so they will harden and it's as simple as that!

Enjoy!

Y x