tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13158820341354993052024-03-18T16:40:20.285+00:00The more than occasional bakerA blog about my baking adventures and other random ramblingsBaking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.comBlogger753125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-72603615657843512016-06-12T21:25:00.003+01:002016-06-12T21:25:58.993+01:00Chocolate Cupcakes <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4xB162ERhE/V11kp6s0pTI/AAAAAAAAYd8/YPxg36dR0YkR0FN5mR-cD7pVqdI-GvpIACKgB/s1600/P1030501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4xB162ERhE/V11kp6s0pTI/AAAAAAAAYd8/YPxg36dR0YkR0FN5mR-cD7pVqdI-GvpIACKgB/s320/P1030501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These are quite possibly the best chocolate cupcakes I've ever had. One day I had a craving for a simple chocolate cupcake. Not one that's paired with fruit or caramel or a combination of flavours. Just pure chocolate. Sometimes simple is best and this is about as simple as it gets. No extra flavours, no hidden surprises just chocolate on chocolate. It definitely satisfied my craving and it was so good I baked a second batch so that J could take some to work.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQvh2BDyHLw/V11pdrXpujI/AAAAAAAAYfY/zGdWJVSbHskhdXJd7YNJMaZnvRpp_sTiQCKgB/s1600/P1030494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQvh2BDyHLw/V11pdrXpujI/AAAAAAAAYfY/zGdWJVSbHskhdXJd7YNJMaZnvRpp_sTiQCKgB/s320/P1030494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRoYzlJUYvk/V11khSCEFlI/AAAAAAAAYd8/OGq7JX8JWH4XBzcO9QaQfm5JL27_6CpQACKgB/s1600/P1030495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRoYzlJUYvk/V11khSCEFlI/AAAAAAAAYd8/OGq7JX8JWH4XBzcO9QaQfm5JL27_6CpQACKgB/s320/P1030495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4xB162ERhE/V11kp6s0pTI/AAAAAAAAYd8/YPxg36dR0YkR0FN5mR-cD7pVqdI-GvpIACKgB/s1600/P1030501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4xB162ERhE/V11kp6s0pTI/AAAAAAAAYd8/YPxg36dR0YkR0FN5mR-cD7pVqdI-GvpIACKgB/s320/P1030501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RR6eA_PygY/V11klS6dF6I/AAAAAAAAYd8/hwSnqlVUD48HNf4tPOChJINXKJC_arb8QCKgB/s1600/P1030503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RR6eA_PygY/V11klS6dF6I/AAAAAAAAYd8/hwSnqlVUD48HNf4tPOChJINXKJC_arb8QCKgB/s320/P1030503.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Makes 12 cupcakes<br />
<u>For the cupcake</u><br />
185g flour<br />
50g cocoa powder<br />
3/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda<br />
113g butter<br />
200g caster sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1/2 cup or 125mls milk<br />
1/2 cup or 125ml hot water<br />
<br />
<u>For the frosting</u><br />
150g butter<br />
160g icing sugar<br />
25g cocoa powder<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
115g dark chocolate, melted<br />
2 tablespoons cream<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C. </li>
<li>Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.</li>
<li>Add in the eggs, one at a time and then the vanilla extract.</li>
<li>Add half of the dry ingredients then the milk.</li>
<li>Add the remaining dry ingredients then the hot water.</li>
<li>Divide the mixture into 12 cupcake cases.</li>
<li>Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.</li>
<li>Allow to cool completely before frosting.</li>
<li>To make the frosting, beat the butter and icing sugar together until smooth. </li>
<li>Add the cocoa powder followed by the melted chocolate and mix well.</li>
<li>Finally add in the cream and whisk further until the icing is smooth and glossy.</li>
<li>Pipe the chocolate icing on top of the chocolate cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com295tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-82584665543018042352016-05-30T21:34:00.000+01:002016-05-30T21:34:17.501+01:00AlphaBakes "F" Roundup <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi everyone. Welcome to the final AlphaBakes round up for now. If you missed the announcement at the beginning of May, we are taking a break from AlphaBakes for a while. We've kept it going for 52 months which is over 4 years and in that time we've managed to run through the alphabet twice! Thank you to everyone who has participated in AlphaBakes through the years and we hope to be back in the future. In the meantime, sit back and relax as we go through the fanfastic final "F" entries for this month. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suelle from Mainly Baking baked a <a href="http://mainlybaking.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/chunky-fig-apricot-and-prune-cake.html">chunky fig, apricot and prune cake</a>. It's a river cottage recipe which she found whilst searching for a recipe with dried figs. It turned out to be a lovely fruit cake with spice and citrus notes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9ERF_3pjaw/V0yY06lIy_I/AAAAAAAAYb4/_0OBy4aaWBUxHK7Uw4rOB--TSzi81KhSACLcB/s1600/fig%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9ERF_3pjaw/V0yY06lIy_I/AAAAAAAAYb4/_0OBy4aaWBUxHK7Uw4rOB--TSzi81KhSACLcB/s200/fig%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Caroline from Caroline Makes baked <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/05/ferrero-rocher-cupcakes.html">Ferrero Rocher cupcakes</a> using Ferrero chocolates that she received from a neighbour at Christmas. She adapted my recipe (which was also adapted from someone else!) and made a few changes which resulted in a beautiful and delicious cupcake. I love the chocolate shot on top. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWHLScbNRNs/V0ybL4-j9uI/AAAAAAAAYcE/YENYoTFqIvI6yLkuY4sJGehchuDAgdT1wCLcB/s1600/ferrero%2Bcupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWHLScbNRNs/V0ybL4-j9uI/AAAAAAAAYcE/YENYoTFqIvI6yLkuY4sJGehchuDAgdT1wCLcB/s200/ferrero%2Bcupcakes.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kate from The Gluten Free Alchemist brings a savoury twist to our round up with a delicious sounding <a href="http://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/2016/05/japanese-fried-tofu-with-egg-spring.html">Japanese Fried Tofu with egg, spring onion and bonito flakes</a>. Sadly she is going through a sudden bereavement but has managed to find the time and effort to create a delicious and nutrient packed meal. The recipe is inspired by her time in Japan where she was introduced to a version of this dish by Japanese friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt7OZX9brdE/V0ye0ep-3RI/AAAAAAAAYcQ/QR6Q7ck89Kk3uCukz3W0-Zs2YpdYqMMgwCLcB/s1600/fried%2Btofu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt7OZX9brdE/V0ye0ep-3RI/AAAAAAAAYcQ/QR6Q7ck89Kk3uCukz3W0-Zs2YpdYqMMgwCLcB/s200/fried%2Btofu.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Caroline from Caroline Makes is back with an <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/05/m-chocolate-birthday-cake.html">M&M chocolate birthday cake</a>. She baked a chocolate birthday cake for her fiance and had an extra layer of cake which she used to create another chocolate cake. It has chocolate buttercream icing and chocolate fingers around the cake and a sea of M&M's on top. I'm pretty sure there were no leftovers from this! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf0knJiDdPA/V0yf1iAG72I/AAAAAAAAYcc/_isnXCv-GFUUTx0FP2ZR-ukVqLSr4Id4wCLcB/s1600/m%2526m%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf0knJiDdPA/V0yf1iAG72I/AAAAAAAAYcc/_isnXCv-GFUUTx0FP2ZR-ukVqLSr4Id4wCLcB/s200/m%2526m%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next is Stuart from Cakeyboi with his <a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/2016/05/brownie-batter-swirled-cookie-dough.html">Brownie Batter Swirled Cookie Dough Fudge</a>. He combined cookie dough fudge with brownie batter fudge and added some chocolate chips just before serving. As you can imagine they are quite rich but I'm pretty sure I'd find it hard to stop at just one of these! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc1ZLHcDGYI/V0yiNcxC1II/AAAAAAAAYco/_x95wFnfokwI9U3DZb5tsoGEJl3t472uACLcB/s1600/cookie%2Bdough%2Bbrownie%2Bbatter%2Bfudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc1ZLHcDGYI/V0yiNcxC1II/AAAAAAAAYco/_x95wFnfokwI9U3DZb5tsoGEJl3t472uACLcB/s320/cookie%2Bdough%2Bbrownie%2Bbatter%2Bfudge.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last but not least is my own <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/chocolate-fudge-cake.html">Chocolate Fudge Cake</a>. It's a Mary Berry recipe and it was quick and simple to put together with great results. The cake was light, moist and chocolatey and the ganache was absolutely divine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4msgYteWkE/V0yi6FbC8RI/AAAAAAAAYcw/Kf-CjfohcNY99u0skPN0E2rBacLJk1XOQCLcB/s1600/chocolate%2Bfudge%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4msgYteWkE/V0yi6FbC8RI/AAAAAAAAYcw/Kf-CjfohcNY99u0skPN0E2rBacLJk1XOQCLcB/s200/chocolate%2Bfudge%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's the end of the "F" round up and AlphaBakes for now. Hope to see you again soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com767tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-54911053741525475382016-05-25T22:57:00.003+01:002016-05-25T22:57:38.880+01:00Chocolate Fudge Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGcoPZyluew/V0Yc3WGDNUI/AAAAAAAAYbI/lYSgcCJVom0Kubk6PZD37r6kxVgS91byACKgB/s1600/P1030848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGcoPZyluew/V0Yc3WGDNUI/AAAAAAAAYbI/lYSgcCJVom0Kubk6PZD37r6kxVgS91byACKgB/s320/P1030848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi everyone! Sorry for the long absence. Life has just been crazy lately and I've also lost my baking mojo :( I hope it will come back soon as I do enjoy baking and everyone keeps asking me where's the cake? I will however have to step back from blogging for the time being but I hope to come back to it in full swing at a later date.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a really simple recipe from the Queen of baking, Mary Berry. The letter for this month's <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/alphabakes-may-2016.html">AlphaBakes</a> is F so I decided to bake a simple chocolate fudge cake. Looking back on my blog, I can't believe I've not baked one before! This is a really quick and simple recipe with great results. The cake was light, moist and chocolatey and the ganache was divine. It went down really well at J's office and I'm sure I'll be baking this again in the future. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/alphabakes-may-2016.html">AlphaBakes</a> hosted by myself this month and co-hosted by Caroline from <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a>. The letter this month is F for Fudge cake. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1vgc2yt8vQ/V0YcsdN-PFI/AAAAAAAAYbE/Bvmfmmf_M38azuDWBXJA6bPk-Q2YOk2TwCKgB/s1600/P1030842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1vgc2yt8vQ/V0YcsdN-PFI/AAAAAAAAYbE/Bvmfmmf_M38azuDWBXJA6bPk-Q2YOk2TwCKgB/s320/P1030842.JPG" width="320" /></a> mix cocoa powder with boiling water </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0Fi9VCzg00/V0YcqQuZNzI/AAAAAAAAYbA/rwVddYyJywcLUCvAAr4KuwhnIGujOyxnwCKgB/s1600/P1030843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0Fi9VCzg00/V0YcqQuZNzI/AAAAAAAAYbA/rwVddYyJywcLUCvAAr4KuwhnIGujOyxnwCKgB/s320/P1030843.JPG" width="320" /></a> mix all the ingredients together and you're done! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNdHFGxaawk/V0YdD7hZ9bI/AAAAAAAAYbQ/_O5dnvV_um81u9aHMQ9kAzyQi-iVmxFVwCKgB/s1600/P1030864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNdHFGxaawk/V0YdD7hZ9bI/AAAAAAAAYbQ/_O5dnvV_um81u9aHMQ9kAzyQi-iVmxFVwCKgB/s320/P1030864.JPG" width="320" /></a>I decorated mine with white chocolate stars </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGcoPZyluew/V0Yc3WGDNUI/AAAAAAAAYbc/fT8zp9Sk0mEmw5aSerta0UZDFUh-M2nEQCKgB/s1600/P1030848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGcoPZyluew/V0Yc3WGDNUI/AAAAAAAAYbc/fT8zp9Sk0mEmw5aSerta0UZDFUh-M2nEQCKgB/s320/P1030848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I used this <a href="http://www.womansown.co.uk/food/mary-berrys-very-best-chocolate-fudge-cake-9269/" rel="nofollow">recipe</a> which I found online so I won't reproduce it here.Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-15378259157779198582016-05-01T08:00:00.000+01:002016-05-05T05:28:09.496+01:00AlphaBakes May 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi everyone and welcome to May's AlphaBakes. This is the last letter of our second run through the alphabet so the letter won't come as a surprise. If you haven't already seen the roundup for April's entries on <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline's blog</a> then do head on over to check it out. When we started this journey back in Feb 2012 we'd never have imagined the success that we have achieved and we'd like to thank each and everyone of you who have supported us in the AlphaBakes journey. Sadly all good things must come to an end and for various reasons, we have decided not to continue with AlphaBakes for now. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are still accepting entries for this month which is the letter... "<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">F</span>". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Entry is via the linky tool below and if for some reason it's not working then please email alphabakes@gmail.com by 25th May 2016. <span style="color: blue;">Please note the linky won't open until May 4th as I'm on holidays but feel free to email your entries and I'll add them when the linky opens</span>.<br />
<br />
Quick reminder of the rules....<br />
<br />
1. Post your <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> on your blog and link it to <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.com/">The More than Occasional Baker</a> and <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a>, stating the relevant month's host. If you do not have a blog, email us a picture and a brief description of your entry which we will include in the round-up at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
2. You can use your own <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> or someone else's <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a>. The recipe can be sweet, savoury or a mixture! Anything goes as long as the random letter is predominantly featured in the recipe as one of the main ingredients or flavours or in the name of the bake itself (i .e . not as a garnish , or using 'flour' for the letter F!) You can also republish old posts/<a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPES<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> but you must include the information for this challenge as stated in these rules.<br />
<br />
3. Add the logo to your post and add 'alphabakes' as a label to your post.<br />
<br />
4. Entry is via the linky tool below. Alternatively, you can email your entries to alphabakes@gmail.com by midnight (GMT) 25th May 2016. Please include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Your name (that you want included in the round up or we will use the name of your blog) </li>
<li>Your blog post URL </li>
<li><a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> title </li>
<li>Photo of <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> (to be included in the round up) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
5. You can submit as many entries as you like.<br />
<br />
6. You do not have to participate every month to join in.<br />
<br />
7. You may submit your entry to other challenges as long as it complies with their rules.<br />
<br />
8. If you use twitter, please use the tag #alphabakes and mention @bakingaddict and @Caroline_Makes. We will retweet all those that we see.<br />
<br />
9. Have fun! :)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/ZNDJ2DIJyco4a5oTxW2HL2fF1TO1WeznQCKgB/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="//www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=630867&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdncache-a.akamaihd.net%2Fitems%2Fit%2Fimg%2Farrow-10x10.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" with "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" -->Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-72957543017572230132016-04-21T11:23:00.001+01:002016-04-21T11:23:45.565+01:00Chocolate Sweet Shop Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaZyKRQHRaA/VxiltSIQbOI/AAAAAAAAYYw/5UHVeXhbCU49neql1MjVG36mXmvtOhOdwCKgB/s1600/P1030601.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Kit Kat, candy cake " border="0" height="296" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaZyKRQHRaA/VxiltSIQbOI/AAAAAAAAYYw/5UHVeXhbCU49neql1MjVG36mXmvtOhOdwCKgB/s320/P1030601.JPG" title="Chocolate sweet shop cake " width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A really quick post today as I'm currently on holidays and will be travelling for the next few weeks. I made this for a colleague's son's birthday. Looking back, I've made his birthday cake for the past 3 years (<a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.my/2013/04/bin-weevils-birthday-cake.html">Bin Weevils</a>, <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.my/2014/04/trash-pack-birthday-cake.html">Trash Pack</a>, <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.my/2015/05/football-pinata-birthday-cake.html">Football Pinata Cake</a>) and they've always been a huge success. He told his mum that he didn't want a shop bought cake, only a Ros cake! Well how could I disappoint? He initially asked for a playstation 4 cake but my cake decorating skills do not extend that far and I was really pressed for time. Instead I made this chocolate cake and decorated it with Kit Kat fingers, Maltesers, Jelly beans, Smarties and Skittles. He was absolutely delighted with the cake and wrote me a really sweet thank you note which you can see below. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NVmyEjsXvA/VxioX-YEvYI/AAAAAAAAYZI/R4DGwVc8mlQvJ6BEBUOaruhnc7aMoGq3gCKgB/s1600/thank%2Byou.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NVmyEjsXvA/VxioX-YEvYI/AAAAAAAAYZI/R4DGwVc8mlQvJ6BEBUOaruhnc7aMoGq3gCKgB/s320/thank%2Byou.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The cake and buttercream is the same as the <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.my/2016/03/chocolate-easter-cake.html">Chocolate Easter Cake</a> I made earlier this year and the decorations are as simple as they look here. A short blog holiday for now, see you back in mid-May!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1q6zOZmnh8/Vxil0CVtHFI/AAAAAAAAYY0/wXZbla3b6q89DECwom3qq-j84fY83ZvFACKgB/s1600/P1030602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kit Kat, candy cake " border="0" height="284" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1q6zOZmnh8/Vxil0CVtHFI/AAAAAAAAYY0/wXZbla3b6q89DECwom3qq-j84fY83ZvFACKgB/s320/P1030602.JPG" title="Chocolate sweet shop cake " width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atPxPPhrxqI/Vxil7yIQyAI/AAAAAAAAYY4/7ZxIvUMzUc0RRvh8J-RbfqlbXz6tIW4nQCKgB/s1600/P1030599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kit Kat, candy cake " border="0" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atPxPPhrxqI/Vxil7yIQyAI/AAAAAAAAYY4/7ZxIvUMzUc0RRvh8J-RbfqlbXz6tIW4nQCKgB/s320/P1030599.JPG" title="Chocolate sweet shop cake " width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-49064963812440214942016-04-09T15:11:00.000+01:002016-04-09T15:11:04.123+01:00Toffee Crisp Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jW9XU6SSm5A/VwkFvNVD0II/AAAAAAAAYW4/Bp3T158Z2h4Xhgl-m6BJq-xeusZ1VANPw/s1600/P1030595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jW9XU6SSm5A/VwkFvNVD0II/AAAAAAAAYW4/Bp3T158Z2h4Xhgl-m6BJq-xeusZ1VANPw/s320/P1030595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These cookies are really simple to make yet extremely addictive and delicious. They are really crispy and crunchy and I love the melted toffee crisp inside. I made 2 batches of these as they were just so delicious and we couldn't stop eating them straight from the oven. J and I both took a batch to work and they disappeared in no time!<br />
<br />
I'm sending these to <a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/2016/04/treat-petite-april-2016.html">Treat Petite</a> hosted by Stuart from <a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/">Cakeyboi</a> and Kat from <a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/">The Baking Explorer</a>. The theme this month is favourite sweets, chocolates and biscuits which was the inspiration for this bake. I love toffee crisp bars and used to eat a lot of it when I was younger. I decided to bake it into a cookie and was really pleased with the result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-11f6sACei48/VwkMKc6hJyI/AAAAAAAAYXM/-fh4jIBCEigoSl0tZIAmgT4VYGMPc7Z1w/s1600/treat%2Bpetite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-11f6sACei48/VwkMKc6hJyI/AAAAAAAAYXM/-fh4jIBCEigoSl0tZIAmgT4VYGMPc7Z1w/s200/treat%2Bpetite.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm also sending it to <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/04/alphabakes-challenge-april-2016.html?m=1">AlphaBakes</a> hosted by Caroline from <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a> and myself on alternate months. The letter this month is 'T' for Toffee Crisp.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QYhU-z48iGB_yspC4oNo4sTQ/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QYhU-z48iGB_yspC4oNo4sTQ/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0s8ng5Uz5Lo/VwkFe-4jJeI/AAAAAAAAYW8/nlfvJDQq3Oo4f6Z8i2uX-o8feq5EcusYQ/s1600/P1030583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0s8ng5Uz5Lo/VwkFe-4jJeI/AAAAAAAAYW8/nlfvJDQq3Oo4f6Z8i2uX-o8feq5EcusYQ/s320/P1030583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWaoWanbZL8/VwkFlGwHiTI/AAAAAAAAYW8/p78Hiadew6cG3_Ra35t7sglNbJRyA5-cQ/s1600/P1030585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWaoWanbZL8/VwkFlGwHiTI/AAAAAAAAYW8/p78Hiadew6cG3_Ra35t7sglNbJRyA5-cQ/s320/P1030585.JPG" width="320" /></a> chopped up toffee crisp bars </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Idh8wS5Dy5I/VwkFoLbE5mI/AAAAAAAAYWw/b3NZVEMEOTsrtWWh9kSxMNWIKI7qHR8rA/s1600/P1030587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Idh8wS5Dy5I/VwkFoLbE5mI/AAAAAAAAYWw/b3NZVEMEOTsrtWWh9kSxMNWIKI7qHR8rA/s320/P1030587.JPG" width="320" /></a> adding them to the cookie batter </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFhjVfJwI2o/VwkFqulBOmI/AAAAAAAAYW0/406IVtKb_AcYf7UfNhTWF9r_Nu-gE-t4Q/s1600/P1030597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFhjVfJwI2o/VwkFqulBOmI/AAAAAAAAYW0/406IVtKb_AcYf7UfNhTWF9r_Nu-gE-t4Q/s320/P1030597.JPG" width="320" /></a> light, crispy, toffee cookies </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
170g butter <br />80g white sugar<br />80g brown sugar<br />1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />1 egg<br />250g flour<br />1 teaspoon baking powder<br />8 bars of Toffee Crisp, chopped<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat oven to 180C. </li>
<li>Line baking sheets with parchment paper.</li>
<li>Beat the butter, sugars, egg and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.</li>
<li>Stir in flour and baking powder.</li>
<li>Finally add the chopped Toffee Crisp bars. </li>
<li>I used an ice cream scoop to place cookie dough evenly spaced on a baking sheet. Alternatively drop heaped tablespoonfuls of dough on to the baking sheet.</li>
<li>Bake for 11-13 minutes or until light brown (centre will still be soft).</li>
<li>Allow to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-74611551755597547832016-04-02T15:52:00.001+01:002016-04-02T15:52:53.426+01:00AlphaBakes 'C' Roundup <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QYhU-z48iGB_yspC4oNo4sTQ/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QYhU-z48iGB_yspC4oNo4sTQ/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi all, hope everyone had a good Easter. Sorry for the late roundup but it's just been a little crazy lately. Plus Easter was really early this year and we extended the deadline to accout for Easter. Thank you to everyone who entered this month, a great selection of entries with lots of variety of C's including a savoury entry. Do click on the links to visit the entries. If you haven't already seen what letter we are using in April then do head on over to <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/04/alphabakes-challenge-april-2016.html">Caroline's blog</a> to find out. I will be back hosting AlphaBakes in May which will be the last letter of round two. See you all then :) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6bLJhDopT4/Vv_HiM8nsGI/AAAAAAAAYVM/DY_daPVtzLMKakJ69JZ2ZDczjW0XOS1Hw/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6bLJhDopT4/Vv_HiM8nsGI/AAAAAAAAYVM/DY_daPVtzLMKakJ69JZ2ZDczjW0XOS1Hw/s400/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Chocolate Cupcakes by Jacqueline, Caroline's mum.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/03/butterscotch-cow-cookies-with-engraved.html">Butterscotch Cow Cookies</a> by Caroline from Caroline Makes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Clementine and Almond cake (gluten free) by Clare, Caroline's sister</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Chocolate flower shape bundt cake by Jacqueline</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Coconut sponge with jam in the middle by Jacqueline</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. <a href="http://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/2016/03/choc-cross-buns-gluten-free-ready-for.html">Chocolate hot cross buns (gluten free)</a> by Kate from The Gluten Free Alchemist </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0pG-yeE1Io/Vv_KzSwuZ1I/AAAAAAAAYVY/hHmoZH1D4VAemdyuFIe5R6wJ4CpU7Helw/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0pG-yeE1Io/Vv_KzSwuZ1I/AAAAAAAAYVY/hHmoZH1D4VAemdyuFIe5R6wJ4CpU7Helw/s400/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/03/lemon-and-mascarpone-mothers-day-cake.html?m=1">Lemon and Mascarpone Mother's Day Cake with Painted Flowers</a> by Caroline from Caroline Makes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. <a href="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2016/03/creme-egg-malteser-chocolate-tiffin-bundt-cake.html">Creme Egg & Malteser Chocolate Tiffin Bundt Cake</a> by Karen from Lavender and Lovage</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2016/03/banana-sultana-walnut-and-cinnamon-hot.html">Banana, sultana, walnut and cinnamon hot cross buns</a> by Dom from Belleau Kitchen</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. <a href="http://searchingforspice.com/2016/03/07/apple-cinnamon-and-caramel-cake/">Apple and Cinnamon Caramel Cake</a> by Corina from Searching for Spice</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. <a href="http://tinandthyme.uk/2016/03/chocolate-coconut-cannellini-cake/">Chocolate Coconut Cannellini Cake</a> by Choclette from Tin and Thyme</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12. <a href="http://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/2016/03/easter-creme-egg-mousse-cake-gluten-free.html">Easter Creme Egg Mousse Cake - gluten free</a> by Kate from The Gluten Free Alchemist </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdovQfDF30s/Vv_Ug8tgoiI/AAAAAAAAYVo/sQ-Om2d8TfwupaUCoTTWGkuK8bSY-u5WQ/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdovQfDF30s/Vv_Ug8tgoiI/AAAAAAAAYVo/sQ-Om2d8TfwupaUCoTTWGkuK8bSY-u5WQ/s400/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13. <a href="http://mainlybaking.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/lemon-coconut-and-cherry-loaf-cake.html">Lemon, Coconut and Cherry Loaf Cake (Dairy Free)</a> by Suelle from Mainly Baking</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
14. <a href="http://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/2016/03/miss-gf-makes-3-peanut-magic-bars.html">Peanut Magic Bars (gluten free)</a> by Kate from The Gluten Free Alchemist </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
15. <a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/2016/03/chocolate-meringue-easter-nests.html">Chocolate Meringue Easter Nests</a> by Kat from The Baking Explorer</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
16. <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/chocolate-easter-cake.html">Chocolate Easter Cake</a> by Ros from The More Than Occasional Baker</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
17. <a href="http://www.fromplatetopen.com/2016/03/creme-egg-double-chocolate-muffins-recipe.html">Creme Egg Double Chocolate Muffins</a> by Sarah from Plate To Pen </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
18. <a href="http://www.elizabethskitchendiary.co.uk/2016/03/raw-cacao-easter-cupcakes.html/">Raw Cacao Easter Cupcakes</a> by Elizabeth from Elizabeth;s Kitchen Diary </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IobLiFO2Rkw/Vv_YlYotcbI/AAAAAAAAYV4/Vr7PkkwAiKYAIJoO1rCeIuwwPxb1RRc3g/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IobLiFO2Rkw/Vv_YlYotcbI/AAAAAAAAYV4/Vr7PkkwAiKYAIJoO1rCeIuwwPxb1RRc3g/s400/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
19. <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/03/chocolate-easter-cupcakes.html">Chocolate Easter Cupcakes</a> by Caroline from Caroline Makes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
20. <a href="http://www.howtocookgoodfood.co.uk/2016/03/easter-caramel-meringue-nests/">Easter Caramel Meringue Nests</a> by Laura from How to Cook Good Food</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
21. <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2016/03/broken-easter-egg-brownies.html">Broken Easter Egg Brownies</a> by Dom from Belleau Kitchen </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
22. <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/03/homemade-hand-decorated-easter-eggs.html">Homemade Hand-Decorated Easter Eggs</a> by Caroline from Caroline Makes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
23. <a href="http://charlotteslivelykitchen.com/easy-one-tray-roast-chicken/">Easy One Tray Roast Chicken</a> by Charlotte from Charlotte's Lively Kitchen </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
24. <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/03/floating-anti-gravity-mini-egg-white.html">Floating Anti-Gravity Mini Egg White Chocolate and Lemon Cake</a> by Caroline from Caroline Makes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BG3rWCvILEc/Vv_bm0TK7tI/AAAAAAAAYWE/IeH6P94ZEn8cuwgnqwR9nbX8EGXcnE4Ww/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BG3rWCvILEc/Vv_bm0TK7tI/AAAAAAAAYWE/IeH6P94ZEn8cuwgnqwR9nbX8EGXcnE4Ww/s400/AlphaBakes%2BC%2Bround%2B24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
25. <a href="http://bakinginfranglais.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/apple-and-calvados-terrine.html">Apple and Calvados Terrine</a> by Jean from Baking in Franglais</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
26. <a href="http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/vegan-friendly-giant-jaffa-cake.html">Vegan Friendly Giant Jaffa Cake</a> by Shaheen from Allotment2Kitchen </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
27. <a href="http://charlotteslivelykitchen.com/marzipan-cherry-sweet-soda-bread/">Marzipan, Cherry & Orange Blossom Sweet Soda Bread</a> by Charlotte from Charlotte's Lively Kitchen </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's the end of the C round up. Till next time.... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-35456874689216475052016-03-20T18:35:00.000+00:002016-03-20T18:35:02.315+00:00Chocolate Easter Cake <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjO3xQq3QYw/Vu7bttJdeQI/AAAAAAAAYT8/3Rm-1PNu9woc5N43n3RlAKSCnbpAfbd3Q/s1600/P1030570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjO3xQq3QYw/Vu7bttJdeQI/AAAAAAAAYT8/3Rm-1PNu9woc5N43n3RlAKSCnbpAfbd3Q/s320/P1030570.JPG" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Can you believe it's a week till Easter? I know it's early this year but it still seems to have come out of nowhere. I have great plans for Easter baking but I'm not sure if I'll get round to all of it! Thankfully I have an Easter themed cake to share with you today and will definitely be baking a few more in the next week! This cake is a chocaholic's dream and is sure to impress both adults and children. It has a light chocolate sponge sandwiched with chocolate buttercream, surrounded by Kit Kats and is topped with mini eggs and a chocolate bunny and a chocolate duck made from Belgian chocolate. I bought the chocolate figures from my recent trip to Belgium and they taste as good as they look. For my cakes next week I'm going to use Lindt chocolate bunnies, Cabdury milk bunny and a Cadbury Chick. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to several blog challenges this month.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/alphabakes-march-2016.html">AlphaBakes</a> hosted by myself and Caroline from <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a>. The letter this month is C for Chocolate. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QYhU-z48iGB_yspC4oNo4sTQ/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QYhU-z48iGB_yspC4oNo4sTQ/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://lancashire-food.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/we-should-cocoa-march-2016-eggs-all.html">We Should Cocoa</a> guest hosted by Linzi from <a href="http://lancashire-food.blogspot.co.uk/">Lancashire Food</a> on behalf of Choclette from <a href="http://lwlink3.linkwithin.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_145849737039412&key=503c38809682907e0e07931326b1c03d&libId=im0vjxo601012xfu000DA7zu882i2&loc=http%3A%2F%2Flancashire-food.blogspot.co.uk%2F2016%2F03%2Fwe-should-cocoa-march-2016-eggs-all.html&v=1&out=http%3A%2F%2Ftinandthyme.uk%2F&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fthefoodblogdiary.blogspot.co.uk%2F&title=Lancashire%20Food%3A%20We%20should%20Cocoa%20-%20March%202016%20-%20Eggs%20!%20all%20types&txt=Tin%20and%20Thyme">Tin and Thyme</a>. The theme this month is eggs. There's real eggs in the cake and chocolate mini eggs in the decoration! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yne7Ke7caYM/UcoBuBt8WpI/AAAAAAAAKqQ/-8Kvyc8ga2cDypuqjIX22nl0gC01WXqvA/s1600/We_Should_Cocoa_V3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yne7Ke7caYM/UcoBuBt8WpI/AAAAAAAAKqQ/-8Kvyc8ga2cDypuqjIX22nl0gC01WXqvA/s200/We_Should_Cocoa_V3.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2016/03/simply-eggcellent-13-celebration-of-eggs.html">Simply Eggcellent</a> hosted by Dom from <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/">Belleau Kitchen</a>. As mentioned there are real eggs in the cake and lots of mini eggs on top! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zd8HL0FUuDY/Vu7ntAA7g4I/AAAAAAAAYUM/pu6aymVJD8QD5V2nXOrDydFimZkDtFm6w/s1600/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zd8HL0FUuDY/Vu7ntAA7g4I/AAAAAAAAYUM/pu6aymVJD8QD5V2nXOrDydFimZkDtFm6w/s200/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://hedgecombers.com/2016/03/01/tea-time-treats-linky-party-march-2016/">Tea Time Treats</a> hosted by Janie from <a href="http://hedgecombers.com/">The Hedgecombers</a> and Karen from <a href="http://lavenderandlovage.com/">Lavender and Lovage</a>. The theme this month is Easter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YM6e-7RlTY/Vu7oaosulTI/AAAAAAAAYUU/QMsdw2jR5C4k8h8AklC4f6BUViy2ASJXg/s1600/tea%2Btime%2Btreats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YM6e-7RlTY/Vu7oaosulTI/AAAAAAAAYUU/QMsdw2jR5C4k8h8AklC4f6BUViy2ASJXg/s200/tea%2Btime%2Btreats.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://charlotteslivelykitchen.com/foodyearlinkup-march-2016/">#FoodYearLinkUp</a> hosted by Charlotte from Charlotte's Lively Kitchen. This cake is definitely for Easter!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WlWP9aUNEok/Vu7o9oVh9MI/AAAAAAAAYUc/KNjG1mXALZEqQ58llILlYKsOYX7gRrOkA/s1600/Food-Year-Linkup-March-2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WlWP9aUNEok/Vu7o9oVh9MI/AAAAAAAAYUc/KNjG1mXALZEqQ58llILlYKsOYX7gRrOkA/s200/Food-Year-Linkup-March-2016.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2fpULnIbio/Vu7bUTSo9QI/AAAAAAAAYT8/xJf-sSyyHdAneZWMtFfR1D9yTZ5qtscRQ/s1600/P1030554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2fpULnIbio/Vu7bUTSo9QI/AAAAAAAAYT8/xJf-sSyyHdAneZWMtFfR1D9yTZ5qtscRQ/s320/P1030554.JPG" width="180" /></a> Chocolate cakes, chocolate frosting, Kit Kats, mini eggs and chocolate figures </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjU0_47pppQ/Vu7bZbMqUVI/AAAAAAAAYT8/FoqZ2t_01hY97xwU4zOhy5IPMby1ps7bA/s1600/P1030557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjU0_47pppQ/Vu7bZbMqUVI/AAAAAAAAYT8/FoqZ2t_01hY97xwU4zOhy5IPMby1ps7bA/s320/P1030557.JPG" width="320" /></a> Spread a thick layer of frosting on top of the cake </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyhD22DV52E/Vu7bgCT-UAI/AAAAAAAAYT8/c_ECoxzWq6gR_Mf66lWD2uGHXLs5zYtmw/s1600/P1030560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyhD22DV52E/Vu7bgCT-UAI/AAAAAAAAYT8/c_ECoxzWq6gR_Mf66lWD2uGHXLs5zYtmw/s320/P1030560.JPG" width="320" /></a> Add another layer of cake on top and cover the cake - top and sides with frosting. Don't worry if it look messy as it will all be covered in chocolate candy. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXn8NbK264o/Vu7blt8u_bI/AAAAAAAAYT8/2wJZjd5oYD8O92U4ULCEMXpjNRr5MgUOA/s1600/P1030564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXn8NbK264o/Vu7blt8u_bI/AAAAAAAAYT8/2wJZjd5oYD8O92U4ULCEMXpjNRr5MgUOA/s320/P1030564.JPG" width="320" /></a> I love these Chocolate figures I bought from Belgium - so cute! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNPbsIUxjZo/Vu7b3AzDhCI/AAAAAAAAYUA/4slCHR4w0YUgC8gl6LqImQAKloc59MhKA/s1600/P1030567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNPbsIUxjZo/Vu7b3AzDhCI/AAAAAAAAYUA/4slCHR4w0YUgC8gl6LqImQAKloc59MhKA/s320/P1030567.JPG" width="200" /></a> Add Kit Kat Bars around the edge to form a fence. Place the chocolate figures in the centre then scatter mini eggs on top making sure to cover all the gaps and finish with a ribbon round the cake! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4wH-0lJ7Yc/Vu7cAWLdCtI/AAAAAAAAYUA/cRNb-V9iUUQpWsP4UoEgPJgoJOXV7j7VQ/s1600/P1030568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4wH-0lJ7Yc/Vu7cAWLdCtI/AAAAAAAAYUA/cRNb-V9iUUQpWsP4UoEgPJgoJOXV7j7VQ/s320/P1030568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5pNFnV9vYc/Vu7bAylh-JI/AAAAAAAAYTs/qrHMDWmvo8M725q19PhlExt5OLNQIBSBg/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5pNFnV9vYc/Vu7bAylh-JI/AAAAAAAAYTs/qrHMDWmvo8M725q19PhlExt5OLNQIBSBg/s320/IMG_4689.JPG" width="240" /></a> delicious! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the cake</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
220g plain flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
300g caster sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
85g cocoa powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1.5 teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1.5 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup/250mls milk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup/ 125mls vegetable oil </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup boiling water, slightly cooled </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the icing</u></div>
150g butter<br />
160g icing sugar<br />
25g cocoa powder<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
115g dark chocolate, melted<br />
2 tablespoons double cream (optional)<br />
<br />
<u>For the decorations</u><br />
Approximately 38 Kit Kat fingers<br />
250g mini eggs<br />
Chocolate figures<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C.</li>
<li>Grease and line 2 x 18cm sandwich tins. </li>
<li>Mix all thedry ingeredients for the cake in an electric mixer. </li>
<li>Add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.</li>
<li>Beat well then add in the boiled water. The batter will be very liquid - don't worry!</li>
<li>Divide the batter evenly between the 2 cake tins and bake in the pre heated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. </li>
<li>Allow to cool for 5 mins in the tin before turning out to a wire rack to cool completely.</li>
<li>To make the frosting, beat the butter and icing sugar until smooth. </li>
<li>Add the cocoa powder and mix well.</li>
<li>Add vanilla extract and melted chocolate and beat until smooth.</li>
<li>Finally add in the cream if using. </li>
<li>To decorate the cake, place a small dab of frosting in the centre of a cake board.</li>
<li>Place one cake bottom side up on the cake board.</li>
<li>Spread a generous layer of frosting and even the top with a palette knife.</li>
<li>Place the second cake on top and spread frosting on the top and sides of the cake.</li>
<li>Don't worry if its a little messy and you get cake crumbs in the frosting.</li>
<li>Use the Kit Kats to create a fence around the cake as shown. </li>
<li>Place the chocolate figures in the centre or wherever your choose and press down gently.</li>
<li>Scatter the mini eggs on top, pressing lightly to secure them to the cake. </li>
<li>Finish the look by tying a large ribbon around the cake. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-32890257262905848482016-03-09T08:22:00.001+00:002016-03-09T08:22:17.687+00:00Ham and Cheese Pizza Pinweels <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2673kSOLnU/Vt_XK6NziQI/AAAAAAAAYSw/I2xLC25DXgs/s1600/P1030542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2673kSOLnU/Vt_XK6NziQI/AAAAAAAAYSw/I2xLC25DXgs/s320/P1030542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's <a href="http://jusrol.co.uk/british-pie-week/" rel="nofollow">British Pie Week</a> this week 7- 13 March and I've teamed up with Jus Rol Pastry who are the founders of British Pie Week to create a simple recipe. The inspiration for this idea came from wanting to use up some Serrano ham as we got a whole leg of Serrano Ham for Christmas and only unwrapped it late in January. There's a lot of ham to use up so I've been creating different recipes incorporating Serrano ham. We were invited to a get together at our neighbours and wanted to bring party food to the table. These pizza pinwheels are perfect as they are quick and easy to make and tastes delicious! All you need is a sheet of Jus Rol puff pastry, tomato puree, dried herbs, slices of ham and grated cheese. You can make this vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding in slices of courgette or have it with cheese, tomato and herbs. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBYZnXhh2as/Vt_WQDHMCJI/AAAAAAAAYSU/41fqe4BmPvY/s1600/P1030523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBYZnXhh2as/Vt_WQDHMCJI/AAAAAAAAYSU/41fqe4BmPvY/s320/P1030523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHjzPLSF0As/Vt_WXoWYPnI/AAAAAAAAYSg/ZEf9vT90-x4/s1600/P1030525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHjzPLSF0As/Vt_WXoWYPnI/AAAAAAAAYSg/ZEf9vT90-x4/s320/P1030525.JPG" width="320" /></a> spread tomato puree on top of the puff pastry </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LfEyHsPC8o/Vt_WeeRkYeI/AAAAAAAAYSg/7o8DdEj5Rsk/s1600/P1030527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LfEyHsPC8o/Vt_WeeRkYeI/AAAAAAAAYSg/7o8DdEj5Rsk/s320/P1030527.JPG" width="320" /></a> add a sprinkling of dried herbs if using </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1VK9sUAqiw/Vt_WjHurEVI/AAAAAAAAYSg/hofJrgGAEY4/s1600/P1030528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1VK9sUAqiw/Vt_WjHurEVI/AAAAAAAAYSg/hofJrgGAEY4/s320/P1030528.JPG" width="320" /></a> add a generous amount of grated cheese, followed by slices of ham. Roll into a sausage and slice with a sharp knife</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avcWQFslXyI/Vt_Wv-dXteI/AAAAAAAAYSQ/nwArBLZVJyI/s1600/P1030541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avcWQFslXyI/Vt_Wv-dXteI/AAAAAAAAYSQ/nwArBLZVJyI/s320/P1030541.JPG" width="320" /></a> Brush with eggwash before baking </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PnZdKfGyu4/Vt_W8NTVxaI/AAAAAAAAYSo/5_3yr2GaPEw/s1600/P1030545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PnZdKfGyu4/Vt_W8NTVxaI/AAAAAAAAYSo/5_3yr2GaPEw/s320/P1030545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT3wY6EygLU/Vt_XE5qpQOI/AAAAAAAAYSw/aYi5ZXzhp_k/s1600/P1030549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT3wY6EygLU/Vt_XE5qpQOI/AAAAAAAAYSw/aYi5ZXzhp_k/s320/P1030549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ham and Cheese Pizza Pinwheels<br />
<br />
1 box Jus Rol Puff pastry<br />
1 tube tomato puree<br />
150g grated cheese<br />
dried herbs (optional)<br />
Ham slices - enough to cover the pastry<br />
1 egg for egg wash<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 200C. </li>
<li>Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a non stick surface.</li>
<li>Spread a generous layer of tomato puree and smooth with a palette knife. </li>
<li>Add a sprinkling of dried herbs if using.</li>
<li>Add the grated cheese then the ham slices, covering the whole pastry sheet. </li>
<li>Starting from the shorter end of the pastry, roll into a sausage. </li>
<li>Cut into slices and place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper.</li>
<li>Beat the egg in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water. </li>
<li>Brush the pastry with the eggwash.</li>
<li>Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes but watch closely after 18 minutes or so to make sure it's not burnt. </li>
<li>Serve warm or cold.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Disclaimer : I was sent vouchers from Jus Rol to buy the pastry. I provided all the other ingredients. All opinions expressed are my own. </b></i></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-37398609026194168752016-03-01T08:24:00.000+00:002016-03-01T08:24:30.381+00:00AlphaBakes March 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to March AlphaBakes. It's officially the start of spring and Easter is in March this year so lots to look forward to. If you haven't already seen the Yummy "Y" Roundup on <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/02/alphabakes-round-up-february-2016-y.html">Caroline's blog</a> then do head on over and check it out. For this month the random letter generator has been kind to us and we have a really easy letter which will fit in nicely for Easter as the letter is ... <b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">C </span></b><br />
<br />
As Easter is at the end of March and you may well want to enter your chocolatey Easter creations, we are extending the deadline for March until <b>30th March 2016</b>. The roundup will be posted a few days later and Caroline will start the next challenge on 1st April 2016. Entry is via the linky tool below and if for some reason it's not working then please email alphabakes@gmail.com by 30th March 2016.<br />
<br />
Quick reminder of the rules....<br />
<br />
1. Post your <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> on your blog and link it to <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.com/">The More than Occasional Baker</a> and <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a>, stating the relevant month's host. If you do not have a blog, email us a picture and a brief description of your entry which we will include in the round-up at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
2. You can use your own <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> or someone else's <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a>. The recipe can be sweet, savoury or a mixture! Anything goes as long as the random letter is predominantly featured in the recipe as one of the main ingredients or flavours or in the name of the bake itself (i .e . not as a garnish , or using 'flour' for the letter F!) You can also republish old posts/<a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPES<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> but you must include the information for this challenge as stated in these rules.<br />
<br />
3. Add the logo to your post and add 'alphabakes' as a label to your post.<br />
<br />
4. Entry is via the linky tool below. Alternatively, you can email your entries to alphabakes@gmail.com by midnight (GMT) 30th March 2016. Please include:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Your name (that you want included in the round up or we will use the name of your blog) </li>
<li>Your blog post URL </li>
<li><a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> title </li>
<li>Photo of <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> (to be included in the round up) </li>
</ul>
<br />
5. You can submit as many entries as you like.<br />
<br />
6. You do not have to participate every month to join in.<br />
<br />
7. You may submit your entry to other challenges as long as it complies with their rules.<br />
<br />
8. If you use twitter, please use the tag #alphabakes and mention @bakingaddict and @Caroline_Makes. We will retweet all those that we see.<br />
<br />
9. Have fun! :)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="//www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=612512&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script --></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdncache-a.akamaihd.net%2Fitems%2Fit%2Fimg%2Farrow-10x10.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" with "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" -->Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-3401926564742391542016-02-16T21:17:00.000+00:002016-02-16T21:17:56.045+00:003 ingredient Nutella Brownies <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jd_XT_GMxWI/VsOKZ7G8VpI/AAAAAAAAYNM/NJ3xddS9PUU/s1600/P1030490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jd_XT_GMxWI/VsOKZ7G8VpI/AAAAAAAAYNM/NJ3xddS9PUU/s320/P1030490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm a little late to the game but better late than never. It was World Nutella day on Feb 5th so I baked some Nutella brownies but have not gotten round to blogging about them. This recipe has been going round the blogosphere and I finally got to try it. Only 3 ingredients for amazing chocolatey, gooey brownies. It does make you realise how much fat and sugar Nutella contains but I'll just ignore that for now and munch on these brownies! These are really quick to prepare and would be perfect to impress last minute guests especially if like me you always have a spare jar of Nutella in the house.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've baked these 3 times now as they are just so good and everyone keeps asking for the recipe. If you've tried it or are planning to try it, do let me know. I think it would taste great with some added chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra decadence. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to a few blog challenges this month.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.unitedcakedom.com/2016/02/treat-petite-february.html">Treat Petite</a> which is guest hosted by Lisa from <a href="http://www.unitedcakedom.com/">United Cakedom</a> on behalf of Kat from <a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/">The Baking Explorer</a> and Stuart from <a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/">Cakeyboi</a>. The theme this month is Like It, Love It, Gotta Have It. I love Nutella and can (sometimes) be found eating Nutella straight from the jar. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNyPkV5YsGI/VsONDqib_zI/AAAAAAAAYNg/bgCunfp7pzs/s1600/treat%2Bpetite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNyPkV5YsGI/VsONDqib_zI/AAAAAAAAYNg/bgCunfp7pzs/s200/treat%2Bpetite.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2016/02/simply-eggcellent-12-anything-goes.html">Simply Eggcellent</a> hosted by Dom from <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/">Belleau Kitchen</a>. The theme this month is anything goes and this recipe uses 2 large free range eggs. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wIsEveGHrg/VsOOC92fARI/AAAAAAAAYNs/1UCMbkHFYa4/s1600/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wIsEveGHrg/VsOOC92fARI/AAAAAAAAYNs/1UCMbkHFYa4/s200/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://charlotteslivelykitchen.com/foodyearlinkup-february-2016/">#FoodYearLinkUp</a> hosted by Charlotte from <a href="http://charlotteslivelykitchen.com/">Charlotte's Lively Kitchen</a> for World Nutella Day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxl8l6Oto5w/VsOONOtbKnI/AAAAAAAAYNw/It025c3tZyA/s1600/Food-Year-Linkup-February-2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxl8l6Oto5w/VsOONOtbKnI/AAAAAAAAYNw/It025c3tZyA/s200/Food-Year-Linkup-February-2016.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.hijackedbytwins.com/2016/02/mushroom-egg-avocado-recipe-cookblogshare.html">Cook Blog Share</a> hosted by Kirsty from Hijacked by Twins</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek4gidltR88/VsOO2vCR8EI/AAAAAAAAYN4/T1_wUAQj2DQ/s1600/cook%2Bblog%2Bshare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek4gidltR88/VsOO2vCR8EI/AAAAAAAAYN4/T1_wUAQj2DQ/s200/cook%2Bblog%2Bshare.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amummytoo.co.uk/2016/02/recipeoftheweek-13-19-feb/">Recipe of the Week</a> hosted by Emily from A Mummy Too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOrBmwEx7cc/VsOPGz7hIJI/AAAAAAAAYN8/GjuaXqynM4c/s1600/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOrBmwEx7cc/VsOPGz7hIJI/AAAAAAAAYN8/GjuaXqynM4c/s1600/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25281%2529.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQhSsB_hj74/VsOKNToMTkI/AAAAAAAAYNU/hrO6oaf3zbo/s1600/P1030443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQhSsB_hj74/VsOKNToMTkI/AAAAAAAAYNU/hrO6oaf3zbo/s320/P1030443.JPG" width="320" /></a> 3 ingredients - Nutella, eggs, plain flour </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGPT3ILOByI/VsOKhOWAqlI/AAAAAAAAYNc/DLrH7mFYXeI/s1600/P1030486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGPT3ILOByI/VsOKhOWAqlI/AAAAAAAAYNc/DLrH7mFYXeI/s320/P1030486.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7RMz_weFM8/VsOKS3YS4KI/AAAAAAAAYNU/YmRt3zg7ALM/s1600/P1030488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7RMz_weFM8/VsOKS3YS4KI/AAAAAAAAYNU/YmRt3zg7ALM/s320/P1030488.JPG" width="320" /></a> Lovely gooey brownies </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(You need a double recipe for a 8.5inch x 8.5inch square tin, otherwise use a 18cm sandwich tin for 1 recipe)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients for ONE recipe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 large free range eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
370g Nutella</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
65g plain flour, sifted</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C.</li>
<li>In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until smooth.</li>
<li>Pour into a greased and lined tin and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes depending on the size of your tin.</li>
<li>The brownies should be cooked round the edges but still soft in the middle.</li>
<li>Allow to cool in the tin before slicing into squares.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-43041648726516015742016-02-11T22:49:00.001+00:002016-02-11T22:54:10.559+00:00Plum and Blueberry Yoghurt Cake <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BiB3NSFoYzE/VrzavLrA2dI/AAAAAAAAYMI/PMZsbsy-auU/s1600/P1030360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BiB3NSFoYzE/VrzavLrA2dI/AAAAAAAAYMI/PMZsbsy-auU/s320/P1030360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Caroline announced that this month's AlphaBakes letter is 'Y',I immediately thought of yoghurt. I love baking with yoghurt and tend to use it in muffins and banana bread. I found this great recipe online for a <a href="http://juliasalbum.com/2014/10/peach-and-blueberry-greek-yogurt-cake-recipe/">Peach and Blueberry Greek Yoghurt Cake</a> so I decided to give it a go. Plums were on sale in the supermarket so I used plums instead of peaches and it worked beautifully. I'm sure nectarines or even pears would work well too. The cake is really colourful and visually appealing. The sponge is light and the added fruit on top makes it feel almost healthy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/02/alphabakes-february-2016.html">AlphaBakes</a> hosted by Caroline from <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a> this month and <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/">myself</a> on alternate months. The letter is Y for yoghurt. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's also going to <a href="http://www.amummytoo.co.uk/2016/02/recipeoftheweek-6-12-feb/">Recipe of the Week</a> hosted by Emily from <a href="http://www.amummytoo.co.uk/">A Mummy Too</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pc4I0JB4A0/Vr0NlsiVJkI/AAAAAAAAYMk/1B3aOh87TRo/s1600/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Pc4I0JB4A0/Vr0NlsiVJkI/AAAAAAAAYMk/1B3aOh87TRo/s200/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25281%2529.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx2Rql5wZ_w/VrzadtuEABI/AAAAAAAAYL8/2Hx1OflCWyA/s1600/P1030353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx2Rql5wZ_w/VrzadtuEABI/AAAAAAAAYL8/2Hx1OflCWyA/s320/P1030353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Dk7HP-vJY/VrzagIm8cCI/AAAAAAAAYMA/7SNhd8-YMpg/s1600/P1030354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Dk7HP-vJY/VrzagIm8cCI/AAAAAAAAYMA/7SNhd8-YMpg/s320/P1030354.JPG" width="320" /></a> sponge base </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NxnYe7Q-WE/Vrzajwx7eEI/AAAAAAAAYME/wlG_xM5xrw0/s1600/P1030355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NxnYe7Q-WE/Vrzajwx7eEI/AAAAAAAAYME/wlG_xM5xrw0/s320/P1030355.JPG" width="320" /></a> adding lovely fresh fruit on top </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3oy-KUh-F8/VrzazkVeeEI/AAAAAAAAYMM/Qigd2m8MzoE/s1600/P1030368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3oy-KUh-F8/VrzazkVeeEI/AAAAAAAAYMM/Qigd2m8MzoE/s320/P1030368.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhdhvLVeDNg/Vrza3296o-I/AAAAAAAAYMQ/4g3T1ZE843s/s1600/P1030371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhdhvLVeDNg/Vrza3296o-I/AAAAAAAAYMQ/4g3T1ZE843s/s320/P1030371.JPG" width="320" /></a> look at all the lovely colours </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Recipe from <a href="http://juliasalbum.com/2014/10/peach-and-blueberry-greek-yogurt-cake-recipe/">Julia's Album</a><br />
The only changes I made was to reduce the amount of sugar, replace the peaches with plums and adding in some brown sugar before baking.<br />
<br />
185g flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />
56g butter, softened<br />
180g caster sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
125mls Greek yogurt<br />
4 plum, sliced<br />
170g blueberries<br />
<div>
3-4 teaspoons light brown sugar (optional) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat oven to 180C. </li>
<li>Grease and line a 23cm diameter springform tin.</li>
<li>Sift the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. </li>
<li>In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter and sugar together for a few minutes.</li>
<li>Add in the eggs, one at a time and mix well.</li>
<li>Add in the yoghurt and vanilla extract.</li>
<li>Stir in the flour mixture and continue mixing. </li>
<li>Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.</li>
<li>Arrange the plum slices in a circular fashion on top.</li>
<li>Sprinkle the bluberries on top.</li>
<li>If using, sprinkle a few teaspoons of light brown sugar on top before baking. </li>
<li>Bake for approximately 45 - 50 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. </li>
<li>Allow to cool completely in the tin before releasing and serving. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-52686313235558053002016-02-08T08:46:00.000+00:002016-02-08T08:46:31.749+00:00Chcocolate Peanut Butter Monkey Cake <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzQD_43N5q8/VrhPQgtEv4I/AAAAAAAAXzo/2ojykj9rTfE/s1600/P1030437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzQD_43N5q8/VrhPQgtEv4I/AAAAAAAAXzo/2ojykj9rTfE/s320/P1030437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Chinese New Year! Today is the first day of the lunar calendar and it's the year of the Monkey. Wishing all my readers good health, prosperity and happiness. We had a little party at the weekend to celebrate the occasion. As it's a monkey year, I decided to make a monkey cake. Unfortunately I didn't deocrate it in time for the party so J has taken it to work today to share with his colleagues. It's a chocolate cake filled with peanut butter frosting. The decoration is simple yet effective albeit a bit messy to decorate! If you have kids, they will definitely enjoy decorating this cake with you. Chinese New Year goes on for 15 days so you have plenty of time to impress your family and friends with this cake. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to <a href="http://charlotteslivelykitchen.com/foodyearlinkup-february-2016/">#FoodYearLinkUp</a> hosted by Charlotte from <a href="http://charlotteslivelykitchen.com/">Charlotte's Lively Kitchen</a> for Chinese New Year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEv3RdVQQT8/VrhRQSqziWI/AAAAAAAAXz8/BEwiFHVeuao/s1600/Food-Year-Linkup-February-2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEv3RdVQQT8/VrhRQSqziWI/AAAAAAAAXz8/BEwiFHVeuao/s200/Food-Year-Linkup-February-2016.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's also going to <a href="http://www.jibberjabberuk.co.uk/2016/02/love-cake-february-2016.html">Love Cake</a> hosted by Ness from <a href="http://www.jibberjabberuk.co.uk/">Jibber Jabber UK</a>. The theme this month is The Month Of Cake as it's the anniversary of the challenge. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqcmt_Gi21w/VrhRzCiw2wI/AAAAAAAAX0A/CmJkuw6I288/s1600/Love%2BCake%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqcmt_Gi21w/VrhRzCiw2wI/AAAAAAAAX0A/CmJkuw6I288/s200/Love%2BCake%2Blogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Finally to <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2016/02/simply-eggcellent-12-anything-goes.html">Simply Eggcellent</a> hosted by Dom from <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/">Belleau Kitchen</a> as the theme this month is Anything Goes. There's 2 large free range eggs in this cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWWyCk_eD5I/VrhSES1zzCI/AAAAAAAAX0E/kbZMt_Q6GhU/s1600/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWWyCk_eD5I/VrhSES1zzCI/AAAAAAAAX0E/kbZMt_Q6GhU/s200/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFt-NiaNEbQ/VrhOuhnN8FI/AAAAAAAAXzw/ZCz0prCeQbE/s1600/P1030425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFt-NiaNEbQ/VrhOuhnN8FI/AAAAAAAAXzw/ZCz0prCeQbE/s320/P1030425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs8MMXhfin8/VrhO1BGb1LI/AAAAAAAAXzw/_5WtNm2T7bs/s1600/P1030427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs8MMXhfin8/VrhO1BGb1LI/AAAAAAAAXzw/_5WtNm2T7bs/s320/P1030427.JPG" width="320" /></a> The cake batter is very liquid - don't worry it bakes beautifully. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E-LW6wTrkw/VrhO6lZoleI/AAAAAAAAXzw/KyR732kuoJw/s1600/P1030433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E-LW6wTrkw/VrhO6lZoleI/AAAAAAAAXzw/KyR732kuoJw/s320/P1030433.JPG" width="320" /></a> spread peanut butter frosting on top of the first layer of cake </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPtRGOZenEk/VrhPA2N0QEI/AAAAAAAAXzw/WRlJr-KUMG8/s1600/P1030434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPtRGOZenEk/VrhPA2N0QEI/AAAAAAAAXzw/WRlJr-KUMG8/s320/P1030434.JPG" width="320" /></a> Add second layer of cake. I used a cocktail stick to roughly draw an outline of a monkey face. I'm terrible at drawing!! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SjS9TgebI8/VrhPCTz211I/AAAAAAAAXzw/F7wQLq_b4gQ/s1600/P1030435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SjS9TgebI8/VrhPCTz211I/AAAAAAAAXzw/F7wQLq_b4gQ/s320/P1030435.JPG" width="320" /></a> Spread the peanut butter frosting where the monkey face will be </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJNuI7fXXnI/VrhPH9ksYPI/AAAAAAAAXzk/R1hY3tG8SlY/s1600/P1030436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJNuI7fXXnI/VrhPH9ksYPI/AAAAAAAAXzk/R1hY3tG8SlY/s320/P1030436.JPG" width="320" /></a> Carefully spread the chocolate ganache over the rest of the cake including the sides</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVHXDlp9dkQ/VrhPYKTK9yI/AAAAAAAAXzs/6cFpADA42v8/s1600/P1030439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVHXDlp9dkQ/VrhPYKTK9yI/AAAAAAAAXzs/6cFpADA42v8/s320/P1030439.JPG" width="320" /></a> Press chocolate rice cereal on to the chocolate ganache. I used 2 white candy melts for the eyes and piped some chocolate ganache for the eye balls, nose and mouth (which was a littlewonky!) The ears are tiny as I didn't have any ginger biscuits at home and used golden Oreo cookies instead. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recipe from <a href="http://birdonacake.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/peanut-butter-chocolate-monkey-cake.html">Bird on A Cake</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I reduced the sugar amount, substituted chocolate extract for vanilla extract and used more milk in the frosting </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the cakes </u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup (250mls) boiling water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
350g caster sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
220g plain flour </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
85 cocoa powder, sifted</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 large, free range eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup (250mls) buttermilk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup (125mls) vegetable oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon chocolate extract </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut butter frosting</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
250g smooth peanut butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
113g butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
250g icing sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
40-50 mls milk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Chocolate Ganache</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
175g dark chocolate </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
80mls double cream</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
20g butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>To decorate</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 white candy melts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 large cookies for the ears - I used golden oreos but they are too small, recommend ginger biscuits or digestive biscuit</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Choco rice cereal </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C. </li>
<li>Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder in a bowl.</li>
<li>Place the dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and add in the eggs, buttermilk, oil and chocolate extract.</li>
<li>Mix well.</li>
<li>Slowly pour in the water and continue mixing at a low speed until you have a smooth mixture. </li>
<li>The batter will be very liquid, this is normal.</li>
<li>Divide the batter evenly between 2 sandwich tins and bake for approximately 30 - 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.</li>
<li>Allow the cakes to cool for 5 minutes in the tin before turning out to a wire rack to cool completely.</li>
<li>To make the peanut butter frosting, beat the peanut butter and butter until smooth.</li>
<li>Add in the icing sugar and continue beating.</li>
<li>Slowly add in the milk with the mixer running.</li>
<li>You may need to add a little more or a little less of the milk depending on the consistency of your icing. You want a smooth, spreadable paste. </li>
<li>To make the chocolate ganache, place the cream in a small saucepan and heat gently until bubbles are just visible. </li>
<li>Add in the chocolate and whisk until smooth.</li>
<li>Remove from the heat.</li>
<li>Add in the butter and continue whisking until smooth.</li>
<li>Allow to cool and set a little before using.</li>
<li>Decorate the cake as shown above. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-83568110085944529702016-01-30T10:19:00.002+00:002016-01-30T10:19:15.390+00:00AlphaBakes "G" Round up <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome to January's "G" Roundup of AlphaBakes. It's hard to believe that we are at the end of January which has virtually disappeared! I'm guessing a lot of you have been busy and trying to get back into the swing of things. We've not had as many entries as usual so we are hoping that it will pick up in February. Caroline will be hosting so be sure to check out her <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">blog</a> to find out which letter we are using. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First up is Caroline's mum with her chocolate and ginger cake. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-DBu8RC7M8/Vqv6TTZUqUI/AAAAAAAAXuE/UPymd4cC7XA/s1600/chocolate%2Band%2Bginger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-DBu8RC7M8/Vqv6TTZUqUI/AAAAAAAAXuE/UPymd4cC7XA/s200/chocolate%2Band%2Bginger.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following on with the same theme we have <a href="http://mainlybaking.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/chocolate-and-ginger-flapjack.html">chocolate and ginger flapjacks</a> by Suelle from Mainly Baking. She wanted to make something simple and chocolatey and came up with these flapjacks. It contains 100% cacao and Turkish crystallised ginger pieces which are quite fiery.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HM2pBaK888/Vqv-C3oKZlI/AAAAAAAAXuQ/Xiu0YKBAU1I/s1600/chocolate%2Band%2Bginger%2Bflapjacks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HM2pBaK888/Vqv-C3oKZlI/AAAAAAAAXuQ/Xiu0YKBAU1I/s200/chocolate%2Band%2Bginger%2Bflapjacks.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Kate from the Gluten Free Alchemist baked some <a href="http://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/2016/01/ginger-cookiesbiscuits-gluten-free-with.html">Ginger cookies/biscuits</a> which are of course gluten free and there's also the option for making them dairy free as well. These ginger biscuits have molasses, ginger and cinnamon. They are rolled in sugar before baking giving them a lovely sparkle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huyomCr3Sfo/Vqv_MPu1IAI/AAAAAAAAXuc/kfyNKChJN-0/s1600/ginger%2Bcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huyomCr3Sfo/Vqv_MPu1IAI/AAAAAAAAXuc/kfyNKChJN-0/s200/ginger%2Bcookies.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My co host Caroline from Caroline Makes baked a <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2016/01/chocolate-and-peanut-butter-goo-goo-cake.html">Chocolate and Peanut Butter Goo Goo Cake</a>. I've not heard of Goo Goo until now and I do wish I could try some! The cake is inspired by her trip to Nashville, America. Goo Goo Cluster is a candy bar with chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat invented in Nashville. It sounds a bit like a rocky road to me and looks great on top of her chocolate and peanut butter cake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thcYcQhDfpc/VqwBFBYUqpI/AAAAAAAAXuo/Cw88yMAS3po/s1600/goo%2Bgoo%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thcYcQhDfpc/VqwBFBYUqpI/AAAAAAAAXuo/Cw88yMAS3po/s200/goo%2Bgoo%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next is my own entry with a <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/golden-syrup-cake.html">Golden Syrup Cake</a>. It's a really simple cake which showcases the star ingredient, golden syrup. The cake keeps really well and was delicious served with creme fraiche, greek yoghurt or ice cream. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shkANGhI9cQ/VqwB2nv0rXI/AAAAAAAAXuw/hhxsS2KWTYo/s1600/golden%2Bsyrup%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shkANGhI9cQ/VqwB2nv0rXI/AAAAAAAAXuw/hhxsS2KWTYo/s200/golden%2Bsyrup%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kate from the Gluten Free Alchemist is back with a <a href="http://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/2016/01/banana-melon-strawberry-smoothie.html">Banana, Melon and Strawberry Smoothie</a>. The G here is from Galia melon which is one of her favourite fruits. Melon is quite an unusual choice for a smoothie but it clearly works well and it looks really pretty too. It's a great way of getting extra fruit in your diet and home made smoothies mean less additives and pure goodness. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpjtSLycHZQ/VqwDBipheHI/AAAAAAAAXu8/tWO36urOALI/s1600/smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpjtSLycHZQ/VqwDBipheHI/AAAAAAAAXu8/tWO36urOALI/s200/smoothie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Laura from How to Cook Good Food baked a very delicious sounding <a href="http://www.howtocookgoodfood.co.uk/2016/01/marmalade-ginger-blood-orange-loaf-cake/">Marmalade, Ginger & Blood Orange Loaf Cake</a>. The inspiration for this recipe is based on a Diana Henry recipe and makes use of her homemade marmalade. She used spelt flour, freshly grated ginger and ground ginger. It pairs well with the marmalade and is perfect for this time of the year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsZwixlk_gE/VqwEG7eUFgI/AAAAAAAAXvI/NgDV9plrAJ0/s1600/marmalade-loaf-cake-portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsZwixlk_gE/VqwEG7eUFgI/AAAAAAAAXvI/NgDV9plrAJ0/s200/marmalade-loaf-cake-portrait.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last but not least is Elizabeth from The Law Student's Cookbook with a <a href="https://lawstudentscookbook.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/gingerbread-bundt-cake/">Gingerbread Bundt Cake</a>. It's lovely and gingery with an orange glaze. Cake for breakfast is a definite yes in my book and that's exactly what Elizabeth did with this cake which lasted a week. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RWvcd0Fk-6E/VqwFhJxKcZI/AAAAAAAAXvU/-izKcP4BqnY/s1600/gingerbread%2Bbundt%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RWvcd0Fk-6E/VqwFhJxKcZI/AAAAAAAAXvU/-izKcP4BqnY/s200/gingerbread%2Bbundt%2Bcake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's the end of the G roundup. Thank you to everyone who joined in this month and hope to see more of you in February. Remember to check out <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline's blog</a> on 1st Feb to find out which letter we are using. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPY8CroH1i4/UeR19_8fQ3I/AAAAAAAAK40/hsWlJFwB18s/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPY8CroH1i4/UeR19_8fQ3I/AAAAAAAAK40/hsWlJFwB18s/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-80037625110035598842016-01-25T22:35:00.000+00:002017-12-14T18:35:14.577+00:00Courgette, Basil, Polenta and Cheese Wedges <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVHYLeuBRrU/VqZbLo_w81I/AAAAAAAAXso/H0ubt93l3II/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVHYLeuBRrU/VqZbLo_w81I/AAAAAAAAXso/H0ubt93l3II/s320/IMG_7890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This is a great recipe for a simple weeknight meal. It does take a little bit of prep time but it's well worth it. It's also vegetarian if you are looking to eat less meat of if you are a vegetarian. The recipe is quite versatile and you can add in a few extra ingredients if you wish. It's great for lunchboxes the next day and will also be good for picnics in the summer. I've made this a few times at home each time with a slight variation so I thought I'd share it with you. Mine turned out a little soft but it tasted delicious warm with the tomato sauce. You can really taste the polenta and the chili and tomatoes added an extra kick and bite to it. I loved the basil as well and used a lot of it in my recipe. I think it's going on the menu plan again this week! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to a few blog challenges this month. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/2016/01/treat-petite-january.html">Treat Petite</a> hosted by Kat from <a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/">The Baking Explorer</a> and Stuart from <a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/">Cakeyboi</a>. The theme this month is fruit and veg. There's courgette and tomatoes in this recipe and as it's served in wedges I hope it qualifies for the challenge!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPuPREAANwQ/VqadqET8mbI/AAAAAAAAXtE/HjMCv9iGgWo/s1600/treat%2Bpetite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPuPREAANwQ/VqadqET8mbI/AAAAAAAAXtE/HjMCv9iGgWo/s200/treat%2Bpetite.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2016/01/cooking-with-herbs-january-2016-herbs-citrus-fruits.html">Cooking with Herbs</a> hosted by Karen from <a href="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/">Lavender and Lovage</a>. This recipe uses a lot of fresh basil. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://fussfreeflavours.com/extraveg-january-2016-blogging-challenge-linky-party/">Extra Veg</a> hosted by Helen from <a href="http://fussfreeflavours.com/">Fuss Free Flavours</a> and Michelle from <a href="http://utterlyscrummy.blogspot.co.uk/">Utterly Scrummy</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5jWCWzM6iA/VqaeUPV245I/AAAAAAAAXtM/daXPaXVSWe8/s1600/ExtraVeg-Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5jWCWzM6iA/VqaeUPV245I/AAAAAAAAXtM/daXPaXVSWe8/s200/ExtraVeg-Badge.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://hedgecombers.com/2016/01/02/tea-time-treats-january-2016/">Tea Time Treats</a> hosted by Janie from <a href="http://hedgecombers.com/">The Hedgecombers</a> and Karen from <a href="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/">Lavender and Lovage</a>. There's no theme this month and these would make for a great tea time treat! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQZ7dgNupro/VqaermxW33I/AAAAAAAAXtY/kPb1pFzKQeg/s1600/tea%2Btime%2Btreats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQZ7dgNupro/VqaermxW33I/AAAAAAAAXtY/kPb1pFzKQeg/s1600/tea%2Btime%2Btreats.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.tinnedtomatoes.com/2016/01/meat-free-mondays-7-recipes-for-week_25.html"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.tinnedtomatoes.com/2016/01/meat-free-mondays-7-recipes-for-week_25.html">Meat Free Mondays</a> hosted by Jacqueline from <a href="http://www.tinnedtomatoes.com/">Tinned Tomatoes</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kNPslURfhg/VqfqVUT6L3I/AAAAAAAAXts/kXxCeDlRpcQ/s1600/meat%2Bfree%2Bmondays%2Blogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kNPslURfhg/VqfqVUT6L3I/AAAAAAAAXts/kXxCeDlRpcQ/s200/meat%2Bfree%2Bmondays%2Blogo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT5ZzoU3FWk/VqZbCf0vd2I/AAAAAAAAXsY/HV5mTNE-rwY/s1600/IMG_7879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT5ZzoU3FWk/VqZbCf0vd2I/AAAAAAAAXsY/HV5mTNE-rwY/s320/IMG_7879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP3gbcs6ylY/VqZakUFus-I/AAAAAAAAXrw/ySy2SV7whbg/s1600/IMG_7832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP3gbcs6ylY/VqZakUFus-I/AAAAAAAAXrw/ySy2SV7whbg/s320/IMG_7832.JPG" width="320" /></a> courgette and cheese mixture</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YonEPBJcOM8/VqZan2Zf0eI/AAAAAAAAXr4/9Ozj8ZS93t0/s1600/IMG_7833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YonEPBJcOM8/VqZan2Zf0eI/AAAAAAAAXr4/9Ozj8ZS93t0/s320/IMG_7833.JPG" width="320" /></a> polenta </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhAV9vc0sEM/VqZa8TGlMPI/AAAAAAAAXsQ/wUjG-DTaqik/s1600/IMG_7881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhAV9vc0sEM/VqZa8TGlMPI/AAAAAAAAXsQ/wUjG-DTaqik/s320/IMG_7881.JPG" width="320" /></a> ready to go in the oven</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r77BHh10PZo/VqZayEmKZAI/AAAAAAAAXsI/SbqsEy8BO84/s1600/IMG_7839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r77BHh10PZo/VqZayEmKZAI/AAAAAAAAXsI/SbqsEy8BO84/s320/IMG_7839.JPG" width="320" /></a> making the tomato sauce</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLspVTGa5w8/VqZbIa1z7mI/AAAAAAAAXsg/oPh1wFc3O5A/s1600/IMG_7882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLspVTGa5w8/VqZbIa1z7mI/AAAAAAAAXsg/oPh1wFc3O5A/s320/IMG_7882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaJbvl4U4ns/VqZbOyqDenI/AAAAAAAAXsw/qjj5HxWSlOA/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaJbvl4U4ns/VqZbOyqDenI/AAAAAAAAXsw/qjj5HxWSlOA/s320/IMG_7884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVHYLeuBRrU/VqZbLo_w81I/AAAAAAAAXso/H0ubt93l3II/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVHYLeuBRrU/VqZbLo_w81I/AAAAAAAAXso/H0ubt93l3II/s320/IMG_7890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Recipe adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.thevegspace.co.uk/recipe-courgette-basil-polenta-wedges/">The Veg Space</a><br />
<br />
<u>For the wedges</u><br />
1 courgette, coarsely grated<br />
50g cheddar cheese, grated<br />
1 red chilli, finely chopped<br />
<div>
2 fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped (also works well with sundried tomatoes)<br />
20g butter, cut into small cubes<br />
large handful fresh basil, roughly chopped<br />
120g instant polenta<br />
450ml vegetable stock<br />
<div>
<br />
<u>For the tomato sauce</u><br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
2 cloves garlic, crushed<br />
1 red chilli, finely chopped<br />
6 pitted black olives, finely chopped<br />
250g passata<br />
1 tsp balsamic vinegar<br />
1 tsp caster sugar</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>In a large bowl, mix the grated courgette, cheese, chili, fresh tomatoes, butter and basil leaves. </li>
<li>Place the polenta in a medium sized pan.</li>
<li>Add in the hot vegetable stock, stirring constantly.</li>
<li>Cook the polenta and stock over a low heat whilst stirring continuously. </li>
<li>Remove from the heat and stir in the courgette and cheese mixture. </li>
<li>Pour the batter into a springform tin lined with greaseproof paper. </li>
<li>Allow to cool and then place in the fridge for about half an hour (I skipped this step once and it still turned out ok).</li>
<li>Make the tomato sauce by heating the olive oil in a small saucepan. Add in the garlic and chili and cook over a low heat for a few minutes. </li>
<li>Add the passata, balsamic vinegar, sugar and olives and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. </li>
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C. </li>
<li>Bake the polenta for 45-40 minutes or until golden brown on top. </li>
<li>Slice into wedges and serve with the tomato sauce. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-7511266509227409452016-01-23T19:40:00.001+00:002016-01-23T19:40:14.220+00:00Golden Syrup Cake <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JymUDnYzCJA/VqPQotCGwBI/AAAAAAAAXrU/EQPnkvEBSBY/s1600/P1030348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JymUDnYzCJA/VqPQotCGwBI/AAAAAAAAXrU/EQPnkvEBSBY/s320/P1030348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy New Year! I'm back from a long break and it's quite difficult to get back into the swing of things. I've not actually felt like baking which does happen from time to time. However, I wanted to bake something for our AlphaBakes challenge this month so I chose a simple recipe from BBC Good Food. It's a golden syrup cake which is really simple to make and tastes absolutely delicious! I've had it on its own, with creme fraiche and with ice cream and they are all equally good. My colleagues were extremely happy as they've been without cake for quite a few weeks! The cake smells of golden syrup and you can really taste it in the cake as it's the main ingredient. It's a lovely moist cake with a crispy topping. A definite winner! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/alphabakes-january-2016.html">AlphaBakes</a> hosted by myself this month and Caroline from <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a> on alternate months. The letter this month is G for Golden syrup.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_MrgxOmm3s/VqPP5p9iMQI/AAAAAAAAXqs/fSapM2rCCGQ/s1600/P1030332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_MrgxOmm3s/VqPP5p9iMQI/AAAAAAAAXqs/fSapM2rCCGQ/s320/P1030332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAFDKBBpNMM/VqPP97OhGqI/AAAAAAAAXq0/j3l4E5SIzQg/s1600/P1030334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VAFDKBBpNMM/VqPP97OhGqI/AAAAAAAAXq0/j3l4E5SIzQg/s320/P1030334.JPG" width="320" /></a> cooking the golden syrup, butter and sugar </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SwMZgSxzDqI/VqPQBDGxvBI/AAAAAAAAXq8/weJ5JS9nWxQ/s1600/P1030336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SwMZgSxzDqI/VqPQBDGxvBI/AAAAAAAAXq8/weJ5JS9nWxQ/s320/P1030336.JPG" width="320" /></a> ready to go in the oven - my batter was still a bit lumpy but it turned out ok in the end! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JymUDnYzCJA/VqPQotCGwBI/AAAAAAAAXrU/EQPnkvEBSBY/s1600/P1030348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JymUDnYzCJA/VqPQotCGwBI/AAAAAAAAXrU/EQPnkvEBSBY/s320/P1030348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-iPyzGK17s/VqPQWtvQtWI/AAAAAAAAXrM/yi3EKRC1_t4/s1600/P1030346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-iPyzGK17s/VqPQWtvQtWI/AAAAAAAAXrM/yi3EKRC1_t4/s320/P1030346.JPG" width="320" /></a> delicious moist cake with a crispy top </div>
<br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1566633/golden-syrup-cake">BBC Good Food</a><br />
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-81009924355370796172016-01-01T10:13:00.001+00:002016-01-01T10:18:03.557+00:00AlphaBakes January 2016 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qO5S0IYISNA/VniweAuNEUI/AAAAAAAAXFQ/by1D6LdiG18/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qO5S0IYISNA/VniweAuNEUI/AAAAAAAAXFQ/by1D6LdiG18/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a nice festive break and are looking forward to seeing what 2016 brings. Thank you for all your festive entries to December's AlphaBakes "N" hosted by Caroline. You can read the fabulous round up <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2015/12/alphabakes-roundup-december-2015-n.html">here</a>. We only have a handful of letters left so it's getting easier to predict which letter is next. The random letter generator has come up with ... <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">G</span> for January.<br />
<br />
We look forward to seeing all your Gorgeous "G" entries for January. Remember it can be sweet or savoury, baked or unbaked. Entry is via the linky tool below and if for some reason it's not working then please email alphabakes@gmail.com by 25th January 2016.<br />
<br />
Quick reminder of the rules....<br />
<br />
1. Post your <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> on your blog and link it to <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.com/">The More than Occasional Baker</a> and <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a>, stating the relevant month's host. If you do not have a blog, email us a picture and a brief description of your entry which we will include in the round-up at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
2. You can use your own <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> or someone else's <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a>. The recipe can be sweet, savoury or a mixture! Anything goes as long as the random letter is predominantly featured in the recipe as one of the main ingredients or flavours or in the name of the bake itself (i .e . not as a garnish , or using 'flour' for the letter F!) You can also republish old posts/<a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPES<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> but you must include the information for this challenge as stated in these rules.<br />
<br />
3. Add the logo to your post and add 'alphabakes' as a label to your post.<br />
<br />
4. Entry is via the linky tool below. Alternatively, you can email your entries to alphabakes@gmail.com by midnight (GMT) 25th of each month. Please include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Your name (that you want included in the round up or we will use the name of your blog) </li>
<li>Your blog post URL </li>
<li><a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> title </li>
<li>Photo of <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/p/alphabakes-challenge.html#">RECIPE<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" /></a> (to be included in the round up) </li>
</ul>
5. You can submit as many entries as you like.<br />
<br />
6. You do not have to participate every month to join in.<br />
<br />
7. You may submit your entry to other challenges as long as it complies with their rules.<br />
<br />
8. If you use twitter, please use the tag #alphabakes and mention @bakingaddict and @Caroline_Makes. We will retweet all those that we see. <br />
<br />
9. Have fun! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qO5S0IYISNA/VniweAuNEUI/AAAAAAAAXFU/Zs-P5jsHEIg/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qO5S0IYISNA/VniweAuNEUI/AAAAAAAAXFU/Zs-P5jsHEIg/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="//www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=594939&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdncache-a.akamaihd.net%2Fitems%2Fit%2Fimg%2Farrow-10x10.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" with "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/HwX4OQwRqHbhFXo6gGBhIhHGodx4V5Q6qGodPkSPfT5Qtm98d5otjysTBd2vR1qGipdg3k7s9sG1QrmNBk7RhaeKlf6GUlk_KFaFc0xRwQ" -->Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-6901951760673458482015-12-21T12:57:00.003+00:002015-12-21T12:57:58.891+00:00Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS4ly8uYO4g/VnDqDAVCb0I/AAAAAAAAWf4/9Khefl_IfPI/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS4ly8uYO4g/VnDqDAVCb0I/AAAAAAAAWf4/9Khefl_IfPI/s320/IMG_8384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is my last blogpost before the Christmas holidays. My blog will be taking a short break and normal services will resume towards the end of January. Baileys and Christmas are synonymous and it just isn't Christmas without Baileys! These Baileys chocolate cheesecake trifles are really quick and easy to make and are guaranteed to be a hit at your Christmas parties. You can make them in a large dish to be served family style or serve them in small individual dishes. We had them at our Christmas drinks with our neighbours and everyone thoroughly enjoyed them. It's full of Baileys and has a lovely creamy richness from the cream cheese and whipped cream. The Oreos add a lovely crunch and chocolatey boost.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to <a href="http://munchiesandmunchkins.com/we-should-cocoa-chocolate-challenge-christmas-theme-december-2015/">We Should Cocoa</a> guest hosted this month by <a href="http://munchiesandmunchkins.com/">Munchies & Munchkins</a> on behalf of Choclette from <a href="http://tinandthyme.uk/we-should-cocoa/">Tin and Thyme</a>. The theme this month is Christmas and as mentioned earlier, Baileys and chocolate pretty much equal Christmas to me! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Pi5tZtxgU/Vnf0HOOhcoI/AAAAAAAAXE8/3J_uwTl9CdI/s1600/We_Should_Cocoa_V3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Pi5tZtxgU/Vnf0HOOhcoI/AAAAAAAAXE8/3J_uwTl9CdI/s200/We_Should_Cocoa_V3.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year! See you all back in Jan 2016 when I will be hosting AlphaBakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd87lonYT_0/VnDqG_62xbI/AAAAAAAAWgA/Ili0Qwy49K4/s1600/IMG_8372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd87lonYT_0/VnDqG_62xbI/AAAAAAAAWgA/Ili0Qwy49K4/s320/IMG_8372.JPG" width="320" /></a> cream cheese, cocoa powder, Baileys, whipping cream and oreo cookies </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeGWBrZPZsw/VnDqIsJcQqI/AAAAAAAAWgI/hRYUaNmzaYc/s1600/IMG_8373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeGWBrZPZsw/VnDqIsJcQqI/AAAAAAAAWgI/hRYUaNmzaYc/s320/IMG_8373.JPG" width="320" /></a> Oreo cookie base </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pJcBZBXaMz8/VnDqLn3Ft1I/AAAAAAAAWgQ/CyA-cyiyvrA/s1600/IMG_8374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pJcBZBXaMz8/VnDqLn3Ft1I/AAAAAAAAWgQ/CyA-cyiyvrA/s320/IMG_8374.JPG" width="320" /></a> Cheesecake layer </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0r3OFbedb4/VnDqNQdLKII/AAAAAAAAWgY/kWOWJmo2_B8/s1600/IMG_8376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0r3OFbedb4/VnDqNQdLKII/AAAAAAAAWgY/kWOWJmo2_B8/s320/IMG_8376.JPG" width="320" /></a> whipped cream layer </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS4ly8uYO4g/VnDqDAVCb0I/AAAAAAAAWf8/Tl6HFXUkTIg/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS4ly8uYO4g/VnDqDAVCb0I/AAAAAAAAWf8/Tl6HFXUkTIg/s320/IMG_8384.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recipe from <a href="http://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/2015/02/25/mini-baileys-chocolate-cheesecake-trifles/">Life, Love and Sugar</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the cheesecake layer</u> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
450g cream cheese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
55g caster sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
30g cocoa powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4-6 tablespoons Baileys </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the whipped cream layer</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
250mls whipping cream</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2-3 tablespoons Baileys</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1.5 tablespoon cocoa powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 tablespoon icing sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Base and topping</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
15 Oreo cookies, crushed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Beat the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa powder until smooth. </li>
<li>Add in Baileys and set aside.</li>
<li>In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it starts to thicken then add in the Baileys, cocoa powder and icing sugar and whisk until stiff peak forms. </li>
<li>Assemble the trifles by putting a layer of cookie crumbs at the bottom of each dish. Reserve a few tablespoons for the topping. </li>
<li>Pipe or spoon the cheesecake layer on top of the cookie crumbs followed by the whipped cream layer. </li>
<li>Repeat with a further layer of cheesecake filling followed by the whipped cream filling. </li>
<li>Sprinkle the remaining cookie crumbs on top. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-7329866641666801982015-12-14T14:34:00.000+00:002015-12-14T14:34:35.163+00:00Spinach, Tomato and Mushroom Mini Frittatas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ew5egsRtI/Vm4prjbxgeI/AAAAAAAAWeU/ARTiTIi7_TQ/s1600/IMG_8395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ew5egsRtI/Vm4prjbxgeI/AAAAAAAAWeU/ARTiTIi7_TQ/s400/IMG_8395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had our neighbours round at the beginning of December for pre-Christmas drinks and nibbles. I made some festive bites which were quick and easy to do and tasted delicious. Initially I planned to make a quiche but I came across this recipe on <a href="http://www.italianfoodforever.com/2012/04/mini-frittata-with-spinach-sun-dried-tomatoes-goat-cheese/">Italian Food Forever</a> and decided to give it a go. I used spinach and cherry tomatoes for their festive colours and added in some mushrooms. This recipe is so versatile as you can basically add whatever ingredients you fancy. They keep well too and tasted great for breakfast the next day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to a few blog challenges this month. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2015/12/alphabakes-december-2015.html">AlphaBakes</a> hosted by Caroline from <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a> and myself on alternate months. The letter this month is N and I am using it for 'Noel' as Caroline is accepting any Christmas related entries. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/2015/12/treat-petite-december-15.html" style="text-align: left;">Treat Petite</a><span style="text-align: left;"> hosted by Stuart from </span><a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/" style="text-align: left;">Cakeyboi</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and Kat from </span><a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/" style="text-align: left;">The Baking Explorer</a><span style="text-align: left;">. The theme this month is Red and Green aka Christmas. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IcpiJg8Tc0/Vm4rmiBxfjI/AAAAAAAAWeg/EmlAbyo51TA/s1600/red%2Band%2Bgreen%2B15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IcpiJg8Tc0/Vm4rmiBxfjI/AAAAAAAAWeg/EmlAbyo51TA/s200/red%2Band%2Bgreen%2B15.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.elizabethskitchendiary.co.uk/2015/12/extraveg-dec-2015.html/">Extra Veg</a> guest hosted by Elizabeth from <a href="http://www.elizabethskitchendiary.co.uk/">Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary</a> on behalf of Helen from <a href="http://fussfreeflavours.com/">Fuss Free Flavours</a> and Michelle from <a href="http://utterlyscrummy.blogspot.co.uk/">Utterly Scrummy</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia3DnqFfOy0/Vm4sshdSM3I/AAAAAAAAWes/FGMy0k56QFA/s1600/ExtraVeg-Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia3DnqFfOy0/Vm4sshdSM3I/AAAAAAAAWes/FGMy0k56QFA/s200/ExtraVeg-Badge.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2015/12/simply-eggcellent-10-anything-goes.html">Simply Eggcellent</a> hosted by Dom from <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/">Belleau Kitchen</a>. The theme this month is Anything Goes and this recipe uses 8 large free range eggs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXnW1AanmiM/Vm4tFcZ5KXI/AAAAAAAAWe4/Ctmd3u5h9Ow/s1600/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXnW1AanmiM/Vm4tFcZ5KXI/AAAAAAAAWe4/Ctmd3u5h9Ow/s200/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMszz4N4Q7Q/Vm4oP_30fmI/AAAAAAAAWd8/mKOB1431ePM/s1600/IMG_8387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMszz4N4Q7Q/Vm4oP_30fmI/AAAAAAAAWd8/mKOB1431ePM/s320/IMG_8387.JPG" width="320" /></a> eggs, milk, spinach, mushroom, tomato </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtFhMAvdnok/Vm4oShVM5cI/AAAAAAAAWeE/0LcJfEXCDDk/s1600/IMG_8389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtFhMAvdnok/Vm4oShVM5cI/AAAAAAAAWeE/0LcJfEXCDDk/s320/IMG_8389.JPG" width="320" /></a> egg and milk mixture </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---Rx07lP4xk/Vm4oWC4YydI/AAAAAAAAWeM/GTRnKm_uP4c/s1600/IMG_8391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---Rx07lP4xk/Vm4oWC4YydI/AAAAAAAAWeM/GTRnKm_uP4c/s320/IMG_8391.JPG" width="320" /></a> add in the filling </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ew5egsRtI/Vm4prjbxgeI/AAAAAAAAWeY/zzZ7GsPJisY/s1600/IMG_8395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3ew5egsRtI/Vm4prjbxgeI/AAAAAAAAWeY/zzZ7GsPJisY/s320/IMG_8395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Makes 12 mini Frittatas<br />
<br />
8 large free range eggs<br />
250mls milk<br />
salt and pepper<br />
180g baby spinach, sauteed and drained<br />
12 cherry tomatoes, halved<br />
handful of chestnut mushrooms, chopped and sauteed<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C</li>
<li>Grease a non stick 12 cup muffin tin.</li>
<li>In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper. </li>
<li>Pour evenly into the muffin cups. </li>
<li>Add in a spoonful of mushrooms and a handful of spinach to each cup.</li>
<li>Add 2 cherry tomato halves. </li>
<li>Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until set. </li>
<li>Allow to cool before serving. </li>
</ul>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-65659668463656232192015-12-12T13:44:00.001+00:002015-12-12T13:47:51.385+00:00Nutella Nanaimo Bars <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aw18td76kVI/VmsJLSpXp9I/AAAAAAAAWdY/_uvf7oUC5Y0/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aw18td76kVI/VmsJLSpXp9I/AAAAAAAAWdY/_uvf7oUC5Y0/s320/IMG_8412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This month's AlphaBakes is the letter 'N'. I started thinking about 'N' recipes and decided on Nutella which I love. I've baked a lot with Nutella and wanted something a little different so when I came across these Nutella Nanaimo bars, I knew I had to make it immediately. I've seen Nanaimo bars on the blogosphere but have never made it myself. It's a no bake dessert bar named after the west coast city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It usually has a wafer crumb base layer topped with a layer of custard flavoured butter icing and covered with melted chocolate. These of course contain nutella and have an Oreo cookie base. It's sweet and buttery and nutty and oh so naughty. One compliment I received was that "these taste like little explosions of heaven in your mouth". It's perfect for the upcoming festive season as it's quick and easy to make and you can make them in advance. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2015/12/alphabakes-december-2015.html">AlphaBakes</a> hosted by Caroline from Caroline Makes and co hosted by myself on alternate months. The letter this month is "N" and I hope I get bonus points for my double N entry ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4fOEM99r-c/VmsIG9nFwkI/AAAAAAAAWco/7wMlj9Qxz7c/s1600/IMG_8400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4fOEM99r-c/VmsIG9nFwkI/AAAAAAAAWco/7wMlj9Qxz7c/s320/IMG_8400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAf-mhcBLSE/VmsILZIRUaI/AAAAAAAAWcw/v4T-BKM2_-c/s1600/IMG_8401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAf-mhcBLSE/VmsILZIRUaI/AAAAAAAAWcw/v4T-BKM2_-c/s320/IMG_8401.JPG" width="320" /></a> making the biscuit base </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_T87EHEWTw/VmsIVF9KXWI/AAAAAAAAWc4/nSJsz2EnXJY/s1600/IMG_8402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_T87EHEWTw/VmsIVF9KXWI/AAAAAAAAWc4/nSJsz2EnXJY/s320/IMG_8402.JPG" width="320" /></a> adding lots of lovely Nutella </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EilUZDLLcYE/VmsId0QB6EI/AAAAAAAAWdA/rVw75SQneZo/s1600/IMG_8403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EilUZDLLcYE/VmsId0QB6EI/AAAAAAAAWdA/rVw75SQneZo/s320/IMG_8403.JPG" width="320" /></a> cooked biscuit base </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBJH4u53YdY/VmsIz5IemXI/AAAAAAAAWdI/Or-GrX0iG6U/s1600/IMG_8404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBJH4u53YdY/VmsIz5IemXI/AAAAAAAAWdI/Or-GrX0iG6U/s320/IMG_8404.JPG" width="320" /></a> Nutella layer </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BB_GwJNGu94/VmsI6PP4TRI/AAAAAAAAWdQ/9DVywnR7-VM/s1600/IMG_8406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BB_GwJNGu94/VmsI6PP4TRI/AAAAAAAAWdQ/9DVywnR7-VM/s320/IMG_8406.JPG" width="320" /></a> add melted chocolate </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aw18td76kVI/VmsJLSpXp9I/AAAAAAAAWdY/_uvf7oUC5Y0/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aw18td76kVI/VmsJLSpXp9I/AAAAAAAAWdY/_uvf7oUC5Y0/s320/IMG_8412.JPG" width="320" /></a> ready to eat </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.sweettwistofblogging.com/2012/02/nutella-nanaimo-bars.html">Sweet Twist of Blogging</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the base</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 packs of Oreo double stuff cookies (or regular oreo cookies)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
60g caster sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
50g cocoa powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
115g butter, melted</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 egg</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon vanilla extract </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
[I wanted to add some chopped hazelnuts but didn't have any in the cupboard]</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the filling</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
40g butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
110g icing sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
300g Nutella</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tablespoon double cream</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the topping</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
140g dark chocolate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10g butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C.</li>
<li>Grease and line a square baking tin. </li>
<li>Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and blitz until it resembles breadcrumbs.</li>
<li>Place in a large bowl and add in the remaining ingredients.</li>
<li>Mix well then pour into a square tin.</li>
<li>Press down gently and level the top. </li>
<li>Bake for approximately 15 minutes.</li>
<li>Allow to cool. </li>
<li>To make the filling, beat the butter and icing sugar until it forms a paste.</li>
<li>Add in the Nutella, cream and vanilla extract and mix.</li>
<li>Pour onto the cooled base and level with a spatula. </li>
<li>Place in the fridge to chill.</li>
<li>Place the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water.</li>
<li>Stir occasionally and once fully melted, remove from the heat.</li>
<li>Pour the melted chocolate on top of the chilled filling, tilting from side to side to get an even coating.</li>
<li>Cover and chill for a few hours before serving.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-3969574441674052262015-12-07T07:30:00.000+00:002015-12-07T07:30:02.686+00:00Apple and raisin muffins with streusel topping <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euZ3n074pMQ/VmIkJhZM34I/AAAAAAAAWbA/b_PlsFseNBQ/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euZ3n074pMQ/VmIkJhZM34I/AAAAAAAAWbA/b_PlsFseNBQ/s320/IMG_8324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As mentioned before I've been baking a LOT with apples these past few weeks. These muffins came about as I had 1 ripe banana and some apples to use up. I started with a banana and apple muffin and decided to add in raisins, nuts, spice and a streusel topping. The result was a wonderfully delicious and fragrant muffin which made for a perfect breakfast on the go.<br />
<br />
I'm sending this to the <a href="http://jensfood.co.uk/2015/12/no-waste-food-challenge-december.html/">No Waste Food Challenge</a> guest hosted by Jen from <a href="http://jensfood.co.uk/">Jen's Food</a> this month on behalf of Elizabeth from <a href="http://www.elizabethskitchendiary.co.uk/">Elizabeth' s Kitchen Diary</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-II_tsceitG8/VmR_iasvXqI/AAAAAAAAWcA/K58UQJhF9ck/s1600/no-waste-food-badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-II_tsceitG8/VmR_iasvXqI/AAAAAAAAWcA/K58UQJhF9ck/s200/no-waste-food-badge.png" width="184" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcC1FHjJ1Hs/VmIj9gUOayI/AAAAAAAAWag/mOS7aEHOhOM/s1600/IMG_8315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcC1FHjJ1Hs/VmIj9gUOayI/AAAAAAAAWag/mOS7aEHOhOM/s320/IMG_8315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqx2MdnN678/VmIkAedOVhI/AAAAAAAAWao/_464x8jEZJk/s1600/IMG_8316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqx2MdnN678/VmIkAedOVhI/AAAAAAAAWao/_464x8jEZJk/s320/IMG_8316.JPG" width="320" /></a> adding wet ingredients to the dry ingredients </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5W3NaETVKuc/VmIkDwUcLmI/AAAAAAAAWaw/uBG_dn4NtSg/s1600/IMG_8317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5W3NaETVKuc/VmIkDwUcLmI/AAAAAAAAWaw/uBG_dn4NtSg/s320/IMG_8317.JPG" width="320" /></a> adding pecans, raisins and apples</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjy6RqVA7DI/VmIkHAB0TzI/AAAAAAAAWa4/dH2olRHDScI/s1600/IMG_8321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjy6RqVA7DI/VmIkHAB0TzI/AAAAAAAAWa4/dH2olRHDScI/s320/IMG_8321.JPG" width="320" /></a> add streusel topping before baking</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euZ3n074pMQ/VmIkJhZM34I/AAAAAAAAWbA/b_PlsFseNBQ/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euZ3n074pMQ/VmIkJhZM34I/AAAAAAAAWbA/b_PlsFseNBQ/s320/IMG_8324.JPG" width="320" /></a> yum</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3obQNGCE_IY/VmIkMfxfBlI/AAAAAAAAWbI/H7fhk0kwj-4/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3obQNGCE_IY/VmIkMfxfBlI/AAAAAAAAWbI/H7fhk0kwj-4/s320/IMG_8329.JPG" width="320" /></a> You can clearly see the chunks of apples and the raisins </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWnmifsMYj0/VmIkae-DXMI/AAAAAAAAWbQ/6RDtFWJNCwU/s1600/IMG_8335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWnmifsMYj0/VmIkae-DXMI/AAAAAAAAWbQ/6RDtFWJNCwU/s320/IMG_8335.JPG" width="320" /></a> Great breakfast with a nice cup of tea </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Makes 15 muffins </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the streusel topping</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
25g flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
85 demerara sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
50g cold butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
25g pecans, chopped </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>For the muffins</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
100g brown sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
50g caster sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
220g plain flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon mixed spice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
60mls milk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 ripe banana</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
80mls vegetable oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
2 large free range eggs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1 pot (165g) Muller light banana and custard yoghurt (or vanilla or apple flavour) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
100g raisins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
75g pecans, roughly chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C. </li>
<li>Line 2 muffin trays with 15 muffin liners. </li>
<li>Make the streusel topping by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl by hand. Set aside.</li>
<li>In a large bowl, mix the sugars, flour, bicarbonate, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and mixed spice. </li>
<li>In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and add in the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, milk ad yoghurt.</li>
<li>Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients. Stir until just mixed. </li>
<li>Add in the apples, raisins and pecans and mix. </li>
<li>Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin cases. </li>
<li>Top with streusel topping and bake in the pre heated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer insertedinto the centre comes out clean. </li>
<li>Allow to cool in the tray for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-15928273920811361272015-12-05T12:00:00.000+00:002015-12-05T12:00:40.104+00:00Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVYZI5cYkbA/VmIjte22ZqI/AAAAAAAAWaE/oH290hyH0AU/s1600/IMG_8353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVYZI5cYkbA/VmIjte22ZqI/AAAAAAAAWaE/oH290hyH0AU/s320/IMG_8353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't believe it's December already! I probably say this every year but where has the year gone? This year seems to have flown by in a flash. I'm sure there's a lot of festive cooking and baking going on worldwide but I'm still in autumn mode with apples. I saw this on pinterest and thought what a great idea. I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to bake these and made them to take to a dinner party. We were really full from all the food but still managed to enjoy one or two of these. It's a good idea baking them in muffin cases as it's a nice individual portion, looks cute and is easy to transport. I also took some to work as did J and both our work colleagues enjoyed them. It's a baked cheesecake filled with fresh apples, streusel topping and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. These are great for the upcoming festive season as you can bake them in advance and they are sure to be a hit at any party. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2015/12/simply-eggcellent-10-anything-goes.html">Simply Eggcellent</a> hosted by Dom from Belleau Kitchen as the theme this month is anything goes. This recipe contains 3 large free range eggs. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DQONDABL4/VmImbfq2wlI/AAAAAAAAWbc/I4nZYvTFaqU/s1600/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DQONDABL4/VmImbfq2wlI/AAAAAAAAWbc/I4nZYvTFaqU/s200/simplyeggcellent_logo1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
It's also going to <a href="http://www.amummytoo.co.uk/2015/11/recipeoftheweek-28-nov-4-dec/">Recipe of the Week</a> hosted by Emily from A Mummy Too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoCFst4QB7w/VmInMSUEtoI/AAAAAAAAWbk/2AsjTSJYe8Q/s1600/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoCFst4QB7w/VmInMSUEtoI/AAAAAAAAWbk/2AsjTSJYe8Q/s1600/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25281%2529.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rG31pgs5lXs/VmIjU7eCh_I/AAAAAAAAWZU/YIlwl3wHqWU/s1600/IMG_8338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rG31pgs5lXs/VmIjU7eCh_I/AAAAAAAAWZU/YIlwl3wHqWU/s320/IMG_8338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBXxiOeMgS0/VmIjZbRMXqI/AAAAAAAAWZc/W_-nmBvsJw4/s1600/IMG_8341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBXxiOeMgS0/VmIjZbRMXqI/AAAAAAAAWZc/W_-nmBvsJw4/s320/IMG_8341.JPG" width="320" /></a> streusel topping </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jpKdfcUjsY/VmIjb9iAQFI/AAAAAAAAWZk/_hJFAIcSNdc/s1600/IMG_8343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jpKdfcUjsY/VmIjb9iAQFI/AAAAAAAAWZk/_hJFAIcSNdc/s320/IMG_8343.JPG" width="320" /></a> digestive biscuit base</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQUokEV2FFM/VmIje14tctI/AAAAAAAAWZs/K_KCgRTScuc/s1600/IMG_8344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQUokEV2FFM/VmIje14tctI/AAAAAAAAWZs/K_KCgRTScuc/s320/IMG_8344.JPG" width="320" /></a> add cheesecake mixture </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkfBUtPDBhI/VmIjjF9_wSI/AAAAAAAAWZ0/edpFj6cYmxc/s1600/IMG_8346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkfBUtPDBhI/VmIjjF9_wSI/AAAAAAAAWZ0/edpFj6cYmxc/s320/IMG_8346.JPG" width="320" /></a> then chopped apples</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82ERcZCcRcQ/VmIjm3K7V6I/AAAAAAAAWZ8/dsgEqOI0quo/s1600/IMG_8348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82ERcZCcRcQ/VmIjm3K7V6I/AAAAAAAAWZ8/dsgEqOI0quo/s320/IMG_8348.JPG" width="320" /></a> top with streusel topping </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVYZI5cYkbA/VmIjte22ZqI/AAAAAAAAWaE/oH290hyH0AU/s1600/IMG_8353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVYZI5cYkbA/VmIjte22ZqI/AAAAAAAAWaE/oH290hyH0AU/s320/IMG_8353.JPG" width="320" /></a> generous drizzle of caramel sauce before serving</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpzuug1pCJU/VmIjxZ3ncoI/AAAAAAAAWaM/dIA7tZxanAA/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpzuug1pCJU/VmIjxZ3ncoI/AAAAAAAAWaM/dIA7tZxanAA/s320/IMG_8355.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nT9OUxHQUEA/VmIj05z2xWI/AAAAAAAAWaU/Zb_p84Cjml8/s1600/IMG_8359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nT9OUxHQUEA/VmIj05z2xWI/AAAAAAAAWaU/Zb_p84Cjml8/s320/IMG_8359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Recipe adapted slightly from <a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/09/caramel-apple-mini-cheesecakes-streusel-topping/">cookingclassy.com</a><br />
<br />
Makes 18 mini cheesecakes<br />
<br />
<u>For the base</u><br />
16 digestive biscuits<br />
2.5 tablespoon caster sugar<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
85g butter,melted<br />
<br />
<u>For the filling </u><br />
340g cream cheese<br />
225g caster sugar<br />
3 large free range eggs<br />
3/4 cup creme fraiche<br />
3 or 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped into tiny pieces (if the chunks are too big, the apples won't cook fully)<br />
3 tablespoons lemon juice<br />
<br />
<u>For the streusel topping</u><br />
80g plain flour<br />
40g oats<br />
75g brown sugar<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
57g butter<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>First prepare the streusel topping by mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl using your hands until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. </li>
<li>Cover and chill in the fridge. </li>
<li>Preheat the oven to 165C. </li>
<li>Prepare the crust by blitzing the digestive biscuits in a food processor or bashing them with a rolling pin in a ziplock bag. </li>
<li>Add the melted butter, sugar and cinnamon and stir until mixed. </li>
<li>Line 2 muffin tins with 18 cupcake/muffin liners. </li>
<li>Divide the mixture evenly between 18 cases and press down gently.</li>
<li>Bake in the pre heated oven for approximately 5 minutes then remove from the oven and allow to cool.</li>
<li>Make the filling by beating the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. </li>
<li>Add the eggs one at a time followed by the creme fraiche and mix well.</li>
<li>Pour the filling (use a measuring jug with a pouring spout) on top of the baked cheesecake crust until about 2/3 full.</li>
<li>Peel, core and finely chop the apples then toss in fresh lemon juice.</li>
<li>Place a generous spoonful of apples on top of each cheesecake. </li>
<li>Top with the streusel topping. </li>
<li>Bake in the pre heated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. </li>
<li>Allow to cool completely then chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. </li>
<li>Just before serving, pour a generous amount of caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake. I used ready made caramel sauce but you can also make your own. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-49935802154645990192015-11-30T22:29:00.000+00:002015-11-30T22:29:17.468+00:00AlphaBakes "M" Round up <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome to November's "M" Roundup. It's great to see so many of you joining in with AlphaBakes this month. We've had a wide variety of entries from sweet to savoury and a few new ingredients I've not heard of before. I am excited to see what December brings as we have already used 'X' this time and there's not many letters left so let's hope it's a good one. Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline's blog</a> on 1st December to find out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Caroline's mum Jacqueline sent in a chocolate marble cake. I love marble cakes and this looks pretty and delicious. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXAlRE9wGTo/VlsVOe9X3FI/AAAAAAAAWVg/HK8fcA8DNWk/s1600/marble%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXAlRE9wGTo/VlsVOe9X3FI/AAAAAAAAWVg/HK8fcA8DNWk/s200/marble%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next we have <a href="http://veggiedesserts.co.uk/mushrooms-on-toast-with-garlic-and-thyme/">Mushrooms on toast with Garlic and Thyme</a> by Kate from Veggie Desserts. This is a delicious breakfast/brunch which is quick and easy to make. The mushrooms have lots of flavour from the herbs and the toast helps to absorb all those lovely mushroom juices. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwbGdmgdwwY/VlsWK5tIIuI/AAAAAAAAWVs/_pLIPgN490o/s1600/Mushrooms-Toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwbGdmgdwwY/VlsWK5tIIuI/AAAAAAAAWVs/_pLIPgN490o/s320/Mushrooms-Toast.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My co host Caroline from Caroline Makes baked <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2015/11/home-bake-box-lavender-macarons.html">Lavender Macarons</a> which she packed in a box to give to her mum. You can read about Home Bake Box where she got the ingredients from on her blog. I am always impressed with anyone that bakes macarons as I'm terrible at them myself!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYxz0R22ALs/VlsW6tqCjnI/AAAAAAAAWV4/j02b-mITe3c/s1600/lavender%2Bmacarons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYxz0R22ALs/VlsW6tqCjnI/AAAAAAAAWV4/j02b-mITe3c/s200/lavender%2Bmacarons.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suelle from Mainly Baking baked a delicious <a href="http://mainlybaking.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/marzipan-and-cherry-loaf.html">Marzipan and Cherry Loaf</a> for her husband who wanted one from Waitrose. Why buy one when you can bake one at home and I'm pretty sure this tasted better than the shop bought ones. The cherries look really pretty and are beautifully and evenly spaced out. Check out her blog for her very helpful tip on how to prevent the cherries sinking to the bottom.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwLyJQxlCgs/VlsXnIISErI/AAAAAAAAWV8/ko5S__h3fX4/s1600/marzipan%2Band%2Bcherry%2Bloaf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwLyJQxlCgs/VlsXnIISErI/AAAAAAAAWV8/ko5S__h3fX4/s200/marzipan%2Band%2Bcherry%2Bloaf.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On to something savoury now with <a href="http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/maftoul-with-roasted-harissa-rainbow.html">Maftoul with Roasted Harissa Rainbow Carrots</a> from Shaheen from A2K - A seasonal Veg Table. Maftoul is made from sun-dried bulgar wheat and hand rolled into tiny, chewy balls. It absorbs flavours very well and is served with gorgeous roasted rainbow carrots.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz4Cp0Juq00/VlsYdWLhZLI/AAAAAAAAWWI/9y7uUIq4mRs/s1600/Maftoul1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz4Cp0Juq00/VlsYdWLhZLI/AAAAAAAAWWI/9y7uUIq4mRs/s200/Maftoul1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Johanna from Green Gourmet Giraffe made a <a href="http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/beetroot-and-caramelised-onion-galette.html">beetroot and caramelised onion galette with vegan mozarella</a>. It made for a perfect end to a day full of ups and downs and I'm sure balanced out all the bad in the day! It's such a versatile recipe as you can change the filling and serve it warm or cold. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WF5AwOqee1Y/VlsbQHHxfUI/AAAAAAAAWWY/BvbcreLAy4Q/s1600/beetroot%2Bgalette%2Bwith%2Bvegan%2Bmozzarella%2B%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WF5AwOqee1Y/VlsbQHHxfUI/AAAAAAAAWWY/BvbcreLAy4Q/s200/beetroot%2Bgalette%2Bwith%2Bvegan%2Bmozzarella%2B%252813%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Caroline is back with a <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2015/11/bolo-de-leite-condensado-brazilian.html">Brazilian Condensed Milk Cake</a> also known as Bolo de Leite Condensado. Caroline thought she got a can of caramel but had a can of condensed milk instead so decided to find a recipe to use it up. Unfortunately she didn't really like the texture of the cake as it was rubbery in texture but was not too bad when served with custard. The bundt tin makes the cake look really pretty. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuable-F_Ls/VlscP9nTeiI/AAAAAAAAWWk/FaziODwk-9w/s1600/condensed%2Bmilk%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuable-F_Ls/VlscP9nTeiI/AAAAAAAAWWk/FaziODwk-9w/s200/condensed%2Bmilk%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kate from Gluten Free Alchemist made <a href="http://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/2015/11/mini-mouthful-jam-tarts-with-pate.html">Mini Mouthful Jam Tarts with Pate Sucree</a> which are of course gluten free. Pate Sucree is sweet French tart pastry which is sweetened and enriched shortcrust pastry perfect for sweet patisserie. Her is topped with a fresh raspberry which makes it look so pretty and oh so tempting!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9rZl1kEN-Y/VlsdcW_TqQI/AAAAAAAAWWw/mkZNppOjMmM/s1600/mini%2Bmouthful%2Btarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9rZl1kEN-Y/VlsdcW_TqQI/AAAAAAAAWWw/mkZNppOjMmM/s200/mini%2Bmouthful%2Btarts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next is my own entry with a <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/chocolate-mint-cake.html">Chocolate Mint Cake</a> made as a suprise for a friend's birthday. The sponge is chocolate mint and it has a creamy, minty cream cheese filling with chopped up Aeros. The cake is topped with a chocolate ganache and decorated with more Mint Aero's. If you like chocolate and mint then you'll love this cake! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcdjqqM4YTY/VlseJ67xn2I/AAAAAAAAWW4/PKncHU2Dlrw/s1600/chocolate%2Bmint%2Bcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcdjqqM4YTY/VlseJ67xn2I/AAAAAAAAWW4/PKncHU2Dlrw/s200/chocolate%2Bmint%2Bcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dom from Belleau Kitchen baked a <a href="http://www.belleaukitchen.com/2015/11/gluten-free-apple-and-medjool-date-cake.html">Gluten Free Apple and Medjool Date Cake</a> which looks delicious and virtuous. Dom's not so sure about it as he feels it lacks something naughty but it went down well unsurprisingly! I'm sure it would be a great recipe for the upcoming festive season especially for those who are gluten intolerant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnZHWrYMNsY/VlsfT5Ut1OI/AAAAAAAAWXE/crt-x-RNi8o/s1600/GFAppleCake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnZHWrYMNsY/VlsfT5Ut1OI/AAAAAAAAWXE/crt-x-RNi8o/s200/GFAppleCake2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Choclette from Tin and Thyme baked <a href="http://tinandthyme.uk/2015/11/strawberry-marshmallow-fluff-cookies/">Strawberry Marshmallow Fluff Cookies</a> and says they are the best cookies ever! I don't doubt her for an instant and would really like to try one or two of them. They are moreish on the outside and chewy on the inside and has ooey gooey marshmallow fluff baked in the cookie. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWHNjw5JgUo/VlwGcCBqjUI/AAAAAAAAWXc/wqmHEyBbV4E/s1600/Marshmallow-Fluff-Cookies1-750x499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWHNjw5JgUo/VlwGcCBqjUI/AAAAAAAAWXc/wqmHEyBbV4E/s200/Marshmallow-Fluff-Cookies1-750x499.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stuart from Cakeyboi made a very seasonal dessert, perfect for autumn and Thanksgiving with an unusual ingredient and a very clever kitchen gadget. I am of course talking about his <a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/2015/11/sweet-potato-cupcakes-with-toasted.html">Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow</a>. It's full of seasonal spices such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves which I'm sure smelt heavenly whilst baking. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzzZAre6Xnk/VlwILSe3RMI/AAAAAAAAWXo/RFZdkupzzBk/s1600/sweet%2Bpotato%2Bcupcakes%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzzZAre6Xnk/VlwILSe3RMI/AAAAAAAAWXo/RFZdkupzzBk/s200/sweet%2Bpotato%2Bcupcakes%2B4.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next we have <a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/2015/11/golden-oat-raisin-almond-cookies.html">Golden Oat Raisin and Almond Cookies</a> by Kat from The Baking Explorer. They are made with Marriage's Master Millers Golden Plain Flour and are packed full of almonds, raisins and a touch of golden syrup. It's unsurprising really that they went down a treat and I'm sure there will be requests for more! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGqtd7RwpvE/VlwJfBpvEUI/AAAAAAAAWX0/bP_vqk1lJq8/s1600/golden%2Boat%2Bcookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGqtd7RwpvE/VlwJfBpvEUI/AAAAAAAAWX0/bP_vqk1lJq8/s200/golden%2Boat%2Bcookies.JPG" width="158" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Caroline is back with <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2015/11/french-toast-stuffed-with-cream-cheese.html">French Toast Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Caramelised Pecans</a>. She got the inspiration from her trip in America and served it with a little bottle of maple syrup, a souvenir from her trip. It sounds absolutely delicious and would make for a very indulgent brunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1i3hmXb8x20/VlzJ5v2gO7I/AAAAAAAAWYM/CUjVTCNLico/s1600/french%2Btoast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1i3hmXb8x20/VlzJ5v2gO7I/AAAAAAAAWYM/CUjVTCNLico/s200/french%2Btoast.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Caroline's final entry is <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2015/11/white-chocolate-banana-and-walnut.html">White Chocolate, Banana and Walnut Gluten Free Muffins</a>. She was recently named Writer of the Year at work - congratulations Caroline! and baked these muffins as a celebration. She made them gluten free so everyone could enjoy them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7HssUR74wo/VlzLTDxmjMI/AAAAAAAAWYY/kTUZqsXsHi0/s1600/muffins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7HssUR74wo/VlzLTDxmjMI/AAAAAAAAWYY/kTUZqsXsHi0/s200/muffins.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next we have Kerene from The Dream Baker with her <a href="http://iamthedreambaker.blogspot.sg/2015/11/strawberry-cheesecake-mousse.html">Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse</a>. It's an easy no bake dessert which is great for using up leftover cream cheese and whipping cream. I love the addition of strawberries and her presentation is beautiful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEWbA8T8svw/VlzMKpOByDI/AAAAAAAAWYk/iw1LRlchZrs/s1600/strawberry%2Bcheesecake%2Bmousse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEWbA8T8svw/VlzMKpOByDI/AAAAAAAAWYk/iw1LRlchZrs/s200/strawberry%2Bcheesecake%2Bmousse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Our final entry is <a href="http://gracephua.blogspot.sg/2015/11/green-beans-with-mushrooms-and-shallots.html">Green Beans with Mushrooms and Shallots</a> by Grace from Life can be Simple. She wanted to make side dishes that she liked and that were also on the healthy side and came up with this. Looks delicious and nutitious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CR-w-Tphqz4/VlzNF2uQVbI/AAAAAAAAWYw/T0416TDADeQ/s1600/green%2Bbeans%2Band%2Bmushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CR-w-Tphqz4/VlzNF2uQVbI/AAAAAAAAWYw/T0416TDADeQ/s200/green%2Bbeans%2Band%2Bmushrooms.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
That's the end of the Magnificient and Marvellous "M" round up! Thank you to everyone who participated. Remember to check out Caroline's blog tomorrow to see what letter we are using next and I will see you all back in January 2016!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-21677315085903860662015-11-25T22:53:00.002+00:002015-11-25T22:53:51.932+00:00Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrUIWm81Ybk/VlYxTSQ3GgI/AAAAAAAAWTs/XmO1OiQfybs/s1600/IMG_8308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrUIWm81Ybk/VlYxTSQ3GgI/AAAAAAAAWTs/XmO1OiQfybs/s320/IMG_8308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am really excited to share this recipe with you. I love autumn baking and have been baking non stop with apples. There's something so comforting about apples and cinnamon and it's even better when paired with pastry. I love a good apple pie and I have to confess that I occasionally crave a McDonald's apple pie! I saw these <a href="http://www.justataste.com/salted-caramel-apple-hand-pies-recipe/">salted caramel apple pies</a> on Kelly's blog and have been wanting to bake them for weeks. I finally got a chance and they were well worth the wait. I used a different recipe for the pastry which has a high proportion of butter to flour and it tasted amazing! It is the best pastry I've made as it's so buttery and flaky almost like a puff pastry. I loved the cinnamon, caramel apple filling but was not a fan of the sea salt which I will omit next time. The pies were not as difficult to make as I originally thought and I will definitely be baking these again. We had them warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it was absolutely divine. It was equally good the next day cold for breakfast! I am now thinking of different fruit variations for these pies - apple and raisin, apple and berries, pear and ginger.... any other ideas? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sending this to a few blog challenges this month. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.unitedcakedom.com/2015/11/the-pastry-challenge-november-linky.html">The Pastry Challenge</a> hosted by Lisa from <a href="http://www.unitedcakedom.com/">United Cakedom</a> and Jen from <a href="http://jensfood.co.uk/">Jen's Food</a>. The theme this month is pies and tarts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3IzNfgFNRY/VlY1vMZWrpI/AAAAAAAAWT8/yoSbfFhPmRI/s1600/pastry_challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3IzNfgFNRY/VlY1vMZWrpI/AAAAAAAAWT8/yoSbfFhPmRI/s200/pastry_challenge.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.bakingqueen74.co.uk/perfecting-patisserie-november-2015/">Perfecting Patisserie Challenge</a> hosted by Lucy from <a href="http://www.bakingqueen74.co.uk/">Baking Queen 74</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTYkMXwxL50/VlY2lVRTEwI/AAAAAAAAWUI/TEkVFjiJwO0/s1600/Perfecting-Patisserie-Logo-300x2511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTYkMXwxL50/VlY2lVRTEwI/AAAAAAAAWUI/TEkVFjiJwO0/s200/Perfecting-Patisserie-Logo-300x2511.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amummytoo.co.uk/2015/11/recipeoftheweek-21-27-november/">Recipe of the Week</a> hosted by Emily from A Mummy Too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymM-9I-qN9A/VlY3tLm_-hI/AAAAAAAAWUc/jYq-K7m0cLA/s1600/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymM-9I-qN9A/VlY3tLm_-hI/AAAAAAAAWUc/jYq-K7m0cLA/s1600/recipe-of-the-week%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://casacostello.com/2015/11/24/orange-raspberry-swirl-cookies-bakeoftheweek/">Bake of the Week</a> hosted by Helen from Casa Costello.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvwezzxQ01w/VlY4K-uxggI/AAAAAAAAWUk/QBGTD8iCVQM/s1600/Bake-of-the-week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvwezzxQ01w/VlY4K-uxggI/AAAAAAAAWUk/QBGTD8iCVQM/s200/Bake-of-the-week.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20.79px; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/2015/11/treat-petite-november.html">Treat Petite</a> hosted by Kat from <a href="http://www.thebakingexplorer.com/">The Baking Explorer</a> and Stuart from<a href="http://www.cakeyboi.com/">Cakeyboi</a>. The theme this month is Autumn.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3B5_1vWSVWU/VlY4e0_GfqI/AAAAAAAAWUs/SjhoY-Rp4Ms/s1600/treat%2Bpetite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3B5_1vWSVWU/VlY4e0_GfqI/AAAAAAAAWUs/SjhoY-Rp4Ms/s200/treat%2Bpetite.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.hijackedbytwins.com/2015/11/cookblogshare-week18-Christmas-recipe-roundup.html">Cook Blog Share</a> hosted by Kirsty from Hijacked by Twins.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKZAWqSNju8/VlY4ws58s_I/AAAAAAAAWU0/0Z5fLWLZ7ps/s1600/cook%2Bblog%2Bshare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKZAWqSNju8/VlY4ws58s_I/AAAAAAAAWU0/0Z5fLWLZ7ps/s1600/cook%2Bblog%2Bshare.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_Vpnf45VmA/VlYw6Er8lbI/AAAAAAAAWSs/6v3XNUQ5BM0/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_Vpnf45VmA/VlYw6Er8lbI/AAAAAAAAWSs/6v3XNUQ5BM0/s320/IMG_8292.JPG" width="320" /></a> I found some salted caramel sweets in France</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3rmClJE6f0/VlYw9E2tb2I/AAAAAAAAWS0/o7tR6FRzZoM/s1600/IMG_8294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3rmClJE6f0/VlYw9E2tb2I/AAAAAAAAWS0/o7tR6FRzZoM/s320/IMG_8294.JPG" width="320" /></a> Make sure you chop the apples into little pieces so they cook properly</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9w04bOEiyM/VlYw_k1AzWI/AAAAAAAAWS8/2TqmvqA-Osk/s1600/IMG_8295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9w04bOEiyM/VlYw_k1AzWI/AAAAAAAAWS8/2TqmvqA-Osk/s320/IMG_8295.JPG" width="320" /></a> I'm really proud of my pastry :) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-940mWp3lxgc/VlYxCWbwQqI/AAAAAAAAWTE/rAjHyY5DsGI/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-940mWp3lxgc/VlYxCWbwQqI/AAAAAAAAWTE/rAjHyY5DsGI/s320/IMG_8297.JPG" width="320" /></a> Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the centre of a pastry circle</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3yFNduTQgo/VlYxGKAvE5I/AAAAAAAAWTM/uW_OEslAd4o/s1600/IMG_8300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3yFNduTQgo/VlYxGKAvE5I/AAAAAAAAWTM/uW_OEslAd4o/s320/IMG_8300.JPG" width="320" /></a> add chopped caramels and sea salt flakes </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4mzm3JuHNU/VlYxIEjdaZI/AAAAAAAAWTU/6z1PBQCKOZY/s1600/IMG_8301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4mzm3JuHNU/VlYxIEjdaZI/AAAAAAAAWTU/6z1PBQCKOZY/s320/IMG_8301.JPG" width="320" /></a> Wet the edges of the pastry and place a pastry circle on top</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gw-syix6bk/VlYxMFkR6zI/AAAAAAAAWTc/O7U0l4guDa0/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gw-syix6bk/VlYxMFkR6zI/AAAAAAAAWTc/O7U0l4guDa0/s320/IMG_8302.JPG" width="320" /></a> Press down gently and crimp with a fork </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnDEet-Wf7g/VlYxPAkjVQI/AAAAAAAAWTk/40Zy_8qSfwQ/s1600/IMG_8304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnDEet-Wf7g/VlYxPAkjVQI/AAAAAAAAWTk/40Zy_8qSfwQ/s320/IMG_8304.JPG" width="320" /></a> Brush with egg wash then cut some air vents and add a sprinkling of demerera sugar (I didn't have any granulated sugar) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrUIWm81Ybk/VlYxTSQ3GgI/AAAAAAAAWTs/XmO1OiQfybs/s1600/IMG_8308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrUIWm81Ybk/VlYxTSQ3GgI/AAAAAAAAWTs/XmO1OiQfybs/s320/IMG_8308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJPwxK1YzfY/VlYxYldVmGI/AAAAAAAAWT0/qyjJxK1JY74/s1600/IMG_8311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJPwxK1YzfY/VlYxYldVmGI/AAAAAAAAWT0/qyjJxK1JY74/s320/IMG_8311.JPG" width="320" /></a> You can see the soft, flaky pastry here - it resembles puff pastry!! </div>
<br />
<br />
Makes 12 mini pies<br />
<br />
<u>For the pastry</u><br />
315g plain flour<br />
1 tablespoon caster sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
285g butter, cubed and cold<br />
6-10 tablespoons ice cold water<br />
<br />
<u>For the filling</u><br />
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped into little pieces<br />
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
50g caster sugar<br />
2 teaspoons plain flour<br />
12 caramel sweets, roughly chopped<br />
sea salt flakes<br />
<br />
<u>For the egg wash</u><br />
1 egg<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
<br />
Note: I used a food processor to make my pastry but you can of course make it by hand.<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Place the flour, sugar and salt in the food processor and mix briefly.</li>
<li>Add in the chopped cold butter and pulse until it resembles bread crumbs.</li>
<li>Add in a tablespoon of water at a time and continue mixing until a soft dough forms. I used 8 tablespoons of water. </li>
<li>Knead the dough gently and wrap in cling film.</li>
<li>Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes but preferably a few hours. </li>
<li>Next make the filling by mixing the chopped apple, lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar and flour in a bowl. </li>
<li>Roughly chop the caramel sweets - I used 1 sweet per apple pie. </li>
<li>Remove the dough from the fridge. Tear off a small piece and place the rest back in the fridge - the dough is best when chilled so work with a small bit at a time.</li>
<li>Roll out the dough on a floured surface.</li>
<li>Cut out circles using a round cutter - you need 2 pieces per pie. </li>
<li>Place the circles on a baking tray lined with non stick baking paper or a silicone baking mat.</li>
<li>Place 1 tablespoon of apple filling in the centre of each circle, keeping the edges free.</li>
<li>Add the chopped caramels and a sprinkling of sea salt flakes (optional).</li>
<li>Dip your finger into a bowl of water and lightly run your finger around the edge of each pastry circle.</li>
<li>Add a circle of dough on top of the apple pie and press down the edges gently.</li>
<li>Crimp the edges using a fork.</li>
<li>Brush the pies with eggwash.</li>
<li>Cut a few air vents in each pie and sprinkle with granulated or demerera sugar (optional). </li>
<li>Bake in a pre heated oven of 200C for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1315882034135499305.post-63036327820928333352015-11-17T22:22:00.000+00:002015-11-17T22:22:37.563+00:00Chocolate Mint Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vWZBN3JqsA/VkujgKZUSjI/AAAAAAAAWRc/H-m-Dlvhmxo/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vWZBN3JqsA/VkujgKZUSjI/AAAAAAAAWRc/H-m-Dlvhmxo/s320/IMG_8228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I planned a little surprise birthday dinner for a friend recently. Luckily it went well and the birthday girl was indeed surprised and very happy! I asked the restaurant if I could bring a cake and started thinking about what to bake. I remembered that chocolate mint is her favorite so I thought of a chocolate cake with a minty filling. I had great success with my <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/chocolate-cake-with-oreo-and-cream.html">chocolate cake and Oreo cream cheese filling</a> so I decided to adapt that into a chocolate mint cake. I used the same cake recipe but added 1 tablespoon of mint extract. The filling also had mint and green food coloring and chopped up mint aero. The cake was then topped with a chocolate ganache and mint aero balls. I forgot to take pictures at the restaurant so I only have a few photos to share. The cake was absolutely delicious! Light and minty but not overly so. My friend's dad really enjoyed the cake and I got more compliments about the cake later from her family! </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sharing this with <a href="http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/alphabakes-november-2015.html">Alphabakes</a> which I'm hosting this month. Caroline from <a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/">Caroline Makes</a> is my co host. The letter this month is M for mint. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s1600/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZh_1OZ4Ac8/UdBAm6L6BmI/AAAAAAAAKr0/mfvd-7l85QY/s200/AlphaBakes%2BLogo.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3Ai3VKW0x0/VkujRr8zUnI/AAAAAAAAWRU/3xLTdkd_jrg/s1600/IMG_8222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3Ai3VKW0x0/VkujRr8zUnI/AAAAAAAAWRU/3xLTdkd_jrg/s320/IMG_8222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01-JhvtqxvU/VkujmEQKB6I/AAAAAAAAWRk/sY5OxSsvD7o/s1600/IMG_8224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01-JhvtqxvU/VkujmEQKB6I/AAAAAAAAWRk/sY5OxSsvD7o/s320/IMG_8224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vWZBN3JqsA/VkujgKZUSjI/AAAAAAAAWRc/H-m-Dlvhmxo/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vWZBN3JqsA/VkujgKZUSjI/AAAAAAAAWRc/H-m-Dlvhmxo/s320/IMG_8228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>For the cake</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">350g caster sugar</span></div>
220g plain flour<br />85g cocoa powder<br />1.5 teaspoon baking powder<br />1.5 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda<br />2 eggs<br />250mls milk<br />125mls vegetable oil<br />1 tablespoon peppermint extract<br />250mls boiling water, cooled for a few minutes<br /><br /><br /><u>For the filling</u><br />400mls double cream<br />225g cream cheese<br />85g icing sugar<br />green food colouring</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2 large bars of Mint Aero, roughly chopped<br /><br /><u>For the ganache</u><br />200mls double cream<br />200g dark chocolate </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<u>To decorate</u></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mint Aero balls<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C.</li>
<li>Grease and line 2 x 18cm round tins. </li>
<li>Place the sugar, flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cocoa powder in the bowl of an electric mixer and mix briefly.</li>
<li>Add in the milk, oil, eggs, peppermint extract and finally the slightly cooled boiling water.</li>
<li>Mix until smooth.</li>
<li>Divide the batter between the 2 cake tins and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. </li>
<li>Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.</li>
<li>To make the filling, whip the cream until stiff then set aside. </li>
<li>Beat the cream cheese with the icing sugar until smooth. Add in a little green food colouring and mix thoroughly. </li>
<li>Stir in the whipped cream and chopped mint aero chocolate. </li>
<li>Chill in the fridge if not using immediately.</li>
<li>To make the ganache, heat the cream gently until it's just starting to bubble - don't let it overboil.</li>
<li>Add in the chocolate in small pieces whilst stirring.</li>
<li>Whisk for a few minutes until it's smooth.</li>
<li>Allow to cool for 5-10minutes before using.</li>
<li>To assemble the cake, place one cake upside down on the cake board. </li>
<li>Spread the cream cheese filling evenly on the cake, smoothing out the edges as you go. </li>
<li>Add the second cake on top.</li>
<li>Pour the ganache from a height on to the centre of the cake and allow it to spread out until it's dripping down the edges of the cake. </li>
<li>Decorate with mint aero balls. </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Baking Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225663843015884639noreply@blogger.com2