Lemon & lavender cake

As I sit in the lounge room, eyes contentedly closed, I listen to Nature's Orchestra playing the Ode to Storms outside my window. I hear the thunderous bass drumming steadily as its vibration reverberates through each cell in my body, whilst the lightning clangs and the rain shakes like a maraca against the trees, against the huddled birds, against the window's face. The secondary droplets falling like a piccolo flute forming streams of a harp's strings, flowing to lower ground. Eventually the rain and lightning subsides, leaving only a rolling rumbling and downpour-soaked birds calling out to their friends with a melodic 'are you ok?'

And then silence as the birds and I hold our breath whilst listening to the absence of wind...

Until the thunder once more fierce and powerful in its pounding begins the number once again. But this time I have brought something to steady me against the tempest raging outside, a cup of tea, slightly steaming and a slice of cake to nibble during the encore.

Lemon & lavender cake
adapted from this recipe

200 g butter
4 large eggs
200 g sugar
90 g plain flour + more for the pan
90 g ground almonds
3/4 tsp baking powder
zest and juice from one large lemon
2 tbsp sugar for syrup
1/2 tbs dried lavender for syrup
2 tbsp demerera sugar to sprinkle on top

Preheat oven to 160 C.

Prepare a large loaf pan by cutting baking paper to fit the length, letting the excess fall over the sides. Grease and flour the ends of the tin.

Mix the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and lemon zest in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and 200 g sugar till light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Scrape the batter (it will be thick) into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake 45 minutes, until risen and golden brown on top.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan.

While the cake is cooling, make the syrup: mix the juice of your large lemon with 2 Tablespoons of sugar and 1tbs dried lavender. When the cake is cool, pierce it all over with a bamboo skewer and spoon the syrup over it. Let it soak in. Sprinkle some demerera sugar on top.

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 40mins.
total: 55mins.
taste: 4/5. Afternoon tea just got tastier.

The cake was more moist than than Derek Zoolander's Merman; it was soft, slightly sticky and easy to eat.
Flavour-wise the cake was politely sweet in a very charming way. The bright lemon added a slight tartness to the lavender's girlish floral bouquet, whilst the demerera sugar on top added a wonderful caramel-hinted crunch. The three flavours worked wonderfully together, although I would have liked more of a citrus kick and would most likely add another 2tbs of lemon juice to the syrup.

would I make it again: Yes.


recipe: http://serendipity-kate.blogspot.com/2009/08/nigels-lemon-cake.html

Banana pancakes with golden syrup

Salutations readers.

Firstly, I must apologise for the minimal posting of late. You see, November is a very busy time for me as it contains not only mine, but also my husband's birthday. My birthday falls on the 11th, commonly known in Australia as Remembrance Day. This year I celebrated my birthday over four consecutive days (well nights really), shared with my husband, mother, father and in-laws - all that celebrating and eating out left me too tired to cook (as well as a few pounds heavier...)

This morning, however, I got back into my regular programming and whipped up some pancakes. Nothing special, just a fluffy pancake dotted with bananas that caramelise and soften, smothered in sticky, golden syrup. I've linked the recipe, but I shall save my usual ratings and descriptions for my next entry :)

Banana pancakes

Fluffy pancakes with roasted peanuts & sesame seeds (Ban chang kuih)

1. High tea at The Peninsula. 2. Traditional Yum Cha. 3. National Day Fireworks. 4. View from Revolving restaurant. 5. Sheraton in Shenzhen. 6. View from The Peak. 7. Taking the ferry from Kowloon to HK Island.

You might be thinking, well, that's not many photos, but that, my friends, is all I took on my whirlwind three-day-stay in Hong Kong.
We were so busy cramming as much into a day, at the sacrifice of sleep, that my mind never rested for a minute to remember my camera. Normally, upon returning home and finding very little photographic evidence of my spontaneous sojourn I would be upset, but alas, I am not. The three days I spent there were frenetically paced, but wonderfully so. I felt our schedule meshed with the culture and activities well. There was this one particular moment, when my husband, myself and two friends were standing in a nightclub elevator where it suddenly hit us that we had been awake for a solid 48 hours, needless to say we spent the next five minutes completely freaking out and sputtering out a million 'OMG's' before we decided we should probably have a quick drink at the bar and then head home before we forgot what our own names were. Good times.

Since arriving home I have been re-familiarising myself with the life and routine I left back here, which has taken a little longer than usual as I left my iPhone in Hong Kong. All of a sudden I had to go back to handwriting shopping lists rather than using an App (and yes, I did leave said shopping list at home and was left standing in each aisle at the supermarket trying to use my very dusty memory skills...).
Whilst I am all for using less technology on a daily basis, there were a few times I found myself making unnecessary trips all because I couldn't call my husband to find out where he was and instead had to drive to each location until I found him - he was back at home, the last place I looked, naturally.

Luckily, my phone was found and shipped back and I am no longer getting out of bed at 5am (my phone is also my beside clock). Having had a better chunk of sleep I awoke at a more decent hour to whip up a batch of pancakes, with an Asian twist.

Have any of you been without a piece of technology and found yourself feeling a little lost?

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 2hours.
cooking time: 10mins for two large pancakes.
total: 2 hours & 10mins.

taste: 4/5. Tastier than I thought.

I was a little sceptical at the lack of wetness in this dish, but it was not missed. Hubby was extremely happy with his pancake and loved its different texture and combination of flavours. I doubled the but mixture because I am always greedy with toppings - I loved the nuts but it was a little sweet for me sugar-wise. My pancakes didn't look as fluffy as the ones pictured, but I have a feeling that may have had something to do with the freshness of my baking powder.

would I make it again: Yes.


recipe: fluffy pancake with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds

Jamie's bloomin' brilliant brownies

It's hard to surprise me.

I am quick to spot a falter in someone's speech or an inconsistency in their behaviour, I blame this sleuth-like quality on my star sign, the mystery loving Scorpio. It is due to my inquisitive, suspicious nature that almost all of my husband's efforts to surprise me are foiled by yours truly, most often unintentionally. I can't seem to help going on the chase if I smell a rat, whether the deceit is well-intended or not.

After guessing last year's intended birthday surprise R finally gave up and has not tried anything since. That is probably how he managed to sneak out of the house for a supposed business shop visit (the fact that it was pouring outside and quiet at the office should have piqued my intrigue, but I was too absorbed in my Spring cleaning to bother probing) to return with a bunch of vivid roses and tulips. I was not merely shocked by the surprise gift, but also that he bought me flowers, which has only ever happened on the occasional birthday or Valentine's Day (my girlfriend's are the usual flower givers).

Not only did I not mind that he had successfully tricked me, but I was girlishly thrilled to receive a completely unexpected bunch of flowers. I must have said thank you a dozen times as I happily stared at the flowers throughout the day, they truly do put a smile on a woman's face. I couldn't help but marvel at the tulips in particular with their watercolour streaks of Byzantium purple and cornflower blue, simply a masterpiece of floral beauty.

To show my thanks I baked a tray of 'chocolate only' brownies I spotted on this blog as per hubby's request. We were both equally happy with our gifts :)

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 23mins.
total: 38mins.

taste:  4/5 - fairly brilliant.

For me the taste was very earthy with an almost coffee-like depth; the cocoa gave them a rich chocolate intensity. Flour's minimal attendance allowed the brownies a lovely soft, toothsome fudginess but it had a slight graininess towards the end.

Hubby gave these a 4.5 but for me they were a 4; they were a touch too dark and heavy for me, but nonetheless they were quite addictive.

I have a query, I use different percentage callebaut chocolate, in this instance I used a 70% dark callebaut, I read recently that callebaut chocolate may change the consistency and outcome of recipes that call for bitter-sweet or 70% dark chocolate - is this true?

would I make them again: No, there can only be one brownie recipe, and I have yet to find it.

recipe: Jamie's bloomin' brilliant brownies

La bete noire

Old friendships are like the nook of a lovers arm; natural, comforting and familiar.
New friendships are like a new pair of heels; it takes a while to figure out which outfits they match and how to walk in them and in time, whether they will become worn-in or a pair you hardly wear.

After I met my husband, we made new friends, I befriended his, and he befriended mine, but we also made some together. After attending a previous school mates 21st with whom he had been just a friendly acquaintance, they suddenly found common ground that hadn't been there in their youths and established a friendship. Not long after, this friend met a woman, and eventually they got married one month after us. It was fortunate that not only do I get along with him, but that I also formed a friendship with his wife. When we all catch up we spend hours talking over good food, all together at first, and then his wife and I will find a cosy corner to really dish the dirt whilst nibbling cookies and they will wander off to play pool, pinball or some other boys toy whist munching on chips and being completely oblivious to our animated conversations, mostly about them.

After we both returned from our respective holidays abroad, we got the call that their new house (only a 5 minute drive away) was finally ready for guests, and could we please come over for a casual dinner and catch up. Naturally, we were asked to bring nothing, but how can I possibly come empty handed? My mother would have had a conniption if I brought nothing to a dinner/house-warming, she raised me better than that.

My first thought instinctively ran to a dessert. But as this friendship is still in its early bloom, I didn't know what flavours or sweets they liked most. So, as I often do when I want to please all tastes, I chose chocolate, as it's the safest bet sweet-wise. Because really, how could you possibly not like chocolate?

 No inside shots I'm afraid as this cake was a housewarming gift.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 10mins.
cooking time: 1hour plus 3 hours chilling.
total: 1hour & 10 mins plus 3 hours chill.

taste: 4.5/5. This truly is a 'black beast' of a cake.

If you want one truly great flourless chocolate cake recipe, then look no further, this is it. All chocolate, eggs and sugar this cake is rich, satsifying and death-by-chocolate inducing. But I asure you, after a short eating break, you will be going back for more.

The cake's texture is fudgy and divine, and once it hits your tongue it begins to melt. Coupled with a silky ganache...well...I'm currently wishing I had a piece left over. I've made this with both 56% chocolate and 70% chocolate - hubby loved the first whilst I loved the second. Next time, I shall use the 56% for the cake and the 70% for the ganache.

It would be easy to play around with different spices (perhaps cinnamon), alcohols (Grand Marnier?) and even perhaps a sprinkling of Fleur de Sel on top.  I'd recommend tarter fruits if you wish to adorn the cake with them, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries etc.

would I make it again: Yes - this is the second time already.

recipe: La bete noire

Morning muffins

The rain was in a huff today.
It tempestuously whirled up into drenching mists from the black tarmac, creating oceans of showering waves that sprayed the windshield and dazed my view.

Every car yielded to its tantrum and slowed below the speed sign, choosing caution over quickness. The space between us shortened with each kilometre until we crawled to a snails pace as our exits approached. The traffic lights herded us like a strict shepherd to our various destinations as we freely obeyed.

Just as I was driving into a car spot the rain had settled to a quiet sulk, its droplets licking our skin like soft tears.  Dew drops clung to my hair like liquid jewels as I made my way into the tiny reception. Dozens of jars lined the shelves like an abacus; their contents were the shades of a forest. I spied many varieties of mushrooms and herbs, some flowers also, their petals dried and colours paled. They had names I couldn't pronounce with their healing attributes listed beneath like honouring medals. This was my first experience with acupuncture and I was quite nervous. The thought of being a fleshy pin cushion made me uneasy to say the least. But as with most of the unknown, once it loses its mystery, all apprehension and fear leaves with it.
Whilst the needles pricked upon first kiss of the skin, they were only as bothersome as clothes upon your body. Although I feel no more of an immediate difference than that of a short nap, I'm hopeful that they have helped, even if just a little.

Although the rain continues its mood swings, pelting my window with hail stones, nestled warmly in my home I curl up on my couch with a good book and a golden muffin, nibbling on a torn off chunk between each turn of the page.

After reading through the reviews and this post I made quite a few changes to the recipe, so I have written up my version and linked to the original below.

The gorgeous flowers in the background were given to me by my friend Angela, thanks a bunch sweetie!

Morning muffin
makes 12

2 cups spelt flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (2tsp in future)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar (1/3 white, 1/3 brown) (1/3 brown sugar,1/4 white and 1/4cup maple syrup in future)
2 small carrots (about 2 cups) grated (3 small carrots in future)
3/4 cup pecans
1/2 cup raisins (3/4cup in future)
3 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil (1/2cup in future)
3/4cup plain yoghurt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 Granny Smith apple, grated
1 Gala apple, grated
(+1/4 cup shredded coconut in future)


Preheat oven to 180C. and butter or line 12 muffin cups.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, and then whisk in the sugars.

Coarsely shred the carrots and chop the pecans. Add the carrots, pecans and raisins to the flour mixture and toss well.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, yoghurt and vanilla extract. Peel and core the apples and coarsely shred. Stir the shredded apple into the egg mixture and then add to the flour mixture, stirring until batter is just combined.

Divide batter among muffin cups and bake until and golden and the tester comes out clean, 20-25mins.

Cool muffins in cups on racks 5 minutes before turning out onto racks to cool completely.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 10mins.
cooking time: 25mins (I slightly overcooked mine).
total: 35mins.

taste: 3.5/5. It's like breakfast in a muffin.

This is a substantial muffin. Each mouthful is different and delights you with either crunchy nuts, sweet raisins, tart apple or soft carrot. The batter is spongy and laced with warm cinnamon and heady nutmeg which support the fruit and nuts beautifully. I think with a few more tweaks I will have myself a super muffin.

Next time around I would increase the cinnamon to 2tsp, add an extra small carrot and up the raisins to 3/4cup. I would also add 1/4cup of shredded coconut and increase the oil to 1/2cup. I think I would also decrease the white sugar by 1/4cup and add 1/4cup of maple syrup instead.

Have a play around to suit your preferences.

would I make it again: Yes - with further modifications.

recipe: Carrott muffins.

Maple, walnut & flaxseed pancakes with strawberries

My stomach feels like it has been thumped with a mallet like a chicken schnitzel - and it's not due to situps, or exercise of any kind.

My sides have split with laughter. It's not just my midriff that's feeling a little tender; my dad and hubby are also a little sore thanks to Modern Family. It's been a long time (think back to when Arrested Development was on air) since I found a funny television show that made me laugh and left me in a good mood after watching it. As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes a little TV can be a good thing.

There's nothing like a good chuckle to get you in a good mood.
The better my mood the more I like to bake as I believe that food cooked with love and joy tastes better than food cooked when grumpy or tired (this may be due in part to the latter moods resulting in more mistakes...).

Apart from laughter, some meals also instantly lift your spirits, and for me, pancakes are one of them. I adore pancakes but they can make me feel a little guilty if I overindulge as they aren't the healthiest things. So imagine my delight at finding a pretty healthy(ish) pancake recipe that is also high in Omega 3s (hint: there was a lot of delight). I ate four of these babies and I didn't even feel guilty...until I went back for another one...

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 8mins.
cooking time: 14mins to make 6 large pancakes.
total: 22mins.

taste: 4.5/5. Flaxseed Fabulous.

I adored these! I loved the texture and the crunch of the walnuts. The were softly sweet and perfect with some fresh, juicy strawberries and extra lashings of maple syrup.

I added a few extra walnuts. I'd love to try them with whole wheat flour, and perhaps a pinch of cinnamon, but honestly they were great as is especially considering they are a more nutritious pancake.

would I make it again: Yes.


recipe: Maple, walnut & flaxseed pancakes

Apple, fruit & nut torte

"The sun did not shine.
It was too wet to play.
So we sat in the house
All that cold, cold, wet day."

Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

The soft cotton sheets peeked out from in between my fingers, clutched tightly within tiny fists. My eyes grew wide with anticipation as I clung to every word, told brilliantly in different voices and tones. Of all the childhood memories I have of my mother, her role as storyteller is what I treasure most.

My love of books was possibly my first love; I was reading on my own before the age of four. But not a dozen books read alone could compare to the one or two read by my mother some nights whilst my brother and I were tucked into bed eagerly awaiting a tantalising tale. No one could tell a story like my mother. I can still hear the low and slightly effeminate English accent of Moon Face or the lyrical purr of Dr Seuss - she made each character leap off the page and created a magical world for us to visit and dream about. One day, I hope to be able to do the same for my children, to not simply read aloud, but to bring each story to life, like my mother did for me.

I want to take this moment to thank my mother for those special nights, so precious in my memory, and to wish her a very Happy 45th Birthday. You might recall this was the cake I made for you on Mother's Day, your birthday cake currently waits patiently for your return home so you may breathe a wish upon its crust and slice a piece to eat.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 20min.
cooking time: 1 hour & 10mins.
total: 1 hour & 30mins.

taste: 4.5/5. A celebration of fruit and nuts.

The cake itself is sweet and soft with a glorious crunchy crust with bursts of zesty cinnamon. This gives way to the wonderfully tart and juicy apple slices. They linger on your tongue allowing you to savour their flavour before the plump sweet raisins come into play with the crunchy pine nuts. Everything is then tied off neatly with the gorgeous hazelnuts.There may be quite a few flavours but they do not overwhelm, instead they create interest and make each mouthful different to the last whilst still allowing the apples to shine.

Hubby was elated with this cake and I was too.
Mine cooked in 1 hour.

would I make it again: Yes.


recipe: Apple Torte

Ginger & treacle pear cake

Droplets of cream intertwine with the amber caramel creating copper and tan coloured swirls; whirling together until they can no longer be distinguished as separate.
The heady nutmeg, invigorating ginger and fragrant cinnamon mingle with the sugar-spiced treacle urging me to inhale deeply as they flush my cheeks with their passionate scent.
I twirl my whisk to the sounds of a Parisian street accordion and classical strings, as the warmly whimsical La Valse D'Amelie dances across the walls and flows through my fingertips.

For me, the joy of baking is immense and nourishing; it's sunshine for my spirit.

Ginger and pear cake with caramel and clotted cream
from the April 2010 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller.
Serves 16
`
225 gm softened butter
250 gm dark brown sugar
3 beurre Bosc pears, cut into 8 wedges, core removed
450 gm plain flour, sieved
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tbsp ground ginger
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp finely grated nutmeg
370 gm treacle
3 eggs
250 ml buttermilk
80 ml pouring cream
To serve: clotted cream

Preheat oven to 160C. Melt 100gm butter in a large frying pan over medium heat, scatter in half the sugar and stir until dissolved (3-5 minutes). Add pears and turn occasionally until golden and just cooked through (10-12 minutes). Remove pears with a slotted spoon, arrange in base of a 22cm-diameter cake tin lined with baking paper, set aside. Reserve remaining liquid in frying pan.
Sift flour, bicarbonate of soda and spices into a bowl and set aside. Beat remaining butter and remaining sugar in an electric mixer until pale and creamy (3-5 minutes). Add treacle, then eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture, in thirds, alternating with buttermilk, finishing with flour, until just combined. Pour over pears, bake until golden and an inserted skewer withdraws clean (1 hour 10 minutes-1 hour 20 minutes (mine cooked in 50mins). Cool in tin on a wire rack for 10 minutes, turn onto serving plate and cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, heat reserved pan juices over medium heat, whisk in pouring cream until combined. Serve with ginger and pear cake and clotted cream, if desired. Cake will keep, stored in an airtight container at room temperature, for 2 days.

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 30mins.
cooking time: 50mins and 10mins resting (I cooked mine for 55mins and it was a touch overdone_.
total: 1hour & 35mins.

taste: 5/5. The first word out of everyone's mouth was an astounded 'OMG'. I kid you not.

Now, I'm not saying this cake is unattractive, but it is a little homely with its 'shades-of-brown' ensemble, so you can't blame us for underestimating its deliciousness. I should have known better just by looking at the spice selection alone that this cake was going to be awesome.

I can't even try to put it's yumminess into eloquent words because it was just so damn perfect for a cold, rainy evening that it needs no embellishment. It satisfied every single one of us just the right amount - no aching bellies or remorseful sugar rushes; just plain dessert excellence. I forgot the decadent clotted cream the first night but we didn't even notice its absence, we had already pledged our devotion to the cake - the spicy, moist, sweet, soft, sticky, delectable and covetable cake...

We had ours still warm from the oven.

would I make it again: OMG Yes - cold, rainy nights just won't be the same without it :(

Outrageous brownies

6:55am. I brush the cobwebs from my eyes whilst blindly searching for my fluffy robe, wrapping it around me as I make a path through the pre-dawn darkness to my back-door. I wasn't waiting long. It was a subtle one today, barely made a sound with its hay coloured ears, lullaby blue belly and rose-hued slippers; it was such a peaceful way to start the morning that I plan on doing it again tomorrow. I doubt I will be bored, as a sunrise never plays the same tune; a new morning means a new painted sonata to listen to.

Watching a sunrise was on my list of life goals; experiences or tasks I wish to accomplish in this life. It was number 39 to be precise. The next randomly chosen item on my list was to start gratitude journal (#99, and so far I am enjoying it and foresee that it will be a habit I shall keep). I aim to complete one item from my list every month and if I finish what I have written and I can think of no more to add I will compile them into a photobook - a photograph next to each number, so I have a memento of what I did in my life.

To reward myself for completing two items I decided to make my favourite, indulgent treat ever - deeply rich and fudgy chocolate brownies. There ain't no better reward than a brownie.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 18mins.
cooking time: 30mins. Refrigerate once cooled to firm up, then slice.
total: 48mins.

taste: 4.5/5. Best brownie yet.

My ideal brownie is rich, with a fudge like center - no cakey ones for me thanks. Despite overcooking these for 5mins (toothpick kept coming out dirty but I realised that they just needed to be refrigerated to firm up) they came out great.
The crackled top gives way to a dense, cool chocolate core with broken walnuts buried within it's fudgy centre. My photos don't do them justice - check out the original photos to get a better idea of its dark middle (mine are also lighter as I used a 54% dark chocolate as hubby can't handle the dark side).

They are smoothly sweet without being sickly sugary which makes it far too easy to eat more than one consecutively. Out of the fridge they are quite firm, when eaten warm they tend to fall apart. Although not my perfect brownie, they come pretty close.

would I make it again: Yes. Unless I find an even better recipe.

recipe: Outrageous brownies

Plum & almond cakes

   
 It seems that yesterday was so relaxing, that my mind decided it did not need sleep last night.

I tried everything to quieten it down, I shushed it softly, I sang it lullabies, I even tried to calmly breathe it to sleep, but no luck. Hours walked pased me in the darkness of my room, waving me hello and goodbye as the next one came. And all the while my mind was blank, switched on, but blank. No ideas to be examined, no thoughts to be filed accordingly just n o t h i n g... I didn't toss or turn, I just lay there, calm but awake. Thankfully not long after 4am waved hello, I fell asleep before I could see him go. And then I dreamed a weeks worth of dreams in just over 3hours - a truly bizarre night.

Even so, I actually awoke with a little more energy than my usual extreme lethargy and managed to make some French Toast and clean the house for more than five minutes (a seasonal clean is still on my to-do-list). Around 2pm I found that I had watched all of the recorded shows on my IQ and read all of the blog updates on my laptop. As I had done a decent amount of cleaning, and I reserve reading for bedtime, I thought I'd make something completely unplanned. Now, that is in bold for a reason - I like to plan EVERYTHING. I have more lists (both paper and digital) and spreadsheets than hairs on my head. The weekly menu is just one grain of sand in my beach of organisation-sickness.

Breakfasts, lunches, brunches, dinners, desserts and snacks are all chosen on a Sunday night before the Monday shop (my husband thankfully didn't rate 'spontaneity' high on his list of traits he'd like in his life partner). Therefore, when I decided to make these cakes (plums were chosen as I had some in the fridge to eat for snacks) I had to make some improvisations as I didn't have all of the ingredients on hand, as it was unplanned (I'm beginning to sound like Fezzik with my little accidental rhymes). Fingers crossed, they are still edible.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 25mins (including stewing/cooling plums, and unless your hands are made of steel, you'll need to let them cool before you peel...sorry for rhyming again).
cooking time: 25mins.
total: 50mins.

taste: 4.5/5. Talk as if you had a plum in your mouth, a very tasty plum.

Firstly, I have to mention the beautiful aromas that emanated from both the stewed plums with their cinnamon and vanilla, to the fresh-out-of-the-oven sweetness these babies filled my house with - DIVINE. The delicious perfume alone makes them worth baking.

The cake is perfect - it is beyond moist, studded with crunchy sweet-as-milk almonds (I had no walnuts) and that perfect combination of a chewy, bronzed crust with a soft, fluffy centre. You can taste a hint of the fragrant cinnamon and vanilla flecked pureed plums within the cake, but only a hint. Then comes the wonderfully tart plums with their vibrant juice that flows through the sweet cake like a pristine river, bringing it to life. I would have loved an extra slice or two so that each mouthful was as well balanced as the last.

I used 5 plums, I would keep the puree the same amount but would add an extra two slices of plum to the top, so around 2 extra plums worth.

Apart from subbing the walnuts with almond meal I also used regular white (but un-bleached) flour. I would love to try this as written, not only because it is healthier but I am intrigued as to how it would change the texture and flavour.

This made 9 regular sized muffins.

would I make it again: Yes.

recipe: Plum and walnut cakes.

Raspberry & chocolate muffins

There must be some sort of sign saying 'Spiders Welcome', because in the last 24 hours alone I have had three spiders move in, the worst of which was a white tail above my kitchen window. My husband had to escort them off the premises as I only allow Daddy Long Legs to stay (as long as they don't come near me).

Aside from unwanted guests of the arachnid variety, life has been pretty mellow. My father and brother were kind enough to stop by, eat and then run, but not before grabbing a brown paper bag filled with these ruby flecked beauties you see above and below.

When I am expecting guests I tend to make two sweet options just in case one doesn't appeal. And it's fortunate I did that, as the Blackberry-Balsamic Brulee I made for dessert was a little lacklustre and these modest but charming muffins saved the day and everyone left happy.

My photographic ability really doesn't do them justice, not in the slightest. I urge you to give them a try - and feel free to use whatever type of chocolate takes your fancy, I'll end up trying all three shades I'm sure, any excuse to make another batch.

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 25mins.
total: 40mins.


taste: 4.5/5. McDreamy Mr. Muffin.

Oh my goodness, these would have to be in my top 3 muffins of all time at least. They are best when still warm from the oven.


The sugar crusted top is divine and crackles beneath your teeth as you dive into it's incomprehensibly moist and soft middle. The cake itself is sublime - the perfect texture and base to build upon.
The chocolate (in this instance I used milk as hubby prefers it, but IMO definitely go for the dark chocolate, it would elevate this to luxurious rather than just indulgent, white would also be interesting) is firm but also velvety liquid, it's silken sweetness softened by the juicy, tart raspberries which give it zing and pizzazz.

A perfect pairing enveloped within a perfect muffin. Bliss!

Next time I would use dark chocolate and increase it to 150g as I was wanting more cocoa goodness. Even though I only cooked these for 25mins, they were a touch overdone, so check from the 20minute mark. This recipe made 10 muffins.

would I make it again: Yes. Might have to get myself a copy of Bourke Street Bakery if the other pastries are anyway near as good as these muffins.

recipe:  Raspberry & dark chocolate muffins

Orange, passion fruit & poppyseed muffins

I am one of those people who need something to sweeten the deal.

Being someone who takes an obscene amount of pleasure in eating, the best reward I can think of has to be edible. Today, to motivate myself to tie up my sneakers and actually participate in something close to exercise I chose to bake some yummy muffins that would be warm and ready for me upon my breathless return.

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 17mins.
cooking time: 38mins.
total: 55mins.

taste: 3/5. The poppyseed was too poppin'.

I was hesitant to pour my 1/2cup of tiny onyx beads into the batter mix, but I stayed true to the recipe and proceeded - with my first mouthful, once the lemon-y tang from the sweet, viscous icing had subsided I anticipated the gorgeous acidic tropical tang from the passion fruit and orange to come through, but they didn't. All I got was the crazy crunching of the poppyseeds which seemed to make up 90% of the muffin. With each mouthful my heart sank - if I were blindfolded I wouldn't even guess these muffins had orange or passion fruit - only the lemon icing and poppy-base.

If you want to give these a go - because they do truly look gorgeous on the original post - I would decrease the poppyseeds to 1/4cup to let the fruits shine.

would I make it again: No.


recipe: Orange, passion fruit & poppyseed muffcakes

Buttermilk pudding cake with maple peaches

At 8:25pm the temperature outside still lingers over 30C - suffice to say I have spent a large amount of time inside, doing close to nothing, mainly involving the couch and air conditioner - my hot-weather-friends.

Despite my warm surroundings, I always feel like I need something sweet to neatly finish off the day's eating - my nightly sugarcap if you will. Normally I will eat a succulent piece of Summer fruit, most often the stone-pipped variety. Tonight, after a rough day, both hubby and I needed something more. Something capable of alleviating the stifling heat and soothing the day's earlier disturbances with its heavenly deliciousness.

And this little pudding, well, after one bowl I feel nothing but relaxed and gratified - thank you Mr Pudding, thank you very much.

ease: 4/5.
prep time: 11mins.
cooking time: 28mins (do peaches while it cooks). I used two 1.5cup ramekins - I would recommend a 22minute mark check as they were already a touch overdone by 28minutes.
total: 39mins.

taste: 4.5/5. A very pleasant surprise.

In all honesty, I chose to make this dessert to use up the small remainder of buttermilk I had in the fridge, I did not have very high hopes for it. But once I lifted the tray out of the oven and saw the heart-tweaking golden brown souffle-esque puffy rim, standing triumphant and proud, I began to doubt my previous assumption.

After tumbling the glistening, amber drenched, rubenesque peaches over its supple, ivory body, I plunged my spoon into its softness and greedily gobbled away - and let me tell you, it was sublime.

The buttermilk pudding is a sigh-inducing combination of al dente bronzed crust with a light and spongy outer edge that encases a softer, almost custard-like centre. The flavour is as subtle as breathing, only slightly tangy and only barely sweeter, it provides the perfect base upon which the tart and deep maple soaked peaches can shine without overwhelming your taste buds. A great combination.

I used peaches rather than raspberries and I am thankful I did, as I believe that raspberries are much to punchy for this delicate pudding, the peaches had just the right amount of acidity.

I halved the recipe but used 2 eggs - it was perfect for two people. After checking on their progress at the 28minute mark I snatched them out of the oven as they had already bronzed more than desired and any longer may have been to the detriment of the supple pudding.

Be warned - it does collapse within 1minute of being removed from the oven - I ate mine 3 minutes after removal and it was lush.

would I make it again: Yes.

recipe: Buttermilk pudding cake with maple raspberries

Peaches & cream meringue cake

A peach is a nectarine in fuzzy clothing.

Nectarines are my number one fruit - but they have to be super firm and tear easily from the pip. It is this firm quality that makes peaches less desirable with their plump, soft, juiciness (that and their furry skin). However, although nectarines are my snacking fruit of choice, I hate them in desserts as it ruins their chasteness, peaches on the other hand, I LOVE in desserts.

As I mentioned in my last post, upon arriving home, I spied two sad peaches sitting in the fruit bowl waiting to be picked. Their case was less critical than the bananas so I relegated them to be used the following day. I didn't want to buy any additional ingredients (aside from extra peaches), and as the weather was quite stifling, I didn't want a heavy or overly sweet dish either - I wanted their natural vibrancy to be the star element.

This dessert delivered on all of my requirements.

ease: 4/5 - multiple components.
prep time: 15mins (do most while meringue cooks).
cooking time: 35mins (includes assembling).
total: 50mins.

taste: 4.5/5. This is a peach of a dish.

The pillow-y meringue with its cracked crust and soft, marshmallow interior supports the cloud-like cream that envelopes the subacid peach slices and flirtatious peach sauce like a doting mother does her child.

Visually it also appeals; the purest white, with its cream sashay, and summer bright jewels are draped in a beautiful tangerine-rose sauce flecked with vivid coral flesh.

This desserts' sweetness in mellowed by the fruits acidity and makes this a dessert that both satisfies the sweet tooth and also satisfies those who like 'refreshing, light' desserts.

The only change I made to this dish was to substitute the orange flower to 1tsp rosewater essence - which, in all honesty, I couldn't taste. Perhaps more is needed to provide a lovely floral note. I used a combination of white and yellow peaches.

would I make it again: Yes. Everyone liked this more than they anticipated. The components can be made ahead and then assembled when ready to serve.

recipe: Peaches & cream meringue cake - from February 2010 issue.

Honey & cinnamon frosted banana cupcakes

I'm baaaaaack.

As Johnny so frighteningly discovered, 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,' this proverb became R's and my motto last Sunday night after realising how wonderful it is to actually get out of the house, without our laptops, and relax in a new surrounding (Chateau Yering was where we had this revelation FYI).

That night, whilst laying in bed waiting for the elusive Sleep Fairy to come (tardy b*tch), we both decided that we would go to New Zealand the coming Friday, which would coincide with the Australia Day weekend, allowing us to miss only four rather than five days of work (being self employed this means we lose less $$).

The next morning I spent the entire day figuring out how much we could do in 6 days, what I didn't realise was how bloody big New Zealand is, and that driving from Auckland to Queenstown and back again was never going to happen in 6 days if we actually wanted to get out of the car.

Anyway, to cut a long story short - that's for you R ;) - I managed to figure out an awesome, if I say so myself and I do, itinerary that allowed us to see and do a lot in Queenstown, Bay of Islands and Lake Taupo. Having just returned from our most spontaneous holiday yet, I wish I could do it again this weekend, it was THAT much fun.

1.Queenstown, 2 (fur seal) ,3,4. Milford Sounds.

For all those who haven't been to New Zealand, especially you Australians, get your butts down there because it really is a beautiful country. I thought I would show you a few happy snaps from the trip, even though I was too busy actually doing stuff to take proper photographs.

 

1. Aratiatia Dam. 2. Aratiatia Rapids.3.Huka Falls. 4. Huka Lodge.5. Milford Sounds Stirling Falls.

The reason I am making these cupcake today is all thanks to my father. When he happily accepted my request that he baby-sit our dog and our house, I bought him a few things to eat. Upon returning I found out that he ordered pizza every night and had only depleted our food stock by ONE banana, that's right, ONE banana. As you can imagine, the fruit bowl, or rather the newly appointed fruit cemetery, was filled with fruit long dead and those nearing it's pearly gates. The bananas had to be used first lest they become zombies, and tomorrow, I will show you what I did with the fading peaches.

1. Lake Taupo. 2. 90 Mile Beach. 3. Cape Reinga. 4. Nevis Bungy. 5. Puketi Kauri Forest. 6, 7. Karapiti (Craters of the Moon).

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 12mins (make icing whilst muffins cook).
cooking time: 25mins.
total: 37mins plus cooling time for muffins.

taste: 3.5/5. This is a case of the icing killing the dull cake.

Let's start with the cake; it was very moist with a wonderful chewy, golden exterior, although I do think 25mins was a touch too long. The small chunks of yellow flesh help to remind you that this is a banana cupcake, otherwise the flavour is quite nondescript. Even my small, 1/2tsp of cinnamon added to the batter got lost in the final result. Therefore, as a solo act, it isn't memorable.

Now onto the icing on the cake; by itself, it's billowing, peaks speckled with cinnamon and naughty nutmeg (I added 1/4tsp) are as light as air and dissolve in your smiling mouth. I was a little sad that the gorgeous, clover honey courtesy of New Zealand was washed away by the icing sugar's saccharine supremacy but as an icing, it was lovely.

However, when icing met cake, icing dominated cake into submission.
Despite my caution to smear to less than 1cm height, all I could taste was icing, with bland, cakey chunks occasionally popping up through the icing cloud. It became an icing dictatorship - no banana overthrow allowed.

Overall, as a once a day treat with a cup of tea to wash it down, it would be nice, eaten alone and more than once = sickening for moi.

would I make it again: No - too sweet and not enough banana flavour for a banana cupcake.

recipe: Cinnamon & honey frosted banana cupcakes

Olive oil cake

This is a micro post - a mere pre-cursor to another edition of Sofia's Kitchen, soon-to-be-posted.

My husband and I have just gotten into Scrubs - what's great about finding a show late is that you don't have to wait for each episode to come out. However, every tvshow-marathon has a price; the 7th season took up more of my time than expected and I had only one hour to whip something up to take to my grandmother.

It also distracted me from the fact that my house was practically bare - save for the essentials, but even then I was out of milk. So I wracked my brain and came up with an olive oil cake. A dozen searches later and I still hadn't found a recipe that was either quick or that didn't require a dozen eggs or more than one bowl. So I half-arsed it - I figured out a guideline based on the recipes and hoped for the best (or something edible at least).

What I got was probably something close to a tea cake - best eaten on the day it is made. It is only softly fruity with hints of lemon and orange and the nutty-fruitiness of the olive oil. As it isn't very sweet on its own, I ate it with yoghurt and grapes. For a last minute throw-together that takes less than an hour to bake and go, it wasn't half bad at all.

Last-minute Olive Oil Cake

3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup milk
1 lemon, zest only
1 1/2 cups plain flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder

Lightly grease an 11 x 22cm loaf tin, and line the base and sides with baking paper. Beat the sugar and eggs together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Add the oil, orange juice, milk and lemon zest and beat until well combined. Add the combined, sifted flour and baking powder and slowly beat until just combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked when tested with a skewer. Cool for 5minutes and serve with poached fruit, yoghurt, tea - whatever takes your fancy.

Mascarpone & mango pavlova with mango in vanilla syrup

My steps were short and heavy as my arms bowed under the weight of bags straining to hold their profusion of Christmas-presents-to-be.  I exhaled sharply as I lifted my legs over the front step, exhausted from many hours of shopping and the stinging neck pains that resulted.

At that moment, while I was fumbling for keys, two white butterflies unhurriedly danced between my legs, as if I were a calm tree, and not some crazed woman with holiday frustration. I forgot my search for the keys, my arms no longer complained of exertion and I exhaled with a smile, not a burden. Their dance around my ankles may have only lasted a few seconds, but in those seconds I was refreshed and I could hear my heart laughing. Somehow that one moment erased all of the irritation I had collected during my Christmas shopping.

With my butterfly-induced good mood I decided to make something as equally refreshing and wonderful.

Mascarpone & mango pavlova with mango in vanilla syrup

4 egg whites
220g (1 cup) caster sugar
Mascarpone & mango filling
125g mascarpone
1/3cup thick cream
200ml mango puree (about 1 1/2 mangoes)
1/4tsp vanilla extract
Mango in vanilla syrup
75 (1/3cup) caster sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 cinnamon stick
2 mangoes peeled, stone removed and thinly sliced

Using an electric mixer, beat eggwhite until firm peaks form, then gradually add caster sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating well until sugar is dissolved before adding more, and beat until thick and glossy. Divide mixture among two base and side-lined 22cm springform pans and bake at 140C for 1 hour until firm and dry to the touch. Turn oven off and cool pavlovas with door ajar. For mascarpone and mango filling, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until firm peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until liquid is reduced and of a syrupy consistency. Place mango slices in a bowl, pour warm syrup over, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve. Place the less perfect meringue on a serving plate, spoon filling over, then top with remaining meringue. Serve slices of pavlova with mango in vanilla syrup.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 10mins to get the pavlova into the oven (make the rest while it cooks for an hour and cools).
cooking time: 5mins to put it all together.
total: 1 hour and 40mins (includes cooling in the oven).

taste: 4.5/5. Beautiful, fragrant vanilla with sweet cinnamon hits your tastebuds first followed by creamy, mango puree that dissolves to reveal chewy, sweet pavlova before your mouth is refreshed by the juicy mango slices. The pavlova allows both incarnations of the mango to shine brightly and please your palate whilst providing a delicious base.

Despite cooking it for 10mins less than recommended, it had already browned too much and was therefore chewier - it also refused to yield to my knife as a donkey does to being pulled, causing the filling to come oozing out and the layers to flatten. Despite this, the flavours made up for the firmer texture and difficulty in serving it. Just keep an eye on it and if it starts to brown turn the oven off.

would I make it again: Yes - it has the potential to be a great dessert to serve to guests.

Karithopita - Walnut Cake

This is the 3rd installment of Sofia's Kitchen.

This spongy, nut studded cake, lovingly doused in a vanilla sugar syrup and then cut into a diamond shape, is perfect which a cup of Greek coffee. (Recipe transcribed by Helen)

INGREDIENTS

2 ½ CUPS SELF RAISING FLOUR

2 CUPS CRUSHED WALNUTS

1 CUP SUGAR

250G UNSLATED BUTTER (ROOM TEMPERATURE)

6 EGGS

SYRUP

2 CUPS SUGAR

3 CUPS WATER

1 TSP VANILLA SUGAR

LEMON JUICE

BEAT SUGAR AND BUTTER TILL CREAMY. ADD EGGS ONE AT A TIME AND BEAT TILL WELL MIXED BEWTEEN EACH EGG. SIFT FLOUR IN TO MIXTURE AND FOLD THROUGH, THEN ADD WALNUTS AND FOLD THOUGH TILL ALL INGREDIENTS ARE WELL MIXED. POUR BATTER IN TO A GREASED 30-35CM TEPSI AND COOK FOR 30-40 MIN OR UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN.

WHILE CAKE IS COOKING MAKE SYRUP. PLACE ALL INGREDIENTS INTO A SAUCEPAN AND HEAT UNTIL SUGAR DISOLVED. SQUEEZE ½ A LEMON JUICE INTO SYRUP AND SET ASIDE TO COOL.

ONCE CAKE HAS COOKED POUR COOL SYRUP OVER THE TOP, MAKING SURE ALL PARTS OF THE CAKE ARE COVERED. LET SIT TILL ALL SYRUP HAS BEEN ABSORBED BEFORE SERVING!

Blood orange olive oil cakes

I have been neglecting myself.

It's true, and it is something I regrettably do often. I spend so much time nurturing and caring for my husband and dog that I forget to do it for myself. The first signs are usually that I smile less, I tend to be sombre and cloudy as I make meals, do chores, work and give affection to my loved ones. Then I begin to lose that stockpile of happiness within and I find myself becoming easily irritated by those I dote on. And then lastly I have nightmares, most often about something dear to me being taken away, like a child. I interpret these as the separation of myself from my neglected spirit. If I don't feed my spirit I can feel it begin to fade away like a photograph left in the sun.

Therefore drastic measures took place today, me and my needs would come first, before my loved ones. I decided to spend the day doing whatever I know sustains my spirit so that I could shake up the grey cloud that hangs around me from overlooking myself.

First up, I decided to get something done that I have been meaning to for the last five months - getting my car washed. And let me tell you, when I saw that gleaming beauty, freed from weeks of dirt left by angry rain and detritus from wet shoes, I felt as if I had given myself a good rinse.

Next, I spent an hour or so reading through blogs that make me smile. It was an hour well spent.

Thirdly, I visited the library and brought back a treasure of books yearning to be read, pages reaching out to be touched and turned by new fingers. Reading is something that truly invigorates and nourishes my spirit. From the age of four when I had learned to read and write I spent every moment immersed in different worlds and other lives. My parents often forgot they even had a daughter as I was always in my room, reading, as silent as the air.

Fourth - after a quick roll around with my dog I turned on the oven, put on the apron and prepared to do some good old baking. I have been dying to make something with the remaining few blood oranges left, having waited til that last moment to turn them into something delectable. These little cakes sounded delicious and are perfect for sharing with others.

As I sliced the oranges, and felt their crimson juices trickle through my fingers I felt myself beginning to warm, as if sunlight had begun to pierce my overcast skies. With each twirl of the whisk and ladling of the batter, I became glad.

Only half the day has passed and I have already smiled my first smile in too long.


ease: 5/5.
prep time: 20mins to get into the oven.
cooking time: 20mins for 12 - this made 15. (20mins is all it took for mine to cook, which is 35mins less than the recipe states as it calls for the use of a loaf pan, rather than muffin tray, so keep an eye out.)
total: 1 hour for two batches.

taste: 4/5. The exterior of these golden muffins is gorgeously chewy with only a soft sweetness and perfume from the olive oil. Sunken in its depth are tiny gems of softened blood orange, now a soft amber in hue. They provide gentle bursts of lively citrus that mellows the lubricious cake. I did find my selfish hoping for more pockets of acidity though as they provide the best flavour.

• I cooked these in muffin tins for only 20mins - it made 15 muffins.
  

would I make it again: No - I want to try other blood orange recipes out there.

recipe: Blood orange olive oil cakes