November is birthday season in the Hungry House. Yesterday, Miss 8 became Miss 9 and in less than a fortnight, Miss 10 will morph into Miss 11. Between these two birthdays we will be hosting a double birthday party. What is the collective noun for a large group of little girls? A squawk? A shriek? A giggle? Whatever it is, I feel the need to warn the neighbours before 25 under 11s descend upon my house. Continue reading
Despite winter being about six weeks away here in Australia it is still warm and sunny every day. And if you’re reading this from a town shivering in the cold due to blizzard/rain/wind/sleet you are probably completely envious. But I am so over the heat! Most days, such as today, are hot and I am still desperately waiting for autumn to make an appearance. Continue reading
I found myself with a hankering to make scones on the weekend. I made a batch of traditional scones before I had a light bulb moment: tray bake. With chocolate. And dried cherries. And coconut. Continue reading
It’s the day before Australia day and you’ve been invited to a BBQ and asked to bring a dish. Forget the potato salad, ignore the dips and crackers: this green and gold trifle is simple to make and will turn you into a dessert champ. Continue reading
Growing up my dad worked for Nestle, which means we had a plethora of items to keep any sweet-tooth person happy. Of all the treats dad would bring home my favourite was always Milo, a malted milk product that we would ladle into mugs of milk, or eat straight from the jar. Continue reading
Before I start this recipe a confession: I dislike peaches with a passion. Growing up we had a peach tree in the front yard and my brother and his mates took great delight in throwing over-ripe peaches onto the road for cars to drive over. SAfter being driven over multiple times the smell of ripe, pungent fruit would linger and linger. That smell would be enough to turn anyone off for life… Continue reading
These salted caramel pecan pie cookies are so easy and so delicious! I made them on the weekend for a dear family member’s birthday party. Tom, the birthday boy, thought they were one of the yummiest things he has ever eaten and as this man has a sweet tooth I take that as high praise.
They have the taste and look of pecan pies but in cookie form – how great is that?
Play dates require planning and commitment and nerves of steel. Yes, it should just be fun and easy but in my experience it is having a famished flock of children descend upon the kitchen every 15 minutes with wails of ‘we’re huuuunnngry’.
The playing takes second place to the feeding and a child who has just finished lunch will be able to put away enough food to put a sumo wrestler to shame.
With this in mind I made chocolate whoopie pies in anticipation of a double play recently. Yes, a food to keep even four little girls satiated for more than 5 minutes needed to be portable. To be sugar-filled. And most importantly, to be pretty – dousing a cake in colourful sprinkles will have that effect. Continue reading
This recipe is perfect for Christmas and I’ll tell you why:
It combines a few different building blocks which means you can adjust the quantity to suit numbers.
It allows you to make the elements in advance and assemble just before serving, meaning less stress and more chat.
If guests don’t like strawberries they can just have the meringue. Or vice versa.
The colours are reminiscent of Christmas.
It is easy – let’s face it, by December, when Chrissy get-togethers are in full swing, you need something that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen using every utensil you own.
At Christmas you NEED this recipe in your repertoire. At Easter you need it. Heck, I doubt you’ll ever regret learning how to make the easiest, most luscious vanilla-speckled custard from scratch (unless you are a custard fan and this recipe pushes you into full blown addiction).
I have tried many, many custard recipes over the years and I can say, hand on heart, that this is the easiest and best. It is true and real and the sort of finishing touch that desserts such as apple pie, crumble or even just ice-cream benefits from.
As well as tasting incredible it is faff-free and easy as 1 2 3. Continue reading
the hungry mum 