I don’t have a sweet tooth, despite being a complete chocolate-lover as a kid. I really think I ate so much of the stuff back in the day that it doesn’t really do it for me any more.
What I do love is when chocolate is paired with something unexpected. The combination of chocolate and spices, for instance, is a real fav. I love the way the different tastes meld together and create a rich, interesting sensation that is a million miles from your average block of chocolate. Continue reading
As I am typing this it is 30+ degrees Celcius in Sydney – hot, sticky, summer weather. So what is happening in my kitchen? Baking, of course1 I don’t let a little thing like stinking hot weather stand between me and my need to create sweet treats for family. So obviously this is just the type of weather to create a pudding! Continue reading
It isn’t too late to make something delicious and heart-felt for your love for Valentine’s Day. Forget spending the big bucks on over-priced blooms or shelling out for mediocre chocolates: these red velvet cookies make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift or dessert. Continue reading
Got someone in your life that you love? You love yourself, right? Well make these Baileys chocolate cupcakes right now and bring some more happiness and love to the world. Continue reading
Buttermilk is an easy way to almost guarantee a soft, delicate-crumbed cake. And don’t think you need to rush out to buy another product that you won’t use all of as making your own buttermilk couldn’t be easier. 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
This is one of those throw-together-in-a-flash desserts you need during a Sydney summer. It is hot, people have dropped round for a drink that turned into dinner that turned into dessert and now you need something sweet. Continue reading
Baking and reading are two of my favourite hobbies so you can imagine how happy I am when perusing the cookbook section of my local library. I love meandering through, taking my time to flick through the baking books to find the right ones to borrow. Continue reading
I can’t believe I haven’t blogged this recipe yet! I have made this shortbread for every Christmas for years and years and have always had perfect results. Continue reading
Everyone loves a cute cupcake and Christmas is the best time to get all ‘squee’ with your baking.
I have been baking for friends, family and neighbours as long as I can remember and these mini Rudolph mini cupcakes are always a hit.
This year Misses 8 and 10 took over baking and decorating duties for the neighbours as I attended to last minute Christmas duties. They were gratefully received by everyone, and after delivering them the gals came home clutching a giant box of chocolates
And aren’t the tins adorable? My friend from work, Stephen, frequents op shops and always stocks up tins for me. I use them to package up baked goods.
These cakes best made on the day of serving, or you can bake then freeze the uniced cakes. Bring to room temperature before decorating.
GATHER:
1 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup caster sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup marsala
125g melted, cooled butter
2 heaped tablespoons sifted cocoa
2 eggs
red M&Ms
choc bits
coloured M&Ms or choc drops for eyes
pretzels, broken in half, for antlers
LET’S DO IT:
Line 2 mini muffin tins with mini muffin wrappers, pre-heat oven to 175C.
Add all ingredients into bowl of an electric mixer and mix on low speed until combined. Increase speed to high and beat for three minutes.
Spoon into wrappers, bake for 15-ish minutes/until a skewer instead comes out clean.
Place on wire rack. When totally cool ice with ganache {RECIPE BELOW}.
CHOCOLATE GANACHE:
In a small saucepan over low heat melt 125g dark chocolate [broken into chunks] with 1/2 cup cream. Stir until melted, thick and glossy. Allow to stand 15 minutes until thick. Use knife to spread over cakes. Decorate the cupcakes to resemble reindeers.
the hungry mum 