In the run up to Christmas I took part in what may have been my first twitter party (I can't remember), hosted by Maison Cupcake in conjunction with Dr Oetker, and was delighted to receive by post within days, a parcel of treats to use in my baking. Having spent my late teens in Germany, I am more familiar with the pronunciation of Oetker than most, and used the infamous Backin powder almost every day. Some of the treats I received were … [Read more...]
Easter Bunny Cookies
I'm pressing merrily on and making lots of Easter stuff that has been inspired by things I have seen on the remarkable collection-creator website. A case in point, this beautiful collection of Bunny Biscuits. They are deeply gorgeous. And small. Mine were not so small, partly because the only egg-shaped cutter I had was a larger one. How did I make them? … [Read more...]
Pancake Tuesday: can anyone feed my craving for Biscoff/Speculoos Spread?
We got the bug for pancakes during half-term. On a day out in Canterbury, and weary after a lot of walking on cobbles, there was a need for a little something. Lo we spied a Creperie Van and a few minutes later were munching on pancakes whilst fending off the irrepressible flock of pigeons. The girls enjoyed their Nutella Crepe- a favourite of smalls across the land- whilst DH tucked in to apple and cinnamon. I rather controversially veered away … [Read more...]
Valentines treats: White Chocolate Fudge and Strawberry Creams
When I went looking for some treats to make for Valentine's Day, I headed over to Baking Mad, which has a brilliant database for all kinds of recipes, savoury or sweet. Whether you want to make bread or Valentine's Cupcakes, they have something for everyone. And boy did I score huge points with DH when I whipped up a batch of White Chocolate Fudge. Simple to make, delicious to eat, the only downside was losing my sugar thermometer down the back … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
I am new to slow cooking. In fact my mantra of late has been fast cooking: the kind of cooking that can be whipped up in twenty minutes from when I come downstairs having left The Girls screaming put The Girls to bed to when DH walks through the door. My life involves short-cuts and cheats (hence the -esque in the blog title, in case you were wondering). Now what better cheat could there be than to take a bunch of prepared ingredients, … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Rocky Road treats
I found the most wonderful heart-shaped foil cases recently and really wanted to use them for something. Then Anchor Butter got in touch about their Bring Back Elevenses Campaign, and the first thing I thought of was Rocky Road. Others may like a crumpet, or a wedge of cake at 11am, but I want a morsel of chocolate. Elevenses never really went anywhere, it's just been a little forgotten. We want to empower people who feel the need to have … [Read more...]
The Advent Adventure Continues: only two days to go!!
Today will be an odd day. DH is finally home for the holidays, and we are off to the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway for our (now-) Annual Santa Special trip. We're all very excited about it, since it really marks the start of our family Christmas Celebrations. Sadly, though, it is the first Anniversary of the loss of my Gran. I'm finding it challenging to juggle the range of emotions that these things make me feel. I have been focussing … [Read more...]
