Monday, January 28, 2013

Berry Cupcakes

Who doesn't like a cupcake? You could be a massive hard-ass grown bull of a man, and I'd bet you'd still like a cupcake.

Especially these ones.

The batter I found to be a bit plain, but a great base for flavour. The berries mixed in (I used frozen berries even though the recipe calls for fresh berries to be pushed into the top. Not spending $8 on a punnet of raspberries out here!) made the world of difference. As mine were frozen, I found I had to cook it for a little longer, but still got a great end result.

The best part about these cupcakes was the icing on the cake - or so to speak. Thick cream mixed with crushed berries (I used fresh blueberries) and meringue just worked so so well. The sweetness of the berry complimented by the smooth cream and the crunch of the meringue.

So perfect I gave some to our neighbor who'd told me our dogs had escaped earlier that day. After a mad rush around I found them safe, thankfully!


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Steak Sandwich

Every time I go out for lunch with my Mum, without fail she'll order a Steak Sandwich. I was thinking of her lots as Hubby chose this one to try out last week.

It's a lovely simple dish, with a chive and garlic butter smeared on toasted baguette, peppery baby spinnach and a well cooked steak. The recipe calls for a veal steak, but as Hubby and and I aren't all that partial to veal, we had beef instead.

I cooked it for dinner and it was a great light dinner with the hot and humid days we've been having lately. Very tasty, easy and would be a great dish with BBQ'd steak and friends over.



Friday, January 18, 2013

Yoghurt and Passionfruit Syrup Cake

The thing I really liked about this cake was that it's made from things I generally already have in the kitchen. I love yoghurt in baking and how light it makes the final product, so was eager to try this cake out.

Loved it. And I really like that it can act as a base for a lot of different flavours. Like the passionfruit syrup.

In all honesty, I'm not a big fan of passionfruit (don't shoot me!). It makes my eyes cringe and my face squint up like I'm sucking on a lemon. I did make the syrup and was pleased with how the sweetness removed the cringe-factor from the fruit, but it made me think of other possibilities for this cake. A strawberry or raspberry syrup, even a mango one would work well.

Or if you're going to be completely indulgent, a chocolate syrup. With a little hazelnut liquor. Mmmm....

Sorry, no photo. I was too slack that week.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Frozen Yoghurt and Strawberry Milk

It's the middle of summer and so damn hot lately, so these turned out to be a fantastic afternoon cool-me-down. Even if we were in the air-con. Something sweet and cold and somewhat healthy for you, this drink went down perfectly.

I've always loved Strawberry Coulis as you don't get as many pips and seeds like you do with other berries. Plus they already have their own sweetness, so not as much sugar is needed. I've since made the coulis from this recipe again as my son loves having a spoonful in some milk as a milkshake. And I know it's nice and fresh and not full of additives.



I used natural yoghurt instead of Vanilla and froze it in my Ikea heart shaped molds. Add the strawberry coulis and pour over milk. Don't forget to give a little stir or the berry syrup will just sit on the bottom of the glass.


Enjoy!!