Dora cake

Here are the pictures of my latest cake.

I'll post the recipe and details later.

Macaron Madness 2

I found the best recipe for Macarons online - well I haven't perfected it yet but will keep you posted

I used the Italian meringue method rather than the French and it tastes good - still no feet but close to great

Here are some pics in progress

More family dinner surprises

I never thought that rissoles could be gourmet ....

Menu - rissoles, served with ham wrapped asparagus spears with homemade egg free hollandaise, steamed steamed carrots and mushroom risotto

... A has recently found out that he can't eat wheat, eggs or any milk products ( cow, goat, Sheep etc)
So hollandaise without eggs was a real challenge

I managed it with some egg replacer and Nuttlex ( dairy free butter)
Turned out surprisingly well - couldn't have done it without the thermy !!!

Weeknight delights !!!

The inner domestic goddess in me has been desperate to show some mid week magic.

So ..
Lamb racks served with fennel and beetroot purée and sweet potato rounds.
Accompanied with baby eggplant and small zucchini boats ( covered in seasoned breadcrumbs)

The thermomix made easy work of the purée - put the veggies in and one lid of water, season to taste - perfect !!

Boats - thermomix breadcrumbs, thyme, salt, pepper and some
Parmesan - spread on each half of the zucchinis and eggplants, add some dollops of butter and drizzle with olive oil. Cook in oven and grill for a few minutes at the end to make golden brown

Delicious mid week delight

Gourmet Delights

Several months ago we invited some friends for dinner a night of true indulgence !!!!

something to wash it down

Menu -

Entree
Chilli and lemongrass prawns with lime
ginger and soy scallops
Green fresh salad with balsamic figs

the raw prawn

Prawns with fresh lime

fresh figs... one of my favourite ingredients

Scallops

Main
Roast pork glazed in quince paste, wrapped in proscuitto baked in stock
crispy crackling
Beans
Apple Sauce - well a twist on this - roast apples

prepared pork

Main

Dessert
Vanilla pannacotta with caramelized oranges

Pannacotta and caramel oranges

To Cake or not to Cake

How do I get myself in these situations, I love decorating cakes but... I am not sure if I am great at making them under pressure.

I have 3 orders, a Western Cake, a Surf cake and a wedding cake.
Yes - that's right - its not a typo - a Wedding Cake. I am already having sleepless nights just thinking about what happens if i screw it up? Should I have said no ? or should I just do it and use it as a way to launch my new adventure?

so... where to start - I have been busy searching the net for pictures of cakes as inspiration, there is so much out there.. and to add to the pressure the bride to be would like piping.. I don't even know how to pipe. So I am on a mission to try and convince her that piping is not the way to go... lets see how you go.

I will keep you posted on the wedding cake... Updates shortly !!

Western cake - the brainstorm went a little like this -
- hat
- horse
- gun
- boot
- Clint Eastwood
- the good the bad and the ugly
- a saloon
- a cactus

and so on... leaning strongly to cactus


Surf Cake - that was a bit easier...
- a wave and a little surfer
- a board
- a thong
- water
- palm tree


lets wait and see....

I have been so flat out with my normal work ... but will keep you posted
N x

The Cake

It was the best cake ever according to A !!! Wow coming from the man who said cakes normally end in tears and tantrums I was secretly a little pleased ...

Everyone loved it - yeah !!!

I can't take full credit for the recipe - it is one of Valli Littles recipes

Check out the November 2011 delicious magazine .... Chocolate butterscotch layer cake

Recipe to follow xx