Monday, May 28, 2012

DARK CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH BUTTER CREAM ICING

Hey everyone, 
Another cupcake recipe here and this time it's a delicious dark chocolate cupcake with butter cream icing. 
Ingredients:
100g dark chocolate
1 cup (250ml) water
1-2 large (80g) eggs
125g butter, softened
1 1/4 cups (225g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
1/2 cup (75g) white sugar  
1/4 cup (30g) fresh cream
200g butter
Method:
Step 1- Preheat oven to 160 degrees. Set out your cupcake wrappers either free standing ones or in a muffin tray.
Step 2- Combine the chocolate and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring until chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Once melted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Step 3- Use an electric mixter to beat the butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition, until just combined. Add the flours and cocoa powder and stir until just combined. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
Step 4- Spoon evenly among the lined muffin pans. Bake in preheated oven for 20 mintes or until skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. 
Tips:
* If you want your cupcakes to be richer, add more cocoa than 30g.
* Use a piping bag when placing the mixture in the cupcake wrappers to get perfect rounded tops. 
* Although the recipe says bake for 20 minutes, continuously check on your cupcakes as the cooking time varies from ovens and mixtures.
* If you want a more strong and bitter chocolate taste in your cupcakes, use a higher percentage of cocoa dark cooking chocolate.
Icing:
Step 1- Beat your butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 2- Whip in your fresh cream to your butter/sugar mixture until thick and creamy.
Then it's time to ice your delicious dark chocolate cupcakes with your butter cream icing! I added a sprinkle of pink sugar on top but you can use any decorations you desire.
Place your cupcakes in a cake stand, pop them on your kitchen table and allow everyone to enjoy your delicious dessert.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

FRENCH TOAST

Hey everyone, 
Whenever I go out for breakfast I always get French Toast but have never considered making it myself until now! It's much more affordable but tastes just as yummy! Keep reading to find out how to make this delicious breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2tbsp vanilla essence 
Cinnamon to taste
Maple syrup and icing sugar to garnish
Step 1:
Combine your milk, egg and vanilla essence in a bowl.
Step 2: 
Dip your bread into the mixture, allowing it to soak it up.
Step 3:
Place your pieces of bread in a frying pan so that the mixture can cook into them.
Step 4:
Flip them over after about 2 minutes on the first side and allow the second side to sit for another 2 minutes.
Step 5:
To garnish, sprinkle icing sugar over the top and maple syrup, honey or golden syrup.
These are super easy to make and probably only take 10 minutes! The only thing I reccommend is making them fresh and eating them right away because they tend to become rubbery after they cool down.
I hope you enjoyed this sweet breakfast idea recipe!

Monday, May 7, 2012

RED VELVET CAKE

Hey everyone,
First time trying red velvet cake and it was only a packet mix! Not much effort required and this isn't really a recipe but I wanted to share my experience with you all.
This is the delicious end result!
This is what the mixture looks like wet.
I like to cut off the top of the cake because it makes it easier to ice and decorate.
 I decorated with cream cheese frosting and red hearts/sprinkles.
I will definitely be trying Red Velvet cake again because it's so delicious and hopefully learning how to make my own soon!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

CHICKEN, CROUTON AND NOODLE SALAD

Hey everyone, 
I wanted to share with you a recipe for one of my favourite salads! It may seem basic but it always turns out delicious and is super healthy and good for you!
Ingredients:
Lettuce
Tomato
Cucumber
Croutons
Dry Fried Noodles
French Dressing
Balsamic Dressing
Caesar Dressing
Pine Nuts
Chicken
Place a bed of salad to fill the bottom of the bowl.
Add cucumber.
Add capsicum.
Add tomato.
Add chicken.
 I used canned chunks of chicken in spring water because it's really convenient and easy.
Use some sort of nuts, I like Pine Nuts but almonds also work nicely.
Sprinkle on some fried noodles.
There are many different variations so use whatever you prefer.
You can add some croutons for more crunch and flavour.
My favorites are Cardini's which you can get from most Coles (if you live in Australia).
I love dressing so I add balsamic, french and caesar!
Now you can enjoy your salad packed full of super yummy things and not feel guilty because its pretty healthy!