tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79289051202522558092024-03-18T09:34:32.430-07:00butter hearts sugarButter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-84197010986588846222014-03-12T05:44:00.001-07:002014-03-12T05:44:21.811-07:00Raspberry Choc Chip Blondies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So you might notice by all the pink and red in the pictures that these blondies were meant to be a Valentines post. Oops, better late then never! These blondies are too awesome only to be enjoyed on just one particular day anyway. They're seriously my absolute favourite treat, everyone that had one made various Mmmm/yummm sounds while eating and I've been daydreaming about them ever since.</div>
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The blondies have a yummy buttery caramel flavour from the brown sugar and are perfectly gooey in the middle and crispy on top. Not only are these tasty squares packed with choc-chips but they're topped with Mms too. If you haven't tried raspberry Mms yet, do it! they're what make these blondies really wow.</div>
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<b>For the Blondies</b><br />
225 grams butter (melted)<br />
2 cups brown sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
Pinch salt<br />
2 cups plain flour<br />
230 grams choc chips<br />
100 grams Raspberry Mms (half a bag)<br />
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<b>To make the Blondies-</b> Line a 12 x 9 inch baking pan with baking paper and preheat oven to 180 degrees c.<br />
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Beat together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.<br />
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Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well combined.<br />
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Stir in the flour and pinch of salt.<br />
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Mix through the chocolate chips or filling of your choice.<br />
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Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and roughly smooth out.<br />
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Finally top the blondie mixture with a sprinkle of raspberry Mms.<br />
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set in the middle.<br />
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Allow the blondies to cool before cutting into squares.<br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
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<br />Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com195tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-81210873290469930442014-01-17T22:43:00.000-08:002014-01-17T22:43:33.332-08:00Princess First Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm beginning to feel finally that my brain is getting out of holiday mode, I've been back to week 3 weeks and still haven't quite got back into the swing of things. Its time to kick 2014 into gear, starting with the blog. My kitchenaid and I have been taking a well earned break from baking since Christmas, also with the amount of chocolates and treats left in my house baking more sweets seemed a little much. </div>
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I'm starting the year in true ButterHeartsSugar style, with a bit of pretty, a bit of cute and a whole load of pink. A short post today to share this super girly princess party my cousin and I put together for her beautiful baby girl's first birthday. The day couldn't have been better, I woke up to smiles from a tutu wearing birthday girl, the weather was prefect and Miss Mia loved her party.</div>
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-50057398682265016352013-12-24T06:05:00.000-08:002013-12-25T05:49:14.310-08:00Merry ChristmasJust a quick post after the craziness of today to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS with 5 minutes left to go!!! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day, however you spent it. <br>
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<br>Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-51162847765021734792013-12-24T05:59:00.000-08:002013-12-24T05:59:58.319-08:00One More Day! Christmas Round Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One last quick post before I go to sleep to wait for Santa, this years Christmas round up. I didn't quite reach my target of 25 days of Christmas posts, but I came pretty darn close making it to 20. Next year I'll get to 25! <br />
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1st. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-calendar.html">Brown Sugar Cinnamon Advent Cookies</a><br />
2nd.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/christmas-tree-time.html"> Christmas Tree</a><br />
3rd. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/last-years-christmas-favs.html">Last Years Christmas Favourites</a><br />
4th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/baileys-ice-cream.html">Baileys Ice Cream</a><br />
5th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/pina-colada.html">Pina Coladas</a><br />
6th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/gift-ideas-for-bakers-cake-ers-and-ice.html">Gift Ideas</a><br />
7th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/white-chocolate-cranberry-and-macadamia.html">White Choc Cranberry Cookies</a><br />
8th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/eggnog-cookie-shake.html">Eggnog Cookie Shakes</a><br />
9th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/savoury-cheese-and-sesame-crackers.html"> Cheese and Sesame Crackers</a><br />
10th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/cream-cheese-christmas-tree.html"> Cream Cheese Christmas Tree</a><br />
11th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/snow-globe-gingerbread-houses_11.html"> Gingerbread Houses</a><br />
12th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/coconut-christmas-tree-cake-toppers.html">Coconut Whit Chocolate Christmas Tree Toppers</a><br />
13th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/eggnog-cake_13.html"> Eggnog Cake</a><br />
14th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/parcel-presents.html">Parcel Prezzies</a><br />
15th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/slice-and-bake-cookies.html"> Slice and Bake Cookies</a><br />
16th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/choc-candy-cane-ice-creams.html"> Candy Cane Ice Cream Pops</a><br />
17th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/cookies-for-santa.html"> 'For Santa' Cookies</a><br />
18th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/white-chocolate-rocky-road-bites.html">White Chocolate Rocky Road Bites</a><br />
19th.<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/mint-slice-cheesecake.html"> Mint Slice Cheesecakes</a><br />
20th. <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/christmas-beer-krampus-ale.html">Christmas Beer 'Krampus Ale'</a><br />
<br />Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-52691992581543997392013-12-21T06:50:00.000-08:002013-12-21T06:55:30.862-08:00Christmas Beer/ Krampus Ale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spend the day cleaning and doing the garden getting things pretty for Christmas so I don't have any new bake treats for you, but I can share one other thing from my kitchen. Christmas beer!</div>
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The beer we made is acutely a summer beer, to combat the holiday heat here in Australia, but I cant wait to try some others like eggnog beer in the cooler months. To add a festive touch to our beer, we gave it the name Krampus Ale and made up some fun labels to decorate the bottles ready for gifting.</div>
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I got boyfriend a small batch brewing kit for his birthday last year and we have been having fun with it since. The book we've been following to make beer is<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brooklyn-Brew-Shops-Beer-Making/dp/0307889203/ref=pd_sim_k_2"> Brooklyn Brew Shop's beer making book</a>, Its been fantastic so far with easy to use recipes organized by season, each batch is small enough (1 gallon) to make in your own kitchen with standard kitchen tools. The book and a mini beer brewing kit would make a fantastic Christmas gift for the beer lover in your family, if only it wasn't super dooper last minute.<br />
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<br />Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-46886461287425704842013-12-20T07:45:00.000-08:002013-12-20T07:45:06.752-08:00Mint Slice Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was my last day of work before a little break over Christmas and New Years, I'm very much looking forward to relaxing for a short while. In what's become a bit of a tradition for me I made goodies to gift to the people I work with, this year they each got a Mint Slice Cheesecake. I made the cheesecakes directly into containers instead of pans, which might seem a bit odd, but was easy, safe way to transport them.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYgCFRqS7sQ/UrRccdvul8I/AAAAAAAAF4k/gXMuyvCrUAM/s1600/mint-slice-cheesecake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYgCFRqS7sQ/UrRccdvul8I/AAAAAAAAF4k/gXMuyvCrUAM/s640/mint-slice-cheesecake4.jpg" width="458" /> </a></div>
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I made 4 smallish/regular sized cheesecakes and 8 mini cupcake sized cheesecakes using a double batch of the mixture in the recipe below. In the instructions I've included directions to make either one full pie sized cheesecake or a bunch of mini ones from a single batch of filling mixture.</div>
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The cheesecakes a festive variation on the cookies and cream idea, with a mild minty flavour added to by the mint slice pieces mixed through the filling. I especially enjoyed the single serve cupcake cheesecakes with the whole mint cookie base. </div>
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Sadly shortly after taking pictures of the mini ones, I dropped them while trying to fit the container in the fridge. So now I have a box of squished messy cheesecakes, I guess I can't be too sad, at least now I have a great excuse not to share them.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mint Slice Cheesecake</b></span><br />
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<b>Chocolate Base</b><br />
250 grams plain chocolate biscuits (cookies)<br />
120 grams butter (melted)<br />
<b>or </b><br />
12 mint slice biscuits <br />
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<b>Cheesecake Filling</b><br />
2 teaspoons gelatine<br />
2 tablespoons water<br />
375 grams cream cheese (softened)<br />
1 teaspoon peppermint extract<br />
1/2 cup caster sugar<br />
300 mls thick cream<br />
180 grams white chocolate (melted)<br />
200 grams mint slice biscuits (roughly 1 1/2 packets)<br />
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Whipped Cream, chocolate, crushed candy canes and sprinkles to decorate. <br />
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<b>To make the base- </b>If you are making mini cupcake sized cheesecakes- simply place one mint slice biscuit into the base of a cupcake paper lined pan.<br />
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Alternately for a pie sized cheesecake- In a food processor, process biscuits until fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and malt and process until combined.<br />
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Press the mixture evenly over the base of a pie dish, use the flat bottom of a glass to press evenly.<br />
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<b>To make the filling-</b> Roughly chop 200 grams of the mint slice biscuits, a mixture of small and large pieces works well.<br />
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In
a small heatproof bowl sprinkle the gelatine over the water. Stand the
bowl of gelatine mixture over a saucepan of boiling water and stir until
the gelatine has melted. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.<br />
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With an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, vanilla and sugar until smooth.<br />
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Beat in the cream until combined, followed by the white chocolate and gelatine mixture.<br />
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Stir through the chopped mint slice biscuits.<br />
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Spoon the filling over the prepared base and smooth over the top, refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) until set.<br />
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Decorate as you like. I piped whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake and topped it with drizzle of dark chocolate and a bunch of sprinkles or candy cane.<br />
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Enjoy!!!Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-83631232969072706522013-12-18T22:30:00.001-08:002013-12-19T00:58:28.353-08:00White Chocolate Rocky Road Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rocky Road is one of my favourite treats at Christmas time, I've posted quite a number of recipes over the last few years. This years recipe is a bit of a variation on my favourite white rocky road recipe made in bite size form. The mini rocky road bites make a cute gift all packaged up, or a tempting treat each time you pass the fridge.<br>
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<b>White Chocolate Strawberry Rocky Road</b><br>
250 grams pink and white marshmallows<br>
190 grams strawberries and cream lollies<br>
160 grams shortbread<br>
360 grams white chocolate<br>
1/4 cup shredded coconut<br>
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<b>To make the Rocky Road-</b> line a mini cupcake pan with papers. Chop the both the strawberry and cream lollies and marshmallows in half. Break or chop the shortbread into small pieces.<br>
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Break up the white chocolate into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate on medium in 30 second bursts until it is melted and smooth, be careful not to burn the chocolate.<br>
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Mix the strawberries, marshmallows, shortbread and coconut together in a medium bowl.<br>
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Pour in the melted white chocolate. Mix all of the yumminess together.<br>
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Spoon the mixture into the prepared pans. Cover and pop it into the fridge until it is set.<br>
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Enjoy!!Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-5786601757533165062013-12-17T23:45:00.001-08:002013-12-17T23:45:41.084-08:00Cookies for Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before you start wondering why I'm posting carrot cookies as a Christmas thing, I assure you I have a reason.. promise!<br />
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What does your family leave out for Santa Christmas Eve? Milk and cookies? Eggnog and fruitcake? Maybe a cold beer? (Not condoning drinking and slay driving)<br />
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We always left out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, now that I've grown up and learnt a few of Santa's secrets, a beer would probably be welcomed.<br />
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-51577338811510912462013-12-17T02:36:00.000-08:002013-12-17T02:36:17.076-08:00Choc Candy Cane Ice Creams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I've got the perfect post Christmas day dessert to share with you. Christmas lunch or Christmas dinner means a stretchy pant sized meal for a lot of people, and while we all try to leave room for dessert it doesn't always happen. These petite sized Choc Candy Cane Ice Cream Pops are a sure fix those post feast sweets cravings, especially on a hot Summer day.<br />
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The minty flavour in these frosty treats, entirely from the crushed candy canes stirred into the mix, is a lovely refreshing end to big meal. The individual popsicles are the perfect size and as an added bonus save you the extra washing up of ice cream bowls and spoons.<br />
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The only thing to consider when making these popsicles is that as it is a no egg recipe the ice cream will soften faster while you are working with it. Ensure your moulds and tools are cold as possible to keep your ice cream from melting too much.<br />
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<b>Candy Cane Ice Cream</b><br />
1 1/2 cups whole milk<br />
1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed milk<br />
1 cup thickened cream<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
6 regular sized candy canes (crushed)<br />
a few drops red food colouring<br />
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100 grams dark chocolate<br />
sprinkles<br />
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<b>To make the Ice Cream-</b> add the milk, condensed milk, cream, colouring and sugar into a large mixing bowl, stir until the sugar has dissolved. Cover the mixture and chill in the fridge until very cold.<br />
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Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to your machines instructions.<br />
While the ice cream is churning place your popsicle moulds into the freezer to ensure everything is cold as possible.<br />
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Once the ice cream is at soft serve consistency, quickly stir through the candy cane pieces,<br />
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Spoon the ice cream into popsicle moulds and insert pop sticks. Freeze for at least 2 hours.<br />
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Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl 30 seconds at a time, stirring between bursts, until smooth.<br />
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Covering the ice cream pops needs to be done quickly so the ice cream doesn't melt. To remove the pops from the moulds quickly dip the outside of the mould into a cup of warm water, careful not to get water on the ice cream.<br />
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Take one ice cream pops from the freezer at a time, use a spoon to drizzle chocolate over the ice cream and sprinkle with sprinkles. Lay the choc coated ice creams in a container lined with baking paper. Return to the freezer until you are ready to enjoy them.<br />
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-71573762704194428352013-12-15T23:49:00.000-08:002013-12-16T01:54:54.119-08:00Slice and bake cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is one of those great time saver recipes, one recipe that make two kinds of cookies, or really as many combinations as you like. I made half mms cookies and half cranberry pistachio, but the recipe would divide well into four for maybe a choc chip version and some cinnamon cookies, so many possibilities. Plus make the cookie dough a day ahead and it can sit in your fridge ready to slice and bake cookies as you need them. There's nothing that says Christmas more than the smell of baked goods wafting from a house, prepare the dough ahead of time and cut and bake fresh cookies for your friends.<br>
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<b>For the Cookies</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (makes 40)</span><br>
250 grams butter (softened)<br>
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1 1/4 cups icing sugar </div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
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2 1/3 cups plain flour</div>
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1/2 cup cornflour</div>
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2 tablespoons milk</div>
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150 grams red and green mms<br>
red and green sanding sugar</div>
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1/4 cups dried cranberries (chopped)</div>
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1/4 cup pistachios (chopped)</div>
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<b>To make the cookies</b>- preheat oven to 160 degrees c.<br>
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Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. </div>
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Stir in flours in two parts, followed but the milk until dough comes together. </div>
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Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and divide in half.</div>
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Add the mms to one half of the mix and kneed lightly until the dough is smooth.<br>
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Spread a mixture or red and green sanding sugar onto a tray and roll the mms log of cookie dough to coat.</div>
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Kneed the cranberries and pistachios into the second half of dough.</div>
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Roll each half of dough into a 25 cm long log and wrap in cling wrap. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour, until firm.</div>
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Cut each length of dough in to 1cm thick disks and lay flat on a lined baking tray about 3cms apart.<br>
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Bake the cookies for roughly 20 minutes. Cool cookies on wire racks.<br>
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-81669971932323437752013-12-15T06:14:00.000-08:002013-12-15T06:14:13.098-08:00Parcel Presents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My gift shopping is almost all done, now for the fun part. Wrapping!! It might be strange but I really like wrapping presents. I enjoy having a bit of a theme, this year i'm keeping it simple with red polka dots and brown paper.<br />
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Brown craft paper always makes me think mail parcels, so why not dress my gifts up as some. A few printed random stamps, a little red and white twine and some cute labels- like<a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/holiday-mail-stripes-gift-tag"> these</a> fun printables from eatdrinkchic- are all you need to make you pressies look like cute packages.Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-79850332062985872992013-12-13T22:24:00.000-08:002013-12-16T18:37:27.756-08:00Eggnog Cake<div>
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I'm running a day behind, due to an Ikea bed putting together emergency last night, but will make up for it with two posts tomorrow. Consider this Eggnog Cake post day 13 of the advent calendar Christmas posts.</div>
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I love love LOVE this recipe and not just because I love eggnog. The cake turned out so lovely and fluffy, with yummy hints of vanilla and nutmeg and a subtle eggnog flavour.<br />
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The<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/coconut-christmas-tree-cake-toppers.html"> coconut white chocolate tree toppers</a> were fun and pretty way to decorate the cake, click back to day twelves post for a how to guide on make them.<br />
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<b>For the Eggnog Cake</b></div>
1 cup eggnog (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)<br />
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3 eggs</div>
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div>
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280 grams butter (softened)</div>
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2 1/2 cups cake flour<br />
1 1/2 cups sugar<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
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<b>To make the cake- </b>preheat oven to 180 degrees c. Butter and flour two 8 inch round cake tins.</div>
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In a medium bowl combine the 1/2 cup eggnog, eggs and vanilla and whisk lightly.</div>
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In your mixer bowl add flour, sugar, nutmeg and baking powder and mix on low to combine.</div>
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Add the remaining half of the eggnog and the butter to the flour mixture and beat for 2 minutes on mid speed. </div>
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Pour in the egg mixture a third at a time beat for 20 seconds after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. The mixture should be light and fluffy.</div>
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Divide the mix between the two cake pans and level out. Bake the cakes for 35-40 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. </div>
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Allow to cool in tins for 10 minutes before turning out into wire racks to cool completely.</div>
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<b>For the Eggnog Buttercream</b></div>
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250 grams butter</div>
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4 cups icing sugar</div>
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
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3 tablespoons eggnog</div>
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<b>To make the Eggnog Buttercream- </b>beat the butter in your mixer bowl pale and smooth.</div>
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Add the remaining ingredients to the butter and beat the frosting until light and fluffy. Add a little more icing sugar or eggnog to get to a spreadable consistency. </div>
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<b>To decorate the cake-</b> trim the raised tops off of the cakes to get two even layers.</div>
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Spread a thick layer of frosting over the cut top of the first cake layer. </div>
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Sandwich on the second layer of cake.<br />
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Cover the top and sides of the cake with frosting, using your knife to create swirls of buttercream. </div>
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Top the cake with <a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/coconut-christmas-tree-cake-toppers.html">coconut ice cream cone Christmas trees</a> and a little extra coconut and cachous if you like.<br />
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Enjoy!!</div>
Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-10835480262406505982013-12-12T04:07:00.000-08:002013-12-12T04:07:48.704-08:00Coconut Christmas Tree Cake Toppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just Short and sweet post today. I'll be honest I'm running behind in my Christmas baking, but really want to achieve my 25 days of Christmas posts. I think maybe I should have started earlier, time is something that there is never enough of at this point in the year. </div>
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These coconut covered Christmas trees are toppers to decorate a cake I'll be posting tomorrow, but they'd look great on top of cupcakes too. </div>
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<b>For the Coconut Christmas trees</b><br />
Ice cream cones<br />
200 grams white chocolate melts<br />
Shredded coconut<br />
silver or coloured cachous<br />
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<b>To make the coconut trees-</b> place the chocolate melts in a microwave safe bowl, heat in the microwave 30 seconds at a time until melted. Poor the melted chocolate into a tall thin glass (tall enough to dip the ice cream cones in).<br />
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Dip the ice cream cones into the melted chocolate and coat all over, allow any excess chocolate to drip off.<br />
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Roll the chocolate coated ice cream cones in coconut to cover. Stand upright to set.<br />
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Before the chocolate is set press on the cachous decorations.<br />
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-19718363470915886232013-12-11T01:03:00.000-08:002013-12-11T01:03:56.252-08:00Snow Globe Gingerbread Houses<div>
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I'm loving all the diy mason jar snow globes around this year! The little kitschy deer ones really make me smile, the ones with the little sparkly trees too.<br />
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It was all that cuteness that inspired the idea for my gingerbread house this year, or rather gingerbread houses. Instead of one large gingerbread house, I made a few smaller ones, small enough to fit inside jars.<br />
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I love how pretty they look all grouped together, I think they'll make the perfect centre piece for this years Christmas day table.<br />
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This recipe makes enough dough for roughly 6 small- medium houses or you could make one big house. I only used half of it to make my 3 houses and extra tree cut-outs. I used the other half in an upcoming post. Extra dough can be frozen and thawed in the fridge overnight before using.<br />
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I haven't included a template for the ginger bread houses as it really depends on the size of the jars you use. Just be sure to make your templates smaller than the jar opening to leave room for expanding while baking.<br />
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<b>For the Gingerbread-</b></div>
<div>
<div>
100 grams butter (chopped)</div>
<div>
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar</div>
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1 cup golden syrup</div>
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2 eggs (lightly beaten)</div>
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4 cups sifted plain flour (4 - 4 1/2 cups as needed)</div>
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1 cup sifted self raising flour</div>
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3 tablespoons ground ginger</div>
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon</div>
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1/2 teaspoon ground cloves</div>
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1 teaspoon bicarb (baking) soda<br />
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<b>To make the gingerbread- </b>add the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup into a small saucepan.</div>
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Stir over a low heat until all melted together and smooth. Once cool add sugar mixture and eggs into a large bowl.<br />
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Add the flours, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and baking soda to the wet ingredients.Mix all together until well combined. If mixture is too wet add up to another 1/2 cup of plain flour as needed.<br />
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Give the dough a light knead and divide it into quarters. Flatten each portion of dough into a disk and wrap in cling-wrap. Chill the disks of dough in the fridge for at least one hour before rolling out. (I made my dough the night before and used it the next morning)<br />
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Preheat the oven to 180 degrees c.<br />
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Roll the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper. Working with one dough portion at a time roll out to 5mm thick.<br />
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Lay the template onto the rolled out dough and cut out using a knife. Cut out two of each template, re-rolling the dough when needed.<br />
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Transfer the baking paper and gingerbread cutouts onto flat baking trays. Bake the gingerbread pieces for about 12 to 15 minutes, until they are golden.<br />
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Repeat with all the pieces and allow to cool completely on cooling racks.<br />
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<b>For the Royal Icing</b></div>
<div>
300 grams icing sugar</div>
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3 tablespoons meringue powder</div>
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4-5 tablespoons water (approximately)</div>
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<b>To make the Royal Icing-</b> Beat the icing sugar, meringue powder and water with an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix for about 7 minutes on low speed until the icing is smooth. If the icing is a bit too thick add a little more water one teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin add a bit more icing sugar one tablespoon at a time, beat again until smooth.<br />
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To pipe on the details onto the walls of the house I used a fine tipped squeezy bottle filled with royal icing. For the larger details on the roof I used a squeezy bottle but trimmed the end to give a larger opening.<br />
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<b>To build the gingerbread house</b>-Starting with the wall pieces, pipe a line of royal icing along either end. Press the front and back gingerbread pieces onto the sides. Allow to set before attaching the roof.<br />
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Pipe royal icing along the top edges of the walls, front and back of the gingerbread house.<br />
Press on one half of the roof and hold until stable, it wont take too long. Repeat with the other side of the roof. Allow all of the royal icing to set.<br />
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Pipe a decorative line along each edge to hide the joins in the gingerbread.<br />
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<b>To make gingerbread jars-</b> Pipe a line of icing along the base of the ginger bread pieces. Stand the pieces in place and allow the icing to set. Place something behind the trees to hold them upright while the icing hardens.<br />
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Fill the base with coconut and top with the jar.<br />
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-66372745429093110662013-12-09T22:57:00.002-08:002013-12-10T01:52:20.298-08:00Cream Cheese Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a super quick post today, really its kind of a part two of yesterday's Cheese and Sesame Crackers post. This super fast and easy cream cheese Christmas tree is prefect for holiday entertaining. During the many hours I waste on pinterest I came across this idea a few times (sorry I don't know who originally came up with it to give them credit) and thought it would make a fun addition to a cheese platter.<br>
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Simply cut a block of cream cheese on the diagonal and position the 2 halves back to back. Spoon over your favourite cream cheese topping, I used a tomato and pepper relish, but a chutney or even sweet chilli sauce would be yummy too.<br>
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Add a few last details, a capsicum star on top and small diced pieces over the body of the tree. Finally finish it off with a celery stump. Enjoy!<br>
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-76001101378223496142013-12-08T23:35:00.000-08:002013-12-08T23:35:53.711-08:00Savoury Cheese and Sesame Crackers<div>
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The holiday season is not just all about sweets (yep I really just said that), there's lot's of tasty savouries to enjoy too. Like these cheese and sesame crackers, which are just as the name describes, cheese-y sesame-y with a bit of spice.<br />
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These tasty biscuits are a perfect addition to a cheese platter, or enjoy with a glass of wine or icey cold beer. </div>
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<b>
Cheese and Sesame Crackers</b><br />
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150 grams cold butter</div>
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1 1/4 cups plain flour</div>
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper</div>
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1 cup vintage cheddar cheese (grated)</div>
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1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)</div>
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sesame seeds</div>
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rock salt</div>
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<b>To make the crackers-</b> Add the flour and cayenne pepper to the bowl of a food processor, grate the cold butter onto the bowl over the flour. Process until crumbly.</div>
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Add the 2 cheeses and process until a dough forms. </div>
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Turn the dough out into a lighlty floured surface and knead until smooth. </div>
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Divide the dough in half and roll into logs about 15cm long. </div>
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Spread the sesame seeds out on a baking tray to reduce mess. Roll the outside of each log inthe seeds until covered. </div>
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Wrap the lengths of dough with plastic wrap and chill the fridge until firm (about 1 hour). </div>
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Preheat the oven to 180 degrees c. and line trays with baking paper. </div>
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Remove the plastic wrap and cut the dough into half cm rounds. Place the slices on baking trays about 3 cm apart.<br />
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Bake for roughly 15 minutes. Allow biscuits to cool on trays.<br />
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Enjoy!</div>
Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-56537376542509892462013-12-08T00:50:00.002-08:002013-12-08T00:50:53.734-08:00Eggnog Cookie Shake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of all the holiday flavours I think eggnog may be one of my favourites, maybe its because its such a seasonal thing? I look forward to the day those cartons miraculously pop up in in the dairy section, just waiting to be put in my shopping basket.<br />
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Watching a Christmas movie? how about cuddling up with a couple of yummy cookie shakes and make eggnog even better. I enjoyed mine last night watching a double feature of Elf and Home Alone 2.<br />
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This recipe has to be one of the easiest ever, combine the ingredients in and blend, nothing else to it. If you want to get a bit more fancy you can dip the rim of the glass in extra cookie crumbs like I have and finish it off with a side of cup cookie.<br />
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<b>For the Shakes</b><br />
1 cup vanilla ice cream<br />
1 cup eggnog<br />
6 gingerbread cookies, crumbled (bought or home made)<br />
Fresh whipped cream (to top)<br />
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<b>To make the shakes-</b> Add the vanilla ice cream, eggnog and 4 crumbled cookies to a blender. Blend until thick and smooth. Pour into 2 chilled glasses. Top with the fresh whipped cream and the remaining crumbled cookies.<br />
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Cookies are high on my list of home made Christmas gifts, they're quick and easy to make and look great packaged up in cute boxes or bags. You'll be seeing a number of cookie recipes over the next couple of weeks as I make them for everyone I can think to give them too.<br />
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I love white chocchip cookies, well white chocolate anything really, and these giant cookies are no exception. With macadamia nuts thrown in for a tasty crunch and some cranberries for festive flavour and colour, I think these will be a yummy addition to this years cookie gift boxes.<br />
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<b>Oversized White Chocolate, Cranberry and Macadamia Cookies</b><br />
185 grams butter (melted and cooled)<br />
150 grams white chocolate chips<br />
3/4 cup dried cranberries<br />
3/4 cup unsalted macadamia nuts (roughly chopped)<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup caster sugar<br />
1 1/2 cups self raising flour<br />
1/2 cup plain flour<br />
1 egg<br />
1 egg yolk<br />
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<b>To make the cookies-</b> Preheat oven to 180 degrees c. and line 3 large trays with baking paper.<br />
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Add the sugars into a large mixing bowl, sift and both flours and mix together.<br />
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Add the eggs and the melted butter to a small bowl and beat together lightly.<br />
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Stir the butter and egg mixture into the flour mixture to form a soft dough.<br />
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Add the chocolate chips, nuts and cranberries and stir through.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cG0I6x24GA8/Up1SlwBka-I/AAAAAAAAFqI/zvUmRKtmcVA/s1600/white-chocolate-cranberry-macadamia-cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cG0I6x24GA8/Up1SlwBka-I/AAAAAAAAFqI/zvUmRKtmcVA/s640/white-chocolate-cranberry-macadamia-cookies.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
scoop out heaped tablespoons on cookie dough and roll into balls. Place the balls about 3 inches/ 8cm apart to allow for spreading and flatten down.<br />
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Bake the cookies for roughly 12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on trays.<br />
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-8378694121916939352013-12-05T23:38:00.002-08:002013-12-05T23:38:18.560-08:00Gift Ideas for Bakers, Cake-ers and Ice Cream Makers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finding Gifts for people can be tough! I've put together a few ideas that might make getting through that Christmas shopping a little easier. I super love everything from Rifle Paper Co. if your friend/ family member is anything like me they'd be super excited unwrapping a pretty recipe tin Christmas morning.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDAb4n2XvME/UqCVUZSBAcI/AAAAAAAAFrM/u9teC2QBH6Q/s1600/Gift-ideas-for-bakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDAb4n2XvME/UqCVUZSBAcI/AAAAAAAAFrM/u9teC2QBH6Q/s640/Gift-ideas-for-bakers.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.larkstore.com.au/home-garden/kitchen/pantry-spice-tins-set-of-6.html">1. Pretty pastel Spice Tins</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.larkstore.com.au/home-garden/kitchen/that-s-how-i-roll-tea-towel.html">2. 'That's how I roll' Tea Towel</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.captainleisuretees.com/s/T-Shirts/Cakey-and-Bakey-Tees/Should-You-Make-Cookies/session_30e4cbb48d6b/">3. 'Should I make cookies?' T-shirt</a></div>
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<a href="http://riflepaperco.com/item/Citrus_Floral_Tin_Recipe_Box/424/c6">4. Recipe Tin and Recipe Cards</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kitchenwaredirect.com.au/Brands/KitchenAid/KitchenAid-Artisan-Mixer-KSM150-Pistachio">5. Pistachio Kitchen Aid Mixer</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.larkstore.com.au/rambling-rose-apron.html">6. Rambling Rose Apron</a></div>
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Not forgetting the littlest aspiring bakers, here are some ideas for kids in the kitchen. I think my little niece might have one of these waiting under the Christmas tree. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uznG93r5P2g/UqCVJgxuw8I/AAAAAAAAFq8/7-gVVAW9wMo/s1600/childrens-baking-gift-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uznG93r5P2g/UqCVJgxuw8I/AAAAAAAAFq8/7-gVVAW9wMo/s640/childrens-baking-gift-ideas.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.limetreekids.com.au/product-mixer-set-1826.aspx?gclid=CJDz-rO5mLsCFcHwpAod3DMA3Q">1. Le Toy Van Mixer Set</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.larkstore.com.au/retro-animal-cookie-cutters-by-tala.html">2. Tala Retro Animal Cookie Cutters</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.larkstore.com.au/pink-sprinkles-doughnut-rattle.html">3. Pink Sprinkles Doughnut Rattle</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-Tasty-Treats-Chef-Accessory/dp/B004CJ8CFA/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1386252003&sr=8-9&keywords=childrens+apron">4. KidKraft Chef Accessories Kit</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Ice-Cream-Scoop/dp/B004JLNUZI/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1386247263&sr=8-17&keywords=icecream+scoop">5. Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Scoop Set</a></div>
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Last birthday boyfriend spoilt me with my very own ice-cream maker that has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. I love my Yellow Cuisinart, but daydream about having a whole range of colours, like this new 'passion flower' pretty purple one. There's something super satisfying about making your own home-made ice cream, plus check our the cute accessories for eating and storing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-padkaImHfo8/UqCVKQI2c1I/AAAAAAAAFrE/mjin373_JeE/s1600/ice-cream-maker-gift-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-padkaImHfo8/UqCVKQI2c1I/AAAAAAAAFrE/mjin373_JeE/s640/ice-cream-maker-gift-ideas.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/electrical/dessert-ice-cream-makers/cuisinart-ice-21pfxa-frozen-yogurt--ice-cream---sorbet-maker%3A-passionflower">1. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/home/kitchen/kitchen-utensils-gadgets/robert-gordon-197579440-197579620--1#&panel1-1">2. Robert Gordon Ice Cream Spoons</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.limetreekids.com.au/Product-home-made-ice-cream-storer-1-litre-3257.aspx">3.Retro Home-made Ice Cream Storer</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.larkstore.com.au/carnival-stripe-ceramic-ice-cream-cups-set-of-4.html">4. Robert Gordon Ice Cream Cups</a></div>
Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-1443727875809737182013-12-05T18:02:00.000-08:002013-12-06T02:08:25.533-08:00Piña Coladas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJc1fE6IoHk/UpQ5Pv542WI/AAAAAAAAFmk/acqe2xur7kI/s1600/pina-colada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJc1fE6IoHk/UpQ5Pv542WI/AAAAAAAAFmk/acqe2xur7kI/s640/pina-colada.JPG" width="458"></a></div>
Christmas is a time to get together and share some love, some laughs, some gifts and sometimes a few cocktails. While those on the other side of the world are likely serving cocktails that will warm them in the chilly winter months, Christmas in Australia falls in the middle of summer so something a bit tropical is more fitting.<br>
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Piña coladas are a favourite of mine and are the perfect treat at the end of a humid day. The recipe I'm sharing is even better, substituting the usual cream for ice cream makes them wonderfully cold and delicious! </div>
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<b>For the piña coladas </b><br>
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1/2 pineapple peeled and chopped</div>
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125 mls white rum</div>
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270 mls coconut milk</div>
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8 scoops vanilla ice cream</div>
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Crushed ice</div>
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<b>To make the piña coladas</b>- add the pineapple, rum, coconut milk and ice cream in a blender and blend until smooth. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsC26lDp1f4/UpQ5RK9zoNI/AAAAAAAAFms/9YCQgeoJ18E/s1600/pina-colada-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsC26lDp1f4/UpQ5RK9zoNI/AAAAAAAAFms/9YCQgeoJ18E/s640/pina-colada-3.JPG" width="460"></a></div>
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Fill 4 glasses with crushed ice and pour the pineapple coconut mixture over the top. </div>
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Garnish the glasses with extra pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries. Enjoy!!
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-47033793148840378822013-12-04T01:47:00.000-08:002013-12-04T01:47:04.244-08:00Baileys Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sR0VgGHTEhk/UpQ5kwXYitI/AAAAAAAAFm8/IMJaCZIRDCQ/s1600/baileys-ice-cream3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sR0VgGHTEhk/UpQ5kwXYitI/AAAAAAAAFm8/IMJaCZIRDCQ/s640/baileys-ice-cream3.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
The holiday season often means an abundance of yummy desserts like pies and puddings. While a lot of people may swear by custard with their pudding, I prefer ice cream.<br />
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Sure a scoop of vanilla ice cream is yummy enough, but why not take the naughty factor up a step and treat yourself to some baileys ice cream.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHM_tn3-4K0/UpVsHOjxLOI/AAAAAAAAFoA/odWoGpYe6qo/s1600/baileys-ice-cream-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHM_tn3-4K0/UpVsHOjxLOI/AAAAAAAAFoA/odWoGpYe6qo/s640/baileys-ice-cream-5.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
This ice cream is as straightforward as can be. No eggs, not heating, no custard making, just mix, chill and churn for a rich and creamy ice cream with the unmistakable flavour of Baileys Irish Cream.<br />
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<b>Baileys Ice Cream</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (makes roughly 5 cups)</span><br />
1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream<br />
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
2 cups thickened cream<br />
2 cups milk (full fat)<br />
1 1/4 cups sugar (granulated)<br />
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<b>To make the ice cream- </b>add the all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.<br />
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Cover the mixture and place in the fridge until cold.<br />
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Once the mixture is chilled, freeze in an ice cream maker according to your machines instructions.<br />
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Because of the alcohol in the mixture, it will not quite reach the usual soft serve consistency in the ice cream maker. Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze overnight before serving.Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-61704787843919370232013-12-02T19:38:00.001-08:002013-12-03T00:42:34.489-08:00Last Years Christmas Favs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez1K-mRWMhA/Up1RqMJAckI/AAAAAAAAFpY/ax45_vwneu4/s1600/christmas-cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez1K-mRWMhA/Up1RqMJAckI/AAAAAAAAFpY/ax45_vwneu4/s640/christmas-cards.jpg" width="456"></a></div>
Feeling pretty pleased with myself for being so organised, my Christmas cards are all done! Check out some of my favourite Christmas recipes from last year while I wander down to the post office to mail the last of my cards.<br>
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<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/gingerbread-cottage-2012.html#.UpQ648SkyYw">Gingerbread Cottage</a><br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLH3c55p5KA/UpQ9NGGRQ2I/AAAAAAAAFnY/nUzdbxmOwes/s1600/gingerbread-cottage-2012-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLH3c55p5KA/UpQ9NGGRQ2I/AAAAAAAAFnY/nUzdbxmOwes/s640/gingerbread-cottage-2012-2.jpg" width="454"></a></div>
<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/woodland-christmas-cookies.html">Woodland Christmas Cookies</a><br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-PMsm0Fzxk/UpQ9MJ-hOmI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/Hx57FKHi9hk/s1600/21-woodland-christmas-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-PMsm0Fzxk/UpQ9MJ-hOmI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/Hx57FKHi9hk/s640/21-woodland-christmas-cookies.jpg" width="462"></a></div>
<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/white-chocolate-pistachio-and-cranberry.html">White Choc Cranberry Pistachio Wreaths</a><br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_TEm5wMRn4/UpQ9UC8v20I/AAAAAAAAFnw/-zen1KQxG5A/s1600/white-chocolate-cranberry-pistachio-wreaths-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_TEm5wMRn4/UpQ9UC8v20I/AAAAAAAAFnw/-zen1KQxG5A/s640/white-chocolate-cranberry-pistachio-wreaths-3.jpg" width="464"></a></div>
<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/speculaas.html">Speculaa Snowflake Cookies</a><br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cao5b80301o/UpQ9S_JOJsI/AAAAAAAAFno/vy7PL42VtHk/s1600/speculaa-snowflake-christmas-cookies5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cao5b80301o/UpQ9S_JOJsI/AAAAAAAAFno/vy7PL42VtHk/s640/speculaa-snowflake-christmas-cookies5.jpg" width="456"></a></div>
<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/gingerbread-house-stand-up-sugar-cookies.html">3D Sugar Cookie Gingerbread Houses</a><br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-VmoAgPyeo/UpQ9LDkKbnI/AAAAAAAAFnI/cyK8XBfXing/s1600/3-stand-up-gingerbread-house-sugar-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-VmoAgPyeo/UpQ9LDkKbnI/AAAAAAAAFnI/cyK8XBfXing/s640/3-stand-up-gingerbread-house-sugar-cookies.jpg" width="452"></a></div>
<a href="http://butterheartssugar.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/gingerbread-ice-cream.html">Gingerbread Ice Cream</a><br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uXZZILuI58/UpQ9OS2abHI/AAAAAAAAFng/7MK26GsV_8E/s1600/gingerbread-ice-cream-.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uXZZILuI58/UpQ9OS2abHI/AAAAAAAAFng/7MK26GsV_8E/s640/gingerbread-ice-cream-.2.JPG" width="452"></a></div>
Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-76117785983264307552013-12-02T01:06:00.000-08:002013-12-02T02:31:42.702-08:00Christmas Tree Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WpCjDaJB7A/UpxhGqkJbbI/AAAAAAAAFpI/fQ_6dMah60w/s1600/red-whit-silver-christmas-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WpCjDaJB7A/UpxhGqkJbbI/AAAAAAAAFpI/fQ_6dMah60w/s640/red-whit-silver-christmas-tree.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
I think the 1st of December is probably my favourite day of the year. Its put up my Christmas tree day!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wviEOQnz-WI/UpwyGoFQaoI/AAAAAAAAFow/roLTgK1c9bA/s1600/red-whit-silver-christmas-tree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wviEOQnz-WI/UpwyGoFQaoI/AAAAAAAAFow/roLTgK1c9bA/s640/red-whit-silver-christmas-tree2.jpg" width="441" /></a></div>
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If you've been reading my blog for awhile now you know the drill, tree, Christmas music or movies, fruit mince pies, eggnog, fake pine needles and glitter everywhere!! Well yesterday it was Bad Religion's Christmas songs (so funny!) and chocolate cupcakes but still the same idea.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ti_FO9mnCk0/Upv9njs6i7I/AAAAAAAAFog/5Q4FuNtl8GA/s1600/red-whit-silver-christmas-tree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ti_FO9mnCk0/Upv9njs6i7I/AAAAAAAAFog/5Q4FuNtl8GA/s640/red-whit-silver-christmas-tree3.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-73574353234538301962013-12-01T01:27:00.000-08:002013-12-01T01:27:07.951-08:00Cinnamon Brown Sugar Advent Calendar Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5WHdwo37E0/Uor3_EGEywI/AAAAAAAAFmI/qjG2vq1ntQk/s1600/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5WHdwo37E0/Uor3_EGEywI/AAAAAAAAFmI/qjG2vq1ntQk/s640/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-2+copy.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">For the last couple of years I've wanted to do a kind of blog post advent calender, 25 themed posts counting down to Christmas Day. This year I'm going to give it a go, I might be biting off a bit much at this busy time of year, but we'll see how it goes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtBLDMhUfjM/UorzIWFMzbI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/geOOqf6WqmU/s1600/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtBLDMhUfjM/UorzIWFMzbI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/geOOqf6WqmU/s640/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-4.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">So here we go, very fitting as day one I think, a cookie advent calender. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZs9MzggVnA/UorzKMN_hOI/AAAAAAAAFlg/2byc9wkeg5o/s1600/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZs9MzggVnA/UorzKMN_hOI/AAAAAAAAFlg/2byc9wkeg5o/s640/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-5.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
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These cookies are much like a standard sugar cookie with a two yummy differences, brown sugar and cinnamon. Replacing the usual granulated or powdered sugar with brown sugar gives the cookies a slight caramel taste and a nice golden colour. If you get tired of gingerbread (I guess it happens to some people, maybe?) these cookies would make a nice alternative.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NS3uHl251wE/UorzL9USVXI/AAAAAAAAFlo/Mc7AHEzSFxY/s1600/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NS3uHl251wE/UorzL9USVXI/AAAAAAAAFlo/Mc7AHEzSFxY/s640/cinnamon-brown-sugar-advent-cookies-6.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
<b>Cinnamon Brown Sugar Cookies </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(makes around 3 dozen)</span><br />
225 grams salted butter<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />
2 3/4 cups plain flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
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<b>To make the Cookies-</b> Cream together the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, continue beating until well combine.<br />
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Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon together in a separate bowl. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture beating until it forms a dough.<br />
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Preheat oven to 180 degrees c. and line baking trays with baking paper.<br />
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Working with a 1/4 of the dough at a time, place between 2 sheets of baking paper sprinkled with a little flour and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.<br />
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Cut out various Christmas shapes with cookie cutters, remove the off-cuts and continue using until all the dough is used up.<br />
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Transfer the cut cookie shapes to the lined baking tray (1 inch apart) using a knife or spatula. If the cookies are too soft to move place them in the freezer for a minute until they are just firm enough to transfer.<br />
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Bake the cookies until just they are lightly golden, 10-15 minutes. The time will vary oven to oven so keep an eye on the first tray to see how long they take. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow to cool completely on trays.<br />
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Decorate the cooled cookies, piping design in white royal icing and don't forget to number them 1 to 25.<br />
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<b>For the Royal Icing</b><br />
500 grams icing sugar<br />
15 grams meringue powder<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
90 mls water<br />
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<b>To make the Royal Icing</b>- Add the icing sugar, meringue powder, vanilla and water to a large mixer bowl. Using the paddle attachment if possible beat on low until the ingredients come together, increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until the icing is a smooth toothpaste consistency.<br />
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<b>Note- </b>don't add all the water at once, add gradually until you get the right consistency, it could be a little more or less. This should make more than enough icing for all of your cookies.Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928905120252255809.post-3089322127581627122013-11-16T00:53:00.000-08:002013-11-16T15:45:09.139-08:00Double Choc Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxwf4GxiS2w/UgnfO99j4iI/AAAAAAAAFe0/IQ6yl1qxwnY/s1600/Double-choc-chip-cookies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxwf4GxiS2w/UgnfO99j4iI/AAAAAAAAFe0/IQ6yl1qxwnY/s640/Double-choc-chip-cookies3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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There is nothing better than a chocolate chip cookie, so I'm hoping this delicious recipe will tide you over while I'm working on some big plans for December/ Christmas. </div>
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These cookies are everything I could want in choc chip cookie. The recipe makes the perfect cookie, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a caramelly flavour and a generous amount of choc chips in every bite.</div>
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<b>Double Choc Chip Cookies</b></div>
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250 grams salted butter, melted</div>
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1 table spoon golgen syrup</div>
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1/2 cup white sugar</div>
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1 cup dark brown sugar</div>
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1 egg plus 1 egg yolk</div>
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2 1/3 cups plain flour</div>
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1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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2 tablespoon milk</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
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1 cup white choc chips</div>
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1 cup roughly chopped dark eating chocolate</div>
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<b>To make the Cookies-</b> preheat oven to 190 degrees c. and line 2 trays with baking paper.</div>
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Cream together butter, syrup and sugars.</div>
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Add in the egg plus egg yolk and milk and mix until well combined.</div>
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Gradually add the sifted flour, salt and baking soda, mixing until all the flour is incorporated.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxjhkX3nvkY/UgnfQhq6OZI/AAAAAAAAFfA/AvUydUWFTqk/s1600/Double-choc-chip-cookies5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxjhkX3nvkY/UgnfQhq6OZI/AAAAAAAAFfA/AvUydUWFTqk/s640/Double-choc-chip-cookies5.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Lastly stir through the chocolate chips and pieces.</div>
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Cover the bowl with cling wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for half and hour.<br />
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After the dough is chilled scoop heaped tablespoons and roll into balls.</div>
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Place the balls of dough onto the cookie sheets about 5cm apart.</div>
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Flatten the dough down slightly</div>
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Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on trays.<br />
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Butter Hearts Sugarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594113640332009848noreply@blogger.com4