Tuesday 18 September 2012

Lamingtons




Lamingtons are an iconic Aussie sweet and i tried my hand at making them.  Backed myself to make self-raising flour from plaing flour and baking powder but it didn't rise with a good consistency, resulting in a sponge cake that was a little heavy.  The rest was fine.  Will try again!!!

Enjoy!!!

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Cinnamon Rolls 2


Tried my hand at Cinnamon Rolls again.

This time made a half batch which produced 10 cinnamon rolls.

I made 4 toppings : Peanut butter, Vanilla, Lemon and Coffee flavoured.

Taste was good but the dough was a little heavy.  Again i think a problem with the yeast fermintation.  Trial and error process continues ...

Monday 10 September 2012

Loaf of White Bread





Tried my hand at baking bread for the first time on the weekend.  Simple small white loaf, enough for me to eat in about 2 meals - so just nice for the weekend. 

Taste was good with a crunchy outer, but a bit dense the texture.  My friend said this is because my yeast water was too hot and killed the enzymes thus not allowing for sufficient leavening of the bread.

Will try again...


Thursday 6 September 2012

Almond and Cranberry Biscotti



Bacon and Banana Crepes

Bacon, Mushroom, Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese, Sweet Basil for a Savoury Crepe

Bacon, Sliced Banana and Honey for a Sweet Crepe

 

Ingredients


-  2 large eggs
-  1 cup plain flour
-  3/4 cup milk
-  2 tablespoons of melted butter
-  1/4 tsp pinch of salt
-  1/2 tsp castor sugar

 

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour and eggs
  2. Add the salt, sugar and butter and gradually add the milk till smooth.
  3. Prepare an 8" fry pan on medium heat with a little butter.
  4. Pour enough mixture to coat the pan thinly.
  5. Cook for 2 minutes till lightly brown and then turn for a further 1-2 minutes.
Roll it up with your favorite filling.  I like to use crispy bacon, sauteed mushrooms and cheese...  Honey banana works well also...

Enjoy!!

Sunday 2 September 2012

Lemon Butter Cookies

Great bite-sized cookies that give a sugary-rush kick.  Perfect when tired-ness is kicking in...

Ingredients
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g castor sugar
- 1 egg
- 200g plain flour
- Juice from 1 lemon and a teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt

Lemon Glaze
- 2 tbls lemon juice + some zest
- 1/3 cup icing sugar
- 2 tbls cream (optional)

Directions
  1. Cream the butter and sugar and then beat in 1 egg.
  2. Sift the dry ingredients and add to the creamed mixture along with the lemon juice and zest.
  3. Combine well and then cover the dish and put in the fridge for 2 hours until firm.
  4. Pre-heat oven to 170C.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
  6. Using a dough cutter, cut into the desired shapes.
  7. Place on greased baking paper and bake for 6-8 minutes until just starting to brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  9. Combine the lemon glaze ingredients and stir till all the sugar dissolves.
  10. Dip the cookies in the lemon glaze and allow to set.
Enjoy!!