tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72370517159339569922024-03-14T18:43:02.269+00:00Miss DiplomacyFind Just One Reason To Smile...Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-30526706796769240662013-04-08T21:51:00.001+01:002013-04-09T07:43:39.177+01:00Chocolate & Brioche Ice CreamWhen I was younger I once ate a two litre tub of Ice Cream with my cousin. We were at our grandparents house and they were busy in another room. They told us we could have some and my grandad came back to find we had eaten it all. He wasn't angry though, he just laughed, he thought it was hilarious. My gran was less impressed. There was just something about how cold it was that I used to love about Ice Cream. And I wasn't all that choosy about the flavour either, I ate them all except Tutti Fruity and Rum and Raisin. Oh yes, Pistachio used to annoy me too, but only because I would think it was mint every single time I saw it. Then came those horrible few seconds where you realised it wasn't. Every time. I once ate an entire box of Toffee Feast's too...I was so greedy! To this day I can't look at them without feeling sick.<br />
<br />
As I've gotten older, my metabolism has slowed down and I've developed a slight lactose intolerance so it's very rare for me to have any ice cream of any flavour. But for the last couple of months I've been craving it (especially Raspberry Ripple, which I can't find anywhere) and I figured I'd rather make my own than waste this rare occurrence on a flavour I only kind of like. The ice cream machine is an attachment to my Kenwood mixer and the poor summer last year and crappy spring this year means I've hardly used it since it was bought for me at the start of last year, it was crying out to be used!<br />
<br />
This is another recipe that took a while but only because of the two flavours. Had I done this as one flavour it would have taken me around an hour and a half tops (not including churning time or time to <a href="http://missdiplomacy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/brioche.html" target="_blank">make the brioche</a> if you choose to do so instead of buying it). Please note this recipe contains raw eggs so if you are worried or can't have them either 'cook' the eggs in the sugar syrup (in a bowl over a pan of boiling water whisking constantly) or use egg substitute.<br />
<br />
<b>Vanilla Brioche Ice Cream:</b><br />
<br />
600ml Double Cream<br />
6 large handfuls Brioche Breadcrumbs<br />
2 Small handfuls Vanilla Cupcake Crumbs<br />
2 teaspoons Vanilla<br />
115g Sugar (Caster or Granulated if you have none)<br />
160ml Water<br />
4 Egg Yolks<br />
<br />
<b>Chocolate Ice Cream:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
600ml Double Cream<br />
275g Plain Chocolate<br />
110g Butter<br />
165g Sugar (I used very dark chocolate but cut down if you use regular dark chocolate)<br />
160ml Water<br />
4 Whole Eggs<br />
<br />
Brioche chunks (either <a href="http://missdiplomacy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/brioche.html" target="_blank">make</a> or buy)<br />
Caramel<br />
Milk<br />
<br />
Firstly the brioche and cupcakes. Chop or break these up roughly and add them to a food processor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EBro4Z9MuDpviDyGiZPDiEPDaUdYi_nrU2VS6M9mKgSJEYnB8c6DsYYcAyOMxpq0zZND_7ad5PWwG7kFXcg1oOPYBoX_bc7oSARWTMib_cjA0jPOsO1uVzmHO5dTPZRWXhkmOocVM3ZX/s1600/DSC_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EBro4Z9MuDpviDyGiZPDiEPDaUdYi_nrU2VS6M9mKgSJEYnB8c6DsYYcAyOMxpq0zZND_7ad5PWwG7kFXcg1oOPYBoX_bc7oSARWTMib_cjA0jPOsO1uVzmHO5dTPZRWXhkmOocVM3ZX/s640/DSC_0892.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUOi1Is_bdxhf6TOYpQQFDpbIKEbU6FnbGmzSXRvfaQ-mLVJND3VnHCCp8KiA2bPgwW18EbFtQn5t1dmOeZNJWV1srrQFC8eDAoT6M1IOtPm_ZFQalwcs0fT7YRkg3cqh_tvjqOxjO8Fc/s1600/DSC_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUOi1Is_bdxhf6TOYpQQFDpbIKEbU6FnbGmzSXRvfaQ-mLVJND3VnHCCp8KiA2bPgwW18EbFtQn5t1dmOeZNJWV1srrQFC8eDAoT6M1IOtPm_ZFQalwcs0fT7YRkg3cqh_tvjqOxjO8Fc/s640/DSC_0894.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7mHsKRXZtnk8G5FNgO1eCapgcMLBatEtvukWwtctnmNa_Ok5QeEUw-5BLGIkARPi7QDEWu5eAWSpIobOVxu5_vUZw8GaayVIcw958a7SM613dfdOtUVKdz6yxfkUtF-JFxRmnc61Iwvf/s1600/DSC_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7mHsKRXZtnk8G5FNgO1eCapgcMLBatEtvukWwtctnmNa_Ok5QeEUw-5BLGIkARPi7QDEWu5eAWSpIobOVxu5_vUZw8GaayVIcw958a7SM613dfdOtUVKdz6yxfkUtF-JFxRmnc61Iwvf/s640/DSC_0898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiELp3b9pnnC1IvgtG8BoPAVf2y46S-W_uqPxvotuxImFpdx9ySoEFnLBaPHsarH5_j-eFc-4EUKc6dQQ9q8YMTAqPTwhsvJx2ng5q012-F_gyphCLtAlvrhIBVwkMduu-zg7eCCpMCiFO/s1600/DSC_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiELp3b9pnnC1IvgtG8BoPAVf2y46S-W_uqPxvotuxImFpdx9ySoEFnLBaPHsarH5_j-eFc-4EUKc6dQQ9q8YMTAqPTwhsvJx2ng5q012-F_gyphCLtAlvrhIBVwkMduu-zg7eCCpMCiFO/s640/DSC_0909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I then placed most of the chunks in the blender to make crumbs and left the rest whole. Place the cream, brioche breadcrumbs and vanilla in a large pan (or bowl for the purposes of the photo!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHtFnmOjot6675TwOcEWJ81idRnIq0-JaSAUGkJCgQuZev03TZ_atNzZAczJmFjI9oUhlOsbYhPSp_Vvc4lEzFIfKarMUad5-YRqktUchyphenhyphenIC7XNTTcl8GWfJ5moML-8U37fP1jkBSuFo5/s1600/DSC_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHtFnmOjot6675TwOcEWJ81idRnIq0-JaSAUGkJCgQuZev03TZ_atNzZAczJmFjI9oUhlOsbYhPSp_Vvc4lEzFIfKarMUad5-YRqktUchyphenhyphenIC7XNTTcl8GWfJ5moML-8U37fP1jkBSuFo5/s640/DSC_1015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bigger bits are brioche and the smaller buts are vanilla cupcake crumbs. I thought I'd taken pictures but can't find them, I promise they're there though.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunjKq_OrhI8vPHtq5r09KXJnKP57QzyBfR6W7U0SkABl1332kaiIb4mOap0tHMKMjRmIZ5KuIMVlZKmOKKY22Gklq3yPdunVPbSOeMZPQlbnZcqAFtPB5o3EmQvR0sm1ZuriJU2zOIQfw/s1600/DSC_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunjKq_OrhI8vPHtq5r09KXJnKP57QzyBfR6W7U0SkABl1332kaiIb4mOap0tHMKMjRmIZ5KuIMVlZKmOKKY22Gklq3yPdunVPbSOeMZPQlbnZcqAFtPB5o3EmQvR0sm1ZuriJU2zOIQfw/s640/DSC_1017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bring this to a light boil then remove from the heat and place to one side. Next Boil the Sugar and water and beat the eggs. While still beating add the sugar and then, finally add the cream mixture and transfer the entire mixture to your ice cream machine. It was dark by the time my machine was finished churning so I put it straight into the freezer to set over night.<br />
<br />
The following day I started the Chocolate Ice Cream.<br />
<br />
Place the butter in a pan, once it starts to melt add the chocolate and, once it begins to soften, stir to blend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRHBf0vQo0PrJE7Wu9DEKjrFMrh7hY-cPmtv9xYHM2-MbRHvKLtlsMkCAG4Gh7CXMxQevyk5mEfIFxYXY7Fko5gEpjmHTbrP8j1e30yFnhTzWGDSBkSIBgY8mpAm0y40I7xremcdBtilP/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRHBf0vQo0PrJE7Wu9DEKjrFMrh7hY-cPmtv9xYHM2-MbRHvKLtlsMkCAG4Gh7CXMxQevyk5mEfIFxYXY7Fko5gEpjmHTbrP8j1e30yFnhTzWGDSBkSIBgY8mpAm0y40I7xremcdBtilP/s640/DSC_0183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIv9_I-dDQ7B8KC8a3JXlPMCOcpK3EKux1_jFYN9S-uwKjS4uvE2HKZ-LnjZp865pJqG_vi4a6_OFOGvcbLzKWRx1jmk3HyMUmuKbmwq5QySnvFtENuHtZgJYiDLRZG1ebD6VJl5R8_BA/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIv9_I-dDQ7B8KC8a3JXlPMCOcpK3EKux1_jFYN9S-uwKjS4uvE2HKZ-LnjZp865pJqG_vi4a6_OFOGvcbLzKWRx1jmk3HyMUmuKbmwq5QySnvFtENuHtZgJYiDLRZG1ebD6VJl5R8_BA/s640/DSC_0191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then add the water and sugar to a pan and boil until it forms a syrup.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1SlIS192VU4FsPx_X_vvWUjXfuLY26YSTK80G4Jnuu2dITNkPi52Bz7HF_wJE_9O6wP0kZ8-BkiiD8VVWlZE2YmkayuTgsyFvcdGqECOsYru5ftfcI_RGz5StGjj3yhMhM33ecvZPSWu/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1SlIS192VU4FsPx_X_vvWUjXfuLY26YSTK80G4Jnuu2dITNkPi52Bz7HF_wJE_9O6wP0kZ8-BkiiD8VVWlZE2YmkayuTgsyFvcdGqECOsYru5ftfcI_RGz5StGjj3yhMhM33ecvZPSWu/s640/DSC_0214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv52tlzfF43EYVx3sRMMuJuxlm074R_E7DAQq-TsRx7vHVVd_xrjwsPi1kTdGnlqL8SvNFxA5pA9ivdvhutxftNUgKVbEkPYyj9sIzR3ajdxZK9ZqK99k1kdtiMsOdlMs4latb1F_8TnO/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv52tlzfF43EYVx3sRMMuJuxlm074R_E7DAQq-TsRx7vHVVd_xrjwsPi1kTdGnlqL8SvNFxA5pA9ivdvhutxftNUgKVbEkPYyj9sIzR3ajdxZK9ZqK99k1kdtiMsOdlMs4latb1F_8TnO/s640/DSC_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At this stage you need to beat the eggs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgRmuzsSsjeoESVgLixhJt1Dk9Amvkac7Mk9RnTMz-uhwwZ0g2_vTi10cEt05T-ZDxeYwfoPOKyugWOe5ux_Jc3R_sFKv1W2DWSiN9qGz1hEL9lsg6AMiqTZ8KtZ9wI8yUlpqvbalNJbo/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgRmuzsSsjeoESVgLixhJt1Dk9Amvkac7Mk9RnTMz-uhwwZ0g2_vTi10cEt05T-ZDxeYwfoPOKyugWOe5ux_Jc3R_sFKv1W2DWSiN9qGz1hEL9lsg6AMiqTZ8KtZ9wI8yUlpqvbalNJbo/s640/DSC_0238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bI-8mGoOX6_k5v0xwf_ANAkYWtS1F-g1tiusQalHTCnlJpdCeGAhKVF_iBvvNKsVRMViYwOQ7LwkxfgeQjedLtCC0o4Gg3zzUoVkWueahKq5a4y2DlGr-X4o_slhzOrg7V6qJsBesUqC/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bI-8mGoOX6_k5v0xwf_ANAkYWtS1F-g1tiusQalHTCnlJpdCeGAhKVF_iBvvNKsVRMViYwOQ7LwkxfgeQjedLtCC0o4Gg3zzUoVkWueahKq5a4y2DlGr-X4o_slhzOrg7V6qJsBesUqC/s640/DSC_0240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then trickle in the syrup while still beating.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUGCWQo4LgXPYOlMESXCtl6iBvlAdh2mkeLAaBvGRv2a6PgXL78jMAtt-4L4j6v0NWTrOLHX09Ig67Uh0qeZVsmuN7WGk7VY9qKdZIbTeutSIHyRBno7V3GhVjLzMxOlv1-8_E09qgixB/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUGCWQo4LgXPYOlMESXCtl6iBvlAdh2mkeLAaBvGRv2a6PgXL78jMAtt-4L4j6v0NWTrOLHX09Ig67Uh0qeZVsmuN7WGk7VY9qKdZIbTeutSIHyRBno7V3GhVjLzMxOlv1-8_E09qgixB/s640/DSC_0244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then turn your attention to the cream. Add this to the eggs whilst still beating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQsLEG7fJnwRO8nfoRQYYR2FRLPGPy09JF6rkdc52vDWL1eFWnyRsd1BPaKsjDN9F5iaKXB14h9gmNIhJW1jgD1cEaaDYH-fc8rO7Hufkq0AZijHiH8OzyMplu2iGuW9JqicejiqvGsw4/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQsLEG7fJnwRO8nfoRQYYR2FRLPGPy09JF6rkdc52vDWL1eFWnyRsd1BPaKsjDN9F5iaKXB14h9gmNIhJW1jgD1cEaaDYH-fc8rO7Hufkq0AZijHiH8OzyMplu2iGuW9JqicejiqvGsw4/s640/DSC_0245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacMcKOqDHlY2LzQV2Ti2v7GScuYSv9rdPJREE2Q0desQG5t1j-4rAlfoKqJRinCDwZFOAFVdcXndk4WSuUuf6QZ1oSwh5oCdBi_xGlECTi7jD_WTwAwR9Q6zdeM6dYcu9B0BDPXVg8ayd/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacMcKOqDHlY2LzQV2Ti2v7GScuYSv9rdPJREE2Q0desQG5t1j-4rAlfoKqJRinCDwZFOAFVdcXndk4WSuUuf6QZ1oSwh5oCdBi_xGlECTi7jD_WTwAwR9Q6zdeM6dYcu9B0BDPXVg8ayd/s640/DSC_0256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3GVN0yUciujf8QknViFQ7rqGg7o8RADbQSrhh4uob4b24XNyIBEbvJFv-i89dU1ky8p72WL4mv9_kfn97fmXnYy6Hvf9swmWDkYTNNgjU5MDrwHnmSE_XPIV4L1-39LMGQnY5fb4qZoT/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3GVN0yUciujf8QknViFQ7rqGg7o8RADbQSrhh4uob4b24XNyIBEbvJFv-i89dU1ky8p72WL4mv9_kfn97fmXnYy6Hvf9swmWDkYTNNgjU5MDrwHnmSE_XPIV4L1-39LMGQnY5fb4qZoT/s640/DSC_0261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once thickened, add the chocolate, then beat again.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNhMdBAxLC4cL6iUaSG79I_PxySdzxN3Lq23mz1UlsIe8JL2DIMRwfRKcoLir_Kf3LSJoMyNKzIN_q1gfEAr7zvObmUZFIimYnOQ7zeSJNXsHVgHj-6YaGvWKgSkT94-vVLHgrLpkNfQ8/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNhMdBAxLC4cL6iUaSG79I_PxySdzxN3Lq23mz1UlsIe8JL2DIMRwfRKcoLir_Kf3LSJoMyNKzIN_q1gfEAr7zvObmUZFIimYnOQ7zeSJNXsHVgHj-6YaGvWKgSkT94-vVLHgrLpkNfQ8/s640/DSC_0271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvduSg07iYLvN8BtVmgnSaviPxOdu7GAKcnbg6JahrVPGSCoWkeWJfsjdw7EP6NsUpetsnOIt2jWRGeU9wjXNO3BZHWi-ePihchlEb2vOeY9ObnDxndL8ranizfaqcSPsIiB5Ec3AG_ry/s1600/DSC_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvduSg07iYLvN8BtVmgnSaviPxOdu7GAKcnbg6JahrVPGSCoWkeWJfsjdw7EP6NsUpetsnOIt2jWRGeU9wjXNO3BZHWi-ePihchlEb2vOeY9ObnDxndL8ranizfaqcSPsIiB5Ec3AG_ry/s640/DSC_0272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm22Fp07FTz6DqeOd9ps4fquHGhNnx2V3DmlLfhQajNQzpFXr0HVLonRSHxU9yczmKb1iYKYrKCsaA4E-BIoVHPCJnKJ1orU71KOUJptDrpyANzEWY_3Y13a9004eNFsiXSUG3oVki1Uy9/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm22Fp07FTz6DqeOd9ps4fquHGhNnx2V3DmlLfhQajNQzpFXr0HVLonRSHxU9yczmKb1iYKYrKCsaA4E-BIoVHPCJnKJ1orU71KOUJptDrpyANzEWY_3Y13a9004eNFsiXSUG3oVki1Uy9/s640/DSC_0280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This was then poured into the ice cream maker and churned until frozen. I had removed the vanilla brioche ice cream from the freezer to soften so I could combine the two flavours more easily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqjflFQdjfPPXc70N0queuQZUACs4VwcUCHmHNFZ1xBiintJdDIlmkj8fRysglkiJ1VvTgXCqyOyO0jI5AwO-I5HIRdRgnXznwH0bpf91RMLSCf-LbqTFLucaVzpRTrYoQA8RRJtdumcv/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqjflFQdjfPPXc70N0queuQZUACs4VwcUCHmHNFZ1xBiintJdDIlmkj8fRysglkiJ1VvTgXCqyOyO0jI5AwO-I5HIRdRgnXznwH0bpf91RMLSCf-LbqTFLucaVzpRTrYoQA8RRJtdumcv/s640/DSC_0287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I placed the remaining chunks of brioche into the oven to toast then removed and let cool and firm up further. Then I added a drop of milk and a few heaped tablespoons of caramel to a pan. Once melted I added the brioche and stirred gently (so I didn't break them) until all the liquid had been absorbed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqVN2nmsm4lYLyQngVpx7OwqE8t5Gdy3ki7FX2jERhkFRuv0EMK2295TfbAuXD3Xgzorlj34XKUxwQ4iSTK2q5-ZaX_Uv7c5ay5VqmijJ6j4Snf_tTMIxRRclw-83-DgxVV-VqJ6ZGpwQ/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqVN2nmsm4lYLyQngVpx7OwqE8t5Gdy3ki7FX2jERhkFRuv0EMK2295TfbAuXD3Xgzorlj34XKUxwQ4iSTK2q5-ZaX_Uv7c5ay5VqmijJ6j4Snf_tTMIxRRclw-83-DgxVV-VqJ6ZGpwQ/s640/DSC_0298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLJeVUC8l1pC50mg-glnNZjxpQtehtc9xyhgt1k0UF1eYzBUKO35PEY8QyYjXptnqiWu62nJhsrFgEIuSAtqz5F_9pgLOAjnZNsEAYcPE7zGX-kXxh7PCv6HnWfQiuBstZJ4KKhq4yK9Y/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLJeVUC8l1pC50mg-glnNZjxpQtehtc9xyhgt1k0UF1eYzBUKO35PEY8QyYjXptnqiWu62nJhsrFgEIuSAtqz5F_9pgLOAjnZNsEAYcPE7zGX-kXxh7PCv6HnWfQiuBstZJ4KKhq4yK9Y/s640/DSC_0336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I didn't want the chocolate ice cream to be too firm so I stopped the machine when it was still a little soft.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnuH7eaWx37yRMr5rftxUfwxh5_HnCOHXexw8xXZUa0kj2aY6ypZZEDK6W2MAZqBlJxQqrpiYZK3hMMYs6p84j-J8q0hFFXuWKM-aX59tBt7tHWukmU_Ij5Lc4OlF3LqFwytLE3myMwNR/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnuH7eaWx37yRMr5rftxUfwxh5_HnCOHXexw8xXZUa0kj2aY6ypZZEDK6W2MAZqBlJxQqrpiYZK3hMMYs6p84j-J8q0hFFXuWKM-aX59tBt7tHWukmU_Ij5Lc4OlF3LqFwytLE3myMwNR/s640/DSC_0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then it was time to assemble!<br />
<br />
The vanilla was nice and soft by then so I added this in random sized scoops along with handfuls of the brioche and the chocolate ice cream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FB2x-JPlCAhlQODwBC51vjZ_i17Ylhnj4Fl24oRzzHrTqMw9-I1RgnMhPWZpa8mp1_r-6yyvNkzcahY9jBp_mRSm8gmGFtgsKhZTdPi1uDZsPhqStStDgxFCagAAuE5xJc4WGi5jvI_n/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FB2x-JPlCAhlQODwBC51vjZ_i17Ylhnj4Fl24oRzzHrTqMw9-I1RgnMhPWZpa8mp1_r-6yyvNkzcahY9jBp_mRSm8gmGFtgsKhZTdPi1uDZsPhqStStDgxFCagAAuE5xJc4WGi5jvI_n/s640/DSC_0340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't want layers so I did this in a bowl then added it all to my tub.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFdpDnsQPmdzsT79qCYf8FNC3hH0kj7Gs9BCqpt5WVhjCJRXQBkqN3G4G1Ljyfd0lXPIyYlBYbdwgSeVSiIQeqAiAVB_XEYHwOGDtBAp3IpvMzc7AtFzpS23Y9l_Na33n_gA33V-hnPKN/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFdpDnsQPmdzsT79qCYf8FNC3hH0kj7Gs9BCqpt5WVhjCJRXQBkqN3G4G1Ljyfd0lXPIyYlBYbdwgSeVSiIQeqAiAVB_XEYHwOGDtBAp3IpvMzc7AtFzpS23Y9l_Na33n_gA33V-hnPKN/s640/DSC_0352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK212ITMw-mF4CQosVT_WLVk1eWNK8o0s524OR-aC8JhyphenhyphenMeTZH-j_0nkGohyphenhyphenRWF7ZDISKf4LZ_3BQvDupcMGWqULUwYJ6rnRtKA9rmBw2leEqFG94HoU1g2Y4HK7v8Xn7zFjG5e7x8-7f/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK212ITMw-mF4CQosVT_WLVk1eWNK8o0s524OR-aC8JhyphenhyphenMeTZH-j_0nkGohyphenhyphenRWF7ZDISKf4LZ_3BQvDupcMGWqULUwYJ6rnRtKA9rmBw2leEqFG94HoU1g2Y4HK7v8Xn7zFjG5e7x8-7f/s640/DSC_0353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmcRIT-LQkRAmoQHTtvJBDJ5KCbQs_YsvDKMgis_OM6AkGjoZ6PL8GgjmVepqRXXWAQ9FdwG3QQWO2crWy7XQktBADmiJOZzh28OXoKm9FtFp74bfh6Yrqc59s_xsjmbNwNEvYSRkYmdU/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmcRIT-LQkRAmoQHTtvJBDJ5KCbQs_YsvDKMgis_OM6AkGjoZ6PL8GgjmVepqRXXWAQ9FdwG3QQWO2crWy7XQktBADmiJOZzh28OXoKm9FtFp74bfh6Yrqc59s_xsjmbNwNEvYSRkYmdU/s640/DSC_0358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaNOwQD_fn6Ca5x_8EVohFIgoHa0hsWzE-By-rZ6G2Y7caPi4fkGq-qKCGu57dQpCHMH7pBRMM9_wyJQK9HTNCxjKnOlTwgxt7_TpyzGmrkRK6awwNjCZAhnqBqpo0jVxKfVdtIctlagb/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaNOwQD_fn6Ca5x_8EVohFIgoHa0hsWzE-By-rZ6G2Y7caPi4fkGq-qKCGu57dQpCHMH7pBRMM9_wyJQK9HTNCxjKnOlTwgxt7_TpyzGmrkRK6awwNjCZAhnqBqpo0jVxKfVdtIctlagb/s640/DSC_0364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwprYdu1LMHJtWsnSUTqS92O3AcETjIH2-1KtQ4rjPgUGPssVMdWPTy6L2yEcpZQfxtBBFqkV10jZtNyFVvhPASQTjFlHW9uhZhnrLXORwJhOaYSDRA3voX86SIgXjkktCbIN6584pzpZ/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwprYdu1LMHJtWsnSUTqS92O3AcETjIH2-1KtQ4rjPgUGPssVMdWPTy6L2yEcpZQfxtBBFqkV10jZtNyFVvhPASQTjFlHW9uhZhnrLXORwJhOaYSDRA3voX86SIgXjkktCbIN6584pzpZ/s640/DSC_0367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j7aD0IIfyO_M0wIQHcDGwMICwxCU4TWcXuVwvM5xyRlE646sjG5ET3NGjYQVvc-Y3hEtGsBT6gHz5PyvooYkVELosbuawON7PXvpqbFy8Wgl0emHDFCm6w-_LgsxK8yqbWMudcFClB4e/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j7aD0IIfyO_M0wIQHcDGwMICwxCU4TWcXuVwvM5xyRlE646sjG5ET3NGjYQVvc-Y3hEtGsBT6gHz5PyvooYkVELosbuawON7PXvpqbFy8Wgl0emHDFCm6w-_LgsxK8yqbWMudcFClB4e/s640/DSC_0373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLfkTOvisDBBJWJB23TXiSP32wbAbQJ6AdAAWLsIt7sutZtduvNQQuhNhX-STsFMOJYi-FhOzBhg7S_KJNo5s9CfzLfw1gP-b1hhGjhRvkAK9EuY-_2zjWb66Zgf2hyLMkQj2EC4LJbaj/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLfkTOvisDBBJWJB23TXiSP32wbAbQJ6AdAAWLsIt7sutZtduvNQQuhNhX-STsFMOJYi-FhOzBhg7S_KJNo5s9CfzLfw1gP-b1hhGjhRvkAK9EuY-_2zjWb66Zgf2hyLMkQj2EC4LJbaj/s640/DSC_0384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then pour this into your container (and all over the flour, radiator and the washing you are currently drying because your container is too small) and place in the freezer to set. And the next day you have this...magic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGSN1iViOciAhk21GCp9bjHhpY7mt4Pp6Oit59tt78tkwwI-alpGQM2wgjR91bHbR08EG8sO51pbLlf2nG7pi0zAagiOu1gmyPwKfZTt04pJ3vAJgUfcWqYVd6wmm_BCh6z5qaTK4ImuJ/s1600/DSC_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGSN1iViOciAhk21GCp9bjHhpY7mt4Pp6Oit59tt78tkwwI-alpGQM2wgjR91bHbR08EG8sO51pbLlf2nG7pi0zAagiOu1gmyPwKfZTt04pJ3vAJgUfcWqYVd6wmm_BCh6z5qaTK4ImuJ/s640/DSC_0481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGSvOaqaBTR7a_29GJ_x5Bym6sJeOS1WaMpSemJRcfKUybWjyPW_GVEd94_A0-iBdds-tvb95HMBkFH14mdPpvRYv78H9Vqynw9LZ0q8Xo725SaJKZ8dsAaEqIwc9DHpBTRZhyo_4ZeUP/s1600/DSC_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGSvOaqaBTR7a_29GJ_x5Bym6sJeOS1WaMpSemJRcfKUybWjyPW_GVEd94_A0-iBdds-tvb95HMBkFH14mdPpvRYv78H9Vqynw9LZ0q8Xo725SaJKZ8dsAaEqIwc9DHpBTRZhyo_4ZeUP/s640/DSC_0485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X9L8O9P-5oaIFlhnX0MMKMY7PW3aLbEIRwfsoKwHdLz2g591xUYW-fHXC20rVL6rixGkifvdq5Gjv4sEF-ha9UpLzePYdlq41BBdFz8dND04mXFp_d2mYxPsChQOffPeuP7bNlgL7mzU/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X9L8O9P-5oaIFlhnX0MMKMY7PW3aLbEIRwfsoKwHdLz2g591xUYW-fHXC20rVL6rixGkifvdq5Gjv4sEF-ha9UpLzePYdlq41BBdFz8dND04mXFp_d2mYxPsChQOffPeuP7bNlgL7mzU/s640/DSC_0486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerXlpctsq5s_2gc0Lxy3W7tYK5bNpZEbiYX51aNza4aaDNZfyxkHmT5MCBevzYS19r8wmHIawVhVZnosojoXAnRLIZC45_F6A5oQ5l3SxSbk1EJwYMYqUdJyLfuXo5O0lOYnGYlM70_Ih/s1600/DSC_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerXlpctsq5s_2gc0Lxy3W7tYK5bNpZEbiYX51aNza4aaDNZfyxkHmT5MCBevzYS19r8wmHIawVhVZnosojoXAnRLIZC45_F6A5oQ5l3SxSbk1EJwYMYqUdJyLfuXo5O0lOYnGYlM70_Ih/s640/DSC_0499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8jeiNTSsd4RZVFxtFKyaaOvFqUz3DP8QjC4JI__0l0Zj_ab85EiKOMOPibtJanNKmW8NQRnI719GIlvizy_y5LsEWBE0HIsPaRVhxEwjmMQeg4hauJCPfMyd7rLHG8uqr4H8sGkutqG3/s1600/DSC_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8jeiNTSsd4RZVFxtFKyaaOvFqUz3DP8QjC4JI__0l0Zj_ab85EiKOMOPibtJanNKmW8NQRnI719GIlvizy_y5LsEWBE0HIsPaRVhxEwjmMQeg4hauJCPfMyd7rLHG8uqr4H8sGkutqG3/s640/DSC_0502.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time consuming? Yes. But definitely worth it.</div>
<br />Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-14502660193457363302013-04-04T22:06:00.000+01:002013-04-04T23:52:31.945+01:00Vanilla Cupcakes with Caramel Drizzle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cupcakes are probably the things I make the most, and yet for some reason I had absolutely zero pictures of any cakes. Not only that, as much as cupcakes are renowned for being pretty or cute, these were the hardest shots for me to take out of pretty much everything I have done.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKH8EQOGS6l9Eq5DXuS8OMDs6Z3DPE9Ve7XAM5-0WlkwZJHnkjYwlxTLERkrFMV-ROHtlcTWvzFkkrWhu07rMpnWwSUK9b5ouaSLz238nKDADnc0dSCJ9zl4dVJXmvm6XVW7TeL3emLyj/s1600/vanilla+frosting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKH8EQOGS6l9Eq5DXuS8OMDs6Z3DPE9Ve7XAM5-0WlkwZJHnkjYwlxTLERkrFMV-ROHtlcTWvzFkkrWhu07rMpnWwSUK9b5ouaSLz238nKDADnc0dSCJ9zl4dVJXmvm6XVW7TeL3emLyj/s640/vanilla+frosting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For some reason
I just couldn’t take a picture that showed how delicious these looked in real
life. I had ok lighting but the pictures still felt ‘cold’ for some reason. It
wasn’t until I ate one (that’s the empty red wrapper at the front of the shot)
that things started coming together.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think there are a couple of reasons for this:</span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was probably hungry. It’s as simple as that. I
think cupcakes are to me as spinach is to Popeye. They make the magic happen!</span></li>
<li>I was probably trying to make the shot too
perfect. I think sometimes there is a tendency to try and take some ‘magazine
style shot’ and it’s easy to forget about the actual food you’re photographing.
If it happens to naturally come out looking picture perfect, great, but
sometimes less is more. That caramel was actually supposed to be a perfect
swirl that mirrored the curve of the buttercream. That would have, undoubtedly,
showcased my talent, but would it have as tasty as that picture right there? I
think not!</li>
</ol>
Now the recipe is one that I've used for years and I honestly can't remember where I got it from. I do think it's quite common though as I've seen very similar recipes in various places all over the web. It's great for add-ins and as a standard Vanilla cake recipe it's light, moist and flavoursome.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The recipe is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1/2 cup of Butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 cup of Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 & 1/2 cups of Plain Flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1/2 cup of Milk (I use Almond Milk as it's what I drink most, so usually have plenty in the house)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 & 3/4 teaspoons Baking Powder (NOT BICARB!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3 teaspoons Vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">First Place your butter in the mixing bowl along with your sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik035SUyZp8JtVNeGcOCupHwMgIquIfp8bNe3lXSb9B8ZVt4lZLHxYExXBe4tLuD8dBUw4vB7Rrd5GCyp8C-LMYubSoGuW44TXdN6pn0JidXfpoL7C17v6ZFjIfBpA4Wx58PaAcsH_wdL/s1600/DSC_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik035SUyZp8JtVNeGcOCupHwMgIquIfp8bNe3lXSb9B8ZVt4lZLHxYExXBe4tLuD8dBUw4vB7Rrd5GCyp8C-LMYubSoGuW44TXdN6pn0JidXfpoL7C17v6ZFjIfBpA4Wx58PaAcsH_wdL/s640/DSC_0927.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
You would usually mix after that step,, I didn't as I was losing light and needed to move quick if I wanted to mix, bake, ice and photograph them in time.<br />
<br />
Next (once you've mixed!) add the eggs<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrpNvffj7rWq9NdcLN2tDHVfW-gsPXiDjpoBsolyuUBc_nqN8EiAVV8yAZLhQil7JohHPDmNLZ4pXquv13dPO1XvyxEdwhOkn5JAagc0MzlXoCPskqwfmsB0Le4VzmL8W_xaWZd7u1uM_/s1600/DSC_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrpNvffj7rWq9NdcLN2tDHVfW-gsPXiDjpoBsolyuUBc_nqN8EiAVV8yAZLhQil7JohHPDmNLZ4pXquv13dPO1XvyxEdwhOkn5JAagc0MzlXoCPskqwfmsB0Le4VzmL8W_xaWZd7u1uM_/s640/DSC_0932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Flour...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PFizEKsE2BLfgqrH30kEjSabopVLGqBUFEAKQhHR3hxeqvJkTageuJ-l1MjfL0kR5QhpkAPZoUjQFuJyOlWl_xVA0RINrW25HSmILS2ADGnHUVZPVAbilZgPGBdrLZ3Wu8O854iZ-Q1J/s1600/DSC_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PFizEKsE2BLfgqrH30kEjSabopVLGqBUFEAKQhHR3hxeqvJkTageuJ-l1MjfL0kR5QhpkAPZoUjQFuJyOlWl_xVA0RINrW25HSmILS2ADGnHUVZPVAbilZgPGBdrLZ3Wu8O854iZ-Q1J/s640/DSC_0939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Milk...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qt5zGpjVyuWSkpqu8zERPMDtIOJq2K_vca12NELXccAPnSWnzzenbka2q7u-fXXvW_79fI88QtU_6wfzbdVdsYwASRsm4DSGTbwfTi95inhoiD77Tc67tMJEypqwuUvtpAGuYmdB8KU5/s1600/DSC_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qt5zGpjVyuWSkpqu8zERPMDtIOJq2K_vca12NELXccAPnSWnzzenbka2q7u-fXXvW_79fI88QtU_6wfzbdVdsYwASRsm4DSGTbwfTi95inhoiD77Tc67tMJEypqwuUvtpAGuYmdB8KU5/s640/DSC_0942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally (because you forgot to take a picture of the vanilla), the baking powder<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmOFrPRzSOYzOShQVqFF0BMZiRpylzDzQM5YN5ewaYtj7yJuE9YxoQWNla0ntvhjjzV-lbx0r5OcSGMsD3rncH1Xtq6xMtPMikc_uvP4_OIb1C2aqjfXmyc7_i1HGXx-ur-vrO6_FOhld/s1600/DSC_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmOFrPRzSOYzOShQVqFF0BMZiRpylzDzQM5YN5ewaYtj7yJuE9YxoQWNla0ntvhjjzV-lbx0r5OcSGMsD3rncH1Xtq6xMtPMikc_uvP4_OIb1C2aqjfXmyc7_i1HGXx-ur-vrO6_FOhld/s640/DSC_0944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then just mix. Once I'd realised I'd forgotten I added the vanilla, though I've done these as chocolate chip, crushed Oreo and lemon in the past. They were all amazing, this cake is a great base.<br />
<br />
Divide the mix between your cupcake cases<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGJn0GQ-Zpd5XpuIwnnhvrMemjgTnwxpzxw3mwyz_pxplLQFTzA3_q_AYW8PP1gDKixQVeEZBv_XilKcufX9O5gEa8LT3I8bDrHSZoUIjRAcVdTUAVxmokp4WwpeEY4jpUHZxi78mLhSL/s1600/DSC_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGJn0GQ-Zpd5XpuIwnnhvrMemjgTnwxpzxw3mwyz_pxplLQFTzA3_q_AYW8PP1gDKixQVeEZBv_XilKcufX9O5gEa8LT3I8bDrHSZoUIjRAcVdTUAVxmokp4WwpeEY4jpUHZxi78mLhSL/s640/DSC_0947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1JnkPFAWuWmNdSBSg82uWDXXQLsnXrC5mJjZVHliLw_yUN0i_iPEfFb62Hfkx8QFLOi-GSqgmDfp-tbMVLybjeGYqZA53CPzhRczvns8aQ58jbrJ5Uwf1CA1RMkJBnzLzFy9Bqij4NWp/s1600/DSC_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1JnkPFAWuWmNdSBSg82uWDXXQLsnXrC5mJjZVHliLw_yUN0i_iPEfFb62Hfkx8QFLOi-GSqgmDfp-tbMVLybjeGYqZA53CPzhRczvns8aQ58jbrJ5Uwf1CA1RMkJBnzLzFy9Bqij4NWp/s640/DSC_0950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Make sure to only fill the cases 1/2 to 2/3 full as they WILL overflow otherwise. Also, this mix will make 12 cupcakes if you use margarine but, strangely, 11 if you use butter. Seriously, I've made these numerous times and every time the number differs depending on what I've baked with.<br />
<br />
Anyway, place these on the middle shelf of your preheated oven at around 240. They take around 20 minutes and, as with all cakes, will be done when a cocktail stick or knife inserted comes out clean.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvTt7Suma7KIGUfUlX5qLZ748PZ3cfX0MeK7YknxgehZn3l3WMbf1Oa78pkHEmz7v33FTCTsh9ML4RdIjE1AX99rlQX19HFLGeyJVjT9oJkrmz8uXUiAisYpkTK1S9YtUHzhTCQMifdnB/s1600/DSC_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvTt7Suma7KIGUfUlX5qLZ748PZ3cfX0MeK7YknxgehZn3l3WMbf1Oa78pkHEmz7v33FTCTsh9ML4RdIjE1AX99rlQX19HFLGeyJVjT9oJkrmz8uXUiAisYpkTK1S9YtUHzhTCQMifdnB/s640/DSC_1007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I used my standard Vanilla Buttercream on half of these and added Cocoa Powder and a little melted dark chocolate to it to ice the rest.<br />
<br />
Vanilla Buttercream:<br />
<br />
250g Butter at room temperature<br />
Icing Sugar<br />
Milk<br />
Vanilla<br />
<br />
If the butter is too hard it's best to microwave it for a couple of seconds. The softer it is the more icing it will yield. How much Icing sugar you add will then depend on how soft the butter is and how firm you want the icing to be. Clearly to use this on cupcakes you'll need it to be firmer so just keep adding a little sugar at a time until it's right. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk but be careful as they may split your icing.<br />
<br />
Then divide the mix in half and add cocoa powder, melted choc and more milk until its the consistency you want/need. Then Ice!<br />
<br />
I couldn't be bothered cleaning the bag/using a new bag in between flavours which is why my icing is striped. It looks and tastes awesome though, so here's to laziness! I then covered the cupcakes on a homemade caramel sauce which, while not perfect, does make the cakes look amazing. It's a simple recipe but I'm using a lot lately so I'll try and post the recipe soon. In the meantime...<br />
<br />
Little Beauties...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF7iRpB9jXlkKigwXB3fqO7dQu2e72VUoUC-8n7hUNjbCFPxjiQlqS2GmEqsW-p8PrBl-PEjDgQwktzch65aT05Y7ow4R3D7Y1EP4YRz-HL0Q4qwef96jzFU6RacXNHsTdwcYgdEaTaUz/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF7iRpB9jXlkKigwXB3fqO7dQu2e72VUoUC-8n7hUNjbCFPxjiQlqS2GmEqsW-p8PrBl-PEjDgQwktzch65aT05Y7ow4R3D7Y1EP4YRz-HL0Q4qwef96jzFU6RacXNHsTdwcYgdEaTaUz/s640/DSC_0157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuCJ6jBfcbO7xwmLTcliGDasSxjlsGnlEcyuVjSKOVZTzOZo_yt5veVA47TnF4oseApLhJTx_fn2UTGFf7qW0B2uYHKwbP0jMOwj7U-fRFZ753Vppm4K4c6RRwI3taUC2Zaxe6c-qRI92/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuCJ6jBfcbO7xwmLTcliGDasSxjlsGnlEcyuVjSKOVZTzOZo_yt5veVA47TnF4oseApLhJTx_fn2UTGFf7qW0B2uYHKwbP0jMOwj7U-fRFZ753Vppm4K4c6RRwI3taUC2Zaxe6c-qRI92/s640/DSC_0155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-68147534738749573532013-04-03T19:30:00.000+01:002013-04-03T19:30:00.594+01:00BriocheJust a quick recipe here. I can't really tolerate bread. I love it but, it makes me seriously ill. That doesn't stop me eating it though. I have owned a bread machine for around three years and in that time I have probably made...5 loves of bread. Ridiculous! I decided I wanted to start using the things I actually have but, being me, I didn't want to make your bog standard loaf. I do enjoy a plain white loaf but I always seem to need to change things!<br />
<br />
I have wanted to make Brioche for a the longest time and since I knew I'd have lots of bread left once I'd made it I decided to come up with some recipes to use up the leftovers. In the coming weeks there will be 5-7 brioche inspired and themed recipes. But, of course, none of them would be possible without the main ingredient. I had no clue whatsoever how to make a loaf of brioche so I didn't even attempt to make a recipe up. Instead I searched online and found <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/bread-machine-brioche-130770" target="_blank">this</a>. It worked perfectly and I will be making it again soon with some possible add ins. The recipe is below along with step by step instructions and pictures.<br />
<br />
For once I didn't make any changes. So...on with the recipe!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">1 3/4 teaspoons yeast</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">1 3/4 cups bread flour</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">2 tablespoons bread flour</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">3 tablespoons sugar</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">3/4 teaspoon salt</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">2 whole eggs</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">1 egg yolk</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">1/4 cup water</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">2 tablespoons water</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">8 tablespoons butter</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" />First add the yeast, sugar and water. I used warm water and let this covered for around 10 minutes until it started to foam. I would usually add this straight into the bowl of my bread machine but it's too dark for pictures.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz6HjZc29A_29AnlWLUyksj1axOFTaN_5iXK-hrVzXmWsUqecvc2F_Zr3uYiNaDV3M81VXA_LBtzAmB-rnQ8TzeMoQZ31YEKsonh7HTf5PWDIZRsaWnUCixnS05vuo4mMltSJ1OW-YY8f/s1600/DSC_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz6HjZc29A_29AnlWLUyksj1axOFTaN_5iXK-hrVzXmWsUqecvc2F_Zr3uYiNaDV3M81VXA_LBtzAmB-rnQ8TzeMoQZ31YEKsonh7HTf5PWDIZRsaWnUCixnS05vuo4mMltSJ1OW-YY8f/s640/DSC_0786.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE6vw9dJpUtAtI2eYtcG3bS01qELvQDi_uTK0rOU3Jg6HQcLHSTEDxMY-7MZIRRgxBCYFIXMYNG94YKiXqwLfCIst6tXgaTXtBiT4FIu3uVNHHg2gp4zvzMlkpRG7bOjPKZI6gb-Dk8x3/s1600/DSC_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzE6vw9dJpUtAtI2eYtcG3bS01qELvQDi_uTK0rOU3Jg6HQcLHSTEDxMY-7MZIRRgxBCYFIXMYNG94YKiXqwLfCIst6tXgaTXtBiT4FIu3uVNHHg2gp4zvzMlkpRG7bOjPKZI6gb-Dk8x3/s640/DSC_0787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZXXBzTLohDumFmVdy8aZqLLfNuZSAuIzEWZBMICe8hww7iIuellWvw_01l9itejW7oswlcL9-D5R9KgSXNoBDmr6MuUruznhtTtBRKtsQRSHIsLT3P7sr0DYwTPtZsfoGs57upIChLzP/s1600/DSC_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZXXBzTLohDumFmVdy8aZqLLfNuZSAuIzEWZBMICe8hww7iIuellWvw_01l9itejW7oswlcL9-D5R9KgSXNoBDmr6MuUruznhtTtBRKtsQRSHIsLT3P7sr0DYwTPtZsfoGs57upIChLzP/s640/DSC_0792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLF-kgXMoJOp8_xf180XrsLrJsJrskhe-E5HTuBUMwe7Rj8_yya6ZhsnYyLgDKs7y5-PuUTaVTBZCOGamqRjC1srz1dgFKA8h5Q_WiWLDTJ6d9M3hAl6E1SgXR8Vq1RkHkYFgpUzxuUxW/s1600/DSC_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLF-kgXMoJOp8_xf180XrsLrJsJrskhe-E5HTuBUMwe7Rj8_yya6ZhsnYyLgDKs7y5-PuUTaVTBZCOGamqRjC1srz1dgFKA8h5Q_WiWLDTJ6d9M3hAl6E1SgXR8Vq1RkHkYFgpUzxuUxW/s640/DSC_0795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">After 10-15 minutes the mix will look like this</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0hje9MJCBka9E0hyphenhyphen_hWYWJotC-40pUbng930R8c8LbRpVGdU5rAaPbJL_bTYRy_X8-XqZZo0t6ZYdUBP3vnq5Q397bVLvG8BjUuZ9U9DxRJNLbrpLTz0PAvyo8gkKI5PCXigfVMldRXS/s1600/DSC_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0hje9MJCBka9E0hyphenhyphen_hWYWJotC-40pUbng930R8c8LbRpVGdU5rAaPbJL_bTYRy_X8-XqZZo0t6ZYdUBP3vnq5Q397bVLvG8BjUuZ9U9DxRJNLbrpLTz0PAvyo8gkKI5PCXigfVMldRXS/s640/DSC_0828.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Add the rest of the ingredients (excluding butter)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVNW8gZKwDqgVORdVK8c_pMEauVL6fN7Iwo39ve5FcHpoWG9kwJvmJv_DthzMZSyvokyQbOMWO-v0ZfgzoWiSXrM_mCsCWjQcsn7hzxYNpk-oTknr65MabZuslZ2AzxliUSH_x7oaf_aq/s1600/DSC_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVNW8gZKwDqgVORdVK8c_pMEauVL6fN7Iwo39ve5FcHpoWG9kwJvmJv_DthzMZSyvokyQbOMWO-v0ZfgzoWiSXrM_mCsCWjQcsn7hzxYNpk-oTknr65MabZuslZ2AzxliUSH_x7oaf_aq/s640/DSC_0835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Then tip the ingredients (excluding butter) into your bread machine and cook on the required setting.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Now the directions say you should add the butter during the last 10 minutes of the first kneading cycle. I had no idea when this was! My machine doesn't tell me how long is left on each kneading cycle so I managed to miss it. Instead I added the butter during the first 10 minutes of the second cycle. This worked out just fine and it was all kneaded in by the time the cycle was done.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Then I waited while it cooked. Once it was done, it was amazing. I managed to be patient for a change and left the bread in the machine for the sides to firm as recommended. Once cooled, the texture was perfect.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I8RalYDQ2mfDzy8W7F-rGOH5pLr2jto0kGjSbXXOxn6LXRD629U2ax39KOopmYzoNKfKVK57HhtwR-fuZmVexwflw0pc2wPWXc5P6SdXjPFsKv-92XcNrIIQYiqUyQVMxqUNT6Zdk5CQ/s1600/DSC_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I8RalYDQ2mfDzy8W7F-rGOH5pLr2jto0kGjSbXXOxn6LXRD629U2ax39KOopmYzoNKfKVK57HhtwR-fuZmVexwflw0pc2wPWXc5P6SdXjPFsKv-92XcNrIIQYiqUyQVMxqUNT6Zdk5CQ/s640/DSC_1066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGpiG_v8NB5OdvfOWgzl6qC3i5VMX-LHu5wY3_gnpsZ4NGD_SaEfgXpRlYHOvo36AIeWHMxlMEIzJeddyXSc6wbQMWLNLkOCB5Fdj4HxRgL3XILtWXB4SeuuKcmn9sxLR_namSbIo9P_7/s1600/DSC_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGpiG_v8NB5OdvfOWgzl6qC3i5VMX-LHu5wY3_gnpsZ4NGD_SaEfgXpRlYHOvo36AIeWHMxlMEIzJeddyXSc6wbQMWLNLkOCB5Fdj4HxRgL3XILtWXB4SeuuKcmn9sxLR_namSbIo9P_7/s640/DSC_1078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">As a quick side note, the second time I made this I missed the end of the first cycle again. I started adding the butter to the second cycle but I added it too quickly and, well, it wasn't pretty! It formed a ball of dough in the centre of the machine, as it should, but the outside turned into a sticky mess. I baked it anyway as I could't be bothered wasting the mix and wanted to see what would happen. It actually baked fine in the middle but the outside was much too crumbly and dense. Be warned, when it says take your time adding the butter, take your time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">I managed to use it anyway and I'll post that recipe soon, along with all the others.</span>Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-10564748897628231122013-03-31T19:15:00.000+01:002013-03-31T19:15:00.681+01:00Vegetable Dumplings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS_MfbYbT32qTjB85uKPGImxPuS-V1w5Ujwkg3JV9QoYie1rhO4YsaBvkKGBngo0v5waRn_UOZpRvUVAfTAGTMGi5DFqYor5UAdFKUrt_uTWc4VjjGMr_kct64Mpmfkm9JXTC_PwoLSUd/s1600/DSC_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS_MfbYbT32qTjB85uKPGImxPuS-V1w5Ujwkg3JV9QoYie1rhO4YsaBvkKGBngo0v5waRn_UOZpRvUVAfTAGTMGi5DFqYor5UAdFKUrt_uTWc4VjjGMr_kct64Mpmfkm9JXTC_PwoLSUd/s320/DSC_0830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These
are not unshaped gnocchi. Gnocchi contain eggs and cheese and these contain none. I had some root vegetables that I
needed to use up before I went shopping so I thought I'd give these a go. They
were actually very nice and I could really taste the butternut squash in them, as opposed to them being too doughy. The ext time I make them I may add cheese to the actual dumplings as they were quite nice having the cheese with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This made a lot of mix so I tried out a few different recipes with what I had left. I'll post them at some point too as they were really nice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For the dumpling I used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 Medium Butternut squash</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Medium Sweet Potatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 Small White Potato</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Single Cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Pepper</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Self Raising Flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Start by roasting the vegetables. These could also be boiled but it would be much harder to peel the butternut squash and I find they tend to be more watery when boiled. Butternut squash has a very thick skin, making them extremely difficult to peel. You'll know they are done roasting when a fork is able to pierce the skin with little to no effort.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRaBDjC1M-hW3WbnHsXU9nbFU-tIvkLQS_j_EOdGkyoDm_MujyMelynZOrlMEbRU3ONMquZ7YSUGyx2UY6QKIe_JuUcjFMfyH5SQRpGKUU85eoPLqgIMIeWVknU8FrGWlYorD44_rzXl9/s1600/DSC_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRaBDjC1M-hW3WbnHsXU9nbFU-tIvkLQS_j_EOdGkyoDm_MujyMelynZOrlMEbRU3ONMquZ7YSUGyx2UY6QKIe_JuUcjFMfyH5SQRpGKUU85eoPLqgIMIeWVknU8FrGWlYorD44_rzXl9/s640/DSC_0765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"> Once done the skin becomes very thin making it possible to just peel off.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-W2MEn3Sg8goayy1pFWNPvumi7zgEDuhQiwS0KaegyPwzzu38sv20EQPDpmSpAqso-n2hRIhCTrveJUbVAamondcxZslZ7MBmH4TL5PgHaW3z1D_mpknSvhdJrm2p4N9V1ITKQYPxp1v/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-W2MEn3Sg8goayy1pFWNPvumi7zgEDuhQiwS0KaegyPwzzu38sv20EQPDpmSpAqso-n2hRIhCTrveJUbVAamondcxZslZ7MBmH4TL5PgHaW3z1D_mpknSvhdJrm2p4N9V1ITKQYPxp1v/s640/DSC_0768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Scoop all of the contents from their skins and place in a bowl, obviously remembering to discard the seeds and the skins!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL-JgXl_gpE-CRSSynqOvzzU3CSuh0xfGAod6SAEZfsvqdL9t8gCFsYrxWtqgTbyhg4VfGOQiu3iXhXs48NLRkMthHPpR4ZSzvyQ-iEAUcjQmEFbEF1NLdbPJ1_dkWZfU2XD6iCEZmwlF/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL-JgXl_gpE-CRSSynqOvzzU3CSuh0xfGAod6SAEZfsvqdL9t8gCFsYrxWtqgTbyhg4VfGOQiu3iXhXs48NLRkMthHPpR4ZSzvyQ-iEAUcjQmEFbEF1NLdbPJ1_dkWZfU2XD6iCEZmwlF/s640/DSC_0774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_9ySaLk7XzcaCTVRcwOfdIfnbgR40S-meKEWEbw4AUV4eUowJ_rSqa8gaE2QFjku4K4F3KDj8H2OBi5neyXsWzlbYdZDGmMKv0H8iFhITpuIKoEqvfASqa08wrcNs5ZSHLK4Mr062Qhq/s1600/DSC_0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_9ySaLk7XzcaCTVRcwOfdIfnbgR40S-meKEWEbw4AUV4eUowJ_rSqa8gaE2QFjku4K4F3KDj8H2OBi5neyXsWzlbYdZDGmMKv0H8iFhITpuIKoEqvfASqa08wrcNs5ZSHLK4Mr062Qhq/s640/DSC_0771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrJ4phc7kViP82Xfws79JvGxc5cP6IEix74kNKg5igAjOmzqAMa7RBpgpC-cRIoYRmfQx2PWGwBTyI6VCmG2bcO_uP9jahqsPrGxLzFkmy3qOufuACwGmphasH1VC2ws49M2VP2yB1M3I/s1600/DSC_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrJ4phc7kViP82Xfws79JvGxc5cP6IEix74kNKg5igAjOmzqAMa7RBpgpC-cRIoYRmfQx2PWGwBTyI6VCmG2bcO_uP9jahqsPrGxLzFkmy3qOufuACwGmphasH1VC2ws49M2VP2yB1M3I/s640/DSC_0767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee1q1nMxHYujb0peiQGIXhabemlemxr-yKuqapYvU6nBEmUYKOjQbzy0hHHfLVZT_Jh1c9L2RupKxhz7YFIjwhBqbOunwhEzu7laMx1hIOMlVYpZlb9yi4Bvu2a4aW0N6KwabUYavKsMm/s1600/DSC_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee1q1nMxHYujb0peiQGIXhabemlemxr-yKuqapYvU6nBEmUYKOjQbzy0hHHfLVZT_Jh1c9L2RupKxhz7YFIjwhBqbOunwhEzu7laMx1hIOMlVYpZlb9yi4Bvu2a4aW0N6KwabUYavKsMm/s640/DSC_0782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To this you then need to add 1 and a half teaspoons of honey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJXLM6ikKGLM7lXbbkZxrKzCPCftDgJF6SUquODOtzH60ZfOVItk1NZksSPXlNBB4IfssIEzfo2PWP30vvAu80CWo9Z5Lq1cl7LBGeW3H4nARpfDWLlvOaUuIbhCDCFAkRm0lisegsS3L/s1600/DSC_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJXLM6ikKGLM7lXbbkZxrKzCPCftDgJF6SUquODOtzH60ZfOVItk1NZksSPXlNBB4IfssIEzfo2PWP30vvAu80CWo9Z5Lq1cl7LBGeW3H4nARpfDWLlvOaUuIbhCDCFAkRm0lisegsS3L/s640/DSC_0785.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Followed by salt and pepper and a tablespoon of butter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe5lB7oGuWhMf5BCl8tN5E5kkpTzqJXxu_KztXqo-zYQTcY0yLkN_xslD2hvS4xQMD3MfaWNDUn2DG1oXD03XX57LA2NYAaP663cs0cm8ckCtcV8YzYdPmXjXuQgpYCUnqf8jFzb3tolq/s1600/DSC_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe5lB7oGuWhMf5BCl8tN5E5kkpTzqJXxu_KztXqo-zYQTcY0yLkN_xslD2hvS4xQMD3MfaWNDUn2DG1oXD03XX57LA2NYAaP663cs0cm8ckCtcV8YzYdPmXjXuQgpYCUnqf8jFzb3tolq/s640/DSC_0787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mash this all up and mix together until it's mostly smooth. Then add the cream. I actually added this in two stages just too make sure the mixture wasn't too runny.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf2_xvx36bg7bFXTD5j4cfuQUMYEhHEW4tRRheYVYYEarTnVIptU17ZRyFi3MADXYWj_nXC4XiW78b8rVPviYb5XiH3cvxmP3caLkErJSeCcc7n0rgrXV0P7NaTqiOq5jyJDQi_BdzRzQ/s1600/DSC_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf2_xvx36bg7bFXTD5j4cfuQUMYEhHEW4tRRheYVYYEarTnVIptU17ZRyFi3MADXYWj_nXC4XiW78b8rVPviYb5XiH3cvxmP3caLkErJSeCcc7n0rgrXV0P7NaTqiOq5jyJDQi_BdzRzQ/s640/DSC_0796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnOsciLGkNtKKJpLA7uzRUbS_ldK4j4jWI2cGNklUYnToskjcOI0GNqeQ9eA0WTtXCjbLYWYuWhslcCW2L6gTx8uDhcHylHehFLeK6Yy7yGN9mNQWTPH0PKKGRaCy4N4MKo8K9zMy3Byd/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnOsciLGkNtKKJpLA7uzRUbS_ldK4j4jWI2cGNklUYnToskjcOI0GNqeQ9eA0WTtXCjbLYWYuWhslcCW2L6gTx8uDhcHylHehFLeK6Yy7yGN9mNQWTPH0PKKGRaCy4N4MKo8K9zMy3Byd/s640/DSC_0797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutF0zaSjWuF5o9bXKR1ZmyivGW23mvOR8WqGIvRZl3sNjlZ-6dyHCf3w5jFNJSq-xdQCpW2bsVdKYicF7qNFnx_M3t9VZQ_suUOI3vNlvlpY7XTeDF42j1X8n1SbPZQ31qDFV1Hw_U-t2/s1600/DSC_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutF0zaSjWuF5o9bXKR1ZmyivGW23mvOR8WqGIvRZl3sNjlZ-6dyHCf3w5jFNJSq-xdQCpW2bsVdKYicF7qNFnx_M3t9VZQ_suUOI3vNlvlpY7XTeDF42j1X8n1SbPZQ31qDFV1Hw_U-t2/s640/DSC_0798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, add the flour, a little at a time. You don't want them to be to firm/chewy and the mix should be just rollable. Stop adding flour as soon as the stickiness is gone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFrpg1JKkm_Cf7_HBJQN2CnqMdQ6YUKwmFMBJs2oz6xdMkFz5q1CaPaUVPyJO_gqhViCso_MUw6We3HK6IgjhYyUA-QDG0nX2pMvVfuwQapjhVbrrUSDLSZ0GxNvwoEDqSV6SDrSb3DW8/s1600/DSC_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFrpg1JKkm_Cf7_HBJQN2CnqMdQ6YUKwmFMBJs2oz6xdMkFz5q1CaPaUVPyJO_gqhViCso_MUw6We3HK6IgjhYyUA-QDG0nX2pMvVfuwQapjhVbrrUSDLSZ0GxNvwoEDqSV6SDrSb3DW8/s640/DSC_0801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBiFuyalSIgILQZIEdW_juNaoKR0a8NI9qq66XdE2AVatjzmZAP-fxbKqx3Ux6DM_U8gLnlX8cQkuHulsAis4XLnEYRc7WJQZo_av-E5WnsvaOwiedWfFxCRMiCNqolOUjH4UwdVejIfV/s1600/DSC_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBiFuyalSIgILQZIEdW_juNaoKR0a8NI9qq66XdE2AVatjzmZAP-fxbKqx3Ux6DM_U8gLnlX8cQkuHulsAis4XLnEYRc7WJQZo_av-E5WnsvaOwiedWfFxCRMiCNqolOUjH4UwdVejIfV/s640/DSC_0806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsJST-kQ32DKA058O6NPx0l-e_5wfXF5wg_2Aab4TA4jpDEYDMCrewxLfrcL7qV9GgiInvCidV897Nb6Wodq9jasMYyWsZ5P9NyhZNSgFQphELeaFbbmsLz6e3C2y7pEL7OATkBelZtI_/s1600/DSC_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsJST-kQ32DKA058O6NPx0l-e_5wfXF5wg_2Aab4TA4jpDEYDMCrewxLfrcL7qV9GgiInvCidV897Nb6Wodq9jasMYyWsZ5P9NyhZNSgFQphELeaFbbmsLz6e3C2y7pEL7OATkBelZtI_/s640/DSC_0810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the dough reaches the above stage, start rolling. I wasn't to worried about the shape so I just pinched off pieces of dough and rolled them roughly into balls with my hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgF37KaVymbKzHFXBqQRE6ftmW29903bq96fqPq8E2LRE78YsEltasYNje3LnOnuuKcuc49YSjg87jFzrYXjKjTrUa_t8cyRVujnwuWfpGwFBFfO40oHx3b3R676Q0vbxY159bfQSuild/s1600/DSC_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgF37KaVymbKzHFXBqQRE6ftmW29903bq96fqPq8E2LRE78YsEltasYNje3LnOnuuKcuc49YSjg87jFzrYXjKjTrUa_t8cyRVujnwuWfpGwFBFfO40oHx3b3R676Q0vbxY159bfQSuild/s640/DSC_0812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then dropped the balls into a pan of water with a little salt, pepper and stock. I cooked them for around 10 minutes then removed them from the pan and added them to a frying pan with a small amount of oil. This was just because I wanted a small amount of crunch to them, and I didn't fry them or long at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJui2cEyW_CEfIXQwjYZmf8A5KnMkcotvGpl3JiQhnBTdrYJdGXco4oXSAYgM3bGPSw0xDnsPx-YqKGxy9X9YQEQeulieC40KbY-4TX_ulgew7jBbwBVTnrAfCcCVOCjEvM3k3ykBOveo3/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJui2cEyW_CEfIXQwjYZmf8A5KnMkcotvGpl3JiQhnBTdrYJdGXco4oXSAYgM3bGPSw0xDnsPx-YqKGxy9X9YQEQeulieC40KbY-4TX_ulgew7jBbwBVTnrAfCcCVOCjEvM3k3ykBOveo3/s640/DSC_0824.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I served them with some thinly sliced cheese and nothing else. I may make a sauce for them the next time I make them as I plan on adding the cheese into the dumplings. This time, though, they were delicious with just the sliced cheese on top. I will try and post the rest of the dumpling recipes this week. I have a lot of other recipes I need to post though so It may be next week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGoT8nyPewOzY_EJyWhWCLIvzHjewCUZpFFiKHd0fDVy1NZtq_v8P0Y9EXbwd-TeL02sL4GtHQ8CHDWfMVhBoRJcQDe46IeC5K7yBRxKMNbvrojkWnwZBJ4AGMNDI6I9aRpQVX4unoSYL/s1600/DSC_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGoT8nyPewOzY_EJyWhWCLIvzHjewCUZpFFiKHd0fDVy1NZtq_v8P0Y9EXbwd-TeL02sL4GtHQ8CHDWfMVhBoRJcQDe46IeC5K7yBRxKMNbvrojkWnwZBJ4AGMNDI6I9aRpQVX4unoSYL/s640/DSC_0830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-28854654932376945492013-03-28T18:23:00.003+00:002013-04-05T00:02:42.476+01:00Giant Mini Eggs (Oxymorons!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg86pe3csN6gmfz0RHNfsh6h3Jmsg_c_a10CNaqSk3EyCzcO490KnUvkQNOx26IZvcxhS_Moub5i1z86pynO_jZz8n-F2TVH6JWzpZ6o8MBopIiJ0JD_xgc1FFirBS9UFkSEeoulb1PvmB/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg86pe3csN6gmfz0RHNfsh6h3Jmsg_c_a10CNaqSk3EyCzcO490KnUvkQNOx26IZvcxhS_Moub5i1z86pynO_jZz8n-F2TVH6JWzpZ6o8MBopIiJ0JD_xgc1FFirBS9UFkSEeoulb1PvmB/s640/DSC_0406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This took a while but was worth it. I've seen slightly different versions that are much quicker, but I like to make things difficult for myself. Instead of a solid block of chocolate I decide I wanted a solid chocolate 'shell' with a truffle centre. Now, none of this was particularly difficult. It was all just very fiddly and time consuming. I think it was definitely worth it, but be prepared to spend some time on this.<br />
<br />
I started with the humble egg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt43TuOk9Np7FQ7N7-BX0D0z5CSLVEitw5npMR8FgDDh83MsL_v2_azithrbYfoavMd1WbmzotutEOCNMvz9Q75HnCueejcjiQkEyBj7EhDb9SaUXTBpxsHmLflPfooiffcitA_D2qSrz6/s1600/DSC_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt43TuOk9Np7FQ7N7-BX0D0z5CSLVEitw5npMR8FgDDh83MsL_v2_azithrbYfoavMd1WbmzotutEOCNMvz9Q75HnCueejcjiQkEyBj7EhDb9SaUXTBpxsHmLflPfooiffcitA_D2qSrz6/s640/DSC_0916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of the pictures I'd seen had massive holes or cracks in the egg to get the chocolate in, I didn't want this so decided I would give egg blowing a try. It worked pretty well by all accounts. A pin prick sized hole at one end and a slightly larger hole at the other end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbXjeDzsu0d2uRZx4oxyRA975RTrWK8dT563pJkpUH2PshuycTZyVZrSTUmgAJQPJXS3tsGI6ogg5R_u0wpEYLTw6mc1a3gWKs519DW1cvClll6RD9YNykFgosFYzsL5ptspxM9ik7CwM/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbXjeDzsu0d2uRZx4oxyRA975RTrWK8dT563pJkpUH2PshuycTZyVZrSTUmgAJQPJXS3tsGI6ogg5R_u0wpEYLTw6mc1a3gWKs519DW1cvClll6RD9YNykFgosFYzsL5ptspxM9ik7CwM/s640/DSC_0103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ygNH05K1M41uctkqfZ5XvCgjMfYyi64-Vr5LjAaSFCGHoI26g3hbGwuFHwQ2z3mNln4TYJEEXjjuIly39_C0b6EYn7lE_NEBAzB-Hsp7NnJsrZkBaQhDW-yAc0mLF1swQO9agq6HlR0n/s1600/DSC_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ygNH05K1M41uctkqfZ5XvCgjMfYyi64-Vr5LjAaSFCGHoI26g3hbGwuFHwQ2z3mNln4TYJEEXjjuIly39_C0b6EYn7lE_NEBAzB-Hsp7NnJsrZkBaQhDW-yAc0mLF1swQO9agq6HlR0n/s640/DSC_0935.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The thought of getting raw egg in my mouth lead me to seek out alternative methods off separating egg from shell. They didn't work. Somebody had told me about a way o separating yolk and white with a bottle and I wondered if this would work with getting the egg out. It started to draw some out but the bottle collapsed long before the first egg was done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSO2NT6Yp3EqeWsZQ8Ble5uauYQ7inLWc2Vnt-TivGe9Z9juzSWAFoPgNPtUfYyJOz442R7uI6a70Xd_IPYGR2tMQbSObafeFTf_WSvoHz-CgOHvisiv_kjXl6yNkKuoG0tH2PfVMCsmP/s1600/DSC_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSO2NT6Yp3EqeWsZQ8Ble5uauYQ7inLWc2Vnt-TivGe9Z9juzSWAFoPgNPtUfYyJOz442R7uI6a70Xd_IPYGR2tMQbSObafeFTf_WSvoHz-CgOHvisiv_kjXl6yNkKuoG0tH2PfVMCsmP/s640/DSC_0922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So it was back to the drawing board. I simply used a knife with a very sharp point and just kept tapping gently in the same spot until the right sized hole was made.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ariAh6wZvKav2wqcLZ1mIKAMA5XJ_9oFoC6x-ugBivgrAKYYjnk2yoGGhRH0Ce9VrpH3cj2xqV3QZklQEIQomEx0WD9OjR7wPP8-zSESkrol4D2K3ChSZyNdKlCkSgWe9obu13_hlq3Y/s1600/DSC_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ariAh6wZvKav2wqcLZ1mIKAMA5XJ_9oFoC6x-ugBivgrAKYYjnk2yoGGhRH0Ce9VrpH3cj2xqV3QZklQEIQomEx0WD9OjR7wPP8-zSESkrol4D2K3ChSZyNdKlCkSgWe9obu13_hlq3Y/s640/DSC_0919.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge050HYLVoR2jb9Fdl7FiR2F5J6a98k16T2vdmXKGHEqc_99-op3CMfJi9LDusuYWfBbljiXO0wlu29boWNocAxe-bws9JM0wlTbZ2uVYaWtnxbrpqdsO_rST8emt5QJfnfQyumpUZIZex/s1600/DSC_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge050HYLVoR2jb9Fdl7FiR2F5J6a98k16T2vdmXKGHEqc_99-op3CMfJi9LDusuYWfBbljiXO0wlu29boWNocAxe-bws9JM0wlTbZ2uVYaWtnxbrpqdsO_rST8emt5QJfnfQyumpUZIZex/s640/DSC_0921.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wasn't always as gentle as I should have been and a few of these did crack. I kept them though as I figured you do occasionally get a few cracked sweets in a pack.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpT99s4kovOgPtHUjWy8nlc-hpgsNOA_mMgaC4dnNqt8nYxQU7mJ6QhpIj33VdclokS9uQDlLO_6ls9sSdTP-nxJo-0MPxN-YjwpfuMNRo0cGO8H6KmBkuv_VTd4Bz4vCvJajCUkZGVxM/s1600/DSC_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpT99s4kovOgPtHUjWy8nlc-hpgsNOA_mMgaC4dnNqt8nYxQU7mJ6QhpIj33VdclokS9uQDlLO_6ls9sSdTP-nxJo-0MPxN-YjwpfuMNRo0cGO8H6KmBkuv_VTd4Bz4vCvJajCUkZGVxM/s640/DSC_0928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once all holes are made you simply need to blow through the smaller hole. If this proves tricky you can either make the larger, bottom hole larger or simply make sure its clear. There is a layer of membrane inside the egg and this is stronger than it looks. It can and does stop anything from getting through regardless of how hard you blow. I did 20 eggs so I had a lot of egg going spare. I used this up making brioche though which I'll show in a later post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJpLqsVVk3pRYyvt_-4t-5DW3y4Nc3Y17LpP8dThmfFLUZNUHnRyF_Mnyd_tXqDHl0T3exhCQaFpR7tPdlqDfMnz9dCyPAbJU5A-K7q3ATuByUHHHymkycmakkKH8XkmqINOeKfs70G7D/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJpLqsVVk3pRYyvt_-4t-5DW3y4Nc3Y17LpP8dThmfFLUZNUHnRyF_Mnyd_tXqDHl0T3exhCQaFpR7tPdlqDfMnz9dCyPAbJU5A-K7q3ATuByUHHHymkycmakkKH8XkmqINOeKfs70G7D/s640/DSC_0145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
It was the time to clean the eggs. Since I didn't crack the tops off I couldn't see inside so couldn't be sure I had gotten all of the egg out of the shell. I didn't want to crack my shells open and find they were covered in egg so I figured the best way to get it all out was to boil the shells. The eggs will float to start with so a bowl placed on top of them will stop this happening. I also toyed with adding the colour at this stage but the volume o water warranted too much vinegar to make the colour stick so the rest were coloured after being boiled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkYSB9S-IvbeMDTOEZcn-ASfN4QPKdxRdBbfzfTDJ6NobDL7ODVnHDq8BFZviHJHC2Wuy6-Sy_UHhRse7iKRGjJcc88l0ASF64yPT2SHdOTHgHtBf1C2uULAkoG6QnuasJ76gnpSnlVG_/s1600/DSC_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkYSB9S-IvbeMDTOEZcn-ASfN4QPKdxRdBbfzfTDJ6NobDL7ODVnHDq8BFZviHJHC2Wuy6-Sy_UHhRse7iKRGjJcc88l0ASF64yPT2SHdOTHgHtBf1C2uULAkoG6QnuasJ76gnpSnlVG_/s640/DSC_0960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7lOr_kA5OnMalv3oqjaWg3alZQBKXFIUUGuvixrwEPLWlBT5qxf1LKpE-o6FLeQ580K2XURJImj4UU8FDWIPSDwd-Y8mgrES8Y7-cRMx2EV1v71NEQWQaUbLwhG4cbpZs01P3W1PZkEe/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7lOr_kA5OnMalv3oqjaWg3alZQBKXFIUUGuvixrwEPLWlBT5qxf1LKpE-o6FLeQ580K2XURJImj4UU8FDWIPSDwd-Y8mgrES8Y7-cRMx2EV1v71NEQWQaUbLwhG4cbpZs01P3W1PZkEe/s640/DSC_0980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtc6wZ0LgbHkLcNZjfNNDC9K9mvZaId1Ltn7SfqhhniZZ3VqxknsIFdRw57LBpw7wF1S5U-I4-H31LphO6TnF7Y-QaqoUk5-fgS8IhYJDNUwYaJEVDEdPdLlxyhk2Cy-umXZs62dtH1pG/s1600/DSC_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtc6wZ0LgbHkLcNZjfNNDC9K9mvZaId1Ltn7SfqhhniZZ3VqxknsIFdRw57LBpw7wF1S5U-I4-H31LphO6TnF7Y-QaqoUk5-fgS8IhYJDNUwYaJEVDEdPdLlxyhk2Cy-umXZs62dtH1pG/s640/DSC_1000.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I boiled the eggs for around 15 minutes to be sure. I the removed them from the pan and placed them in cold water. Once all the water was drained I used two methods. I either shook the eggs to break up any loose bits inside after running the tap into the bigger hole at the bottom, or I filled them through the bigger hole and then blew through the smaller hole as I had to get the uncooked egg out. boiled egg is surprisingly pliable and what was let inside did actually come out through the hole at the bottom. Then I placed them in another bowl of water with a few tablespoons of vinegar and whichever colour I was using.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GuwsvSepjq0XEMuqEGldBPzINuKFJ6de-D_KFkzFLZac6R1MdSU8pWuTjJTQHFOfzJsdEtX9M9b-Pn1fsrZzR-bElJn7yK4AeW0yTx_sZ1N4cocmX8ZCUWOyiorG4O0Ad9scDa5cW1NE/s1600/DSC_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GuwsvSepjq0XEMuqEGldBPzINuKFJ6de-D_KFkzFLZac6R1MdSU8pWuTjJTQHFOfzJsdEtX9M9b-Pn1fsrZzR-bElJn7yK4AeW0yTx_sZ1N4cocmX8ZCUWOyiorG4O0Ad9scDa5cW1NE/s640/DSC_1003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14QiZ29rEs1v7d0WZPt_WSM0iqQxTJGsVJRu1jCMmWmsPLkDhMqtHO54U2LHVM88HwZwNP1mFLvPTYZfxuTJRO204uNX7au_mS6O6zQAcMg72EQmP0OOG3z6s24zCvL0ftDhknUm1Ge9T/s1600/DSC_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14QiZ29rEs1v7d0WZPt_WSM0iqQxTJGsVJRu1jCMmWmsPLkDhMqtHO54U2LHVM88HwZwNP1mFLvPTYZfxuTJRO204uNX7au_mS6O6zQAcMg72EQmP0OOG3z6s24zCvL0ftDhknUm1Ge9T/s640/DSC_0976.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ME3HzyT6z06FtG6BEbUuqUuNB1lwE5OCCWC5uLWDx0wTny89iQnC8TI4Hbp6DUIJVNEOyY3Kl8wRyJtbRa1euxzOLQSiUCM7DkpuPJF1GgKW2QZkc0zHyMVf8Cdr2ve6akbZz4zjuKBA/s1600/DSC_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ME3HzyT6z06FtG6BEbUuqUuNB1lwE5OCCWC5uLWDx0wTny89iQnC8TI4Hbp6DUIJVNEOyY3Kl8wRyJtbRa1euxzOLQSiUCM7DkpuPJF1GgKW2QZkc0zHyMVf8Cdr2ve6akbZz4zjuKBA/s640/DSC_1017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I then drained them again and placed on paper towel and in egg cups to dry. I repeated these steps for each colour used.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtNiSmqYbsONGti0B2JV0IHS3k5MluXev4cZTIDGftU5AMziP4eDBADsOVu2pMovQBuK93Hue7ZBT0oLvdJ8PGoxnMmQCke0R8ZHq5N1Ede1HsfMlUM9R-Cb1sRG6bKMN8VW3DXycp0Ch/s1600/DSC_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtNiSmqYbsONGti0B2JV0IHS3k5MluXev4cZTIDGftU5AMziP4eDBADsOVu2pMovQBuK93Hue7ZBT0oLvdJ8PGoxnMmQCke0R8ZHq5N1Ede1HsfMlUM9R-Cb1sRG6bKMN8VW3DXycp0Ch/s640/DSC_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHIYFh6-sLmrVuXnNlljkxgxwU8gw-qLnSHPor5HB8ngy6p8UR8Xo5RcDcayFfUmNCcZKsObfTK_C-7zxYwmKaw9SkCcEqxff0nKMXlnOwD40JPANhhxI2I0VUw9jwETvRm9BAsljiR8J/s1600/DSC_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHIYFh6-sLmrVuXnNlljkxgxwU8gw-qLnSHPor5HB8ngy6p8UR8Xo5RcDcayFfUmNCcZKsObfTK_C-7zxYwmKaw9SkCcEqxff0nKMXlnOwD40JPANhhxI2I0VUw9jwETvRm9BAsljiR8J/s640/DSC_1060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I left these to dry overnight to make sure there was no loose colour that would stain the chocolate. Once dry I started to melt my chocolate for the shell and then filled the eggs using a syringe. This was the pretty easy but very time consuming!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijGK5bkry3cVEWQga4TnTpNcHPqC-ZPQrfgxivtG8f3yMNXOPyMeiylgTzmjv6udC8Tj_GjQVVA8fz0inEBg0WIBNjRlUXRbS8paNNOOb3KgE2x4-iPl6eM3n7RZErvdLuJrHkIiMK9HW/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijGK5bkry3cVEWQga4TnTpNcHPqC-ZPQrfgxivtG8f3yMNXOPyMeiylgTzmjv6udC8Tj_GjQVVA8fz0inEBg0WIBNjRlUXRbS8paNNOOb3KgE2x4-iPl6eM3n7RZErvdLuJrHkIiMK9HW/s640/DSC_0288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWzIdpmaOKmW7PEl06NOQezcC8ZvLUZe1PLl1rkCO5a_DCYQA8tbG-r6FGJyIK36t0h1GPxIP8btElmcZ8hdqtll3SnGagaCunqYOB1aISQ2L5J6wzSGUhCnR25lm3JCtg1dCKBfWc4nE/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWzIdpmaOKmW7PEl06NOQezcC8ZvLUZe1PLl1rkCO5a_DCYQA8tbG-r6FGJyIK36t0h1GPxIP8btElmcZ8hdqtll3SnGagaCunqYOB1aISQ2L5J6wzSGUhCnR25lm3JCtg1dCKBfWc4nE/s640/DSC_0287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCXC7VyhWNBpjWhUUebqiKrbOYglopBAX74DvLP_QiyP_DLXT1uiL6MvpIpZMIVEq5vh-vzuXRDZ5cLXQorVxG33aZB63eHHEoRYrBQlBSM2Y4pZaHIuYA-qRD9pNHzZgHq90tP17762g/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCXC7VyhWNBpjWhUUebqiKrbOYglopBAX74DvLP_QiyP_DLXT1uiL6MvpIpZMIVEq5vh-vzuXRDZ5cLXQorVxG33aZB63eHHEoRYrBQlBSM2Y4pZaHIuYA-qRD9pNHzZgHq90tP17762g/s640/DSC_0236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgFjkLEI3DaaIhZeDvuILftqAqD7-6VzZFi32ROvsiZe0g5BH2N-z5wPpDSdFJyoFomBZHtB_XA0HMP1ja4zFqYuRxFst8X4ReeWFsXj-CHN48uhQ18up0zV3kgpfrevUUx98WFpnDjhk/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgFjkLEI3DaaIhZeDvuILftqAqD7-6VzZFi32ROvsiZe0g5BH2N-z5wPpDSdFJyoFomBZHtB_XA0HMP1ja4zFqYuRxFst8X4ReeWFsXj-CHN48uhQ18up0zV3kgpfrevUUx98WFpnDjhk/s640/DSC_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3Ojn3_Lv5wOMke3cEBdEt8Qyx64gWQKV9ZJAhTbAJ393PRLB5z5PlErKIPP1EKhnPy-z2jdZM7YKxpo5dyuUCGtk2lOREEDXCMF6Q2yOZC1w3qYt8ddnWLv8rFJuGvj6IN8jDaRb5DDK/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3Ojn3_Lv5wOMke3cEBdEt8Qyx64gWQKV9ZJAhTbAJ393PRLB5z5PlErKIPP1EKhnPy-z2jdZM7YKxpo5dyuUCGtk2lOREEDXCMF6Q2yOZC1w3qYt8ddnWLv8rFJuGvj6IN8jDaRb5DDK/s640/DSC_0229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7KMZY0h6Z0vsqEnNpolpetJsAEKpQ68E75b8CfPmjeWWzfCtu10uSWd6R63bW3oWP9lz8pNKuLJrfptLffTa66nfw9XnLBILvMwA4Tak1ww6YzKXvEXeEs1QKqpFBPV40qpJqQ-t81ZH/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7KMZY0h6Z0vsqEnNpolpetJsAEKpQ68E75b8CfPmjeWWzfCtu10uSWd6R63bW3oWP9lz8pNKuLJrfptLffTa66nfw9XnLBILvMwA4Tak1ww6YzKXvEXeEs1QKqpFBPV40qpJqQ-t81ZH/s640/DSC_0252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKLvaSsi0kDVt5Ipd-kkoHejy0DYOsFp2c7d_kN4acg1WHvIwuECzPT_2gwK-cRu-1GWhZRKSep_8tylPbFaL_P59GkoV-dJl5vnpb3_2lz_8RuyAFpONh4wtNRkrbwtwVbfF2S2fXY9K/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKLvaSsi0kDVt5Ipd-kkoHejy0DYOsFp2c7d_kN4acg1WHvIwuECzPT_2gwK-cRu-1GWhZRKSep_8tylPbFaL_P59GkoV-dJl5vnpb3_2lz_8RuyAFpONh4wtNRkrbwtwVbfF2S2fXY9K/s640/DSC_0256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB2S4jnlR1lQOcTSTWKKVsq758ZLUSiK-Xnongy6Jkyv_hUYQJaufdBdENrNNXcmOPA_c2iQJZaCM4g17zuIxr7UDaqCYjRRkfG_QKtfHybX55cZI3HegEIfJ_eNa0pE8QUTVXKUYzaR_/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB2S4jnlR1lQOcTSTWKKVsq758ZLUSiK-Xnongy6Jkyv_hUYQJaufdBdENrNNXcmOPA_c2iQJZaCM4g17zuIxr7UDaqCYjRRkfG_QKtfHybX55cZI3HegEIfJ_eNa0pE8QUTVXKUYzaR_/s640/DSC_0263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqOm2t4IeKETkKy9mS_MGM4IRWJ-8BsvJnb2YpKm83dqRsWfVlKp2I7Bcntr4h3JR6uG3XjY2IchFwMpzytlI3APtPAHD2U7VPLEFEFqkuTzzEwCkt3CdGBej5mDD9GriRkWkANa_i44A/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqOm2t4IeKETkKy9mS_MGM4IRWJ-8BsvJnb2YpKm83dqRsWfVlKp2I7Bcntr4h3JR6uG3XjY2IchFwMpzytlI3APtPAHD2U7VPLEFEFqkuTzzEwCkt3CdGBej5mDD9GriRkWkANa_i44A/s640/DSC_0275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did this twice on each egg and then placed them in the fridge over night to set. The next morning I removed them and repeated the process, again shaking the egg to try and make sure all the surface was covered. On the first night I stored them with the small hole facing down and the second time the large hole was facing down to try and ensure even coverage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While the second coat was setting (around half an hour) I started making the truffle. For the white chocolate I started by making a caramel. This was just sugar and, a small amount of water and, once it had dissolved, vanilla and cream. I placed it in an old empty container then made the rest of the truffle mix.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3Gqf4zYVIvXkiNIvEVvKVJvbpbZwf5v-LzX50sNhJChFkTvWCXe4ooJXAbyLzTrHXx5yDdsdq77l0Aqb8Fhu4wajjzgra6iKAMq_mTM_JqC-2-lvG0525wZETC3rJclyRLNZSVnjBGV9/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3Gqf4zYVIvXkiNIvEVvKVJvbpbZwf5v-LzX50sNhJChFkTvWCXe4ooJXAbyLzTrHXx5yDdsdq77l0Aqb8Fhu4wajjzgra6iKAMq_mTM_JqC-2-lvG0525wZETC3rJclyRLNZSVnjBGV9/s640/DSC_0321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd86OAnutSq2uwmwiglPbjmgmVl_hbdt81mSlToDlI_bgpFaFyTu4D6UaJTJpAAJClhjjYvgFpz9P3nBSo2mRlb8Bpen8gNVrYCXaGwbVmNFcTQSI9WmcGziRLcKs2kQ_G7Fa8kUtYe79K/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd86OAnutSq2uwmwiglPbjmgmVl_hbdt81mSlToDlI_bgpFaFyTu4D6UaJTJpAAJClhjjYvgFpz9P3nBSo2mRlb8Bpen8gNVrYCXaGwbVmNFcTQSI9WmcGziRLcKs2kQ_G7Fa8kUtYe79K/s640/DSC_0325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3bInoh0VVnZU-ekPfm0b00aTBK8W_8yRreNPjY5IfPzqfx80PjS0kD3EYrBrr534GF2gr0_tlBRn-BprD8dAkMSLTrxjcfwtIhNLUjnlS-IGZTgDggmFk7fCDd9XEJij7mZD-05lOxvd/s1600/DSC_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3bInoh0VVnZU-ekPfm0b00aTBK8W_8yRreNPjY5IfPzqfx80PjS0kD3EYrBrr534GF2gr0_tlBRn-BprD8dAkMSLTrxjcfwtIhNLUjnlS-IGZTgDggmFk7fCDd9XEJij7mZD-05lOxvd/s640/DSC_0337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HPt7HT5TXq1Aff6QeAI0gaLrJ_qb6R2ip4B3vWJoscI3RhK-a62yjZuqk2F464oYPcSVFf5CvVNvL_yyi0tXIoSLn5IoO7AlPx378-otzZzqcVnP4ecgeG0ItCDUL1Dj8KthXNzfRiXP/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HPt7HT5TXq1Aff6QeAI0gaLrJ_qb6R2ip4B3vWJoscI3RhK-a62yjZuqk2F464oYPcSVFf5CvVNvL_yyi0tXIoSLn5IoO7AlPx378-otzZzqcVnP4ecgeG0ItCDUL1Dj8KthXNzfRiXP/s640/DSC_0332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dbVdYNqkuJtQmctrMqdpzs3J4IfyN4iotsjK0FNELlKnG-lHDgUIjG6-ZO78rohGK-e2jMdsYUGRhz48bl5pf88G9Q5_OuH6lNu8naZqRDxUuZVTIuBw6kxuSSasqhRcsETGQVfv4u4I/s1600/DSC_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dbVdYNqkuJtQmctrMqdpzs3J4IfyN4iotsjK0FNELlKnG-lHDgUIjG6-ZO78rohGK-e2jMdsYUGRhz48bl5pf88G9Q5_OuH6lNu8naZqRDxUuZVTIuBw6kxuSSasqhRcsETGQVfv4u4I/s640/DSC_0344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSCd33IeofNMxz8n1Zk82qGcoTgmg8mFV-XUk0U1A9MYekdleIm1RB0NGualyEkDw_cg6ngXibdxuK2djG-wHtgvWyb0TAbtw2HbRrEO_PHRknG7HE5J1FYAsC7Shb6H2HWnnv5lwk3m7/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSCd33IeofNMxz8n1Zk82qGcoTgmg8mFV-XUk0U1A9MYekdleIm1RB0NGualyEkDw_cg6ngXibdxuK2djG-wHtgvWyb0TAbtw2HbRrEO_PHRknG7HE5J1FYAsC7Shb6H2HWnnv5lwk3m7/s640/DSC_0350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T-uq2ThpLHi-WqGHcNg0xqc-bGSyleo4PmT0NvPCXVpAi9cQhxurv_7qeFUGjBMNGSLE2qW5jO3e_6jqWto7aD8_XKz6c-PwxVF24kDOie4KQIdjE6DNZGFoaT6UoNFkmQgA8oCCWyUs/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T-uq2ThpLHi-WqGHcNg0xqc-bGSyleo4PmT0NvPCXVpAi9cQhxurv_7qeFUGjBMNGSLE2qW5jO3e_6jqWto7aD8_XKz6c-PwxVF24kDOie4KQIdjE6DNZGFoaT6UoNFkmQgA8oCCWyUs/s640/DSC_0356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0bqfgHoxTUi0guGMBgHq9PKxjyX1ggrwJUUsq9F-G081E4uIRXL1GUnNSvCtMnN-hO79_hAoQBqjy20AsPMkYb1ZhkEGtFVQB-cO5rLrhRssZNh4ntmN57syH71OapqPgfKUznhO9KZm/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0bqfgHoxTUi0guGMBgHq9PKxjyX1ggrwJUUsq9F-G081E4uIRXL1GUnNSvCtMnN-hO79_hAoQBqjy20AsPMkYb1ZhkEGtFVQB-cO5rLrhRssZNh4ntmN57syH71OapqPgfKUznhO9KZm/s640/DSC_0359.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkiMsQiRDaRpUCSKjD5K5iKdF_r91W61XWAvhrHpPFmnL4xMCCN2MLQOEZZCzBEjWGXplyl3BhOzj-a1fqxQyYdIYme_lsTA0jVlAavmtKMHF69LPJoNwLeRz6-CWTCknn40KUDzo9YjK/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkiMsQiRDaRpUCSKjD5K5iKdF_r91W61XWAvhrHpPFmnL4xMCCN2MLQOEZZCzBEjWGXplyl3BhOzj-a1fqxQyYdIYme_lsTA0jVlAavmtKMHF69LPJoNwLeRz6-CWTCknn40KUDzo9YjK/s640/DSC_0362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I had placed the eggs with the larger hole down it was blocked so I used a heated pin to clear the hole then filled them with truffle (which I had placed in the fridge to cool down and firm up slightly. This was done randomly instead of in layers. The eggs were then placed in the fridge overnight to set.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpwepViuVsOkHLb6fce-amJfbSP9J8HH0yn-WziJp-AQjT5Zb4LPLHh1t_mqW2A-Mg2lnERmOpg9hO7Gk8G4c4lLEFX61VokQsSv0mKiccwt3k0T6uu2KVwHhxYv3r2QY4VjKjupO9mZA/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpwepViuVsOkHLb6fce-amJfbSP9J8HH0yn-WziJp-AQjT5Zb4LPLHh1t_mqW2A-Mg2lnERmOpg9hO7Gk8G4c4lLEFX61VokQsSv0mKiccwt3k0T6uu2KVwHhxYv3r2QY4VjKjupO9mZA/s640/DSC_0372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think they came out pretty great and, with a bit more organisation next year, I could probably get this all done in one day. I think they look amazing and, even better still, they taste amazing. The outer 'shell' of chocolate has a nice bite to it and contrasts well with the truffle in the middle. I may make it slightly thicker next time though. Other than that, amazing! The sort of thing you'd definitely want to hide from predators...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavdkEdCHuzqQWcEmn-fJuMxe7LJHzuUMXsg1ash5uQe2ITOxoE4keBu2I-V3E2R0b8yjXWJn5Npzxu0Z9MUDX1zFIhOiVdKHosu8H9wXzTiCMW2N1gd6T2LM1PbzyolWLJ1wlQPHYXM_L/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavdkEdCHuzqQWcEmn-fJuMxe7LJHzuUMXsg1ash5uQe2ITOxoE4keBu2I-V3E2R0b8yjXWJn5Npzxu0Z9MUDX1zFIhOiVdKHosu8H9wXzTiCMW2N1gd6T2LM1PbzyolWLJ1wlQPHYXM_L/s640/DSC_0426.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAva38jmH8enWmCm_Hl8GwrYaktS5IBd_HuhGQvqMzlZY74s2u_APpG9ISFvuSHkaI_hGKSPiCguVNo8Jp8puKUk_lcSM6EEB-nY7CrcPTWavOALMs1aJjoATG1D0g7vQNR39lf3PF2ni/s1600/DSC_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAva38jmH8enWmCm_Hl8GwrYaktS5IBd_HuhGQvqMzlZY74s2u_APpG9ISFvuSHkaI_hGKSPiCguVNo8Jp8puKUk_lcSM6EEB-nY7CrcPTWavOALMs1aJjoATG1D0g7vQNR39lf3PF2ni/s640/DSC_0431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzQZqdBMcW6dx_6R4l46osrRf9mdHEoLEuKzzmuAQtHBD9LhRxQCdU43AQ9O3D8QGkAxg7U90sQlytz2IyIEC1ztF3eTlF7QejeNAoDCoxtLATHnhlWN1Fgw4rfXEM5clXFD9qrVtUuaT/s1600/DSC_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzQZqdBMcW6dx_6R4l46osrRf9mdHEoLEuKzzmuAQtHBD9LhRxQCdU43AQ9O3D8QGkAxg7U90sQlytz2IyIEC1ztF3eTlF7QejeNAoDCoxtLATHnhlWN1Fgw4rfXEM5clXFD9qrVtUuaT/s640/DSC_0435.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfRH3U-BwXfwYkQ83EXn_aZ6A5Hjn-EJTL7rdYdGiGUf7ohPOMqXdQ2eWmHSjHJj0lPl6IobTIjW46urGhUhEjD-1knoj6TGXqQbQfoy0IKG1WgtIGwUyfQ6sQpTfZvj5xSkZRx9cIH7t/s1600/DSC_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfRH3U-BwXfwYkQ83EXn_aZ6A5Hjn-EJTL7rdYdGiGUf7ohPOMqXdQ2eWmHSjHJj0lPl6IobTIjW46urGhUhEjD-1knoj6TGXqQbQfoy0IKG1WgtIGwUyfQ6sQpTfZvj5xSkZRx9cIH7t/s640/DSC_0516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4yMrExZsvPXnL_8XD1uYQdssENwOjFySFvfQNfl4lbx4zuaZF97AJNrflB5EEXEh-ySnptwsDZOMjj49RQrgAOsUXEFF4DMfChtO9tyyE2DD9az3anZHhDH7OIJ9NVxlSQWiptY7MX7f/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4yMrExZsvPXnL_8XD1uYQdssENwOjFySFvfQNfl4lbx4zuaZF97AJNrflB5EEXEh-ySnptwsDZOMjj49RQrgAOsUXEFF4DMfChtO9tyyE2DD9az3anZHhDH7OIJ9NVxlSQWiptY7MX7f/s640/DSC_0507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0spWmiE5uWUibLbqP_x1W2WlugwE2zJrz4CcEh3UNE6Ns-LYbn5Hx3uvA3slU0FxQjub9-pwmVLR2YTnHAUpa641fyOA5Z9SjVh-RdcR8G50UrrhuhRLd2cUGIY0Z4aviT-Z7uxQqljSF/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0spWmiE5uWUibLbqP_x1W2WlugwE2zJrz4CcEh3UNE6Ns-LYbn5Hx3uvA3slU0FxQjub9-pwmVLR2YTnHAUpa641fyOA5Z9SjVh-RdcR8G50UrrhuhRLd2cUGIY0Z4aviT-Z7uxQqljSF/s640/DSC_0546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-eaw_euQCfgoZeEQeZN7wFXLimcRdSPfiYoz26mEXHiQzcMdBL4kX0tmKM1jWqf6IZ0zgVNJv8Y8kW5d61SXWLsdfEeRg0s46F3xcVzsRjIN7-ZgekSmX1iXvlURdB6mCwpYxpsHBKsV/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-eaw_euQCfgoZeEQeZN7wFXLimcRdSPfiYoz26mEXHiQzcMdBL4kX0tmKM1jWqf6IZ0zgVNJv8Y8kW5d61SXWLsdfEeRg0s46F3xcVzsRjIN7-ZgekSmX1iXvlURdB6mCwpYxpsHBKsV/s640/DSC_0570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-13857075945349976132013-03-23T20:32:00.001+00:002013-03-23T20:32:23.335+00:00Salmon and Pasta Bake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSdfUj0-WXwCEypBSD_VtTbltDK1mBxBmGuHQADkt2gjeegjdSK-Ac5D_I-5CpR-pizeQhYxPllE8lbtqQujybIU-6Wh31W5lDkjCvVAyoosuoNetf9KFMaxORbW_e4MhGJf_lEhzUvaC/s1600/DSC_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSdfUj0-WXwCEypBSD_VtTbltDK1mBxBmGuHQADkt2gjeegjdSK-Ac5D_I-5CpR-pizeQhYxPllE8lbtqQujybIU-6Wh31W5lDkjCvVAyoosuoNetf9KFMaxORbW_e4MhGJf_lEhzUvaC/s320/DSC_0694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A very quick recipe from a very long day of baking and cooking. I made two of these along with 24 cupcakes, a triple layer chocolate caramel cake and a loaf of cider and cheese bread. I was very tired by the end which is why I didn't post anything about them but I'll have it all up within the next couple of days.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, the recipe:<br />
<br />
1 Small Packet Macaroni<br />
4 Medium frozen Salmon Fillets<br />
2 Tablespoons Butter<br />
Plain Flour<br />
4 Cups Cheese, Grated plus more for the top<br />
3 Cups Milk<br />
Salt<br />
Pepper<br />
Frozen Peas<br />
Frozen Broccoli<br />
1 Can of Sweetcorn<br />
Dijon Mustard<br />
2 Cloves Garlic<br />
1/2 Red Onion<br />
<br />
Pour the entire packet of Macaroni into a pan and cover with water<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhishXCOWCtuOZI0o3Vqi-HvAPnNeeV2FaOj-jNmuApF9SzPDdTVnIsa0jxuwmz5V1VoVeThWavUEhxG24eYRrKRBeQnoVLmQfFNasgj5sS0Yzyg6i-2GR418xemeQSEuL13pjMOJ8wQ5aM/s1600/DSC_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhishXCOWCtuOZI0o3Vqi-HvAPnNeeV2FaOj-jNmuApF9SzPDdTVnIsa0jxuwmz5V1VoVeThWavUEhxG24eYRrKRBeQnoVLmQfFNasgj5sS0Yzyg6i-2GR418xemeQSEuL13pjMOJ8wQ5aM/s640/DSC_0572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs1UEoQaGjj6wQToN5bjkJ5hjWZ0o7gZRU7NeMNmu-XTemmArEDPmj_YMGEp8TYydNJ9RL1TyUZHzL-SH_yXlUylvXbTXMlIq-nSTI0VZ9a9P3zPKSwGSOjOZauHzwYufVbdl9mCSkX0P/s1600/DSC_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs1UEoQaGjj6wQToN5bjkJ5hjWZ0o7gZRU7NeMNmu-XTemmArEDPmj_YMGEp8TYydNJ9RL1TyUZHzL-SH_yXlUylvXbTXMlIq-nSTI0VZ9a9P3zPKSwGSOjOZauHzwYufVbdl9mCSkX0P/s640/DSC_0573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtfSlpIxVnzzveb1q1RQXsIFYrMhOLz8QRDkCvKmy2j0EuMgCYodOsmv620KvBolL1bWqY_l0NRCAZdf16xJfPtuhYjhEtfmNJu-urh9bQTtbhGiB546LwG-hlPL2obMcYSs90zar9r2_/s1600/DSC_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtfSlpIxVnzzveb1q1RQXsIFYrMhOLz8QRDkCvKmy2j0EuMgCYodOsmv620KvBolL1bWqY_l0NRCAZdf16xJfPtuhYjhEtfmNJu-urh9bQTtbhGiB546LwG-hlPL2obMcYSs90zar9r2_/s640/DSC_0576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Add a splash of oil (to help keep the pasta from sticking) and salt and pepper. Place the pan on the boil and get on with crushing the garlic. I added 2 cloves as I wanted quite a strong Garlic taste. Crush this and then chop finely along with your half a red onion. Set aside until later and get on with grating your cheese. I used a mix of Extra Mature and Mild, because that's what I had.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax2X-7wdXrk9q6tAp9QTsrY65Z8_4f2E_dsJ40O2oqg_j4ymiy_RcgQG_T8E4MTgJGCM2LLs3NioveCXh77-LvqdmVSBq3k05ZA5nsGW25jqJiLsCBteo0W8Otx1gL0durs0im9-HuFZk/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax2X-7wdXrk9q6tAp9QTsrY65Z8_4f2E_dsJ40O2oqg_j4ymiy_RcgQG_T8E4MTgJGCM2LLs3NioveCXh77-LvqdmVSBq3k05ZA5nsGW25jqJiLsCBteo0W8Otx1gL0durs0im9-HuFZk/s640/DSC_0591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP4pMJi92-59XrwT0GrI85saUgC2KMxT5igZufK-n9Qyft55mXve7uf_wi9rv6VVHTgiocJqgJiRqmwA8C34daIo_1kJpbUIJ8Vhf7bLo3EbBM8q7CYI0f2VFz4FKZgshfzp7dbeVS9sT/s1600/DSC_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP4pMJi92-59XrwT0GrI85saUgC2KMxT5igZufK-n9Qyft55mXve7uf_wi9rv6VVHTgiocJqgJiRqmwA8C34daIo_1kJpbUIJ8Vhf7bLo3EbBM8q7CYI0f2VFz4FKZgshfzp7dbeVS9sT/s640/DSC_0597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next add the salmon to a large pan. I didn't remove my Salmon from the plastic and I usually never do. If you want to wash yours, crack on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qqTqInwZ17C_D_eoXFxVvRSIc53KbDNHh2tm8iz77Xqt_8iaSagir8n3Pm-5scxMHAEm5jkPMS4UJzWQbYcIVYgKTQZvwh40P2ULawyfPxE-wkJA0y3Tk3tymr_I9MkMxMlw6dPpEzJ6/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qqTqInwZ17C_D_eoXFxVvRSIc53KbDNHh2tm8iz77Xqt_8iaSagir8n3Pm-5scxMHAEm5jkPMS4UJzWQbYcIVYgKTQZvwh40P2ULawyfPxE-wkJA0y3Tk3tymr_I9MkMxMlw6dPpEzJ6/s640/DSC_0581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHZQWdeS4O7tuYdQpFaSN9srjUCY45kBO8yd3dtmwGPJRdwhzvs5oGEsoIGd7yBygGzHlimxry0A-PIe_X5cR7siJYeH98GlhKhBZuMTzO-B26df0wuA09LdQkmBcd17E0IY5DcP7gMfS/s1600/DSC_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHZQWdeS4O7tuYdQpFaSN9srjUCY45kBO8yd3dtmwGPJRdwhzvs5oGEsoIGd7yBygGzHlimxry0A-PIe_X5cR7siJYeH98GlhKhBZuMTzO-B26df0wuA09LdQkmBcd17E0IY5DcP7gMfS/s640/DSC_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Whilst the salmon and pasta are cooking start making the cheese sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a pan with the chopped garlic and onion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuepajTIEFZsrszYRElgaYbFIVTQJZkNtObsrjIgGN2L2G-6vmayzwdE2zQ18jNNi13yTQ4Swrv9S-Ux4vSpSHBnUQmyRoEqAqYolr6DzywnKD81ohrfAJBoWeRMcYdOzXzZPBVgURUTwR/s1600/DSC_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuepajTIEFZsrszYRElgaYbFIVTQJZkNtObsrjIgGN2L2G-6vmayzwdE2zQ18jNNi13yTQ4Swrv9S-Ux4vSpSHBnUQmyRoEqAqYolr6DzywnKD81ohrfAJBoWeRMcYdOzXzZPBVgURUTwR/s640/DSC_0604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once all the butter is melted and the onions have begun to soften, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of plain flour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Now to some people making a roux, white sauce or cheese sauce may be an exact science. To me it's about feel. My mum taught both my brother and I to make this from a very young age and she never used scales or measurements. The way I make the sauce is basically 'saving' it. You're constantly bringing it back from forming one large lump! You want to add enough flour so that the butter forms a type of 'paste'. At this point quickly add around 1/2 to one cup of cheese. Now before the sauce burns or forms a massive lump which sticks to the spoon, add milk. Not too much though, just enough to 'melt/dissolve' the lump you have just created. As it starts to dissolve and thin add slightly more milk, then more cheese, then, when it starts to thicken, more milk again. Keep going like this until you have the desired consistency and taste.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYkM9TuPX9F-ZhoCqcxYeelfn2AtIwUlCo1MhgWm6kTJgNA3cN0BR5AS9t3i9NQA_IPrGq_M_EuHJQ7rSkgDupnxV_wF4dSaVZXNi2tgDdQkuqe06QZdOKY17fRg_nPSxL4N421AtRgU3/s1600/DSC_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYkM9TuPX9F-ZhoCqcxYeelfn2AtIwUlCo1MhgWm6kTJgNA3cN0BR5AS9t3i9NQA_IPrGq_M_EuHJQ7rSkgDupnxV_wF4dSaVZXNi2tgDdQkuqe06QZdOKY17fRg_nPSxL4N421AtRgU3/s640/DSC_0611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3rnF-eXos1Fbl-yu5Y3bnYhqKoKgwBOoybRiQ4dOu9_M31P1d2hYUKKBrwJYf09d6umqDY2aGmbl-6MtJTs2_7kfC5Jj16RhaJ6ib92D7bO1I5OLReQ-Y7P45XTdD_GKdGBNr8evOtPj/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3rnF-eXos1Fbl-yu5Y3bnYhqKoKgwBOoybRiQ4dOu9_M31P1d2hYUKKBrwJYf09d6umqDY2aGmbl-6MtJTs2_7kfC5Jj16RhaJ6ib92D7bO1I5OLReQ-Y7P45XTdD_GKdGBNr8evOtPj/s640/DSC_0612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyGrr_5BhVJKeEqkW_Nk4sxMt0hlCYstTttWX9E4n_niVNSroNeb_YWCf-_J8Hrtv3-M_1hgS8CcizCCBmAEvm74SqOzUQhpaK_QdehDzT0oXh3uaCUe5nMhtIZlQiIOvzNw69IoG_Ppm/s1600/DSC_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyGrr_5BhVJKeEqkW_Nk4sxMt0hlCYstTttWX9E4n_niVNSroNeb_YWCf-_J8Hrtv3-M_1hgS8CcizCCBmAEvm74SqOzUQhpaK_QdehDzT0oXh3uaCUe5nMhtIZlQiIOvzNw69IoG_Ppm/s640/DSC_0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGL_cP9xY5ucArsCnqb8YiqS6ajvV2K0BEb8LOGUAy8WkCSukGsUBzLYcmuGbnxjKMODyd3DjeUe8Ehk0nX4zpxNBiyDuV8nqsvCS33lZcdprAlS5uq-uw2T_Ngf0SyE-rw1ZxUm8oj1C/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGL_cP9xY5ucArsCnqb8YiqS6ajvV2K0BEb8LOGUAy8WkCSukGsUBzLYcmuGbnxjKMODyd3DjeUe8Ehk0nX4zpxNBiyDuV8nqsvCS33lZcdprAlS5uq-uw2T_Ngf0SyE-rw1ZxUm8oj1C/s640/DSC_0614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oCbHGmA-xpf0JnEEOa3o_P-h0ZcZc9Q0iYmAvPAyAKTAzBlP8KGrdccVmOvse_1eRiFd-bFz278N_EC7MvrBalrRhsKNqlQv0VZWwsuRERvv95x6bFuDJg64FWa7EXMrPhehXL-zCUHs/s1600/DSC_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oCbHGmA-xpf0JnEEOa3o_P-h0ZcZc9Q0iYmAvPAyAKTAzBlP8KGrdccVmOvse_1eRiFd-bFz278N_EC7MvrBalrRhsKNqlQv0VZWwsuRERvv95x6bFuDJg64FWa7EXMrPhehXL-zCUHs/s640/DSC_0615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi5lcorEF290mLMU5Gh4A36u2uC1cVjp1fI6ACR-2QNEzPpTmmDu_ERHrEZEnu5dcXDRJyoCjbTOColkmU46P3bmCgKHKgxk26OPGDeTv5cr-LrEjF1lWXsq7VAaBn3c4BZItk0n1vY0A/s1600/DSC_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi5lcorEF290mLMU5Gh4A36u2uC1cVjp1fI6ACR-2QNEzPpTmmDu_ERHrEZEnu5dcXDRJyoCjbTOColkmU46P3bmCgKHKgxk26OPGDeTv5cr-LrEjF1lWXsq7VAaBn3c4BZItk0n1vY0A/s640/DSC_0617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f-z7EGRUyS4-Jw1jHIlCmjFHLooKuqaP4qI1psaUGXLrz73o9NxjJtu-AeRj8J2vg4_ORBeA2J8ozSVj3iz22M7cpxZI_F8rp1DpFVuCFGKN3Bkfwyg7bUejZmEObHWsSf6n6uPuJDgi/s1600/DSC_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f-z7EGRUyS4-Jw1jHIlCmjFHLooKuqaP4qI1psaUGXLrz73o9NxjJtu-AeRj8J2vg4_ORBeA2J8ozSVj3iz22M7cpxZI_F8rp1DpFVuCFGKN3Bkfwyg7bUejZmEObHWsSf6n6uPuJDgi/s640/DSC_0616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you get a feel for making this sauce you'll be able to get it nice and smooth (apart from the lumps of garlic and onion obviously!). It just takes patience and constant attention. It's worth it though in my opinion. I used approximately 4 cups of grated cheese, 3-6 tablespoons of flour and around half a carton of milk. It all depends on taste though and desired final thickness of your sauce. Once it's done cooking remove from the heat and add salt and pepper to taste. I also added 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XIzKDOofeH_EExSGSlsoqJJSrkQiZHD8lZdWYvsKOusJV4S4v0dJoCzvXBoAzJ69MDQgPaT0qIX9MvQZ1ah8BJDOvQrHpV8oJCWxKACy8ymyP6nW3-O_nXVCVK3ralMjO600U3zrnp95/s1600/DSC_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XIzKDOofeH_EExSGSlsoqJJSrkQiZHD8lZdWYvsKOusJV4S4v0dJoCzvXBoAzJ69MDQgPaT0qIX9MvQZ1ah8BJDOvQrHpV8oJCWxKACy8ymyP6nW3-O_nXVCVK3ralMjO600U3zrnp95/s640/DSC_0619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this stage the macaroni and salmon should be done cooking. Remove them both from the heat and drain the water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56ffQHcnkGGfkm8qunZxniSYdWrNOGLTXVCmpXyDcWNHCcGseRgDdhHlImnfJTOUwvOyD6c3KrTdD4P3Vx37wgmAncofzg5n8gb3FRbpwGFfuFGFlDV4I_ZUIJ1kzFj7GbtEGTK7twCw4/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56ffQHcnkGGfkm8qunZxniSYdWrNOGLTXVCmpXyDcWNHCcGseRgDdhHlImnfJTOUwvOyD6c3KrTdD4P3Vx37wgmAncofzg5n8gb3FRbpwGFfuFGFlDV4I_ZUIJ1kzFj7GbtEGTK7twCw4/s640/DSC_0595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgzjM7df0e41xTuGEx1mC7_kkwDz4T0mvqFbmtv0VsrYWGQY0vDagok41LzQhAOfSYFV9_vcpcO1iazhDKn-bPIaMV_cRxi_8w8suvnv8YS1QZx_DbJ7-q8d99qzn33KUU8kFEJGJhKAc/s1600/DSC_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgzjM7df0e41xTuGEx1mC7_kkwDz4T0mvqFbmtv0VsrYWGQY0vDagok41LzQhAOfSYFV9_vcpcO1iazhDKn-bPIaMV_cRxi_8w8suvnv8YS1QZx_DbJ7-q8d99qzn33KUU8kFEJGJhKAc/s640/DSC_0621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remove the salmon from the packets. It should still be quite firm and not just falling apart. rinse it thoroughly and then flake it back into the pan in medium sized chunks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMarIV5F1BfiVH9MG9qlyvgBrAJffVpRMyZFC45UC54rK3PHArNkl-VqovZNNZsYEncDIrzI474Ct1P6RsV_BY2N2weh2bC0x9Ci2MaoVbg9sIxSCD8RmbCiOrKB3PifFV9csZqtq_tlcr/s1600/DSC_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMarIV5F1BfiVH9MG9qlyvgBrAJffVpRMyZFC45UC54rK3PHArNkl-VqovZNNZsYEncDIrzI474Ct1P6RsV_BY2N2weh2bC0x9Ci2MaoVbg9sIxSCD8RmbCiOrKB3PifFV9csZqtq_tlcr/s640/DSC_0623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Followed by the drained macaroni, frozen peas, frozen broccoli, sweetcorn an, finally, cheese sauce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0tyDzvAbeV2fnHyXX-OunPbapjO-KqJsVzdiyVBzeLzxhhyphenhyphen973U4rSUwsklcXInBen8I9OlKv0jcYIX78bvm6NoiBsfhFXNcLo9LQN7VYmZpsLwR1pUtIs6G0az5_BT-4qxMyEnP7RbM/s1600/DSC_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0tyDzvAbeV2fnHyXX-OunPbapjO-KqJsVzdiyVBzeLzxhhyphenhyphen973U4rSUwsklcXInBen8I9OlKv0jcYIX78bvm6NoiBsfhFXNcLo9LQN7VYmZpsLwR1pUtIs6G0az5_BT-4qxMyEnP7RbM/s640/DSC_0625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lYoNuXlNVRGh4ntGTHD9qMjnd_q_V4Pq1XW1WLIQPkPkoZjRXa5Cm0oH5Cd3opFa23UAAvTkz5ouiTHn0RixV5IxL9-1HQsYMSKuo-J53WyvhdMlibauVh9IuFcvP6mmDQ48vJvZb4XZ/s1600/DSC_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lYoNuXlNVRGh4ntGTHD9qMjnd_q_V4Pq1XW1WLIQPkPkoZjRXa5Cm0oH5Cd3opFa23UAAvTkz5ouiTHn0RixV5IxL9-1HQsYMSKuo-J53WyvhdMlibauVh9IuFcvP6mmDQ48vJvZb4XZ/s640/DSC_0626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Gently mix this all up so as to not break up the salmon too much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAqQc-6QhMT6rX4uoxNWQJJBPMjYhyphenhyphenuzbVW6x_V2tfACGYV-dT3xMAP8fDbH25RokphdnMUjEah_6sY_B7ENTb8iypylaCrLJkyuP-oapbJ-Nfe_j0CySFtNwtPinqXs1wkSYxuiErvL6/s1600/DSC_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAqQc-6QhMT6rX4uoxNWQJJBPMjYhyphenhyphenuzbVW6x_V2tfACGYV-dT3xMAP8fDbH25RokphdnMUjEah_6sY_B7ENTb8iypylaCrLJkyuP-oapbJ-Nfe_j0CySFtNwtPinqXs1wkSYxuiErvL6/s640/DSC_0629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I prefer to have large chunks rather than lots of tiny little pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingQ9q4kbOXOFTsow_s2mzjPhv7FQ0eQzsnR07KFRpOzVp8WbPcLEPYqVypC6S6WesVKXezjHITRDKv68Hds-0Ig2JB0uFnioYmNc4C4DN24j3b74JCFwVzO1AaXrshyphenhyphenD0hvKJrw7qCMyH/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingQ9q4kbOXOFTsow_s2mzjPhv7FQ0eQzsnR07KFRpOzVp8WbPcLEPYqVypC6S6WesVKXezjHITRDKv68Hds-0Ig2JB0uFnioYmNc4C4DN24j3b74JCFwVzO1AaXrshyphenhyphenD0hvKJrw7qCMyH/s640/DSC_0630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This could be added to one large dish but I didn't have mine so I split the mix between two disposable metal containers. I added cheese to the top of one and put the other one 'as is'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRju4UtsMZWG42Nlde5McVGx9Cao2-wbDrGbUztUNU7nFlp3L12cURHsuQ8aIP1rwOMut7x0dfo8moUYS1okjDIZhyphenhyphenNwY-prB8BEdNzaM5akVIa_aqAee_9pLfCTzU6fRSr_Cc-eDc-GuT/s1600/DSC_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRju4UtsMZWG42Nlde5McVGx9Cao2-wbDrGbUztUNU7nFlp3L12cURHsuQ8aIP1rwOMut7x0dfo8moUYS1okjDIZhyphenhyphenNwY-prB8BEdNzaM5akVIa_aqAee_9pLfCTzU6fRSr_Cc-eDc-GuT/s640/DSC_0634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LLCCry8zGgQemTE12NgYo5jteCeyjVs5So1Vi6cKkeB0Y3iDWx8wFpYNHGQmwSmMUm9lbAoipM4QSYERYs_tFyfSKomhelNliTM4IXah0HK8WcDG3vrnqnJ_BpD4qNTFhBgnVyN9dxn6/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LLCCry8zGgQemTE12NgYo5jteCeyjVs5So1Vi6cKkeB0Y3iDWx8wFpYNHGQmwSmMUm9lbAoipM4QSYERYs_tFyfSKomhelNliTM4IXah0HK8WcDG3vrnqnJ_BpD4qNTFhBgnVyN9dxn6/s640/DSC_0637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The salmon and macaroni are cooked so you are basically just waiting for them to brown and letting the vegetables cook. This took around 20-30 minutes in my oven at 240. Once done either eat straight away or leave to cool in the fridge overnight, cut into slabs and freeze in individual portions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx8Wvj2n9km6B8drG9L7Lx-_4f2awXoeZvmGHez7WmIrNrJ3X1Ggt0ETgLGOX4yXOX17fC0m-62Vk5ipUo7TKqkOTvRInh3TMuX_N77O3EMYg3u5L-Ufon0E_GrPclxZcmH_1QzM9MUF5/s1600/DSC_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx8Wvj2n9km6B8drG9L7Lx-_4f2awXoeZvmGHez7WmIrNrJ3X1Ggt0ETgLGOX4yXOX17fC0m-62Vk5ipUo7TKqkOTvRInh3TMuX_N77O3EMYg3u5L-Ufon0E_GrPclxZcmH_1QzM9MUF5/s640/DSC_0666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY-z7pPd5E2iCm6PnCc8iFZA6MvcfQzhRWStfUwAjfqyp3sHTqzqQXlQX0piRYZBowoS7Pmb63HQH1VCkzAwV905N0lHs9XxV4yZcAE6yTMNvfgco1E2-KuQGdNhXw7UkLUtd1ZU1yhAi/s1600/DSC_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY-z7pPd5E2iCm6PnCc8iFZA6MvcfQzhRWStfUwAjfqyp3sHTqzqQXlQX0piRYZBowoS7Pmb63HQH1VCkzAwV905N0lHs9XxV4yZcAE6yTMNvfgco1E2-KuQGdNhXw7UkLUtd1ZU1yhAi/s640/DSC_0661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpNcm8H09TYSRC06xldDF3pBO32kCDkVqSmBbbE8-BW2Mt71msoqinGvsG_wfoW5YmvtQu2MJgxvTaapEuKK7N73_tWXd_JCJ7ZoQ0wsDffBVZxtSp9W6ErvI_11p8FgLllfeVN-oaGgQ/s1600/DSC_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpNcm8H09TYSRC06xldDF3pBO32kCDkVqSmBbbE8-BW2Mt71msoqinGvsG_wfoW5YmvtQu2MJgxvTaapEuKK7N73_tWXd_JCJ7ZoQ0wsDffBVZxtSp9W6ErvI_11p8FgLllfeVN-oaGgQ/s640/DSC_0693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmCnTw42Bdi1oI6ANPIPtFfKkPUQw1B_6goET9_IOKH74qdJfavtk_op6ntaLuTPs4HCOyQfBCIJrPEqVkpoV-pW-9Ocgge6sRPdIaX5g79Yo7GZmokTpCe3ISMlPBBjRYJBA9kD9xGTn/s1600/DSC_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmCnTw42Bdi1oI6ANPIPtFfKkPUQw1B_6goET9_IOKH74qdJfavtk_op6ntaLuTPs4HCOyQfBCIJrPEqVkpoV-pW-9Ocgge6sRPdIaX5g79Yo7GZmokTpCe3ISMlPBBjRYJBA9kD9xGTn/s640/DSC_0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-20127917598246062792013-03-15T21:49:00.000+00:002013-03-15T21:49:27.120+00:00No Show!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoutDW-QP8BTdLxsB-krwzV2XNH-HMx4rEyjODttXehvt7R6XLtEsC4qXzUu4q8gUFw1hK2wrBvEmsAxIfhqXWloXRo7Z1zthZoZdT8kHXMqfgDyIZHAWKju3ocgSRSwLX_0Y5IPjhusd3/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoutDW-QP8BTdLxsB-krwzV2XNH-HMx4rEyjODttXehvt7R6XLtEsC4qXzUu4q8gUFw1hK2wrBvEmsAxIfhqXWloXRo7Z1zthZoZdT8kHXMqfgDyIZHAWKju3ocgSRSwLX_0Y5IPjhusd3/s320/DSC_0326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm well aware that it's been a while since I posted anything. I've been so busy I've hardly had any time for myself. It's all been fun and I'm certainly not complaining, but I'm exhausted. I'm actually yawning as I type this and all I can think about is eating a pack of biscuits (or a treacle sponge and custard) and then going to bed. Or at least going to sleep, I'm already in bed. <br />
<br />
I'd like to say I have loads of pictures from all the fun I've been having but I really don't. I have baked numerous cakes, puddings and stews but I don't really have a single complete recipe. oops! I very new to the whole 'take pictures as you go along' thing and for the most part I just plain forgot to take the pictures. I also had a couple of weeks of just being unable to cook. It was like I just forgot how. It happens to me every couple of months where, for some inexplicable reason, everything I make tastes absolutely disgusting. I ruined a slow cooker casserole and a set of chocolate truffles. In both cases I know exactly where I went wrong, so in theory it won't happen again, but that doesn't offer much comfort when you've wasted an entire day and have nothing to show for it. I'm going to post the pictures anyway because the steps leading up to the final result were actually ok, I just won't post a recipe as it tasted like crap.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to do a lot at the minute and have to be mindful of stretching myself to thin and not doing anything properly. I don't want this blog to be neglected so I figure I'm going to have to start being more proactive about photographing whats going on in my life, since this is a lifestyle blog!<br />
<br />
For now, pictures:<br />
<br />
<b>Swimming Pool Cake</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My Housemate's sister loves swimming and asked me to make this cake for her birthday. It was very late and, by the time I was done, very dark. Not the greatest shots of it being made!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwITqClM6sqNOkme2t2ZTrzjPyvwC1VUlN586kT5UgxRcqvduebJu3Wta2gyn66vdvR8ejtX08U9ynfiamWt0URBH54MwPk1LWaYpTNAKgm5DZ7GPuqCk8chPZpiFLMjEVVlDb3_43XT9D/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwITqClM6sqNOkme2t2ZTrzjPyvwC1VUlN586kT5UgxRcqvduebJu3Wta2gyn66vdvR8ejtX08U9ynfiamWt0URBH54MwPk1LWaYpTNAKgm5DZ7GPuqCk8chPZpiFLMjEVVlDb3_43XT9D/s640/DSC_0315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionxhckUyCiYiuJznsY64XKoX_WYgCgFvpF4vk0rHfK47OcEIMYjjYhc2KdkKmpbOWGekuJs7cbNQIiAm9EUez6uoNSMh2oBpQHpbO5MNFW-Gq5-h6076F6rLPWxx8HzEKoDo25cSvityP/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionxhckUyCiYiuJznsY64XKoX_WYgCgFvpF4vk0rHfK47OcEIMYjjYhc2KdkKmpbOWGekuJs7cbNQIiAm9EUez6uoNSMh2oBpQHpbO5MNFW-Gq5-h6076F6rLPWxx8HzEKoDo25cSvityP/s640/DSC_0316.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEIATjxvys5ip0v8QFQrIdo0GZnoQpDaHRPsdfNt6PUanxp5E8_wJ-p7Bv9wQKCy43divR26JOHL6ZRAtdIKa9GF3iNq6OnUuKd_ixn7APPL2Hy1qfS09ZtiFmDXyhAlo7rF-9ccNFBJ7/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEIATjxvys5ip0v8QFQrIdo0GZnoQpDaHRPsdfNt6PUanxp5E8_wJ-p7Bv9wQKCy43divR26JOHL6ZRAtdIKa9GF3iNq6OnUuKd_ixn7APPL2Hy1qfS09ZtiFmDXyhAlo7rF-9ccNFBJ7/s640/DSC_0319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVHNCxEsfpYmWyr2GjkgHeDsKjTX6XDuQBGad8mkjbhY44gSfIj-LYhVUFVVzqGgv9u75XTf3Gw4eaHi8O2NC8A3q7ltxN108gSKSqrN3ry05teGt5-CuZ5du_xCg8dOc1jQTqC0Mn0sV/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVHNCxEsfpYmWyr2GjkgHeDsKjTX6XDuQBGad8mkjbhY44gSfIj-LYhVUFVVzqGgv9u75XTf3Gw4eaHi8O2NC8A3q7ltxN108gSKSqrN3ry05teGt5-CuZ5du_xCg8dOc1jQTqC0Mn0sV/s640/DSC_0322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwGQ2QGf8aRP4MTv49QdgVzvmoZia4qMqREykP2aRqe91LVg-oQ2yTlnxL8P042Vr0R07l0nhFc1jleaSdL3xUL7kBj4jQcHj4kntNm2cKkmdiWTbUOyXsHPFRr-w7Irhk9qtdUuETEh_/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwGQ2QGf8aRP4MTv49QdgVzvmoZia4qMqREykP2aRqe91LVg-oQ2yTlnxL8P042Vr0R07l0nhFc1jleaSdL3xUL7kBj4jQcHj4kntNm2cKkmdiWTbUOyXsHPFRr-w7Irhk9qtdUuETEh_/s640/DSC_0323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiyVDva6eXqmRfIYO-toEKWCOwvejQ-n5OQxW9ZKaGMmecDgo6_qoYdjXL5TRiJ3AwWLzNvAF7738bCf1a6_4kAsziHZoZFF97Om8Fx459kGO_1kfGPnfFf7mHl7pU5Dx0ycR4Uq-Jttd/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiyVDva6eXqmRfIYO-toEKWCOwvejQ-n5OQxW9ZKaGMmecDgo6_qoYdjXL5TRiJ3AwWLzNvAF7738bCf1a6_4kAsziHZoZFF97Om8Fx459kGO_1kfGPnfFf7mHl7pU5Dx0ycR4Uq-Jttd/s640/DSC_0330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Slow Cooker Chicken and Rib Casserole</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This was supposed to be for work. We decided to make a casserole each and take a bit in for tasting. I couldn't subject anyone to this. A combination of too much cider, not enough other liquids and not being at home to keep an eye on it (I was at a spa day so I'm not complaining) meant this tasted extremely bitter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T7uIQz5axU2pLmSdWHXVyYWUbHk8s5zRDYPhS6Ptb7jiFqar-FE1LKHvJ75iSnM8QLCqgo5dgW7lHaqdXt5jLD3knE5fk04TBDRsv2nYTzvZQXyfMWnuziFMRCQDV7weyASgXqvAk7ud/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T7uIQz5axU2pLmSdWHXVyYWUbHk8s5zRDYPhS6Ptb7jiFqar-FE1LKHvJ75iSnM8QLCqgo5dgW7lHaqdXt5jLD3knE5fk04TBDRsv2nYTzvZQXyfMWnuziFMRCQDV7weyASgXqvAk7ud/s640/DSC_0352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMpTsDIJFpmex3fpKXE99i3oWWFp9nXUnfpTFXH0cUF2I7k_sQ-OY9WgmgMWFWYqirDyv9IbxwF9dysnrQKhqthWfCrgrWnC-s52_3X_bJwL7gwhtEMS3h_vckHD5xhm9rJpUtFvkzgJ-/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMpTsDIJFpmex3fpKXE99i3oWWFp9nXUnfpTFXH0cUF2I7k_sQ-OY9WgmgMWFWYqirDyv9IbxwF9dysnrQKhqthWfCrgrWnC-s52_3X_bJwL7gwhtEMS3h_vckHD5xhm9rJpUtFvkzgJ-/s640/DSC_0349.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC3-9Z1bWiEMW_0a47YDa4oMpqmTwB72pA3UoORepXqf2sJMmb-WIipXgCKv4pzwYwKT7BuJpFYqKS0x0g4o-_scg3IM9eqWF1dMMQstVpaqKr_Lx66qrjchwYQPL6-nQfly7zB-9vb_r/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC3-9Z1bWiEMW_0a47YDa4oMpqmTwB72pA3UoORepXqf2sJMmb-WIipXgCKv4pzwYwKT7BuJpFYqKS0x0g4o-_scg3IM9eqWF1dMMQstVpaqKr_Lx66qrjchwYQPL6-nQfly7zB-9vb_r/s640/DSC_0360.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCxfl8MV-Ijq_RQIgOCuYcsgKz3FQ5xPnHgmPE1PgBPJQAyP9f5tCQr49MytHMTiTd85gcKmyAJpfq5jfYvuC3pvJsgTY4IxQeTXG-dhtt8y_m1lTHUhC9FY70YFwTTY1domLW3KrvlL-/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCxfl8MV-Ijq_RQIgOCuYcsgKz3FQ5xPnHgmPE1PgBPJQAyP9f5tCQr49MytHMTiTd85gcKmyAJpfq5jfYvuC3pvJsgTY4IxQeTXG-dhtt8y_m1lTHUhC9FY70YFwTTY1domLW3KrvlL-/s640/DSC_0362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ia3t9ebq276KFmnjvQcMB3E3vqUoNyGmkNobM93RiEiR0vQXrF_9gK6T_GCFgkEKMmvIuN3d1Ji3cieex59sNqEoMcLICKEYCiZgDjRRCsDHQuziT3ukQ_gkkFriL0kW4muUlLsfsGZy/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ia3t9ebq276KFmnjvQcMB3E3vqUoNyGmkNobM93RiEiR0vQXrF_9gK6T_GCFgkEKMmvIuN3d1Ji3cieex59sNqEoMcLICKEYCiZgDjRRCsDHQuziT3ukQ_gkkFriL0kW4muUlLsfsGZy/s640/DSC_0363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEZNmR5d0HwIK_9YRM7-qJt40MardN9e5lcIRYJDo6I3sYpCEC1kTMeJmQabE61xheuUKQdKZECE9MjQE_Ml0rqEGYa9CjlaxjB8kF1sRbqLUS1MuBSPKKvR0CK6wfUp0BSfsErluAfyR/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEZNmR5d0HwIK_9YRM7-qJt40MardN9e5lcIRYJDo6I3sYpCEC1kTMeJmQabE61xheuUKQdKZECE9MjQE_Ml0rqEGYa9CjlaxjB8kF1sRbqLUS1MuBSPKKvR0CK6wfUp0BSfsErluAfyR/s640/DSC_0372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZW8k30_r7qQcFZPV1-_m1zbteDHPjuSIIzQMoJxCWWMIWHwSNPRC0h3Z_mY0m-BY6TzwoWz9fvdeKFoauJk2E2ffQFWD3C44TGNLMwhX2-lCMGerMkN6oPv5wDGPPIUsE4Xp-Za3PM19/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZW8k30_r7qQcFZPV1-_m1zbteDHPjuSIIzQMoJxCWWMIWHwSNPRC0h3Z_mY0m-BY6TzwoWz9fvdeKFoauJk2E2ffQFWD3C44TGNLMwhX2-lCMGerMkN6oPv5wDGPPIUsE4Xp-Za3PM19/s640/DSC_0390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63DBPUlo-gW0coDReC0ATPIQ8uAAFGOptVVj0Kw0KoSg2JpsHaOZhksN9RWp-LWyebX7366mJzlze5ByBGf4XsZAj6pt_WihqT7QA4iq4VgDorkL6WLwP9rg2kmcHIjQe9tyb_ex1xIcn/s1600/DSC_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63DBPUlo-gW0coDReC0ATPIQ8uAAFGOptVVj0Kw0KoSg2JpsHaOZhksN9RWp-LWyebX7366mJzlze5ByBGf4XsZAj6pt_WihqT7QA4iq4VgDorkL6WLwP9rg2kmcHIjQe9tyb_ex1xIcn/s640/DSC_0414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue-MW8jG9VIpKdO5LCy7_XRI2J4Oa0I6ltza_VF_TZrMHROqQy_0VBvjwD-7bGmp57eGRtoJXGlIsS3zKCbVE2hKmLOYl2LL9JiQmiBOmtk2KKo9_uUkVz9wD11u_ZMnvZ2q04m3j1PfD/s1600/DSC_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue-MW8jG9VIpKdO5LCy7_XRI2J4Oa0I6ltza_VF_TZrMHROqQy_0VBvjwD-7bGmp57eGRtoJXGlIsS3zKCbVE2hKmLOYl2LL9JiQmiBOmtk2KKo9_uUkVz9wD11u_ZMnvZ2q04m3j1PfD/s640/DSC_0418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoVbAE1sJQk0n8_6yV3K3U7hm0tHK4ZydQkkIKxtC3V0LmAT5yi6LQI3UZDMEoEycghYuos3LdamCa1zYcAi9GvOcZ7Y0Ar45cxu21bUzv2JMD09mcN-iO908l1iOI1X3SZE7NHK87fgV/s1600/DSC_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoVbAE1sJQk0n8_6yV3K3U7hm0tHK4ZydQkkIKxtC3V0LmAT5yi6LQI3UZDMEoEycghYuos3LdamCa1zYcAi9GvOcZ7Y0Ar45cxu21bUzv2JMD09mcN-iO908l1iOI1X3SZE7NHK87fgV/s640/DSC_0417.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFgc3MHE7_sHqC6nO_4ZA_sXE0G8VEFG27_D5w0cS0Q6ATq8wgkh3ze0eSGRxgodSqUQosVDqy8PYhRCCureRWHcCbf5fRUL5rqa3HjpVVir3kLLFm8ndsr5BQ1VJV7j9-d7i3nBPxA8C/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFgc3MHE7_sHqC6nO_4ZA_sXE0G8VEFG27_D5w0cS0Q6ATq8wgkh3ze0eSGRxgodSqUQosVDqy8PYhRCCureRWHcCbf5fRUL5rqa3HjpVVir3kLLFm8ndsr5BQ1VJV7j9-d7i3nBPxA8C/s640/DSC_0374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL9WjSSMH6lei4lufxEiAphNL6IMdY3_0TYco9RQLzVFchong8ihdFEswdgTazJcK9oJiwz-M-dytfpywV8PoI0m5YzBq-ihHPxmTVCRKlQ7YBluhG8GkU8297WBXJsLjCf37RTptNc2Y/s1600/DSC_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL9WjSSMH6lei4lufxEiAphNL6IMdY3_0TYco9RQLzVFchong8ihdFEswdgTazJcK9oJiwz-M-dytfpywV8PoI0m5YzBq-ihHPxmTVCRKlQ7YBluhG8GkU8297WBXJsLjCf37RTptNc2Y/s640/DSC_0378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4cJTpqsnUFmcRXsEV1nQS0dii_DW8IKJrhNAsA_Sq-EuM0b_du9waEI1QgvO77YgFr5TQv0BP_TvgDEtis3-nMW9Epe-4BGuokCF5hVkaVxeFfIrW8t84ihM9_Xktl2Qab_kKRqUdS3w/s1600/DSC_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4cJTpqsnUFmcRXsEV1nQS0dii_DW8IKJrhNAsA_Sq-EuM0b_du9waEI1QgvO77YgFr5TQv0BP_TvgDEtis3-nMW9Epe-4BGuokCF5hVkaVxeFfIrW8t84ihM9_Xktl2Qab_kKRqUdS3w/s640/DSC_0421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbmQMXA-ob6y1WnSrqggvF88l3zLxIEtXJ5bgIw6U1HjwHF5JajYggON0IKbnqf4JH11AXEK1PfIZDqchdc4hA6EgSu-ocsrjK516SCNYyEAMuU9q0zOUn9PPO5Y8kSFBEtZHAIO_e85v/s1600/DSC_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbmQMXA-ob6y1WnSrqggvF88l3zLxIEtXJ5bgIw6U1HjwHF5JajYggON0IKbnqf4JH11AXEK1PfIZDqchdc4hA6EgSu-ocsrjK516SCNYyEAMuU9q0zOUn9PPO5Y8kSFBEtZHAIO_e85v/s640/DSC_0425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXQZsb7F5rN8AU3HImhwQwsk4ZNnE55oOmNWsG20dzdiYtKsv5bl_hdcYgJjBZPK7rMNYWDCVkqdbWNQhyphenhyphenyD-XvltpIwiMn3ZoIAxCkjgWEwd421v4UgHo3LWVvCWz__xYYjH3k5IPJvx/s1600/DSC_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXQZsb7F5rN8AU3HImhwQwsk4ZNnE55oOmNWsG20dzdiYtKsv5bl_hdcYgJjBZPK7rMNYWDCVkqdbWNQhyphenhyphenyD-XvltpIwiMn3ZoIAxCkjgWEwd421v4UgHo3LWVvCWz__xYYjH3k5IPJvx/s640/DSC_0436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNsxWm5KUX5NEhjMJjtFyo36SNISZYEu19MXHgdCglBinc_Vw6M8tQDx_7l_sFHzEXpmv2qXB2ZxqSx1yvQ1MrqSVrPLGnboxv3iRQVBvOQqKOHqAcixs3o7hfOLMluQtzSCmOklwvawi/s1600/DSC_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNsxWm5KUX5NEhjMJjtFyo36SNISZYEu19MXHgdCglBinc_Vw6M8tQDx_7l_sFHzEXpmv2qXB2ZxqSx1yvQ1MrqSVrPLGnboxv3iRQVBvOQqKOHqAcixs3o7hfOLMluQtzSCmOklwvawi/s640/DSC_0428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuOdt1M_dqhNX1i8ghXhMfAZhNKsXzZKoSE8Vy9_zNlA-3m8pDCcB0t0L92QAK99p-B9ORCyQKihrNuPkmCW02Y8JFOZQYURO1Nlt2pUFy68Tn_9dkFgEen1Lqm5z2b5QgvCRiy-zo0Vt/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuOdt1M_dqhNX1i8ghXhMfAZhNKsXzZKoSE8Vy9_zNlA-3m8pDCcB0t0L92QAK99p-B9ORCyQKihrNuPkmCW02Y8JFOZQYURO1Nlt2pUFy68Tn_9dkFgEen1Lqm5z2b5QgvCRiy-zo0Vt/s640/DSC_0438.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIqQe-kpeZYQzb9teyB7oJOIq5d_GzD-k-6XnsaCJz_BirNjDsaw5YyKH8bEDBQgNoo6tGQ9BdqVErbMro2l5exCs9ab4N0SLS8TxpNl6ko5BQHM4sgk2BwVQJyl64BtSLJ0rzlEkUqhc/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIqQe-kpeZYQzb9teyB7oJOIq5d_GzD-k-6XnsaCJz_BirNjDsaw5YyKH8bEDBQgNoo6tGQ9BdqVErbMro2l5exCs9ab4N0SLS8TxpNl6ko5BQHM4sgk2BwVQJyl64BtSLJ0rzlEkUqhc/s640/DSC_0441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4HIxTZWtnIufwO9AucOpBoXP5nKf_0p084Tk6EjS4dpIbyTEySPAMmnbk3GXJb-zA5kpZF3AAAVutOBr9uO1VJpnJKPgLUIAXuEFf94A4Ys8z1MfL9dEGH0ipLNHVHo3x_nkcTKi9-dP/s1600/DSC_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4HIxTZWtnIufwO9AucOpBoXP5nKf_0p084Tk6EjS4dpIbyTEySPAMmnbk3GXJb-zA5kpZF3AAAVutOBr9uO1VJpnJKPgLUIAXuEFf94A4Ys8z1MfL9dEGH0ipLNHVHo3x_nkcTKi9-dP/s640/DSC_0448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRIEuFDgp635aGoxIIKFuyalMNSGpIwr_J6O1sLElgEL_VDjfquOEM1-UP7bOsnlSnDdcRhKTTEmNzoxqNRQ5a0pPpn-bFhLWftu-CMDux5HkgmE7TEIKSSuM_yh8FGyzHXSwfj-fd-08/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRIEuFDgp635aGoxIIKFuyalMNSGpIwr_J6O1sLElgEL_VDjfquOEM1-UP7bOsnlSnDdcRhKTTEmNzoxqNRQ5a0pPpn-bFhLWftu-CMDux5HkgmE7TEIKSSuM_yh8FGyzHXSwfj-fd-08/s640/DSC_0453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZuW9Edno3tPWR2rfKt95PwZFNIDG1bMTbJaNsJ-uCkwwi_xDdKwMbrjYgh8cTtA3wCoHMLjE027wTn3T8-rRU8FLDiorppErM3iwaOuD-j6v7L56T4OSL14niqD6O5-eiN2xCmK_DL1C/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZuW9Edno3tPWR2rfKt95PwZFNIDG1bMTbJaNsJ-uCkwwi_xDdKwMbrjYgh8cTtA3wCoHMLjE027wTn3T8-rRU8FLDiorppErM3iwaOuD-j6v7L56T4OSL14niqD6O5-eiN2xCmK_DL1C/s640/DSC_0458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Barnamint Baileys Truffles</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
These should have, and would have, been delicious. I did actually use some of the mix and pipe it into some cupcakes but they were way to soft to be rolled. Again, I know why. The chocolate I used went from hot (slightly melted) to cold (set) and back and forth a couple of times. It's still good for eating but the fats are all wrong and so the chips won't melt properly. It meant adding and heating more liquid. And then they wouldn't set properly. Such is life!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE_0kWCfiX5XBmFDmyImYK3HhaxKFgmTszVWBZy0iD871MyjmmSDwPW6V4ewSh34seI9KDp2cGwGyA84h0lfqZtjEEX86qR_rWSjZDoNoP6kjwm_Rje3pHF7dv3NThJo6VdwfmEZjTcHF/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE_0kWCfiX5XBmFDmyImYK3HhaxKFgmTszVWBZy0iD871MyjmmSDwPW6V4ewSh34seI9KDp2cGwGyA84h0lfqZtjEEX86qR_rWSjZDoNoP6kjwm_Rje3pHF7dv3NThJo6VdwfmEZjTcHF/s640/DSC_0470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cVq8xfW38j_kA3S1dADDLJSDH1KwMCCFWiqNunO-Rs2ztC0Q-gcdR44q3n-Uk4QrfSKdTaTc5qX1MioO38yBw5G4aT5WRZTo0lt1fY71KX24ZWohaImBYx_rXY-5Q5p4BZOx4F6v-hq2/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cVq8xfW38j_kA3S1dADDLJSDH1KwMCCFWiqNunO-Rs2ztC0Q-gcdR44q3n-Uk4QrfSKdTaTc5qX1MioO38yBw5G4aT5WRZTo0lt1fY71KX24ZWohaImBYx_rXY-5Q5p4BZOx4F6v-hq2/s640/DSC_0477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-c5rUjRipOdZafCe7s-Jg1EwWevuX2th9RXEuB5LyhYiLNhvzo65ORkjvvj-qUlrBP7DUmg_5ck39ar_8pt0vvKcNMffmHlv_hlkWBn1lQq9ReJcWglKXPcin6xQxGAtl1TQXh2ANzgz/s1600/DSC_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-c5rUjRipOdZafCe7s-Jg1EwWevuX2th9RXEuB5LyhYiLNhvzo65ORkjvvj-qUlrBP7DUmg_5ck39ar_8pt0vvKcNMffmHlv_hlkWBn1lQq9ReJcWglKXPcin6xQxGAtl1TQXh2ANzgz/s640/DSC_0483.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C7i7b38YaWgkfmD5h0E6f_F8zfPYQH7LqHiJKHCEYf7xAc2-ZFSdaWIctriwgU9-GAD25gG4XDJ0mQ9DkR96bCL0ZTZWVbnhhZPbIzhysSWftTxNO1Za8uvmCBFYP_0CjJqiNwpAsZnl/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C7i7b38YaWgkfmD5h0E6f_F8zfPYQH7LqHiJKHCEYf7xAc2-ZFSdaWIctriwgU9-GAD25gG4XDJ0mQ9DkR96bCL0ZTZWVbnhhZPbIzhysSWftTxNO1Za8uvmCBFYP_0CjJqiNwpAsZnl/s640/DSC_0490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn5TmUgXzpfysZ7JiAZ4j3_bEn5P6UkezuzGxo3tXda6hPImWfeTNKO3GVgsCqjyEUoUdXtKQpEe50TnWZ4d8Yoo9szMTmUbkWO6LZE3aLJgRfOXxPgsuSBV-Ci9_nog5YGdGYYQDyIYS/s1600/DSC_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn5TmUgXzpfysZ7JiAZ4j3_bEn5P6UkezuzGxo3tXda6hPImWfeTNKO3GVgsCqjyEUoUdXtKQpEe50TnWZ4d8Yoo9szMTmUbkWO6LZE3aLJgRfOXxPgsuSBV-Ci9_nog5YGdGYYQDyIYS/s640/DSC_0503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBMfxPq2eDglugUMVrrKdpYVsvLPOLGxUVEnc1Gtmlv_m9xz2j7MAoJ7uiFADzSmjaygmogIkyrxlGP5qdW5KWUzbaFCsNFMzyvs9-x13Zuf0oaFEM7cdK-BA0pPKe5VarXYB9NcutIfY/s1600/DSC_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBMfxPq2eDglugUMVrrKdpYVsvLPOLGxUVEnc1Gtmlv_m9xz2j7MAoJ7uiFADzSmjaygmogIkyrxlGP5qdW5KWUzbaFCsNFMzyvs9-x13Zuf0oaFEM7cdK-BA0pPKe5VarXYB9NcutIfY/s640/DSC_0495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPN0YgZNvgdCgaQzxHAleUjbvSh4RhTFuv7AlyOFskJdPM6AAoNVey_OAIc5Jk2cdZ6EYtgBd1rvHWbFmd6mCM-WIO9UWT6-ZZRsq21y6g_Weay7lI2LZ78XiAFxfJT6bjjMeXFW1OD75l/s1600/DSC_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPN0YgZNvgdCgaQzxHAleUjbvSh4RhTFuv7AlyOFskJdPM6AAoNVey_OAIc5Jk2cdZ6EYtgBd1rvHWbFmd6mCM-WIO9UWT6-ZZRsq21y6g_Weay7lI2LZ78XiAFxfJT6bjjMeXFW1OD75l/s640/DSC_0511.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi3gNFsgpcHEqqi67TZJ3NufqnuOSvcUFKPld8yag_AonYY4SVV_MXuxBGZyejuQ2JCwZ1_FTiCffT2gKNae3JCyoPuKe9XI96QCqWO30sCEOXWu5Hjc0H_SA6_crZywVg0iNGzs1yCYc/s1600/DSC_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi3gNFsgpcHEqqi67TZJ3NufqnuOSvcUFKPld8yag_AonYY4SVV_MXuxBGZyejuQ2JCwZ1_FTiCffT2gKNae3JCyoPuKe9XI96QCqWO30sCEOXWu5Hjc0H_SA6_crZywVg0iNGzs1yCYc/s640/DSC_0512.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-33389088035507050362013-02-23T18:43:00.000+00:002013-02-23T18:43:16.538+00:00Creamy Roasted Chicken and Vegetable SoupThis soup is amazing! I haven't made soup in a couple of weeks now, which to me is ages, so I thought I'd knock something up today. It's cold out and I can't be bothered venturing anywhere exciting so cooking will be my main focus this weekend. Cooking and listening to Frank Ocean, perfect for a chilled weekend.<br />
<br />
Since I'm in desperate need of going shopping I don't have much veg in the fridge. I fact I don't have any veg in the fridge but plenty in the freezer. So root vegetable soup, which is what I usually make, was out the window. I had chicken or fish in the freezer and in that type of situation chicken will ALWAYS win with me. So I made this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SvWRCDQLSJcl0jHR2ToWroqrhgzvGAG56THdtDLXggWPDi8fcGWjaw7psTpG3CjxjmShgntJPX8ANtZ4JlhVbTjIaYiVFE2liImoA-d0nMvlagWIRaIYBbezNMmWEA_qoFINDeAIUt3m/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SvWRCDQLSJcl0jHR2ToWroqrhgzvGAG56THdtDLXggWPDi8fcGWjaw7psTpG3CjxjmShgntJPX8ANtZ4JlhVbTjIaYiVFE2liImoA-d0nMvlagWIRaIYBbezNMmWEA_qoFINDeAIUt3m/s640/DSC_0297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's delicious and pretty easy to make. It takes a while but there isn't much effort required, just waiting. But since it's the weekend surely that's the perfect type of recipe? The type where you can throw everything in, do something else and come back when its done? I think so.<br />
<br />
Today is another fasting day since yesterday ended in me eating chicken! It's not my fault though, the cold weather makes me crave fat and chicken was the best choice I could make. Today was going well until this soup was made. I only ate half the bowl, I promise. Then I promptly put the rest away and decided to distract myself by posting this now.<br />
<br />
The Ingredients are simple:<br />
<br />
4 & 1/4 pieces of Chicken<br />
Lemon Juice<br />
1 extra large or 2 medium tablespoons Butter<br />
2 Chicken Stock Cubes<br />
1 teaspoon Dried Chives<br />
1 & 1/2 Chili Peppers<br />
1 Clove Garlic<br />
2 large hand full roughly chopped Butternut Squash<br />
1 Litre Milk (I used Alpro Almond Milk)<br />
1 & 2/3 cup Water<br />
2 cups Sweetcorn<br />
3/4 cup Peas<br />
3 Medium Broccoli Florets<br />
Salt<br />
Pepper<br />
<br />
Since I only had a vague idea I might cook today I hadn't removed the chicken from the freezer. I'm sure there are millions of reasons it's important to defrost chicken thoroughly before cooking it. I don't care about any of them. I've done this all my life and I'm still alive and in pretty good health. Feel free to defrost first though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW5VyMot69OxR8v57l96jOTFzQ1wgJn2Fq_cOyUebQAxZr0VIVKQXwJPGL2qF8IqjUPp6W2E4IV2-PBZEyuBkCOO15xEbhTH0-TE4BQkjmjdW4cn4YUZi_boWqg2C3oaEVwhc-4X9jhUf/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW5VyMot69OxR8v57l96jOTFzQ1wgJn2Fq_cOyUebQAxZr0VIVKQXwJPGL2qF8IqjUPp6W2E4IV2-PBZEyuBkCOO15xEbhTH0-TE4BQkjmjdW4cn4YUZi_boWqg2C3oaEVwhc-4X9jhUf/s640/DSC_0151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I simply rinsed them in a bowl of lukewarm water and cleaned/rinsed them with lemon juice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9_cfQSMN_HNsH3Vl5ULB5Qxvg_Qi9oPengi9BtbJsJu-uIbbg1QHKRjUY88dxCF-HcYJSK4jSqng3envUvAPdrYvLlvmm20R7Aq5BjiPjuhJyXl_WLzynM9T5fKip9u9kcpjjxAzsqD7/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9_cfQSMN_HNsH3Vl5ULB5Qxvg_Qi9oPengi9BtbJsJu-uIbbg1QHKRjUY88dxCF-HcYJSK4jSqng3envUvAPdrYvLlvmm20R7Aq5BjiPjuhJyXl_WLzynM9T5fKip9u9kcpjjxAzsqD7/s640/DSC_0156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once done, season lightly with salt and pepper and set the chicken aside. In a small bowl place your butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9B4sbJqNQOjKy3DRcJs9zMbI1T2oJHoqGHful_rL47qK40qNaTj6tVrG-b23eRCzjKV0BxDphLuzwAPke2dViabkoPVX-C5ZZQoiSKW5JYc1EWOLRZYVmVlQi4bi2jG0NlOfpmx0M9_Q/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9B4sbJqNQOjKy3DRcJs9zMbI1T2oJHoqGHful_rL47qK40qNaTj6tVrG-b23eRCzjKV0BxDphLuzwAPke2dViabkoPVX-C5ZZQoiSKW5JYc1EWOLRZYVmVlQi4bi2jG0NlOfpmx0M9_Q/s640/DSC_0167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
along with your two stock cubes. Smash this together with the back of your spoon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKINKdstEJLndteTk31yaA32W9wdU2vHFGpM1_D8GBqf3Ba2q-qIf_1goHnW002giPRhzEjHwwN1zZMqKldrKqdOc46ZMOcNDvTlK_oIUQrTjAQksXIWvCnSDInmaJFBgJuWJK4iIxoUu/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKINKdstEJLndteTk31yaA32W9wdU2vHFGpM1_D8GBqf3Ba2q-qIf_1goHnW002giPRhzEjHwwN1zZMqKldrKqdOc46ZMOcNDvTlK_oIUQrTjAQksXIWvCnSDInmaJFBgJuWJK4iIxoUu/s640/DSC_0175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Next add your teaspoon of chives and a couple of shakes of salt and pepper. The stock cubes contain salt so you don't need too much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUvf9LUm6GqxFRvp4OklKzyMOKQC336CbaUR4bFKPyIvfDd33pjB30FHC1wA5s49xgrUo5tkS5QmiZI7Ri2ZmMsUNVRqzu2PKKuyvg4UM56fyrAdNiTINr4MN9tJ0buP-CjYGixusErWr/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUvf9LUm6GqxFRvp4OklKzyMOKQC336CbaUR4bFKPyIvfDd33pjB30FHC1wA5s49xgrUo5tkS5QmiZI7Ri2ZmMsUNVRqzu2PKKuyvg4UM56fyrAdNiTINr4MN9tJ0buP-CjYGixusErWr/s640/DSC_0180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once this is all mixed together to a paste, cover your pieces of chicken thoroughly. I used all of the mix which looks like a lot of butter. We want the chicken moist though and any butter that is left in the tray once it's cooked will be used to brown the garlic later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD79MdgFUWLBn2wjIYWe7PmencTg8voFk1h7kgaeIJaZ5y-Ld4aPdRycF3VwFX_7g9bekEx_iw3uhw7DTyW4Ucqawg26f94YdRg2tfRASKsLkzUuj7kVYsTMZZD_Qp0Y_GaiZ0IXxynlh/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD79MdgFUWLBn2wjIYWe7PmencTg8voFk1h7kgaeIJaZ5y-Ld4aPdRycF3VwFX_7g9bekEx_iw3uhw7DTyW4Ucqawg26f94YdRg2tfRASKsLkzUuj7kVYsTMZZD_Qp0Y_GaiZ0IXxynlh/s640/DSC_0189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Place the chicken in the oven at around 180 for approximately 45 minutes. This may be slightly shorter or longer. You should be checking regularly to baste the chicken anyway so if it burns or is under cooked, blame yourself!<br />
<br />
While the chicken is roasting you have two choices: You can either get on with the prep for the next part, so you're all prepared for when it's done, or you can look at pictures of food online like I did. Either way you have around 45 minutes to kill. Once the chicken is out of the oven set it aside to cool or start pulling the meat of the bone while it's still hot. One way means getting burnt, the other way means you're a wuss. Again, your choice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquzRG20yJ9X7B96Pq1VRfvwBj88fs0hyphenhyphenku9NTN9OGV5sZb9uakUu8qTo_JAd5rTQx4WmmAsxaKUhvIY-wP_OIy09HX0t81amVOM-6cqn2TSW-DlRdWIesqZ5IonyqY2aDW0SkDa4GZmHl/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquzRG20yJ9X7B96Pq1VRfvwBj88fs0hyphenhyphenku9NTN9OGV5sZb9uakUu8qTo_JAd5rTQx4WmmAsxaKUhvIY-wP_OIy09HX0t81amVOM-6cqn2TSW-DlRdWIesqZ5IonyqY2aDW0SkDa4GZmHl/s640/DSC_0206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was nice and evenly browned and there was plenty of juice left in the pan for the next part along with some thicker parts which were mainly stock at the front of the pan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFgLcN-GXs9GF3d_oJePcYK_PscFGfOeXOkPCMTECHNtY6WPiqEhO6OpoPSHbqx56JfloslBOjYPSvF8TiKk027eLsUO2mP2wx5ij8niZzpHCFyCuBbSrYIx5hd0qHpfRrEbpyXuGOA1N/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFgLcN-GXs9GF3d_oJePcYK_PscFGfOeXOkPCMTECHNtY6WPiqEhO6OpoPSHbqx56JfloslBOjYPSvF8TiKk027eLsUO2mP2wx5ij8niZzpHCFyCuBbSrYIx5hd0qHpfRrEbpyXuGOA1N/s640/DSC_0211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While that's cooling grab your garlic. Mine was pretty large so I only used one clove.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWGMOe9pnnIDuHXukjim19e5PofLc8eTguwEMuL6th1BYtghZeBIOcmUO_O7wu61GVj_i-ydNdjjzNr-yTiLjhGrnQgF68gOsz4pzaI4s90QTVgWEhtBk0ukyTT1ymvEkHj6sg-W00MGR/s1600/DSC_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWGMOe9pnnIDuHXukjim19e5PofLc8eTguwEMuL6th1BYtghZeBIOcmUO_O7wu61GVj_i-ydNdjjzNr-yTiLjhGrnQgF68gOsz4pzaI4s90QTVgWEhtBk0ukyTT1ymvEkHj6sg-W00MGR/s640/DSC_0227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Roughly chop and set aside. Grab your chili peppers. I was lucky enough to be given a chili pepper plant by my mother for Christmas so I grabbed a few, but didn't end up using them all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_M0frfa7ZVDP6soXFZDT6t8LQlDoch9IAqCBNkOTz8lEF1NeY98XlPsV3PAdr9kJuWziEMjAhb9dAVXvb02BuEl8TFt96zeKxHQloEJEmHSgOVVAx10VWA2QdOzSpf-YBwZq-Iua_cIq/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_M0frfa7ZVDP6soXFZDT6t8LQlDoch9IAqCBNkOTz8lEF1NeY98XlPsV3PAdr9kJuWziEMjAhb9dAVXvb02BuEl8TFt96zeKxHQloEJEmHSgOVVAx10VWA2QdOzSpf-YBwZq-Iua_cIq/s640/DSC_0220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I couldn't be bothered chopping these so simply used my scissors to snip them into the pan.<br />
<br />
Grab the chicken and pull the meat off the bone. Throw the bone away but keep the meat AND skin in a separate bowl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU4wr_DN4hxirUZSdQe2uCMfxgUE687dsBfbHLPdVQls-lILXOmj2CPrPsiqnwnUM-4ZidV1GY2MNhyphenhyphen_79aPExJBS1kICogLGxsobrLDgubwkIpURsALy4xh8242wyH8EUmMz_Pv2NPaH/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU4wr_DN4hxirUZSdQe2uCMfxgUE687dsBfbHLPdVQls-lILXOmj2CPrPsiqnwnUM-4ZidV1GY2MNhyphenhyphen_79aPExJBS1kICogLGxsobrLDgubwkIpURsALy4xh8242wyH8EUmMz_Pv2NPaH/s640/DSC_0247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now grab that tray of, what should be, just juices and stock from the chicken.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K4-In6qQE9QIHoVlUiXZPDyc2UoyOtCogm-Iw7E9UIDXYiY5eGvg6LlwcPCb3d4saBrzkcWb7JqPxFylao0FWQxCUo3aE0VztF0w72YgOlSnGd4hrRDTnk4JEAgx7i88hP3KOl7Qgiy4/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K4-In6qQE9QIHoVlUiXZPDyc2UoyOtCogm-Iw7E9UIDXYiY5eGvg6LlwcPCb3d4saBrzkcWb7JqPxFylao0FWQxCUo3aE0VztF0w72YgOlSnGd4hrRDTnk4JEAgx7i88hP3KOl7Qgiy4/s640/DSC_0217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Tip all of this into your pan along with the chopped garlic, chopped chili and a dash of salt and pepper. It may be necessary to scrape the tray as you really do want everything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t-jKV2AouLX88Wj_XMvD_BWLutQIdR7JoiPRc3Eb4i-tWM5xdTWk8OFhR8KRbVfskaaVgclGb2erNfGeth3G-r4XMpPHnOZJiAkCRv0k_H6kx69LCRdDBxQZD5SLl-rtjSy2SqUnOK7T/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t-jKV2AouLX88Wj_XMvD_BWLutQIdR7JoiPRc3Eb4i-tWM5xdTWk8OFhR8KRbVfskaaVgclGb2erNfGeth3G-r4XMpPHnOZJiAkCRv0k_H6kx69LCRdDBxQZD5SLl-rtjSy2SqUnOK7T/s640/DSC_0237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Heat on medium. While these are browning, grab your butternut squash. These were frozen chunks that I had chopped and stored previously and I used roughly half the bag. Add them to the pan along with the chicken skin and begin to brown.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VNlXrXP_nxRlC9zhhkzxYlxsBRVWT_ruNPXu76qxravdFmHDQvQd9ep80tst0o7fDB5GL7_LGz9SerLa9rnXUR9tr70MSlppYKYmZ4dlrhrwomMTXHfouoYWRkF93d3TRgJpT2mhk4OK/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VNlXrXP_nxRlC9zhhkzxYlxsBRVWT_ruNPXu76qxravdFmHDQvQd9ep80tst0o7fDB5GL7_LGz9SerLa9rnXUR9tr70MSlppYKYmZ4dlrhrwomMTXHfouoYWRkF93d3TRgJpT2mhk4OK/s640/DSC_0241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUS6MhxKKCahkaupTfhklCyIi4c-DFYV-2GvxeI2fbThyphenhyphenuLVWSNlDNpXeaTK2ToG-0qNHDPdw_G_SoO2NqWFPQqo6L5kBZ2_HysjJePgfVahpkvfE_-6x8jv5_Z1n95gxb-thAh7hxzIf/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUS6MhxKKCahkaupTfhklCyIi4c-DFYV-2GvxeI2fbThyphenhyphenuLVWSNlDNpXeaTK2ToG-0qNHDPdw_G_SoO2NqWFPQqo6L5kBZ2_HysjJePgfVahpkvfE_-6x8jv5_Z1n95gxb-thAh7hxzIf/s640/DSC_0244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once they have started to brown (they will smell truly delicious at this stage) you want to add your milk. I used around 2/3 of a carton of almond milk as that's what I had open. You will need quite a bit as there is only a small amount of water added later, so don't be afraid to add the whole carton.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUtSCcTU9jjeGKkizlDArFdYg_lhfc1bk5AOzi-Wdly8YRnYtRoDdscKquaCFM0OW7AkVSfCKd_YAi00cTrYsX8Y_HAeX2khgPZMXkEhbGbr9TwmKo5_zt385Wj_kzsNfkVq90ebvooO/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUtSCcTU9jjeGKkizlDArFdYg_lhfc1bk5AOzi-Wdly8YRnYtRoDdscKquaCFM0OW7AkVSfCKd_YAi00cTrYsX8Y_HAeX2khgPZMXkEhbGbr9TwmKo5_zt385Wj_kzsNfkVq90ebvooO/s640/DSC_0253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi128y4dsO8stRlEJsD85OpQG_eb6JPGWyCTXtOpgnPXx6bhF440sR2lQNpPRzq6PB46-sYgXzNdP3kpeG4FVhUGJEbAb80m9LXOJQTX_wMMYkl6MMQf_LDnKYuvXfJdiE9_hNugHYaffXo/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi128y4dsO8stRlEJsD85OpQG_eb6JPGWyCTXtOpgnPXx6bhF440sR2lQNpPRzq6PB46-sYgXzNdP3kpeG4FVhUGJEbAb80m9LXOJQTX_wMMYkl6MMQf_LDnKYuvXfJdiE9_hNugHYaffXo/s640/DSC_0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifk0wKkZIzqYo8yx0RPxikHqmq-Q_N6aGnvkAugDCRB6Pm0lnKdqheB2YIlXmrr3Py62bdkOQYQGTHAd2Q617i59UUVVp8tnOu5w9GKZ1GDG7a6heBOff2bwOPS_g-zHqhLa4t2zi_hhM/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifk0wKkZIzqYo8yx0RPxikHqmq-Q_N6aGnvkAugDCRB6Pm0lnKdqheB2YIlXmrr3Py62bdkOQYQGTHAd2Q617i59UUVVp8tnOu5w9GKZ1GDG7a6heBOff2bwOPS_g-zHqhLa4t2zi_hhM/s640/DSC_0261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once all the Milk is added return the pan to the heat and bring to the boil. The colour should change from white to a light caramel. Keep an eye in case it dries out/sticks/boils over but don't be tempted to add any more milk or liquids now. This should be more than enough to soften the butternut squash. Keep pricking them with a fork to check, you'll be taking them of the heat as soon as they are soft enough for the fork to go through. This took around 10 to 15 minutes for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add EVERYTHING from the pan to a blender and whizz on the highest setting until smooth and creamy. Once you're happy there are no more lumps, tip the contents back into the pan and place on a low heat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_DgjPPq8-zsk5UpavFbsKFHQGmYgDbSjKE4DD5LJ101SQH9Iz048xmMAWwfBiyv7FjvXNzwhm41DzVu-8EjzuVAB475eZmcuLRMSPCRclwKy0rZFk3umaDg8JhRQzmnebfDDgwZH4oor/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_DgjPPq8-zsk5UpavFbsKFHQGmYgDbSjKE4DD5LJ101SQH9Iz048xmMAWwfBiyv7FjvXNzwhm41DzVu-8EjzuVAB475eZmcuLRMSPCRclwKy0rZFk3umaDg8JhRQzmnebfDDgwZH4oor/s640/DSC_0279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Grab your chicken</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEx-e9XVaKjT_5U3Nm6vS70NrLwHVP6eQbdoznn_Umfe1irn4OU2tO6kPh9S6amO7El6eX-X7nw5Qi9s9iNfHPwIVT2ABTRFg-MZlX2AAxNffg_OIaun51Yp-jv3O67q6Y13fICtB7l98/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEx-e9XVaKjT_5U3Nm6vS70NrLwHVP6eQbdoznn_Umfe1irn4OU2tO6kPh9S6amO7El6eX-X7nw5Qi9s9iNfHPwIVT2ABTRFg-MZlX2AAxNffg_OIaun51Yp-jv3O67q6Y13fICtB7l98/s640/DSC_0251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and veg</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4xMF6xChwHAbKVGtfpUsquupciQ8g7oXNYks-SQdSFlNg0CxsrtAgoik6Hnzjcl8ypZlto7aOscS0-9gEPn2vLXuA3OFb0oiVMyqPQbkHskhtWY9aDeCNclupBTJt-2gMnqrZ583JdwH/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4xMF6xChwHAbKVGtfpUsquupciQ8g7oXNYks-SQdSFlNg0CxsrtAgoik6Hnzjcl8ypZlto7aOscS0-9gEPn2vLXuA3OFb0oiVMyqPQbkHskhtWY9aDeCNclupBTJt-2gMnqrZ583JdwH/s640/DSC_0287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and add them all to the pan along with your 1 & 2/3 cup of water and salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you shouldn't need much salt due to the stock cubes, so go easy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPx0DHUtV2YFf3T81Avsg5koMpdORkGS9S5KHeX9gnuH-J0lL6ioiwaU7VhphNcTj0zCOrvlWYGvikVrub3CjtKEg6FCzflsyKUzHcRimGTbhNdPz1Q_WHVefccSWtc0FY95lzKe8e-6U/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPx0DHUtV2YFf3T81Avsg5koMpdORkGS9S5KHeX9gnuH-J0lL6ioiwaU7VhphNcTj0zCOrvlWYGvikVrub3CjtKEg6FCzflsyKUzHcRimGTbhNdPz1Q_WHVefccSWtc0FY95lzKe8e-6U/s640/DSC_0289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mix this and leave on medium heat until the veg is soft and cooked. I used all of the water but how much you use will depend on how thick you like your soup. More water, thinner soup, less water, thicker soup. Decide.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the veg is soft all you really need to do is serve. This soup was absolutely amazing. I left the pieces of chicken large and added more sweetcorn than the other two vegetables as a matter of preference, but this would be just as nice with other veg or maybe even with completely blended chicken. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LSBPEWtSF0ld-8Bg4qtwc4zWBwe9W6fJtUl_dDzkIadJ_Ts_Bt0mgOviMmyg_znZ0qCmFjhMwnlaAbAzc0DXllBXmp1I6warSvxi6tamhP4yLpqKT89saTTA2kVyaPgG-g3qUahv6Sx8/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LSBPEWtSF0ld-8Bg4qtwc4zWBwe9W6fJtUl_dDzkIadJ_Ts_Bt0mgOviMmyg_znZ0qCmFjhMwnlaAbAzc0DXllBXmp1I6warSvxi6tamhP4yLpqKT89saTTA2kVyaPgG-g3qUahv6Sx8/s640/DSC_0302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQrXnvYRTRkSM2D2BCtEb0ObXB1wvGwUdlD6tViSeJ_Sr4SAJZJsMSm7h4RmudaYApnqbj1nvGjilQiDkOYAGWGOvI526L9E3iJDB3vXs3KwBtnRYEC0qqRFsQnjElxuAhhl8KixEOykx/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQrXnvYRTRkSM2D2BCtEb0ObXB1wvGwUdlD6tViSeJ_Sr4SAJZJsMSm7h4RmudaYApnqbj1nvGjilQiDkOYAGWGOvI526L9E3iJDB3vXs3KwBtnRYEC0qqRFsQnjElxuAhhl8KixEOykx/s640/DSC_0311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-82099342428239140602013-02-22T19:47:00.001+00:002013-04-05T00:04:12.700+01:00Cocktail Cupcakes: TGI Fridays's Barnamint BaileysToday I had my first day off work since the New Year (not counting being of sick!) and having nothing to do I decided to bake! Woohoo!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't have much in the house in the way of fancy ingredients at the minute but I had most of the basics so figured I could make something work. I have had an idea in my head for the longest time about making a range of cupcakes based on cocktails and, though I have no eggs, was determined to start today. I know some of the more everyday cocktails have been tackled in this way already but what I aim to do over the next couple of weeks (or months or however long it takes) is make a much wider range. The having no eggs and being to lazy to go to the shops part was my only stumbling block so I set about finding an eggless cake recipe. I'll be honest, I didn't look for long because I really couldn't be bothered. I mean, I really wanted to make the cupcakes but I'm damned if I'm going to spend all morning researching then spend all afternoon experimenting then spend all evening icing and typing. Like I said, first day off this year people!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love the <a href="http://www.tgifridays.co.uk/site/static/pdfs/DrinksA.pdf" target="_blank"><b>Barnamint Baileys Cocktail</b></a> served at TGI's and practially drink it like a milkshake whenever I get one (drink responsibly!). It seemed like the obvious place to start. This is the <a href="http://www.egglesscooking.com/2011/08/30/eggless-vanilla-cake-recipe/" target="_blank"><b>recipe I used</b></a> and slightly adapted to make the cupcakes. Whilst they are delicious I will definitely be making this again using an adapted version of my regular vanilla cake recipe. There was just something...lacking. They were moist, fluffy and tasty but...they lacked punch. This recipe has vanilla, peppermint and Baileys but I don't think the eggless cake mix had enough 'grab' to really let the flavours 'do their thing'. It's still tasty, don't get me wrong. I'm fasting today <b>(<a href="http://www.precisionnutrition.com/intermittent-fasting" target="_blank">Intermittent Fast</a>)</b> and I've eaten two (and nothing else, promise!) so they can't be all that bad. But I think the right vanilla cake base will take these from a 7 to a 10.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So without further ado, food porn!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Recipe adapted from <b><a href="http://www.egglesscooking.com/2011/08/30/eggless-vanilla-cake-recipe/" target="_blank">Madhuram's Eggless Cooking</a></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Ingredients</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs2w-Lao28QS4KylRLXpIvGHoi9PXkKIpzdI8RWhX54odsDCb3QSUtN2oFGLopvuZyY4xQmZXaEFeTN6kf7QydAYWCHHVQqYui2T9lSGWp8wP12lamRIoa2au-ri1STwPsdsK2yS5h784/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs2w-Lao28QS4KylRLXpIvGHoi9PXkKIpzdI8RWhX54odsDCb3QSUtN2oFGLopvuZyY4xQmZXaEFeTN6kf7QydAYWCHHVQqYui2T9lSGWp8wP12lamRIoa2au-ri1STwPsdsK2yS5h784/s640/DSC_0079.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwDF7Lr_u0ySL0gaDVeUoYKg_Uj6aJyVC-zRGpTn4MQyR1tec7kMyzxWWqxw3I_tCB9IxB2Bzms3PGSw9Do8EG6kPFzBSHOLQ99R6RHtfFz43_s02GtfpRJlRpwmj1Ha8OWvirByagfbg/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwDF7Lr_u0ySL0gaDVeUoYKg_Uj6aJyVC-zRGpTn4MQyR1tec7kMyzxWWqxw3I_tCB9IxB2Bzms3PGSw9Do8EG6kPFzBSHOLQ99R6RHtfFz43_s02GtfpRJlRpwmj1Ha8OWvirByagfbg/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For those of you not very good at guessing, or too damn lazy to make up your own recipe, this was:<br />
<br />
2 Cups Plain Flour<br />
2 & 1/4 teaspoons Baking Powder<br />
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda<br />
1/4 Cup Caster Sugar<br />
1 Can Condensed Milk<br />
3/4 Cup Baileys<br />
1/4 Cup Water<br />
2 Tablespoons Vinegar<br />
2 Tablespoons Vanilla<br />
1 Teaspoon Peppermint<br />
1/2 Cup Melted Butter (or Margarine)<br />
5 Crushed Oreos<br />
<br />
I know most people have a method, but I'm just not that type of lady. If I can do this quickly and still have it be tasty, that's how it's going down.<br />
<br />
First you need to preheat the oven to 230. This is one area you really shouldn't cut corners when baking. You'll get crappy cakes. I don't know why, you just will. Now take all of the ingredients up to, and including, the sugar and put them into the bowl of your mixer. Or just a mixing bowl, whatever! Mix for two or three minutes on low to medium. Once combined add all of the wet ingredients and mix again, starting on low then increasing to medium and then high once there is no chance of you getting a face full of cake mix.<br />
<br />
Finally, the Oreos. I like mine quite chunky and, again, I was feeling lazy, so I just used my hands and crumbled them roughly into the mix. You could beat them, chop them or even blend them. I honestly don't care. Once in the mix beat again on high for approximately 5 minutes or until everything is combined.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yhbvrV4zMIk5lS3DZ2Ac4nl5gsJJ_F6e-UkCdmLiCuV9oWObFE9pzAUOwuJmHdBqvtLPclpddcPkFr3WIdMSWHVi7n1KOMQfGdNk_yD8e9mpV-r6EEtkEpm9RZJHEyie9My2lalITf8o/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yhbvrV4zMIk5lS3DZ2Ac4nl5gsJJ_F6e-UkCdmLiCuV9oWObFE9pzAUOwuJmHdBqvtLPclpddcPkFr3WIdMSWHVi7n1KOMQfGdNk_yD8e9mpV-r6EEtkEpm9RZJHEyie9My2lalITf8o/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then either divide into cupcake cases or pour into you cake pan. This made me 18 cupcakes and I have no idea what size cake pan should be used. Just experiment like I did, it's fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAes27VhK9-n1Dkz3a-PReHFPKFH1PHJvy1jhxGtI_BawO-JKBBZSVYtbSevK3QGhq-SKP95VW8IAOgIKbrYttSNyWV9xFc2XttTaOqpC_qDQ2x1OMTMvTdjIEHBWNA9dq18cFglRIjjK/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAes27VhK9-n1Dkz3a-PReHFPKFH1PHJvy1jhxGtI_BawO-JKBBZSVYtbSevK3QGhq-SKP95VW8IAOgIKbrYttSNyWV9xFc2XttTaOqpC_qDQ2x1OMTMvTdjIEHBWNA9dq18cFglRIjjK/s640/DSC_0032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I cooked these on the middle shelf at 230 for approximately 15- 20 minutes. You should really be checking your own oven though since, I'm assuming, you're a responsible adult that doesn't wish to burn his/her house down or eat undercooked cupcakes. A pack of toothpicks are relatively cheap, poke the cakes in the centre when they look brown and if it comes out clean and dry (albeit with crumbs), you got yourself a good ol' time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once out of the oven, set aside to cool and crack on with making your icing. Now this was a lot more guessing than the actual cupcake mix as I knew a large part of the "Barnamint Baileys" taste would come from here. It was basically a case of tasting and adding and mixing until I thought it tasted right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>I used:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Block of Butter (NOT Margarine) slightly melted but not pourable. You'll get more icing this way!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Icing Sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baileys</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peppermint </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Vanilla</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oreos</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Add the butter to the bowl and beat for a couple of seconds. Next add the icing sugar and beat til combined. The amount of icing sugar you add will depend upon two things. Firstly how much of the above liquids you add. The more liquid, the more icing sugar you will need. Secondly comes how you plan on using your icing. If you will be piping you will need to make sure it's firm enough to stand so may need slightly more icing sugar. This brings me onto my next point, how to add the Oreos. If you are planning on piping you will need to make sure the crumbs are small enough to pass through your nozzle. I threw mine in the blender to be on the safe side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaExMxww7NtKDFmdc2pSGq_zb4BjfOwMyBRvxcBzVZKQXAY3CGCCqj2k_FGXg_17AZbcdD11JoEmMEc2DCOA_hReOl86GO3Amt8xcdxUhe7szB7_XyrOIhDlMMGiJmQGc1RCn1Yf9ApDG/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaExMxww7NtKDFmdc2pSGq_zb4BjfOwMyBRvxcBzVZKQXAY3CGCCqj2k_FGXg_17AZbcdD11JoEmMEc2DCOA_hReOl86GO3Amt8xcdxUhe7szB7_XyrOIhDlMMGiJmQGc1RCn1Yf9ApDG/s640/DSC_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5bZmIHduUidpRiypOl9IW5XCTO3SdfidzuM5C6jrATGkV16nls6a_VnxH7CS1L1o7I8WvXzyQyIpv8esTlD1Hbj_rxYyaixCdYr_gYQdyPSqoZN3Xj-n5wry2GOvUfYVpKvv4LKMRjUS/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5bZmIHduUidpRiypOl9IW5XCTO3SdfidzuM5C6jrATGkV16nls6a_VnxH7CS1L1o7I8WvXzyQyIpv8esTlD1Hbj_rxYyaixCdYr_gYQdyPSqoZN3Xj-n5wry2GOvUfYVpKvv4LKMRjUS/s640/DSC_0100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, garnish and serve!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTb8Ji01HYJBfi-PSsXTu2089krvic1Yr7IUTN2vl93CIbDEWIPsh959L_tr4aez5q-t4FDFLFprFns6C9eSBfvP2K0NXVh4AnyDFSP_8WPl9Kd2irc5EJLBa6Jq1C_bOWFiBJ5a3zyT3/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTb8Ji01HYJBfi-PSsXTu2089krvic1Yr7IUTN2vl93CIbDEWIPsh959L_tr4aez5q-t4FDFLFprFns6C9eSBfvP2K0NXVh4AnyDFSP_8WPl9Kd2irc5EJLBa6Jq1C_bOWFiBJ5a3zyT3/s640/DSC_0114.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HhLB0f0Vf_97rsOrPlCa2uGFXuC2z247XMOG_nCcj9UnEjheY0Jt3O-6ZfGsnzdBtn1YNhlbs87HtvOR9FZxQdJNpuShPSfNcvlMyEI8L7Cyhy-BCjXiiFk_RGOk5iOD4aGoK6QbXXFF/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HhLB0f0Vf_97rsOrPlCa2uGFXuC2z247XMOG_nCcj9UnEjheY0Jt3O-6ZfGsnzdBtn1YNhlbs87HtvOR9FZxQdJNpuShPSfNcvlMyEI8L7Cyhy-BCjXiiFk_RGOk5iOD4aGoK6QbXXFF/s640/DSC_0124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-59623848168238675272013-02-20T23:34:00.001+00:002013-02-20T23:34:40.523+00:00What's In A Name...?<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4822787/?claim=95x77d8ebwh">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
...Other than a follow perhaps? I have changed my blog back to it's old name as I felt there was too much noise surrounding the new name. It was getting lost. Please follow here!<br />
<br />
ThanksAleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-1237768254968860472013-02-18T22:41:00.001+00:002013-02-18T23:25:21.353+00:00Lost...<div>
<br /></div>
I have finally calmed down. Losing all of my pictures after only just getting my camera working seemed, during my moment of high drama yesterday, like some sort of sick joke. I wailed like a child. Anyone that knows me will testify that crying is not really my thing, it's not what I do. But yesterday I sat on my bed, held my laptop, stared at the "no images found" message for the 100th time and cried like I had actually lost the people contained within those shots. How could such a thing happen to me? What had I done to deserve that. The humour of losing the shots I'd just taken, shots that had taken around an hour to pose, was lost on me. And losing shots like this...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Hf5isylRd5zFrm5pShxQJ9HMGAnOoBxMfQyFdxu0ejnyKyFQfFXYpKlQzvJdEPpOBe0TJJACArBxMNNaaX9IIuMb5yQwaMLIpHVQh4lo6NGE2Or1vleGpHYZ3MwrpMHnWj1CmB6EE0J/s1600/Gabriel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Hf5isylRd5zFrm5pShxQJ9HMGAnOoBxMfQyFdxu0ejnyKyFQfFXYpKlQzvJdEPpOBe0TJJACArBxMNNaaX9IIuMb5yQwaMLIpHVQh4lo6NGE2Or1vleGpHYZ3MwrpMHnWj1CmB6EE0J/s640/Gabriel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...a perfect moment of playfulness and defiance? Not even slightly funny. "So why didn't you back them up?", chorused all the smug, smart arsed, obvious people. I did. I did back them up. Everyone has that one area where they seem to be jinxed. Mine is electrical equipment. I can work it just fine, better than just fine in fact. I'm a graduate in the school of thought that manuals are for wimps. I dive straight in, making laptops, phones and all their gadget mates my hardwired bitches. Take that Quick Start Guide! Suck on these you overly long manual in languages I don't understand. I'm in charge and today you are nought but my gadgety minions. But inevitably it all goes wrong. I don't suddenly forget how to use them or anything. They strangely just...stop working. Perfectly good bits of technology, well within their guarantee period, just refusing to even turn on. If the rise of the machines came about it would start in my house. A couple of weeks before my camera got wiped I turned on my laptop and saw the Blue Screen of Death. I lost it all. And I do mean I lost it ALL because a couple of weeks before that I plugged in my external hard drive only to see a message that may as well have just said "Fuck off, you bore me!". So when the camera got wiped, when last line of defence fell to the machines inexplicable rise to domination, I cried. Like a bitch. Mainly, because of him...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSXG9qNtsSuwHJ950orn8-PYi5HWlFwyeVFraP4oDSBSf3IhrNhPonAANv7nyEjjwiwyxhSRLgTxdTY0JV5hrtY9-yhpmfVd5TyWdGkXjgL4qrq9Zt5ZWJ7ZlClkBHGzxP87n6hGwWq3M/s1600/Gabriel5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSXG9qNtsSuwHJ950orn8-PYi5HWlFwyeVFraP4oDSBSf3IhrNhPonAANv7nyEjjwiwyxhSRLgTxdTY0JV5hrtY9-yhpmfVd5TyWdGkXjgL4qrq9Zt5ZWJ7ZlClkBHGzxP87n6hGwWq3M/s640/Gabriel5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My nephew. I took these pictures at least a year ago. Or possibly almost exactly a year. I seem to remember him blowing out candles. I thought these were lost forever and I can't find the words to describe how angry that made me. I mean, look at that cheeky face. I don't think anyone can understand how much I cried.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8hegds8uMzANf8i5bcBGFNBeIQt9tzc1aqgW2pf31N-NYIJ7foR6eAsQa3SRC3Bm09zNN4iqWtYDmORhVy3bJjvuCy1QZ1zpWx678KcjOEDl-24ZTwS5fpSKkE0cudcJ34JN3njO_e-j/s1600/Gabriel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8hegds8uMzANf8i5bcBGFNBeIQt9tzc1aqgW2pf31N-NYIJ7foR6eAsQa3SRC3Bm09zNN4iqWtYDmORhVy3bJjvuCy1QZ1zpWx678KcjOEDl-24ZTwS5fpSKkE0cudcJ34JN3njO_e-j/s640/Gabriel3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
How can you not shed a tear for that pose? A child clearly in a hurry to play on what I think was a brand new bike, but still finding the time to stop and give me a smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol9wkz07KEnvDCj61aNJ4jV1JvtPoKmj-JFmSpC8Z_uII305Qw3-q2g2UIwlEsm5iMhN1-uUe5ekvFudTe7o0gYNGg_GabvaPtFjVGfPHQ2gUG7bBSWuAs5ZudoHGV7Mb0mF3tt8d9Sh-/s1600/Gabriel6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol9wkz07KEnvDCj61aNJ4jV1JvtPoKmj-JFmSpC8Z_uII305Qw3-q2g2UIwlEsm5iMhN1-uUe5ekvFudTe7o0gYNGg_GabvaPtFjVGfPHQ2gUG7bBSWuAs5ZudoHGV7Mb0mF3tt8d9Sh-/s640/Gabriel6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
I wont lie, I think he's looking at sweets here. You don't think he just posed for the hell of it do you? Please, he's far too busy riding bikes for all these picture taking shenanigans!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So how did I get the pictures back? Well I was telling someone all about my lost weekend and he said the magic word, Facebook. Now, I deactivated my Facebook a couple of months back. Did you ever watch that film "A Series Of Unfortunate Events"? This is starting to sound a bit like that isn't it? Well it's not all bad because the ever wise, all knowing Facebook don't make it easy to find that delete button. So, though the countless status updates of "I can't believe you did that and NO this isn't about YOU" had driven me away, it was easy enough to come back. I simply logged in again and, Voila, there he was. Along with a couple of other cuties I'd banished...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrfRSlhWKuGo9_JM5t738ExzpcqN8Twe53A8KRDu4IBUmI9L_k9GwXkeLWI-fRSAv6rQq452ry8jHt6rua6CIuVrBqC0tbpq1IUcOgtJoZS8XtRHJA4b5jHTB_dWNpipOUO2rLyEOeilw/s1600/Theo56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrfRSlhWKuGo9_JM5t738ExzpcqN8Twe53A8KRDu4IBUmI9L_k9GwXkeLWI-fRSAv6rQq452ry8jHt6rua6CIuVrBqC0tbpq1IUcOgtJoZS8XtRHJA4b5jHTB_dWNpipOUO2rLyEOeilw/s640/Theo56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Hf5isylRd5zFrm5pShxQJ9HMGAnOoBxMfQyFdxu0ejnyKyFQfFXYpKlQzvJdEPpOBe0TJJACArBxMNNaaX9IIuMb5yQwaMLIpHVQh4lo6NGE2Or1vleGpHYZ3MwrpMHnWj1CmB6EE0J/s1600/Gabriel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Hf5isylRd5zFrm5pShxQJ9HMGAnOoBxMfQyFdxu0ejnyKyFQfFXYpKlQzvJdEPpOBe0TJJACArBxMNNaaX9IIuMb5yQwaMLIpHVQh4lo6NGE2Or1vleGpHYZ3MwrpMHnWj1CmB6EE0J/s320/Gabriel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Another happy birthday boy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY26UWdF273VqrR7mPw1niMz_lvNhNxFlAFyhq3RAnwuDxyemaEuU7bxRoqSHYfKi3T2hNuFcIVMY49OCZUffXahYR2DuPClz-a7fMxSU9jOvz3lhAiDUB8AGkx_fQxzdYK0HugCbvUAOj/s1600/Mischief3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY26UWdF273VqrR7mPw1niMz_lvNhNxFlAFyhq3RAnwuDxyemaEuU7bxRoqSHYfKi3T2hNuFcIVMY49OCZUffXahYR2DuPClz-a7fMxSU9jOvz3lhAiDUB8AGkx_fQxzdYK0HugCbvUAOj/s640/Mischief3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A puppy that grew into a much loved dog. A dog that had to be re-homed because the new landlord wouldn't accept her..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41QUVhCw_c9UfSlywnat9qJZhpOQTxaq9RHgF6pBrNbOcyeJ2cPIdEdUcwDk3JJGUlO9xrNpvTWFQNZFGgR-YbzmVwRRWRyvokQOrIsCAT1W0pHlxPyOx9t4-rJHfA-b02NUiwrPMq9cW/s1600/Theo22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41QUVhCw_c9UfSlywnat9qJZhpOQTxaq9RHgF6pBrNbOcyeJ2cPIdEdUcwDk3JJGUlO9xrNpvTWFQNZFGgR-YbzmVwRRWRyvokQOrIsCAT1W0pHlxPyOx9t4-rJHfA-b02NUiwrPMq9cW/s640/Theo22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cake I made that was so delicious looking it makes me question why I'm fasting today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There they all were. I saved every single one to my computer then DELETED my Facebook. I live on the edge like that. There were countless images I lost, loads that I had taken after I deactivated Facebook. My trip to Spain, the snow outside my old house and countless pictures of cakes, cookies, chocolates and other tasty things. All gone. But, if I'm honest, I managed to salvage the best ones. I mean, I can and will bake more cakes and you can be damn sure I'll be taking pictures of them. But I bruised my ankles jumping in front of a speeding child on a three wheel for this shot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDx2XMmnGecnL_gMLQjISA9bkp_lwgYFxst087AJi_wdwtBv-ICRPhDJLo4TtTMlqBFWnTq6c39Q-6xNsGvHwxzvrFTMnJ6PQurY8QxaX9fmJUKROPSQ9gp3bPmu2QwPo10C_9yvFASCT/s1600/BeFunky_B%2526w_1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDx2XMmnGecnL_gMLQjISA9bkp_lwgYFxst087AJi_wdwtBv-ICRPhDJLo4TtTMlqBFWnTq6c39Q-6xNsGvHwxzvrFTMnJ6PQurY8QxaX9fmJUKROPSQ9gp3bPmu2QwPo10C_9yvFASCT/s640/BeFunky_B%2526w_1.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I'm not doing that again any time soon...</div>
</div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-57919516762582230762013-02-17T21:56:00.002+00:002013-02-17T22:01:09.397+00:00Check Me out!<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4804103/?claim=bfvmbaunqev">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
I've been trying to update today with varying levels of success. I'm not even embarrassed to say that I even cried at one point. It's been very emotional. But I am making progress, albeit very, very slowly.<br />
<br />
I am now signed up to Bloglovin and will soon have all my Social Media buttons back up and running. For now, a chocolate break...Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-68547074759144681122013-02-08T22:20:00.001+00:002013-02-17T13:10:55.649+00:00A Wise Man Once Said...I've been online looking for inspiration tonight. I've been very tired and sluggish and while I have come up with a few things none of them were really what I was looking for. I began to get frustrated. So I decided to remove myself from the situation for a while and spend some time on YouTube. I subscribe to a few channels about food, fashion, hair, make up, exercise and various other things so I felt sure I would find something in all of that to help me unwind.<br />
<br />
Now for those of you that don't know Google owns Youtube. They also own Blogger and Gmail. I have all of these things but somehow, don't ask me how, somehow I managed to sign up for Blogger, Gmail and Google itself with one email address and Youtbe with another. Well, not so much with another as with two different email addresses. So I have two accounts. But my main account, the one where I am subscribed to most of my channels, is different from all the others. Google also does automatic sign in. So you sign in to one of your Google apps and you're signed into the rest. Now for anyone that's still following (or vaguely interested!) this meant that when I went on to Youtube I was in the wrong channel, the one that had no subscriptions. No Problem. I signed out and signed into the correct account and spent a lovely couple of hours relaxing and enjoying some videos.<br />
<br />
Finally I felt like I could try writing something again. I decided to come back on to Blogger. Only I wasn't signed in to this account anymore. I wasn't signed out either. I was signed into an old account, an old blog no less, I had forgotten even existed. Its the strangest feeling when you find something you'd forgotten about, when you experience words you'd completely forgotten you said. It's the strangest feeling when you look back on things you said and don't even recognise the person that said them. The blog only had two posts and dated all the way back to May 2009. My first foray into blogging. When I think of how much has happened since I started that blog my head spins. And when I think of how little progress I've made...my heart breaks. Especially considering the nature of the Blog. It was meant to track the progress of, what I hoped, was a new phase in my life. It's full of positivity and hope and plans and, whilst I don't remember every detail of who I was or whet I felt when I wrote it, the determination is clearly there.<br />
<br />
Below is part of one of only two published posts on the entire blog.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;">"I've decided that this Blog will be a window into everything good and bad about my life. Once i've sorted through it all I plan on taking the good parts and making something more of them. My goal is to go away. T o see the world...or at least a very small part of it for at least 3 months.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;">So here goes.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;">Wish me luck"</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e0e0e0; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;">I never did it. Granted, I had some issues arise, but still. It seems such a shame, feels like I let that person down. So since I didn't travel the world, did I fail?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;"><b>The great man</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedqaeyg89KX4Q42TgCT9EEVNYFZ2fAtMvB4Olyi-liGZrw42P_p9bEbUp_j8GFByB97kytNT7mhvNTGzV3eNE_PLm_F3vsBBUu92s3pSF7AjhYfv9a_4QAo0MluEzfH05DxCFENEDGQeE/s1600/bruce+lee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedqaeyg89KX4Q42TgCT9EEVNYFZ2fAtMvB4Olyi-liGZrw42P_p9bEbUp_j8GFByB97kytNT7mhvNTGzV3eNE_PLm_F3vsBBUu92s3pSF7AjhYfv9a_4QAo0MluEzfH05DxCFENEDGQeE/s1600/bruce+lee.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Somebody tweeted a quote by Bruce Lee earlier this evening and I feel like it fits beautifully with this post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.796875px;">“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.796875px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;">How may of us have started something only to give up and forget all about it? This comforts me, It gives me back my hope and lets me keep trying. The very fact that I didn't recognise either the blog or the post shows how much I've changed. And that's clearly what I was looking for in the post.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;">Though it never pays to dwell or regret, sometimes it does pay to stop and look back. Think about all the plans you made and goals you set. Think about all the projects you started and never finished. Think about where you thought you'd be right now. Are you there? And if not do you care? Sometimes when the world throws us off track it sets us on a much harder path. This, upon first inspection, seems to suck! Not only do you not know where you're going, getting to this unknown destination is hard!! This is when you need to adjust your aim, you need to shift your focus and push through and just keeping trying. You never know. Maybe, like me, you'll go full circle. You'll end up with a blog that isn't about trying to be positive. It's about spreading positivity.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.4375px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-56405358404971030552013-02-06T23:23:00.000+00:002013-02-17T13:11:11.625+00:00Energy and Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo2mWT2nXftpb5rkNCkG5MqMQNkQMkxdeuhpuvsFg3dy0CcYJ7dgRkBE0df3uNIYgsYVf44kZrxVtJkeFOhCTZNgs4G4R8CvggMYE4XfsaffhaRtZRDTWvK6XcVJ8HbE3rRJHlaQMtTEq/s1600/Happiness.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo2mWT2nXftpb5rkNCkG5MqMQNkQMkxdeuhpuvsFg3dy0CcYJ7dgRkBE0df3uNIYgsYVf44kZrxVtJkeFOhCTZNgs4G4R8CvggMYE4XfsaffhaRtZRDTWvK6XcVJ8HbE3rRJHlaQMtTEq/s320/Happiness.png" width="226" /></a></div>
Frustration can be...frustrating I guess. It's like anger but different. Anger has a cause and often a purpose. Whilst it isn't necessarily productive it's something, a solid outpouring and manifestation of emotions suppressed or built up. But Frustration is just...fog! It's that feeling of being hungry but not knowing what you want to eat. It's flicking through the channels and not wanting to watch a single thing, turning on the stereo and skipping every song. It's not knowing whats wrong or how to fix it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A friend of mine showed me something she had been given today. It was Autobiography in Five Short Chapters by Portia Nelson.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 1<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I walk down the street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I fall in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am lost ... I am helpless.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It isn't my fault.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It takes forever to find a way out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I walk down the same street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I pretend I don't see it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I fall in again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe I am in the same place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But it isn't my fault.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It still takes a long time to get out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I walk down the same street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I see it is there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I still fall in ... it's a habit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My eyes are open.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I know where I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It is my fault.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I get out immediately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I walk down the same street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I walk around it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I walk down another street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~ Portia Nelson ~<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
(There's a Hole in My Sidewalk)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
This could be written by so many of us. I hope it helps someone.</div>
</div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-11735853821505967992013-02-05T00:42:00.002+00:002013-02-17T13:11:25.868+00:00I Smell Summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Ox6csfxX8LnEcjJdEVaqenUZctwhDNamr2RY2n1MvQkpj9UpN1PCwTN1Wk6eYEOPkf_dZh7zIKJK_TSqvEOwkDk4j__T0cnmNWERIc7ik0p_oNb2YklkhKqNWvQB6q1s18HkyB0fLhj/s1600/2012-07-30_09-34-52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Ox6csfxX8LnEcjJdEVaqenUZctwhDNamr2RY2n1MvQkpj9UpN1PCwTN1Wk6eYEOPkf_dZh7zIKJK_TSqvEOwkDk4j__T0cnmNWERIc7ik0p_oNb2YklkhKqNWvQB6q1s18HkyB0fLhj/s320/2012-07-30_09-34-52.png" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
It's amazing how a sunny day can put you in an instant good mood. Today was bitterly cold but beautifully sunny and bright. I was beyond chirpy. It's the sort of weather that makes you start formulating plans. I declared that "I need to start crafting more again!". Where I struggle for inspiration in the Winter, ideas are so abundant on days like today that I find it hard to focus on what I need to do. My mind wanders..."I'll make a giant cookie, iced like a letter and send it to someone", "I'll make a sculpture/Installation, I wonder if there are any open art competitions currently?!", "I'm going to work out extra hard tonight"...and so on. I love it! But the thing I thought of most was a summer holiday.<br />
<br />
Last year I went away for a week to Spain in September. My mother and I decided to go to Madrid at the last minute and I spent a couple of hours today looking at some of the pictures. The best ones are on my camera (I ordered a new charger tonight) so I could only flick through the ones on my phone. They bought back some amazing memories, mainly of how hot it was. I mean, seriously, I woke up one morning to a picture on my phone of what looked like the sun on fire. I didn't know such a weather status existed. It was HOT!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Ox6csfxX8LnEcjJdEVaqenUZctwhDNamr2RY2n1MvQkpj9UpN1PCwTN1Wk6eYEOPkf_dZh7zIKJK_TSqvEOwkDk4j__T0cnmNWERIc7ik0p_oNb2YklkhKqNWvQB6q1s18HkyB0fLhj/s1600/2012-07-30_09-34-52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Ox6csfxX8LnEcjJdEVaqenUZctwhDNamr2RY2n1MvQkpj9UpN1PCwTN1Wk6eYEOPkf_dZh7zIKJK_TSqvEOwkDk4j__T0cnmNWERIc7ik0p_oNb2YklkhKqNWvQB6q1s18HkyB0fLhj/s320/2012-07-30_09-34-52.png" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We would rise early (partly because it was too bright/hot to sleep and partly to make the most of our day) and head straight down to breakfast. Once we had eaten, which was difficult to do in the 23 degree, 9am heat, I would head to the sanctuary of the air conditioned gym for an hour whilst my mum got ready to go out for the day. Once I was dressed it was off into town. It's a stunning place...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7tneMMuzqE80Eh8Ars7HAskSQqlIIkFgPtyDenMkPGMuoBNixM7xoiIz299LPnl5nW8cQaxn8J_X8BHUIZQod4gPAodu2bs3bMyBxxQj75zvCfAKAK2ScluRrFkrs39cEMzlaojm8rex/s1600/IMAG0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7tneMMuzqE80Eh8Ars7HAskSQqlIIkFgPtyDenMkPGMuoBNixM7xoiIz299LPnl5nW8cQaxn8J_X8BHUIZQod4gPAodu2bs3bMyBxxQj75zvCfAKAK2ScluRrFkrs39cEMzlaojm8rex/s320/IMAG0084.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMF-XH8_67wUCGxc3vw3PYlnPjUk__mrc6S8prGs-wvxu6lG5JhL1yvVD252NLaFVxAmbUrbssNECLQlIBP9MOcf6YXNivfckPB52PdhiMx5Faooxi8xJ59oelqmNbwPm9huJBsRLeRLO/s1600/IMAG0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMF-XH8_67wUCGxc3vw3PYlnPjUk__mrc6S8prGs-wvxu6lG5JhL1yvVD252NLaFVxAmbUrbssNECLQlIBP9MOcf6YXNivfckPB52PdhiMx5Faooxi8xJ59oelqmNbwPm9huJBsRLeRLO/s320/IMAG0085.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We were staying close to the airport which meant away from the town.This meat we had to take the bus in everyday so no stopping for pictures! The bus drivers in Spain are...It's an adventure! They DO NOT STOP! I watched one driver shut a woman in his doors twice as she tried to get on because she questioned him about being late (at least I think she was, my Spanish is bad). There was much shouting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpr9fL5S7j5AaJ2QVItKu9w9oE7qza2Q7DokBinwOYBUZfWt5kyd5GO-lKI9SDfAAIrqrtslQ1CZ21oFGNoP4FAMd0rAtw6ee7Cy4nUDPj_4AQ_29fiHShdRegPRicDqWYj7oKfRkVQ3x/s1600/IMAG0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpr9fL5S7j5AaJ2QVItKu9w9oE7qza2Q7DokBinwOYBUZfWt5kyd5GO-lKI9SDfAAIrqrtslQ1CZ21oFGNoP4FAMd0rAtw6ee7Cy4nUDPj_4AQ_29fiHShdRegPRicDqWYj7oKfRkVQ3x/s320/IMAG0087.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another driver let an old lady on only to take off at full speed before she had a chance to sit down. She dropped her change and banged her ankle. I asked her if she was o.k and if she would like my seat which prompted her telling me how annoyed she was with him and showing me the damage he had done to her leg. Again, I speak no Spanish so this is all assumption. I sympathised as best I could considering the language barrier and, seemingly placated she wandered (stumbled, he was still driving pretty fast) towards the designated elderly seats towards the middle of the bus. My mother and I exchanged glances. Apart from the old lady's pain it was hilariously absurd.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final contestant for "How did you get this job" decided that he would take a detour. Apparently there was an accident and it was quicker. He told nobody. Locals and people familiar with the journey (and correct route) toppled towards the front to ask him where he was going. He explained to them what was happening in a sort of "Are you stupid/Don't make me punch you" kind of way. I enjoyed the new views and took more pictures. My mother enjoyed the free comedy and laughed into her handbag while pretending to look for something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJEqisCDAQw377P0yK6c_xvDvTs-fulZcyOBH3-y8Iienxb6t9CN5_keEGi7_C4n6QoqdFRO7JU4YCRQBlmApwxhkhByfn_8OlaWkz842uxVaEGKmTlJa-3eMyp0bTUmWPI6Nh44_fdJV/s1600/IMAG0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJEqisCDAQw377P0yK6c_xvDvTs-fulZcyOBH3-y8Iienxb6t9CN5_keEGi7_C4n6QoqdFRO7JU4YCRQBlmApwxhkhByfn_8OlaWkz842uxVaEGKmTlJa-3eMyp0bTUmWPI6Nh44_fdJV/s320/IMAG0089.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgx_53qIe5brbb5OljZ445U313nZ8-hgHC0iLtYZ-KBYA7W5zBUIGNYd8SBud_9UGh6F7M5-wIqNLv80KKb7ElIBCwZRy0oF3TFBt6GdzL6d9eOOj58jButqGbQznEnMj5MNrECJXqbNJ/s1600/IMAG0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgx_53qIe5brbb5OljZ445U313nZ8-hgHC0iLtYZ-KBYA7W5zBUIGNYd8SBud_9UGh6F7M5-wIqNLv80KKb7ElIBCwZRy0oF3TFBt6GdzL6d9eOOj58jButqGbQznEnMj5MNrECJXqbNJ/s320/IMAG0108.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP9qtDetGmmZC2oISeEb-N66hyphenhyphen9iCIdKD_283_RsIdHeBiT1KfHp0xrFKgsevxvNDp28fH_DnJkJ82f2ikGukPng6-kTophG8vzBvDsNkrzVUPmYXEmyCBRm8tR9zHGM_hdrM0Lhdmbo5/s1600/IMAG0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP9qtDetGmmZC2oISeEb-N66hyphenhyphen9iCIdKD_283_RsIdHeBiT1KfHp0xrFKgsevxvNDp28fH_DnJkJ82f2ikGukPng6-kTophG8vzBvDsNkrzVUPmYXEmyCBRm8tR9zHGM_hdrM0Lhdmbo5/s320/IMAG0116.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2G8quYaMnRDynEixnSb4TuAO7gMa_R3o1Yy5MgGVjgg180qQ74cfKfM4M5oz-Z-7wEtf-9Ipf6CqT8RYE-X-_uoB4O7qe6ITz-0G657tyUzIr_3bsDwjqQwv7g9w1kYEHjwQ1qNmJvlW/s1600/IMAG0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2G8quYaMnRDynEixnSb4TuAO7gMa_R3o1Yy5MgGVjgg180qQ74cfKfM4M5oz-Z-7wEtf-9Ipf6CqT8RYE-X-_uoB4O7qe6ITz-0G657tyUzIr_3bsDwjqQwv7g9w1kYEHjwQ1qNmJvlW/s320/IMAG0119.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we'd gotten into the town we did what any normal people would do, shopped. Madrid has some amazing fashion and, maybe I had a poor grasp of exchange rates, but it seemed much more affordable than the UK. I purchased more modestly than my mother, who had to buy another bag to take on the plane since she'd run out of space (SPOILER: She still couldn't fit it all in!). In terms of dining the back roads seemed to be the best for authentic Spanish food (and Starbucks...!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkodA5VlIGzJ3XpU7B_kaBCSjTCmSjRtjrLn2RBiMKo68ACs7rC8Tu6c7MuKgYbnc9u5KL-iPZUCOVjUr9uBMJmp8SrFZFB62per-ccAPd4FavIsI283_xeQZ2n3LrTZwpxxsaD69AlNuQ/s1600/IMAG0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkodA5VlIGzJ3XpU7B_kaBCSjTCmSjRtjrLn2RBiMKo68ACs7rC8Tu6c7MuKgYbnc9u5KL-iPZUCOVjUr9uBMJmp8SrFZFB62per-ccAPd4FavIsI283_xeQZ2n3LrTZwpxxsaD69AlNuQ/s320/IMAG0124.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58V_V4k0FKbt2JK3UrSPXPuHrbd0B3fSBjBseyEvRI8uvIbuN5PJM6luoCwN_yLYj3q6W2aUuwWCGSfp1YncQPqRKVNOL1zKiwk3oDRfZJbFAZe0zy849MixxXMnKkvet24K2A7yTDPzH/s1600/IMAG0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58V_V4k0FKbt2JK3UrSPXPuHrbd0B3fSBjBseyEvRI8uvIbuN5PJM6luoCwN_yLYj3q6W2aUuwWCGSfp1YncQPqRKVNOL1zKiwk3oDRfZJbFAZe0zy849MixxXMnKkvet24K2A7yTDPzH/s320/IMAG0079.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai6Z8VlwPyHAqfWZ5QFeAtwWddrpf90pXd-9UBjvBCZoaINGkxAmLzNOJI7erkuGsnxyX3AewNgVwTofe9S2mPWRGBPw_tNPbjwOlF0W1O5AQvQEAETGOA4CHHEcGuVKgL7Jgn1COAUba/s1600/IMAG0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai6Z8VlwPyHAqfWZ5QFeAtwWddrpf90pXd-9UBjvBCZoaINGkxAmLzNOJI7erkuGsnxyX3AewNgVwTofe9S2mPWRGBPw_tNPbjwOlF0W1O5AQvQEAETGOA4CHHEcGuVKgL7Jgn1COAUba/s320/IMAG0125.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately we didn't realise this until the last day and had spent most of our time complaining about the lack of authentic Spanish cuisine whilst eating fast food...oops!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did however take in some culture in the form of a gallery. It was yet another hot day and the walk from the bus stop was a tad too long in heels for my liking, but once we got there? Well worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnUwl6_2ynVkYJVeIK1oqySsQf4bDLuNIkg1Lh9g29mkqQWQQbSxzqXqM2oaDji8AohgxTh3-ZAgW7CkPdS4ffXMp143gGYCIQhBLIYWEfpQ729f-ZUIxSH-masJAslJxKkHuByC1iMGC/s1600/IMAG0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnUwl6_2ynVkYJVeIK1oqySsQf4bDLuNIkg1Lh9g29mkqQWQQbSxzqXqM2oaDji8AohgxTh3-ZAgW7CkPdS4ffXMp143gGYCIQhBLIYWEfpQ729f-ZUIxSH-masJAslJxKkHuByC1iMGC/s320/IMAG0072.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbs6uDth4EpQ_6RMUjU-cKPYELtC_vWliTYQuLdYAUNyxiyVSwg-m4cRS4EcNwFf1YRrAoKafbekGqVu3CdvJ_uycN0ARPzhxPtzVyuSYeUPqu2jg3FaXUi0AaRXBYGtAT4qQpAN1C8OR/s1600/IMAG0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbs6uDth4EpQ_6RMUjU-cKPYELtC_vWliTYQuLdYAUNyxiyVSwg-m4cRS4EcNwFf1YRrAoKafbekGqVu3CdvJ_uycN0ARPzhxPtzVyuSYeUPqu2jg3FaXUi0AaRXBYGtAT4qQpAN1C8OR/s320/IMAG0073.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had lunch up on the stunning roof terrace and enjoyed the heat before it became unbearable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth1eKhZ-ZO24Z6kLw1hts1e4e_e7wIlmtciV0G_IOUylpSDXPSE3N7_ttPkpbxrp-y5fayYg53ZtL93n4vjymvSoRUlkuysDjo4crkTk0LyAZmLd7BxIeFaiMlyVqrLlb3_vfMxD8LasA/s1600/IMAG0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth1eKhZ-ZO24Z6kLw1hts1e4e_e7wIlmtciV0G_IOUylpSDXPSE3N7_ttPkpbxrp-y5fayYg53ZtL93n4vjymvSoRUlkuysDjo4crkTk0LyAZmLd7BxIeFaiMlyVqrLlb3_vfMxD8LasA/s320/IMAG0074.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKB0F8n6X80rqBUtKi0TXQY-NCSgW1TiuDjIaKWpXrnCNOwHUWfSQyaGOYA7VY-g4EN727Ou-FhPcDijgyeQnT2kNvEMKSox8_NE5BeM20iktIskt8JLpn7oYhSYXsNtI4OfC9KGoMsKv/s1600/IMAG0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKB0F8n6X80rqBUtKi0TXQY-NCSgW1TiuDjIaKWpXrnCNOwHUWfSQyaGOYA7VY-g4EN727Ou-FhPcDijgyeQnT2kNvEMKSox8_NE5BeM20iktIskt8JLpn7oYhSYXsNtI4OfC9KGoMsKv/s320/IMAG0075.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then it was back to the hotel by mid afternoon before we burst into flames. On a couple of lucky days we were able to nap, shower and head back out for supplies when it had cooled down. Other than that, despite the lack of a pool, we just enjoyed the hotel facilities. It really was stunning and the staff were extremely helpful in suggesting where we should go each day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-UQdx9UTV1Hb1jM4_9YMoWvNuJFJzW245C_0t1zMhM8IgpZmU5s0DWA2_de1W0LZtDoDyQGATNOzqHowyI8YypUmpwXCsRhksh8HN1ytzyDaw2NexRXkvgSyQQzLIq9A68gXY2fqALWL/s1600/IMAG0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-UQdx9UTV1Hb1jM4_9YMoWvNuJFJzW245C_0t1zMhM8IgpZmU5s0DWA2_de1W0LZtDoDyQGATNOzqHowyI8YypUmpwXCsRhksh8HN1ytzyDaw2NexRXkvgSyQQzLIq9A68gXY2fqALWL/s320/IMAG0137.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By the time we were leaving I was definitely well roasted and ready to go. But now, with that little bit of sunshine we had today...I can't wait for this years summer holiday. Maybe not Madrid, since I like to see new places and don't get to travel much, but the sun is definitely calling my name and I think I may have to spend tomorrow lunch looking at bargain flights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-48348339654555417492013-02-01T18:48:00.001+00:002013-02-17T13:12:29.027+00:00Say Cheese!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLg8uD3RkP8X8RExJsYthgDRapiky6zgd89sd47GSK8VO7rGRh4dL5h-IR2w26GDqNjyAAgayu8Tbvq9PQRz3QFIgtkhuHkbvr8oDQpNNQ9gqq0ComOdaCcXj10JwoPOROiX9l5UqSljc/s1600/cheese.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLg8uD3RkP8X8RExJsYthgDRapiky6zgd89sd47GSK8VO7rGRh4dL5h-IR2w26GDqNjyAAgayu8Tbvq9PQRz3QFIgtkhuHkbvr8oDQpNNQ9gqq0ComOdaCcXj10JwoPOROiX9l5UqSljc/s320/cheese.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31l14FOiPsl_vdS6330DDQuPFD-7-vNC4zneFYhaeQRhS0SfzL2RIiPdK59QaX8vjnqPcY8-UBZ54XL1e44hrs2mwR6msIoevT0UxNQ2jKE_Yptqr8Ca8Oe0usEFHrOY2vPvybJWZ7c6U/s1600/IMAG0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31l14FOiPsl_vdS6330DDQuPFD-7-vNC4zneFYhaeQRhS0SfzL2RIiPdK59QaX8vjnqPcY8-UBZ54XL1e44hrs2mwR6msIoevT0UxNQ2jKE_Yptqr8Ca8Oe0usEFHrOY2vPvybJWZ7c6U/s320/IMAG0384.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 15.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">
<b>Or don't say it, but still smile!</b><br />
<br />
Yesterday was a bad day. It started well and it ended well, but there was a bit
in the middle where I completely lost my footing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">At the end of last
year, due to no fault of my own, a debt arose with my energy company at the time. I was
paying every month by Direct Debit and as far as I knew they were taking the
amount they needed. However they claim they had come out to the property and
carried out a reading which showed the amount they were charging me was much
lower than it should have been. Now you would think that at this stage they
would have increased the Direct Debit (since the ability to take what one needs
each month is what sets it apart from a Standing Order). They did not. Instead
they made plans to leave my bill as it was for the remainder of the year (three
months) and then increase the direct debit. Companies such as this claim
various reasons for doing this. From my viewpoint this was done for one main
reason only, to make their prices look better.<br />
<br />
<b>How?</b><br />
<br />
Most of these companies advertise an average price that their customers pay per
year. Lets say for example my Direct Debit each month was for £35. The first
advisor I spoke to in their customer service team advised me that they did
readings every three months. This was then refuted by further advisors and
the collections team and they advised they were actually only obliged to carry
them out every nine months. So for nine months I pay £35. Now lets say
that the 'new amount' they will be taking is £65. A nine month delay
in inspection, followed by a three month delay in increasing your Direct
Debit means that after a year you have paid £420. Only it doesn't end
there. Because by their calculations you were paying the wrong amount for 12
months, or not paying enough shall we say. You now owe them £360. But you owe
them this AFTER 12 months, so the figure they take for their yearly average
that customers pay is £420, NOT £780. This makes them look like a much better
deal than they actually are. Also the money tacked onto the following year is
technically 'debt', so does it count towards the new years advised figures of
how much customers pay...?<br />
<br />
In my case I couldn't carry the debt over and increase the next years Direct
Debit as I moved house. It was actually only due to me moving that the whole
situation was revealed. I simply called to advise them I was moving and they
cheerily told me my final check out figure was in the hundreds! They asked me
how I would like to pay, I advised them I wouldn't. This is still ongoing and I
will detail how this unfolds in another post.<br />
<br />
<b>Back to Last Night...</b><br />
<br />
I walked in the house and saw what I thought was a letter I had been waiting
for. Upon opening it I discovered it was actually from a debt collection agency
of sorts (formatted to look like a solicitors letter but
clearly wasn't) and they were contacting me regarding a debt I had
allegedly been previously advised they were obtaining. Needless to say this was
not the case and what had been a pleasant enough day began to unravel. The
company I owed money to was a company I had paid with some money I had
come into approximately two years before. I called the company I originally had business with three
times. On the first call I was told they could find no account in my name
under any previous postcode and then I was cut of. This also happened on the
second call. On the third call I asked for a call back before I lost my temper.
The gentleman called back and managed to find my account but said it had been
referred to an external agency and I had to deal with them. I declined to do
this as I had no 'debt' and asked him to investigate. He declined to do this
approximately 10 times. I asked for his manager, he said there was no point. I
finally managed to get through to a person I can only describe as the poster
girl for bad customer service. Melanie was rude, aggressive, ill informed,
blase, unremorseful and unhelpful. Hailing from the collections team she told
me I did owe, I needed to learn to listen and that she basically didn't
care if I made a complaint about her. I'm ashamed to say I then lost my temper.
I refused to speak to her any further and her manager will now be calling me
back in approximately 7 days...I will post more as it unfolds.<br />
<br />
<b>The calm after the storm.</b><br />
<br />
After an hour and 30 minutes of dealing with one of the rudest, most unhelpful
companies I have come across in recent years I returned to normality. A
colleague of mine is going on leave for a while and has a penchant for cheese.
All things cheese. So I set to making her a cake shaped like a wheel of cheese
along with 24 cupcakes. This was daunting since my comfort zone is cupcakes and
I have only done extremely minimal cake decorating since leaving school. It
took me until 1.30am to bake, carve, cool, crumb coat, ice and decorate it all.
But all in all I am very happy with the results and, though extremely tired
today, I am much more relaxed and the smile on the recipients face made any
rude customer service executives seem irrelevant. The pictures aren't great as I need a camera charger so took them on my phone, but I love this cake and it put the shine back in my day!</span><br />
<span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh8sT8iNBUH03n8LlzLqwZe0ueVmKg9x_WE8VNQA9An3135sW-5iDFk3sehDUOyRWQ0osEvVq8t-5GYH8YNyjcXs7l6JUmkAa43V63MeMBmOjaCv0MukrE6wiu7LtzM8hypQkCDUdsbKi/s1600/IMAG0387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh8sT8iNBUH03n8LlzLqwZe0ueVmKg9x_WE8VNQA9An3135sW-5iDFk3sehDUOyRWQ0osEvVq8t-5GYH8YNyjcXs7l6JUmkAa43V63MeMBmOjaCv0MukrE6wiu7LtzM8hypQkCDUdsbKi/s320/IMAG0387.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #303030; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-79077962426950642402013-01-30T11:28:00.002+00:002013-02-17T13:12:43.064+00:00Gorgeous<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhric0TLJhyT66d6Az6Cf5Zn_-Ink9Nt5borlvsRvm4YnLf38KS0F21hWYWePvce5uU1o9SrPrPWuiSIXijJZJHZ8VY5MmOKqDhdI4W1zq5R3zFZ3lR2DM1zLgZl_IrYIH0hsfVBkwPt5Jb/s1600/flickr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhric0TLJhyT66d6Az6Cf5Zn_-Ink9Nt5borlvsRvm4YnLf38KS0F21hWYWePvce5uU1o9SrPrPWuiSIXijJZJHZ8VY5MmOKqDhdI4W1zq5R3zFZ3lR2DM1zLgZl_IrYIH0hsfVBkwPt5Jb/s1600/flickr.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBiGThX1u8jbBOqoexUvdzkN9tPs6Vdh5etjhqjXLdEF9JT_hPxlPT4VPoCD0jDks3pC_5P2cSfulS5HKdupVBI33xj9JZ_E6llh2BBHIVPvtOsrqhSH9xjWD1sGvLSO9k5sda1B1FPMW/s1600/google.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBiGThX1u8jbBOqoexUvdzkN9tPs6Vdh5etjhqjXLdEF9JT_hPxlPT4VPoCD0jDks3pC_5P2cSfulS5HKdupVBI33xj9JZ_E6llh2BBHIVPvtOsrqhSH9xjWD1sGvLSO9k5sda1B1FPMW/s1600/google.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx4lOTtqfbXjSFhvYI-O5YKDHK7dxBGA9O0RLaUjxUimXZCoXoumt_W-pXvwUQdErqgp5rKAft9foBoeBNGl2HnUryMUKhZGJcvnxPvj-sDDu39_YdTleIqACEMOmHqp-bNNleR9nfkw3/s1600/reddit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx4lOTtqfbXjSFhvYI-O5YKDHK7dxBGA9O0RLaUjxUimXZCoXoumt_W-pXvwUQdErqgp5rKAft9foBoeBNGl2HnUryMUKhZGJcvnxPvj-sDDu39_YdTleIqACEMOmHqp-bNNleR9nfkw3/s1600/reddit.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n-qQhEWbsOUwM1QPL4f3z51oEKMzasB_pBviVz-2wr-ylz7WG0iim5MQhwMEGXkcyuBs9N3WBQSi21m4S4FlLs3E14st7Qto4NVtFVJAlAniS6pG_f8PD-B_vW19nC-V64zjn_BiiGPT/s1600/rss.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n-qQhEWbsOUwM1QPL4f3z51oEKMzasB_pBviVz-2wr-ylz7WG0iim5MQhwMEGXkcyuBs9N3WBQSi21m4S4FlLs3E14st7Qto4NVtFVJAlAniS6pG_f8PD-B_vW19nC-V64zjn_BiiGPT/s1600/rss.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispGlWBQKQb_Iq81txFGCl6BQf8GJ4S5-HKUcNIAcC47dGonwl2xcWfMOvhI9PjHA7TGrrB00zCK3R4f8LhgksWq-Nr_EFgyManigbIh4v35Ag277o12UB_3FxkArSsdruyuSOV7wJ2rDs/s1600/tumblr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispGlWBQKQb_Iq81txFGCl6BQf8GJ4S5-HKUcNIAcC47dGonwl2xcWfMOvhI9PjHA7TGrrB00zCK3R4f8LhgksWq-Nr_EFgyManigbIh4v35Ag277o12UB_3FxkArSsdruyuSOV7wJ2rDs/s1600/tumblr.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dyZvWwkC-czUviTrDHWINHn2L7qBdjy4UjlAAlIu9fVwmoEispVk693kDq40KXw5YohWBgShfUiYIrdOyZ3XoHr1Lib-BQZ5r0LxsAvyWTTGHv5ZR8SZkH8zt6yFMxDedCAKrfs15VvA/s1600/twitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dyZvWwkC-czUviTrDHWINHn2L7qBdjy4UjlAAlIu9fVwmoEispVk693kDq40KXw5YohWBgShfUiYIrdOyZ3XoHr1Lib-BQZ5r0LxsAvyWTTGHv5ZR8SZkH8zt6yFMxDedCAKrfs15VvA/s1600/twitter.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4T2PfffY8Euq744I12D0o3T87ZQefiKZ-wl7C-vyEv-Z0vwexvBsat2rhssh3x7vi9394qxKHtp-QDz2o_X539dcnK01Xp1-P8CINbz7uT-B3O8xURAxw7mHGh8YdHzAf5VH-Y6CWYYE/s1600/linkedin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4T2PfffY8Euq744I12D0o3T87ZQefiKZ-wl7C-vyEv-Z0vwexvBsat2rhssh3x7vi9394qxKHtp-QDz2o_X539dcnK01Xp1-P8CINbz7uT-B3O8xURAxw7mHGh8YdHzAf5VH-Y6CWYYE/s1600/linkedin.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_U_KGZyJI0MiPh2JI0mhap8ap5W2EKjoq5pRFs20hOVmi8hPhiZb0mM2IL9OZMe55dTH300jl8sK_G0fc_cRajvTdz6jw_NGcYg_cOM0Ri0pcDtzXYdS3IYzs-pfsQ8QNUYzIHtNZ9lv/s1600/facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_U_KGZyJI0MiPh2JI0mhap8ap5W2EKjoq5pRFs20hOVmi8hPhiZb0mM2IL9OZMe55dTH300jl8sK_G0fc_cRajvTdz6jw_NGcYg_cOM0Ri0pcDtzXYdS3IYzs-pfsQ8QNUYzIHtNZ9lv/s1600/facebook.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD506dlHbhGLrucYHwSR1idbhCFgTcwBl3wgOw9Q20wVUzIbF3P5Uh8SBkyP8H5daAU784LlOWwXESaG8m9Axz0GKA0bB7_02gPKPXbUVabmPa-ijnkdl7s6X0n4Cb3NQBrIWv6bmzMqYm/s1600/blogger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD506dlHbhGLrucYHwSR1idbhCFgTcwBl3wgOw9Q20wVUzIbF3P5Uh8SBkyP8H5daAU784LlOWwXESaG8m9Axz0GKA0bB7_02gPKPXbUVabmPa-ijnkdl7s6X0n4Cb3NQBrIWv6bmzMqYm/s1600/blogger.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GusWMm_b-B0Tmt48Wj1wgCpVZt1zwfd6qb3kbadaTUEkJU7sF9Iiwm3g64XtbvC3n2GMvtNHOyX_Jx2FlIElJgmyNBpgJCc8aPHl2vT2pYFc1YFdPhybkTUb5AlVs4TZ8wWG4uyv4rmP/s1600/stumbleupon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GusWMm_b-B0Tmt48Wj1wgCpVZt1zwfd6qb3kbadaTUEkJU7sF9Iiwm3g64XtbvC3n2GMvtNHOyX_Jx2FlIElJgmyNBpgJCc8aPHl2vT2pYFc1YFdPhybkTUb5AlVs4TZ8wWG4uyv4rmP/s1600/stumbleupon.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm well known for liking things and becoming excited about things that other people would find everyday or mundane. I also tend to have little to no reaction to things that other people lose their shit over, but that's another post!<br />
<br />
I have been a very busy little bee, clearly, pulling this blog together and, ever the perfectionist, I have been struggling to find a set of Social Media Icons that a) I like and b) actually work! After much searching, pouting, wishing and salty language I think I may have found a set to do the job. At the very least they are, simply put, gorgeous! I love them and actually nearly screamed when I saw them. So my only obstacle now is embedding the code correctly and hoping it works alongside the rest of the blog. <br />
<br />
A quick peek at the buttons above, along with a link to the site I got them from, since such kind, tireless (not to mention stunning!) work deserves some thanks and acknowledgement.<br />
<br />
They come from a site called <a href="http://www.elegantthemes.com/blog/resources/free-social-media-icon-set" target="_blank"><strong>Elegant Themes</strong></a> and the entire blog seems well worth a look.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaQ_AC_M07ljO70ZdifiEDqfeaWvGswp-Ps_Xmus7xcA1-ASRnbQcFuJjRvflSz21V95siaDuH_9sayK4MM2DUGZ3x7kwtszKD_i9o9KrNWfGXI-JSWRDCHLZhD08Mz8lKSm4x7p91iSH/s1600/full-set1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaQ_AC_M07ljO70ZdifiEDqfeaWvGswp-Ps_Xmus7xcA1-ASRnbQcFuJjRvflSz21V95siaDuH_9sayK4MM2DUGZ3x7kwtszKD_i9o9KrNWfGXI-JSWRDCHLZhD08Mz8lKSm4x7p91iSH/s320/full-set1.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237051715933956992.post-76814100866505276602013-01-29T23:21:00.001+00:002013-02-17T13:12:58.332+00:00Poorly sick!<br />
Its been a slow start to the week on account of the fact I've been ill. Doing nothing doesn't really suit me so I've been surfing the net, looking at blogs, checking out YouTube videos and generally trying to ignore how badly my head hurts. Daytime TV is awful. I mean <i>really </i>awful. I was actually tempted to go into work it's that bad!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iYEHdZzneOyf8T181UJWy3rWGrn60aTMgPw8CMmpRpra9h9KI1TtiUmTp2AAfk-9vphyphenhyphenPbTeOsB6jViaIW5C3cT99zb09Af-c7iicS62g309wxDMRIv2o2ZrzVBtgNA7inwMfw2beyOZ/s1600/mL7PyBi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iYEHdZzneOyf8T181UJWy3rWGrn60aTMgPw8CMmpRpra9h9KI1TtiUmTp2AAfk-9vphyphenhyphenPbTeOsB6jViaIW5C3cT99zb09Af-c7iicS62g309wxDMRIv2o2ZrzVBtgNA7inwMfw2beyOZ/s320/mL7PyBi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It struck me that unless I'm making something or baking or just generally being creative in some way, I very rarely relax. People have often expressed their wonder at how I keep going. Instead of coming home, taking my shoes off and unwinding, I head straight for the kitchen most days. It's not uncommon to find me baking in my heels, clothes covered in flour. But rather than feeling flustered I feel like that's my time to think, problem solve and relax. Unless of course things are going horribly wrong. There's nothing like 12 burnt cupcakes to destroy a persons mood. Alas I had no vanilla and, along with the constant throb in my head, this would ruin any plans of cakes, cookies or anything else delicious. I decided instead to take some pictures. It's been far too long since I used my camera. Last September in fact when I went to Madrid!!!! I really should have taken some pictures of the snow, especially since the view in my new home is far superior to the last. When I think of how stunning the shots could have been... <br />
<br />
Rather than dwell I decided to dig the camera out and take some shots of my new road for my new blog. Camera, found! Battery, dead! Again, dusting myself off from what was clearly a major traumatic event (I'm ill and this often makes me slightly dramatic) I decided to charge the battery. Only to find half the charger missing. My minds eye pictured it, plugged into the wall of my hotel room in Spain. Cue massive sigh and a roll of the eyes.<br />
<br />
Music! Music is my trusty friend and since I spent so long importing and de-duping everything on my iTunes I decided to turn the TV off and stick my headphones in...NOPE! One of the buds broke (is that what they're called? I mean I don't really care at this stage but...). It looked fine. I couldn't see any wires sticking out. It just wouldn't play any music. Check.And.Mate. I finally accepted defeat, ate a Kitkat and got back into bed. So my blog is still picture-less, my stomach is cake-less and I need to buy a new charger, a set of headphones and some vanilla.<br />
<br />
Relaxation never felt so good! Hahahaha. Nevertheless, my head now feels much better and I will be back in work tomorrow (and no doubt confronted by a huge stack of work). Pictures will be up as soon as I don't have to sketch them myself.Aleciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18253150976314513680noreply@blogger.com0