When I was a kid I thought this was the coolest cake around. I loved pineapple and glacé cherries (still do) and thought that it looked so fancy when you turned the cake out. I found and old packet of the cherries hiding in the back of the fridge and rather than throw them out went and bought eggs, butter, pineapple and brown sugar to make this cake...that's logical ...
Recipes
Hungarian Goulash
Many European countries have their own versions of this stew, but what makes Hungarian Goulash unique is paprika...lots of it! The meat, usually beef (or veal) is simmered for hours until it's so tender it falls apart. Aside from the paprika and the meat, you only need a few additional ingredients making this stew simple to put together. And don't let the short ingredient list ...
Vegetable and Noodle Slice
This is a different take on Zucchini Slice and makes a nice change from the norm. With the noodles added, it's a meal in one! Easy to make and great for kids and baby led weaning. The addition of the oyster sauce seems a bit odd, but I think it works. You can use any veggies you have.Vegetable and Noodle Slice2 cups cooked noodles, rice or pasta2 medium zucchini, grated1 ...
Cocktail Hour – Balalika
This drink is very similar in taste to the Blue Kamikaze, but looks more sophisticated. So if you think you're too old to drink blue drinks, give this a go. It's also a better option if you're having a drink before you head out and don't want to risk having a blue tongue.Balalikaserves 11 shot Vodka1 shot Cointreau (orange liqueur)1 shot lime juiceice cubesAdd all ingredients ...
Jelly Playdough
I bought the packet of jelly to make this ages ago, but kept forgetting about it. I'm glad I finally got around to making it, because Roman loved it and played with it for about an hour! The jelly is added to colour and fragrance the playdough, but isn't strictly necessary. I used 'Blue Berry' flavour and it does smell pretty yummy! I don't like the gritty feeling of the ...
My attempt at Pierre Herme’s Macarons
I realise that macarons have been done to death, but they are totally delicious and I haven't seen this recipe online anywhere, which is why I had to translate it.If you're lucky enough to have tried one of Pierre Hermé's macarons, then you know what the hype is all about. I first tasted them in Paris nearly 3 years ago and then would occasionally buy a few from Selfridges when ...
Cocktail Hour – Blue Kamikaze
I wonder if Old Mother Hubbard liked a cocktail? If she did, I know how she felt when her cupboard was bare! We had to go and stock up the liquor cabinet recently. There was no vodka, Bacardi or gin in this house. What a crime! You can tell I favour my clear spirits, can't you?After my mammoth effort sewing last week for the KCWC, a cocktail is definitely in order and will make ...
Anzac Biscuits
It's cold and stormy today, and the weather has put me in a baking mood. With Anzac Day tomorrow, I thought I'd make up some Anzac biscuits. These biscuits were originally sent by wives to their soldiers during World War I. They had a long shelf life so travelled well. Back then, the recipe didn't use any butter, but over the years it has been added to improve the flavour and ...
Home-brewed Ginger Beer
We all love Ginger Beer and have talked about brewing our own for a while, so one day I just decided to give it a go. I had a look around at a bunch of recipes, which were all pretty similar, but based my batch mainly on this recipe from forgreenies.Ginger Beer is made by starting a 'plant' that is fed for a week. It is then strained and added to sugar syrup and lemon juice. ...
Paskha – Another Russian Easter Treat
Paskha is another traditional Russian food that is made at Easter. It is similar in flavour to cheesecake filling. Typically, it is blessed along with the Kulich and eggs, and then spread on slices of Kulich when it is eaten each morning. Like most traditional foods, every family's recipe is different. I tend to make the same recipe for the Kulich each year, but like to change ...
Strawberry Iced Tea
I served this at hubby's birthday at it went down a treat. It looks really fancy, but is very easy to make. Use any fruity tea bags you like, or even plain old black or green tea would work, although you might want to squash some of the berries in that case to get more berry flavour.Strawberry Iced Teamakes 2 litres4 fruity tea bags (I used Twinings Cranberry and ...
Kulich for Easter – Russian Easter Sweet Bread
Kulich is a sweet Easter bread and a part of the Russian Orthodox Easter tradition. Hubby's family is Russian Orthodox, so I was quite excited to take up this tradition in our house. The bread is similar to the Italian Panettone. Traditionally, the Kulich, along with coloured hard boiled eggs is blessed by the Priest before the Easter Mass. It is then eaten as the first food ...
