Feb 24, 2010

Macaroons....


I have wanted to try and make macaroons ever since I fell in love with them on a visit to Paris two years ago. My friend Dawn who lived there introduced me to all her favourite sweets and I have never forgotten the amazing little almond meringue type rounds that filled my mouth with amazing velvety textures and soft flavours.
On Sunday I tried them out and even though they need some perfecting they were still amazing and suprisingly easy to make. And now the recipe.....

Chocolate macaroons

125g icing sugar
1 tbsp cocoa
100g ground almonds
2 medium egg whites
50g milk or dark chocolate
2 tsp warmed milk


Sift the icing sugar and cocoa into a bowl, then stir in the ground almonds. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold them into the dry ingredients.

Fill an icing bag fitted with a plain nozzle with the mixture (or put in a large food bag and snip off the corner).
Pipe about 24 small blobs, about 3cm across, onto the baking sheet lined with baking paper.

Smooth the surface with a wet finger, then leave for 15 mins to dry out. Bake for 15-20 mins until macaroons feel firm to the touch and peel easily off the paper.
Cool on the paper
To make the filling, melt the chocolate and stir in the warm milk until smooth. Leave to cool and thicken a little, then use to sandwich the macaroons together.
Enjoy....simply delicious.

Feb 18, 2010

My Fool Proof Carrot Cake


Try this recipe and I promise you will not regret it. Delicious and moist with a frosting that will keep you going back for more.

Carrot Cake

300g grated carrot
150g dark brown sugar
150g light brown sugar
4 eggs
250ml sunflower oil
80g chopped walnuts
80g raisins
300g self raising flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl in order given.
Add the raisins and nuts and mix well.
Mix the dry ingredients together with a whisk to combine well and then add to the wet ingredients.
Pour into baking tin of choice and bake in 180'C for about 40 minutes.

Perfect Frosting
130g very soft butter
160g icing sugar
200g cream cheese
Grated rind of 1 orange (optional)

Mix in order given with an electric whisk till smooth.
Ice your cake and enjoy....