Cookie Monster! Cupcakes

Following on from my Easter weekend baking exploits; making cakes for my nephews 2nd birthday. I couldn't resist making some Cookie Monster cupcakes (he loves his cookie monster t-shirt after all). And I am glad I did when they were met with an 'ooooh' and even a 'no, mine!' as we tried to share them out!

And the great thing is, they were not difficult to make. Honest!

Little Balls of Fun - Cake Pops!

A special cake pop gift for my niece

Since seeing cake pops online I thought they were mega cute. And when my sister-in-law asked me to make Oreo cupcakes for my nephews 2nd birthday party, I thought it was also a perfect opportunity to make cake pops for all the kids - fun, bite-size cakes (well not so much bite-size for the kids!)

Now even though it is a bit of work, I have to say these looked pretty spectacular so were well worth the effort. They were a big hit with the kids...and adults!

Too Gooey Brownies?!

After heading to a 50's style American Diner at the weekend for a burger, and seeing the inevitable brownie on the dessert list, I decided to make some. I've never made brownies before but I love them (who doesn't?!); simple no-fuss chewy chocolate brownies.

I found my recipe on AllRecipes.co.uk, there were several and most had good reviews so opted for one that had no nuts (did I mention I don't like nuts of any kind, legume or human! Ha ha!) and used melted chocolate rather than cocoa.

Oreo Cupcakes

Looks good enough to eat!

Since seeing these delights on many a blog and tweet, I've had these stored as a 'to-do' for a few months and just couldn't wait any longer to make them! I got my recipe from the blog 'A Cup Full of Cake' - which I halved and adapted slightly.

Unfortunately I don't have a stand mixer so have shyed away from the Swiss Meringue buttercream, opting for simple buttercream instead (this was a new recipe I tried which personally I didn't like very much so you might want to stick to your favourite). I'd be interested to try it with Swiss Meringue frosting in the future.

It got a rise out of me

Sometimes there is nothing nicer than tucking into a fresh piece of bread, whether just slathered in butter or a chunky homemade sarnie. So a couple of weekends ago I thought I'd give making bread a try for the first time.

My bread after the second
prove, ready to go in the oven

I got the recipe from Jamie Oliver’s cook book ‘Happy Days with the Naked Chef’. Now the first thing to note about this recipe is that it would make a good 2 loaves of bread - I reduced it by 1/4 but in future I would halve it, unless I was having guests (although I suppose you could always freeze a loaf).

With the recipe I made a large loaf. And as an experiment, I added some sultanas to a small piece of dough (kneading it in) to make an oversized roll, which came out very well. Also this recipe didn't achieve a crusty exterior, so this may not be the best recipe if you like crusty bread.

Cakey Cookies

I'm new to the blogging concept but having just launched this site I thought I would dive-in and add a quick post...and what better way to start than an old favourite. Chocolate chip cookies. 

So on Sunday afternoon relaxing at home with my partner, he suddenly voiced his hankering for some of my cookies, and to be honest I was only glad to - I mean, who am I to resist such a reasonable request! So forthwith I went to the kitchen and made some of my faithful Cakey Cookies and in less than 1 hour we were enjoying some deliciously warm homemade delights.