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April 16, 2006

Easter "Indian" Feast.

We had some friends over for Easter and we had an eclectic mix of drinks and food, the underlying theme being Indian. It was the first time I made 'punch' and I couldn't believe how simple it was to pour together a fantastic party drink. I am calling it "Peach & Mint Punch". It was lovely and refreshing. It was accompanied by some oven roasted chilli nuts. A word of caution here ... too many will probably upset your tummy as it did to some of us.

Lunch was Vegetable Pulao [Pilau], Chhola [Chickpea Curry with Potatoes], Palak Paneer [Cottage Cheese with Spinach], Shahi Chicken [Royal Creamy Chicken Curry], Pineapple & Mint Yoghurt Cooler, Pappadums, Spicy Mango Pickle & Salad. We washed it off with some cold coffee and ice cream after a decent gap of 1 hour. The food was yummy and the company was great. We had a lovely Easter afternoon lunch with the kids reaching for the Easter eggs kept in a basket at a height, every now and then.

Posted by Gel at 10:31 AM | | Comments (1)   

April 9, 2006

Weekend Project 4 : Buttercream

Since there was no weekend project last week as we were busy loafing around and taking some time off at the St.Ives Fair, this week's weekend project came around early. I have been wanting to practice making really nice buttercream for the 3 birthday cakes I have chalked up for me this month. Last night I was perusing some of Debbie Brown's Cake Books. They are beautiful!! Even if you can't make the gorgeous stuff she comes up with, it will give you plenty of inspiration to adapt and evolve. I made the Madeira Sponge Cake with a few minor changes and it turned out just perfect. Debbie is right, if you want to shape a cake for a birthday party, Madeira Sponge is the way to go. I also made some delicious Lemon Buttercream and some Vanilla Buttercream. Very glossy, smooth and creamy; it was a success. I have to now just use the basic recipe and adapt for different flavours.

Posted by Gel at 9:23 AM | | Comments (0)   

April 4, 2006

Accidental Flatcakes

So the initial plan was to bake banana and chocolate chip muffins for the Tuesday Playgroup, but I ended up with an accidental winner. A Flatcake!! I don't really think there is such a thing as a flatcake, especially when one intended it to be a muffin, but a flatcake it was and the kids loved it. I started out making Banana & Choc Chip Muffins. Since I had to make a large quantity and my muffin pan makes only 6, I improvised and put the batter in paper cupcake molds. Because I din't put them in a pan where they would get a defined shape, they spread and flattened in the paper cups while cooking. The result was still delicious but funnily shaped, more like fat chubby cookies. It actually turned out easier for the kids to hold in their adorable little hands and nibble on, just like a biscuit!! So, I am going to call them "Banana & Choc Chip Flatcakes". I am putting up the recipe on the sit soon, it is very easy indeed.

Posted by Gel at 5:29 PM | | Comments (0)   

April 3, 2006

Recent Gastronomic Adventures

We have been enjoying a rollercoaster ride of various tastes recently. The whole of last week turned out to be one big tasting session. We tried out pizzas from two new local pizzerias. One was mediocre, but the other one called "Hunta's Pizza" was very satisfying indeed. We tried out their 'Beer Nuts' and 'Pig Belly' pizzas. Yes, the names are quite interesting and amusing at times, but they taste great. 'Beer Nuts' was roast chicken on a bed of Satay sauce sprinkled liberally with sweet roasted red pepper and roasted cashewnuts. 'Pig Belly' was gorgeous with goeey cheese, crunchy caramelised onions, egg and bacon.
The weekend began with lunch at our local "Blu Water Grill" Cafe. It is one of our favourite haunts for that ocassional something. There was a crispness in the air and the chill coupled with the warm drafts emanating from the outdoor heaters made our al fresco experience very cosy. We sampled succulent lamb burgers with fries, beautiful prawns braised in simmering olive oil, garlic and herbs served in a cast iron pot with wood-fired bread followed by dessert. The homemade tiramisu was a gorgeous concoction of layers of soft marsala soaked sponge fingers, cheese, cream and drizzles of coffee. The Brulee Of The Day had a lingering coconut aftertaste and a crunchy caramelised sugar topping.
A lazy Sunday spent at the massive St.Ives Showgrounds browsing the Heritage Craft Fair & Markets turned out to be very rewarding. Lunch was Chicken Satay and Thai Noodles followed up with 'Poffertjes', the little Dutch beauties that melt in your mouth. Oooh, I am a convert!! I think these little pancakes are plain delightful with strawberries and cream. We went on a tasting spree and bought caramelised macadamias [yum!!], red onion chilli jam [can't wait to cook with it], homemade chocolate and plain shortbread and warm fresh apple pie!! Need I say more .....??

Posted by Gel at 9:55 AM | | Comments (0)