Saturday, 8 June 2013

Apple and Raspberry Crumble with Custard



I am the world's luckiest housemate as Laura has once again decided to bake me treats during my examination period whilst I appreciate, relish and photograph this classic crumble with a fruity twist (what hard work it was for me!). Laura used a BBC recipe which I have pasted at the bottom of the entry. This was a dish filled with such crumbly goodness I felt like I had drifted into the English countryside, sitting by a fireside with scene of swans swimming in an outdoor lake. I had to buy all the ingredients again the next day just to make some more. What if you are in the mood for something a little not so classic though? Or what if you're not so much a fan of sour fruit in dessert (like me)? I would say substitute the apples and raspberries for bananas instead and perhaps use chocolate custard instead. That's what I'll be making during my revision break later this evening!

Here is the original recipe below! Click here for the BBC link. 

Ingredients

For the crumble
For the filling

Preparation method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
  2. Place the flour and sugar in a large bowl and mix well. Taking a few cubes of butter at a time rub into the flour mixture. Keep rubbing until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. Place the fruit in a large bowl and sprinkle over the sugar, flour and cinnamon. Stir well being careful not to break up the fruit.
  4. Butter a 24cm/9in ovenproof dish. Spoon the fruit mixture into the bottom, then sprinkle the crumble mixture on top.
  5. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until the crumble is browned and the fruit mixture bubbling.
  6. Serve with thick cream or custard.

Thursday, 16 May 2013

California Bakery Milano





This has already made me excited for the summer! As we welcome the oncoming heat, it wouldn't hurt to try a few drink concoctions either. Here are a few I found on California Bakery Milano's food blog:

Spuma Julep (Spuma nera, Rum, Lime, Menta, Ghiaccio)
Lady Cosmopolitan (Spuma bianca, Vodka, Contreau, Cranberry, Lime, Ghiaccio)

Mojito (Rum, Foglie di menta, Zucchero di canna, Ghiaccio)
Spritz (Prosecco, Aperol, Soda, Fetta d’arancia)
Bloody Mary (Succo di pomodoro, Vodka, Tabasco, Limone, Pepe)
Virgin Mojito (Ginger Ale, Foglie di menta, Zucchero di canna, Ghiaccio)
Negroni (Campari, Gin, Martini rosso)
Americano (Campari, Soda, Martini rosso)

Friday, 10 May 2013

Sprinkles Cupcakes






My latest cupcakery find. Now I would travel to Palo Alto for a taste of these celebrity cupcakes. What a CV these cupcakes have built! Check them out here: www.sprinkles.com. 

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

The Cupcake Maker






I was very impressed by my housemate's results following a simple recipe on the back of her cupcake maker box. I was even happier when she delegated me the role of 'cupcake taster', which meant I could sit and watch her make them, eat them, then give my opinions...all that hard work made me hungry! Haha, I did take these photos too so at least my fingers got some exercise. I will admit my skepticism before she began but never will I doubt the power of the little cupcake maker again! Click here for my A-Store to check out the dream machine.
Is it missing from your kitchen? 

Thursday, 18 April 2013

Pierre Hermé Macarons



The flavours from left to right: Chocolat Porcelana, Praline Noisette, Salted Butter Caramel, Hazelnut Praline. Delicious. They gives Laduree macarons a run for their money. 

Monday, 8 April 2013

Matthew Kenney Cuisine: Lemon Poppyseed Cupcakes







Raw, vegan and pretty...unbelievable! Check out more creations at:
http://matthewkenneycuisine.tumblr.com

Marks & Spencer's Percy Pigs

O2's free gift yesterday: Percy Pigs! Fruit wine gums that come in two flavours, strawberry and raspberry, as indicated by their ears. They are so pink and soft I just love squishing them....