Baking, part one.

03rd February 2011

Tomorrow is going to be mad baking day in preparation for the evening, but given that it’s only Mum and I going and Dad is staying at home, I decided to bake him a treat today so he doesn’t get left out.

I had a bar of Chilli chocolate from Thorntons knocking around (I may have bought a few too many of these once upon a time, I love it, but I’m a little sick of it) and a recipe for Chocolate Orange chunk cookies, so decided to have a play and sub the Orange for Chilli and see what happened!

The result an amazing smelling house (it’s worth making these for the smell alone), cookies with a light, cake type texture and a very happy Dad!

Look at that chunk! SO good.
And yes, they are a little anaemic looking but personally I am a fan of slightly underdone cookies…

Want to have a go at making these? Here’s the recipe, found on Recipe Network

250g butter, softened;
50g caster sugar;
100g light muscovado sugar; (I used all Caster Sugar)
300g self-raising flour;
2 tbsp milk;
175g orange-flavoured dark chocolate, roughly chopped; (subbed for Chilli Chocolate)
50g pecan nuts, roughly chopped. (Left out because I had none!)

Beat together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour and milk, mix well then stir in the chocolate and nuts.

Divide the mixture into 18 equal portions. Roughly shape each portion into a ball. Put on lined baking sheets making sure they are well spaced out. Lightly flatten each biscuit.

Bake for 15-20 minutes at 180c/fan 160/gas 4, until lightly golden around the edges but still a bit soft in the middle. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slighty before eating.

These were such a hit I’m going to experiment with other flavours of chocolate, Green and Blacks Butterscotch is begging to be tried as are some of Thorntons latest offerings (mango or banana perhaps?)

Let me know if you make these, and if you experiment with some fun flavours!

I’ll post the cheesecake recipe and malteaser cupcake recipe tomorrow

xxx

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03.02

03rd February 2011

Guess who couldn’t come up with a post title!

Today is the end of the working week for me, 12 hours feels kind of measly, I’d be doing full time if I could!
It’s been a good week, I’ve learnt new things and challenged myself with snacks AND meals, hurrah!
Tomorrow will be a baking day in preparation for an American Supper hosted by one of the Doctor’s at work; I’m making key lime cheesecake and some malteaser cupcakes (because no-one could agree)

But back to today (or rather, yesterday as this is what I wore then)

Someone mentioned on formspring that they didn’t see how I could get away with some of my outfits for work…
Well, the only rule when it comes to workwear is NO JEANS. Pretty much anything else goes (although no boobs/bum hanging out). Everything I’ve worn to date has been met with approval and someone (er, Mum) would soon tell me if what I’d chosen wasn’t okay…so no worries there. It’s kind of nice, to be able to go smart one day (I like to feel smart for work) but on blah days to opt for something that I feel comfortable and confident in. So yeah!

Hope everyone is having a good week
xoxo

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comfort clothes

02nd February 2011

Tuesday was one of those days where nothing I put on felt right. Outfits that seemed perfect in my head, were in reality, quite dire. Desperate and on the verge of running late for work I racked my brains for something I knew would make me feel presentable (not an easy feat when it’s grey and drizzly outside) and opted for my River Island leopard print skirt. The cut of this is so flattering and the swishy nature injects a little bit of fun!

At the other end of the comfort spectrum, you can’t beat PJs! This amazing pair was made for me by the wonderful Char (at my request of long and baggy!) Girl did good!

Close up of the fabric

Someone else getting comfortable!

Other things making me cheery right now…

Mum clearly read my blog and bought me my first Valentine (haha)

She’s such a cutie.

My new favourite hair care…I won some Umbertto Gianni goodies before Christmas and loved them. I was in Boots the other day and saw the full sized products on 3 for £10 (they sell for around £5 each)

I’m especially impressed with the overnight mask. I was a bit worried it’d make a mess of my pillow but it absorbed in to my hair well, and I woke up with softer hair than I’ve had in ages!

(sorry the outfit photos are such bad quality, I’m struggling with light etc at the moment)
xxx

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Valentines at Matalan

01st February 2011

I know, I know it’s just another day (not to mention I am little miss ALWAYS single and have never had a Valentine) but when I saw these gorgeous goods from Matalan I could help but share…and who’s to say I can’t be my own Valentine?

Fancy showing your sexy side? I LOVE these, especially the polka dots!