tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32576005619266368632024-03-12T18:37:32.225-07:00A Moment with Madam MekoThe Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-80674444581419399502013-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:002013-12-03T14:53:31.123-08:00Dreaming of an Ombre Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First week into December and now I have really switched into Christmas mode! We actually spent last weekend Christmas shopping, never have I been so organised! And although I may be organised in a present sense I am not yet organised from a decoration sense. Although I must say, I have got it sorted out all in the thoughts of my crazy mind.......well that's a start right?! I would be lost without Pinterest, if I had no platform to scrap book all the designs I want to incorporate for my Christmas, I would literally be in one big colourful Christmas mess! And I must say, those big colourful Christmas messes do exist. Last week I had the privilege (or should I say disadvantage) to be invited into my bosses home, only to have my retinas burnt by what I could only describe as Santa's vomit all over the walls! Never have I seen a house so overly decorated with no one colour scheme being utilised, but instead a frantic display of every Christmas decoration they could find in any department store to create their Santa wonderland.......and a wonderland it really wasn't!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So my inclination for our Christmas decorations this year is to embrace brighter pastel colours, floral centre pieces, rag garlands and incorporate the one and only 'ombre'. A popular craze this year that I have blogged and referenced frequently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I've done some pinning, organized my ideas and feel all prepped and ready to start creating this weekend. This year will be about creating, as i sure as hell haven't seen this stuff in the stores! Wish me luck! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Image credits and the full Pinterest board can be found <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/leeedwina/an-ombre-christmas/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-22608213616761188742013-11-12T20:03:00.000-08:002013-11-12T20:03:29.261-08:00Heating up for Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Christmas is exactly 6 weeks away, can you believe it?! Where has this year gone? It only feels like yesterday that I was planning my Christmas table for last year! But rather than drag out the same old Christmas decorations and start to prep for the same old Christmas pud and fruit cake why not heat things up this year and incorporate some of the hottest food and party trends of 2013 into your Christmas celebrations? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So over the next few weeks the blog will be hi-jacked by all things hot for Christmas. But first lets capture the basics and see how to incorporate the years hottest trends into the year's biggest and most festive celebration of all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Fruit cake's a bit ho-hum......but lets try some Do-nut-yum!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1SRSRsM4uQ/UoLXsK9nNDI/AAAAAAAABx0/TFbRZh0RcI0/s1600/foods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1SRSRsM4uQ/UoLXsK9nNDI/AAAAAAAABx0/TFbRZh0RcI0/s640/foods.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Don't forget the hottest food trends that have made quite the impression this year......donuts, popcorn, whoopie pies and marshmallows! Make them 'Christmassy' and consider flavouring them with eggnog, gingerbread, brandy or spiced fruit. And what about the popcorn? Well the flavours you could create are endless! Forget the candy cane popcorn everyone makes and maybe try something a little different like white chocolate and eggnog flavoured, gingerbread and chocolate, or even cinnamon sugared popcorn! My mouth is watering just thinking of all these ideas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Chill out this Christmas.......</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibNU_T5pZig/UoLXs9BqNAI/AAAAAAAAByM/EaV3aaTjN1U/s1600/icecreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibNU_T5pZig/UoLXs9BqNAI/AAAAAAAAByM/EaV3aaTjN1U/s640/icecreams.jpg" width="544" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Winter ice cream flavours were very popular this year and even though we don't experience a white Christmas in Australia doesn't mean we still can't enjoy wintery ice creams with all the great spicy flavours of Christmas. How about Christmas Pud ice cream, or Mince Pie ice cream? Or better still, ditch the pudding all together on our summery Christmas day and enjoy a Christmas Pudding Semi Freddo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ditch the Red & Green!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All things ombre have featured a lot this year, whether it be in cakes, clothing or hairstyles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I just love these ombre
glass ball balls and Santa stockings I came across on Pinterest. And I love the pink and blue colours too. You would know from
years before that I've never been one for the traditional red and green
Christmas. This year consider using a different colour palette than the traditional, but
just make sure you don't get too bright! Subtle hints of colour are the way to go.
Neutral colours were very popular this year in decorating and should be
used as a basis for your Christmas palette too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Garlands have also been a
hit this year, whether made from tissue paper, ribbon, paper or material strips, they are an
easy addition as Christmas decorations or even to decorate your tree
with. Forget the tinsel and try some garlands!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Get flavouring! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just
because it's Christmas doesn't mean you have to stick to the
traditional fare. Incorporate the hottest flavours of 2013 into your
Christmas and consider using Salted Caramel Brandy Butter or making a
Salted Caramel Christmas Pud, opt for Caramel Pies over the traditional
mince or whip up a batch of Honey Gingerbread cakes rather than
gingerbread cookies. Don't forget peanut butter and wild pairings in
your Christmas baking too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As always full image credits and the entire Pinterest inspiration board can be found <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/leeedwina/xmas-new-years-ideas-using-the-hottest-party-trend/" target="_blank">here</a>. And if you would like to re-read my past blog posts on the hottest food and party trends for this year see the links below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/whats-party-trending-for-2013.html" target="_blank">What's party trending for 2013?</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/we-are-going-sweet-treat-craze-y.html" target="_blank">We are going sweet treat craze-y! </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/its-wrap.html" target="_blank">It's a wrap!</a></span></div>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-7049927459261009772013-10-26T00:22:00.001-07:002013-10-26T00:22:59.737-07:00Boycotting the Halloween Kitsch!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Halloween next week, my thoughts have shifted to spooky and scary decorating and baking ideas. Even though we don't celebrate it largely in Australia, I'll take any excuse to get a bit festive and get into the spirit of things. But I must tell you, I am so OVER the crappy kitsch Halloween decorations that you find in the shops and all the gruesome baked treats that are made to mimic bloody fingers, eyeballs, brains and ghosts. Do we seriously need to decorate our houses with fake cobwebs, plastic skeletons and witches hats and make monster face cake pops? I think not. I'm so over it! So this year my Halloween inspiration ideas are simple yet classic, using this years trends with some bold colour ideas, with no plastic skeletons or cotton wool cob webs in sight!</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">CHEVRON & STRIPES</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just love love love these festive Halloween wreaths and painted pumpkins I came across on Pinterest. Chevron and stripes have been very big this year, and how easy is it to mask up a few different size pumpkins with masking tape and spray them with some spray paint? Or make your own wreath with a cardboard circle wrapped in some simple stripy or chevron fabric. Keep your colour schemes simple though black, white and maybe a hint of orange and green. Which leads me to my next idea!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxxv4DO0izc/UmtZczV3t1I/AAAAAAAABxc/Xpxb72zt4dA/s1600/stripesandchevron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxxv4DO0izc/UmtZczV3t1I/AAAAAAAABxc/Xpxb72zt4dA/s640/stripesandchevron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">THE BLACK AND THE WHITE OF IT ALL</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I think you would agree that sometimes Halloween can look a little OTT with all that orange, green purple and red, all on top of the traditional black and white colour scheme. But why not get back to basics and keep it classic and simple with stark black and white decorations. Spray different types of pumpkins in bold black and white imagery and patterns, decorate your house with different sized black and white candles, and get creative with black and white foods and baked treats. Use hints of orange and green for little bursts of colour. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SWEET AS PUMPKIN</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Right you won't find any cakes or cupcakes that look like ghosts or ghoulies here. This Halloween embrace the actual pumpkin in your baking, rather than making your baking look like pumpkins! Ditch the Halloween kitsch and get creative with pumpkin! Try these <a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/pumpkin-oreo-cheesecake-bars/" target="_blank">pumpkin Oreo cheesecake bars</a>, <a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/2013/10/pumpkin-spice-oatmeal-cookie-cups/" target="_blank">pumpkin spiced oatmeal cookie cups</a> or <a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/pumpkin-pretzel-bites/" target="_blank">pumpkin spiced pretzel bites</a> as featured below. Or simply whip up a traditional pumpkin pie or a loaf of pumpkin bread served with lashings of butter. Yum!</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MILK AND COOKIES</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can't forget the kids at Halloween, especially given it's mostly about them anyway! And what better way to celebrate after a night out trick or treating than some milk and cookies. Again, we don't need the kitschy baked treats that can often look scarier than they're meant to, instead keep your cookies rustic, simple and of course cute. Matched with some classic bottles of milk themed with black and white stripy straws, it will be the perfect end to a spooky night. And for those young and heart adults maybe try adding a bit of baileys to that milk!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my full Pinterest board inspiration and image credits click <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/leeedwina/halloween-treats-and-party-ideas/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Halloween!</span></div>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-78443917930910239632013-10-13T03:06:00.000-07:002013-10-13T16:13:33.411-07:00Some spooky Halloween cupcakes!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Halloween only a couple of weeks away now, we thought we would share with you a really cute spider web cupcake decorating idea for all those spooky little sweet tooth's out there! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>You'll need:</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Vanilla frosting (bought or homemade)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>Palette knife</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Toothpicks</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>3 x piping bags</i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) Make your cupcakes and set aside to cool</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) If making frosting, combine 2 cups of icing sugar with 2 tbls butter, 2 tbls milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla essence and beat until smooth and fluffy with an electric mixer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) Split frosting into 4 bowls and c</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">olour 3 of them with your black, orange and purple food gels (just use one or two drops until you reach your desired colour)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) Fill 3 piping bags with each of the coloured frostings, leaving the white aside</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) Watch the video <a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Owg4tIvE7BI&feature=youtu.be&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOwg4tIvE7BI%26feature%3Dyoutu.be" target="_blank">here</a> to see how to decorate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy Halloween!</span></div>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-11760520135979947642013-09-22T21:54:00.000-07:002013-09-22T21:54:51.054-07:00Not just another Grand Final party..........<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you are hosting a Grand Final party this Saturday, I urge you, please please please think outside the square when it comes to your footy party food! Don't expose your guests to yet another frozen party pie or sausage roll! Give them a Grand Final party to remember and incorporate a little bit of gourmet into the mix. But better still incorporate this years hottest party trends into your party to give your guests something to really cheer for! Potato chips don't just have to be potato chips, party pies don't have to be just the same old party pies, and beer snacks do not just need to be your boring old beer snacks! Ive put together some simple ideas as some food for thought, some more simple than others, but each with their own individual wow factors!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Get Gourmet!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yes OK, I admit it, a little food prep will be involved here, but roll your sleeves up and cast aside the frozen pre packaged rubbish and make your own gourmet party pies, sausage rolls, hot dogs and even potato skins. Nothing beats a homemade pie with pastry from scratch. Explore different flavours with Mini Beef and Guinness Pies, Moroccan Lamb pies, or how about Ale and Cider Pork Party Pies?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Create a Food Station!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">You've heard be babble on about how hot food stations are this year, so why not incorporate one into your Grand Final party? This is where you <i>can</i> dress up the easy frozen or packet food but make it look gourmet. How about a potato chip bar, or better still a hot chip bar with different sauces and herbs and spices to coat them in? Let your guests build their own gourmet hot dogs with their choices of condiments and relishes. All very simple to set up yet can look very impressive with the right serving ware....think tin buckets or brightly coloured pails, paper cones made wrapped in newspaper, or even simple noodle boxes. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Get your hot donuts!"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Footy wouldn't be footy without hot jam donuts! But don't buy them, give them the homemade touch and make your own! And get creative with your flavours too, they do not just have to be filled with jam, check out our recipe for Turkish delight flavoured donuts <a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/its-not-cronutits-not-zonutits-monut.html" target="_blank">here</a>. But donuts don't just have to be donuts either.....they could be hot dogs too! Combine two footy favourites into one tasty snack, like the maple bacon wrapped hot dogs in a donut bun featured below. Heart attack on a plate I know, but it is one of those 'wild pairings' that may just need to be tried!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Mix the sweet with the savoury!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We all get a bit crazy around this time of year, so why not get a bit crazy with your footy snack foods too! I love these ideas I found of choc dipped potato chips and these very out there bar snacks by <i>themoonlightbaker.com, </i>set with pretzel crust, smoked almond blondie base, potato chip top and dark chocolate drizzle! Wow what a mouthful! Or if you are short on time after all your baking, just simply dip some pretzels in chocolate, get our recipe <a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/these-pretzels-are-making-meirish.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Pinterest board with full image credits and loads more inspiration can be found </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/leeedwina/ideas-for-an-afl-grand-final-party/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Grand Final Day!</span></div>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-33362834798740042622013-09-05T18:13:00.001-07:002013-09-05T18:13:37.795-07:00It's a wrap!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Its taken us just under 3 months, but we've done it! We've now completed every 'sweet treat craze of 2013' giving you all great little recipes or ideas to try at home and ensure you are up there trending with the latest when it comes to desserts and sweet treats. It was back in June when Mr Meko and I read the article that featured in the Herald Sun on the top sweet treats for the year (read it<a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/food/spanish-doughnuts-and-popping-candy-are-contenders-for-the-title-of-new-favourite-sugary-treat-for-2013/story-fni0dgie-1226654870910" target="_blank"> here</a>), and 3 months later, and dare I say it a couple of kilos heavier, we've covered them all off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I thought I would summarise for you the list and the links to the different blogs for easy access to your favourite recipes and ideas. We've had some great feedback on them all via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest and have more than proved that these flavours and ideas are all very hot right now.</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/we-are-going-sweet-treat-craze-y.html" target="_blank">Marshmallows</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/a-popcorn-flavour-that-really-satisfies.html" target="_blank">Popcorn </a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/a-popcorn-flavour-that-really-satisfies.html" target="_blank">Caramel </a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/amaze-balls.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/cake-pops-are-just-so-last-year.html" target="_blank">Sweets on a Stick</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/50-shades-of-pink.html" target="_blank">Ombre Cakes</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/an-ice-cream-to-warm-your-winter-taste.html" target="_blank">Winter Ice cream Flavours</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/boo-its-name-cake_4.html" target="_blank">Peek-a-boo cakes</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/happy-anniversary-honey.html" target="_blank">Honey</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/its-not-cronutits-not-zonutits-monut.html" target="_blank">Donuts</a></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/cray-cray-crazy-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Wild Pairings</a></span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So Mr Meko and I are now going to retreat from the sweets for a couple of weeks and try and get our diets back on track......eeeeeek sugar detox! But we were glad to be the test dummies for you all over the last few months......now get baking! x</span></div>
The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-70242801405787550362013-09-01T01:26:00.000-07:002013-09-01T01:26:19.878-07:00A Rocky Road to go Crais-y about!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided this year for the annual Fathers Day family get-together to whip up a batch of rocky road, not only to share with the family but also to gift to my lovely Dad (he just loves it!). But rather than the traditional rocky road of peanuts, marshmallows and glace cherries we decided to put a different spin on it. Standing in the fruit and nut section of the supermarket yesterday, Mr Meko and I brainstormed different combinations of fruit and nuts that might work well together. Apricot and coconut? Dried pear and fig? I think even blue cheese and fig got thrown out there as an idea! Eeeek!! But when Mr Meko suggested craisins, macadamia nuts and coconut, I knew it would be a winning combo......and needless to say it definitely was a hit! So I thought I would share the recipe for you to try. All too easy (as any rocky road recipe is) and just a little bit different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy x</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-844FPxErCLA/UiLz2nE8DrI/AAAAAAAABvw/y7vN95IrjHA/s1600/IMG_craisinrockyroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-844FPxErCLA/UiLz2nE8DrI/AAAAAAAABvw/y7vN95IrjHA/s640/IMG_craisinrockyroad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Craisin, Macadamia & Coconut Rocky Road</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">325g pink & white marshmallows</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">150g craisins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">100g moist coconut flakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">225g macadamia halves (roasted in the oven)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">300g dark couverture chocolate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">375g milk chocolate melts</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Grease and line a small baking tray with silicon paper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Melt your milk and dark chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between until melted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Meanwhile, place you marshmallows, craisins, coconut and macadamia nuts in a bowl. Pour 3/4 of your chocolate over the dry ingredients and mix well to cover.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Pour your mix out into your tray and spread out. Pour the remaining chocolate over the top and smooth out using a spatula.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Place in the refrigerator until set. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>N.B</i> Cover with glad wrap once set to avoid the chocolate sweating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Cut into chunks and serve.</span><br />
<br />The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-20683566226386016932013-08-26T19:08:00.000-07:002013-08-26T19:08:16.062-07:00Choc-a-block for Fathers Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I just realised it's Fathers Day this weekend! Eeeek! How the back end of the year has crept up on us all! So if you are like me and have organised zilch-o for your Dad for Sunday I thought it might help you to know what's out there ready to buy and ready to go! I've focused on chocolate gifts here as what man doesn't like chocolate? (regardless of what they tell you!) And as far as I'm concerned the likes of Bunnings vouchers and bottles of wine can be reserved for birthdays and Christmas, but special days like Fathers Day represent love and appreciation which is always best said with chocolate. I've featured my top 8 chocolate gifts for Dad, but there are many more gifts available on these sites that may suit your budget and style better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happy Fathers Day!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5W5TiCKTZJ8/UhwCuMwjhiI/AAAAAAAABvg/BfkgpWJySbQ/s1600/fathersdaycomp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5W5TiCKTZJ8/UhwCuMwjhiI/AAAAAAAABvg/BfkgpWJySbQ/s640/fathersdaycomp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Cacao Fine Chocolates and Patisserie</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.cacao.com.au/chocolates-selections/cacao-truffle-selection" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cacao Truffle Selection from $46.00</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For locations click<a href="http://www.cacao.com.au/Stores.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>here </a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>2. Darrell Lea</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://dlea.com.au/fathers-day-dad-s-bag.html" target="_blank">Dad's Bag from $25.00</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Available at Coles, Woolies, IGA and Australia Post Shops</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. Max Brenner</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shop.maxbrenner.com.au/c-22-fathers-day.aspx" target="_blank">The Ultimate Chocolate Experience from $33.50</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For locations <span style="font-size: small;">click <a href="http://www.maxbrenner.com.au/locations/" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Haigs Ch<span style="font-size: small;">ocolates</span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.haighschocolates.com.au/chocolate-type/fathers-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Milk <span style="font-size: small;">& Dark <span style="font-size: small;">Selection in Black Ha<span style="font-size: small;">mper Tin from $59.75</span></span></span> </span></span></a></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.haighschocolates.com.au/chocolate-type/fathers-day/" target="_blank"> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">F<span style="font-size: small;">or locations click <a href="http://www.haighschocolates.com.au/store-finder/" target="_blank">here</a></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>5. </b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ganache Chocolate</span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ganache.com.au/shop/item/fathers-day-gift-bag-25/seasonal-products" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Fathers Day Gift Bag from $25.00 </span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For locations click <a href="http://www.ganache.com.au/contact.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>6. Koko Black</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kokoblack.com/shop/shop/gift-ideas.html" target="_blank">Fathers Day Gift Boxes from $23.00</a></span></span><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">$1 of every Father's Day Gift boxes sold will be donated to Beyond Blue</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For locations click <a href="http://www.kokoblack.com/salon/royal-arcade/" target="_blank">here </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>7. Chocolate Box</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.chocolatebox.com.au/catalogue/fathers-day/dad-youre-a-star-bag_177/" target="_blank">Dads Selection Bag from $25.00</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For locations click <a href="https://www.chocolatebox.com.au/stores/" target="_blank">here</a></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. Edible Blooms</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.edibleblooms.com.au/p/worth-your-weight-in-gold/319" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worth your weight in Gold from $42.00</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Delivers Australia wide<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-62235502750502306352013-08-24T03:10:00.000-07:002013-08-24T03:10:08.572-07:00Cray-cray-crazy cupcakes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvZcKSF3b5c/UhhsR8s_1ZI/AAAAAAAABvQ/L5WcsKtEwd4/s1600/honeymustardcupcakes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvZcKSF3b5c/UhhsR8s_1ZI/AAAAAAAABvQ/L5WcsKtEwd4/s640/honeymustardcupcakes3.jpg" width="440" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this is the last blog as part of the series of 'sweet treat crazes of 2013' that I have been working through these last couple of months. We've covered all the hot sweet trends this year from ombre cakes to popcorn, donuts to peanut butter and even winter ice cream flavours (just to name a few!). Last cab of the rank is the idea of 'wild pairings', or more commonly known as two flavours that you would never imagine would be palatable. I researched a lot for this blog and settled on the idea of cupcake as my base. But this wouldn't be just any cupcake, I was adamant to create a cupcake flavour that:</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a) had not been done before, by anyone; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">b) would make you go 'really?' whilst screwing your face up; and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">c) go 'oh wow that actually is really yum!' after consuming it. And I'm happy to say that after the all important taste test this afternoon (not only on us but also on members of my family too) I think I have ticked all three boxes. So what is the flavour I hear you ask? Well it's based on the idea of the chili and chocolate combination, where you get the heat of the chili cut against the sweetness of the chocolate to reveal a perfectly balanced combination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So drum roll please.... Mr Meko and I present to you, after an afternoon in the experimental kitchen, our <b>Chocolate</b> <b>Honey Mustard Cupcakes with Crispy Bacon Bits</b>. Did your face screw up when you read that? I have no doubt it did. But you do need to try this one before passing judgement, like the chili and chocolate combination you will find a perfect little cupcake harmony going on with your taste buds after one bite. Not just a flat line flavour, this cupcake has multi flavour levels that will make you want another and another. So give it a crack and enjoy x</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLwlnE_k4Gw/UhhsSOAgVNI/AAAAAAAABvM/jFJIKFoEA9s/s1600/IMG_honeymustardcupcakes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLwlnE_k4Gw/UhhsSOAgVNI/AAAAAAAABvM/jFJIKFoEA9s/s640/IMG_honeymustardcupcakes1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Honey Mustard Cupcakes </span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">with Crispy Bacon Bits</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(makes 24-30 minis)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>100g butter</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2/3 cup caster sugar</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1 tsp vanilla essence</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2 eggs, lightly beaten</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1 cup self raising flour</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1/2 tsp bi-carb soda</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1/2 cup milk</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-indent: -99999px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>honey mustard butter cream</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-indent: -99999px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>3.5 tbsp honey</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-indent: -99999px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>4 tbsp Dijon mustard</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">125g butter, room temp</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">1 cup icing sugar</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-indent: -99999px;"><i>1 lean bacon rasher, chopped into strips</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><i>1 tbsp honey (for glazing)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">reheat oven to to 180c. Line two 12 hole mini cupcake tins with paper cases.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using a mixer cream butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add eggs and mix until just combined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combine flour, cocoa and bi-carb soda. Add to creamed mixture along with the milk. Beat until just combined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spoon mixture into cases until each is 1/3rd full. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Turn out on to a wire rack to cool.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile to make your bacon pieces, heat a tablespoon of honey in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm, then glaze each strip of bacon on one side using a pastry brush. Spray a baking tray lightly with oil spray placing bacon honey side up and bake at 180c for approx 5 mins or until crispy. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next make your honey mustard by combining 3.5 tablespoons of honey with 4 tablespoons of mustard in a small bowl and microwave on high for 20 seconds. Stir until combined.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">To make butter cream, cream butter and icing sugar in an electric mixer until light, white and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl down and add your honey mustard mixture whilst you continue to beat. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Load butter cream into a piping bag and pipe on to each cupcake using a circular motion. Chop bacon strips into little squares and decorate each cupcake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-44697563138209785252013-08-18T02:19:00.003-07:002013-08-18T02:19:57.333-07:00Its not a Cronut.....it's not a Zonut......it's a MONUT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SE7-dSASL68/UhCB_O6agwI/AAAAAAAABuw/woyCiAo3fjI/s1600/IMG_donuts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SE7-dSASL68/UhCB_O6agwI/AAAAAAAABuw/woyCiAo3fjI/s640/IMG_donuts2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't realised that donuts are trending like crazy this year then you must be living under a rock! Whether they are featuring as part of a donut bar or being enjoyed over a hot chocolate as a churros, they are without a doubt the number one sweet treat this year. And I've noticed that there is some serious creativity going on with donut flavours and even some wild 'crossings' appearing with likes of 'cronuts' (a cross between a croissant and a donut) and even 'zonuts' thanks to Adriano Zumbo. So we decided to jump on the band wagon and come up with our own original donut flavour. I did a little research this week on what flavours are trending out there as far as donut fillings go and was really impressed with what I found. From pomegranate mousse filled donuts, to egg nogg and even peanut butter and jelly filled, there was some serious donut envy going on from my side of the laptop! So when I posed the question to Mr Meko "what filling should we do for our donuts?" he answered without hesitation, "Turkish delight". "Sold!" I proclaimed, being an old Turkish delightful from way back! But with all the Zonuts and Cronuts out there we decided to put our own Meko spin on our donuts and call them a 'Monut'! But is was much to my Mother's dismay who insisted they should be called a 'Mekonut', which I didn't think had the same ring to it. I had to chuckle though when I thought of calling it a 'Gonut' (using the G from our last name), but thought better of it after realising it sounded more like a part of the male anatomy than a sweet treat. So here it is, our Turkish Monuts! You won't find this recipe anywhere else, because it is fresh from the Meko experimental kitchen today. Enjoy x</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZrTGXa5YGQ/UhCB9nGT7NI/AAAAAAAABuo/ONCTvFaQq-4/s1600/IMG_donuts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZrTGXa5YGQ/UhCB9nGT7NI/AAAAAAAABuo/ONCTvFaQq-4/s400/IMG_donuts1.jpg" width="400" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Turkish 'Monuts'</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(makes 24)</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>You'll need:</b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14g dry yeast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup caster sugar plus 2 tblsp</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pinch salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups plain flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">220g butter, chilled & cubed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 eggs, lightly beaten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">vegetable oil for frying</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Icing</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups icing sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 tblsp water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp rose water essence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">80g pistachios, crushed</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Filling</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">250g traditional Turkish delight pieces </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup water</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #30291d; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Heat milk over a low heat until just warm (overheating will kill yeast). Remove from the heat and pour into a jug. Add yeast, 2 tablespoons caster sugar and salt. Whisk until well-combined. Stand for 10 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #30291d; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #30291d; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Sift flour into a large bowl. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add 1/4 cup caster sugar, stirring until well combined. Make a well in the centre and add yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until well combined. Place mixture onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes (watch how to do this <a href="http://instagram.com/p/dIzZpAm9lD/" target="_blank">here</a>). Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with glad wrap and stand in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #30291d; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #30291d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Turn onto a lightly floured board and cut dough in two halves and knead each piece for 5 minutes. Roll each half out one into 5cm thick logs. Cut into 3-4cm slices then using your hands roll each piece into a round ball. Watch the video on how to do this <a href="http://instagram.com/p/dI8H8_G9mW/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #30291d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #30291d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Half fill a saucepan with oil. Heat until oil to 170c (you will need a heat resistant thermometer) and ensure you maintain this heat throughout the process. Add 2 to 3 donuts at a time, cooking for 6 mins (3 minutes on each side). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #30291d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #30291d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Once cooled, make your icing by mixing your icing sugar, water, butter and rose water together until smooth and combined. Dip the top of each donut in icing and then into the pistachio nuts. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #30291d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #30291d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. When ready to eat, place your Turkish delight in a microwave proof jug with your water and heat for 30 seconds. Mix with a spoon until melted and runny (add more water and heat again if necessary). Half fill a syringe (available at most chemists) with Turkish delight mix and insert into donut to fill. Repeat for remaining donuts and serve.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM0rPFVvGR0/UhCB_8gl0WI/AAAAAAAABu4/i9EDhbn1a10/s1600/IMG_donuts3jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM0rPFVvGR0/UhCB_8gl0WI/AAAAAAAABu4/i9EDhbn1a10/s640/IMG_donuts3jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit our Instagram page for more 'how to' and action shots <a href="http://instagram.com/mekocreations">http://instagram.com/mekocreations</a></span></div>
The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-3155191734575270852013-08-10T00:23:00.000-07:002013-08-10T00:23:06.757-07:00Happy Anniversary 'Honey'<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K33VBscU89k/UgXYAn2oY4I/AAAAAAAABuY/ZyRBQzRKIo8/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K33VBscU89k/UgXYAn2oY4I/AAAAAAAABuY/ZyRBQzRKIo8/s640/IMG_2134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mr Meko and I celebrated 10 years together this week (since we met, not in marriage....yes we still remember our first date!), and last night thought it would be fitting to crack a special bottle of wine and have a gourmet homemade meal to celebrate the occasion. With the list of 'Sweet Treat Crazes of 2013' still front of mind for me and still continuing on the blog week by week (we only have two more to feature after this!) I thought it was time we tackled the flavour honey. Now I was surprised to see this flavour on the Sweet Treat Craze list as it's a pretty standard flavour in desserts, along with the likes of caramel which also featured on the list. Honey doesn't really strike me as a craze that we need to be on to, but rather know how to pair it up with other flavours that will make it shine. So rather than creating for you a honey cake or honey cookies, Mr Meko thought it was time to showcase a dessert (of which he is most well known for). So we present to you our Honey Panna Cottas with Caramel Popcorn and Caramel Sauce. We actually made some lovely 'picnic style' panna cottas last week when visiting a friend in hospital, which is probably why the idea was so front of mind. But I nearly fell off the couch when I tried these ones last night.......the mix of the honey and caramel against the delicate panna cotta with the crunch of the popcorn was just to die for. And if you watch your Master Chef as we do, you know that texture is the key to a good dessert. So please try this one, it's a really easy dessert to try at your next dinner party that will no doubt impress your guests.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">Honey </span>Panna<span style="text-align: center;"> </span>Cottas<span style="text-align: center;"> with Caramel Popcorn and Caramel Sauce</span></span></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(makes between 6-10 depending on mould size)</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll need:</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">500mls milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">250mls cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">350gs honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11g gelatine leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup popping corn and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">vegetable oil for popping</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Caramel Sauce:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">275g brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">215mls cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">100g butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soak your gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water until soft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile in a saucepan, heat the milk, cream and honey over a high heat until just boiling. Remove off the heat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove the gelatine leaves from the water, squeezing them to remove any excess water. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add the gelatine to the saucepan, stirring until dissolved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transfer the cream mixture from the saucepan to a bowl and place in the freezer to cool for approx 30 mins, stirring every 10 mins to avoid freezing. If the mix starts to freeze, whisk back until it is runny. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lightly spray some dariole moulds (individual plastic moulds) with oil spray. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once cooled, remove your mix from the freezer and fill your moulds to just below the top of each one. Transfer your moulds to the fridge to set for at least an hour. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NB. If your mix is too warm when you transfer to the moulds it will cause them to split. If this occurs, return to the saucepan and reheat before transferring back to the freezer to cool.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make your caramel sauce, heat your cream and brown sugar together in a saucepan over a high heat until boiled. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter until all combined. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make your popcorn as per the packet instructions. Then in a bowl pour some of your hot caramel sauce over your popcorn and stir until coated. Spread onto a tray lined with baking paper and set aside to set and cool. Once cool, break into pieces and set aside for later.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once your panna cottas are set, prepare your plate. Using a dessert spoon, place a spoonful of the cooled caramel sauce on the plate and smear using the back of the spoon, dragging it through the sauce into an arc shape. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NB Ensure your caramel sauce is not to hot to avoid melting your panna cotta when plated.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loosen your panna cotta from its mould by creating air pockets around the side of the mould by gently pulling the panna cotta away from the edge of the mould and squeezing the mould gently to loosen it. Place the mould on the plate and gently remove to reveal the panna cotta. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decorate with your caramel popcorn and serve.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span id="goog_124249976"></span><span id="goog_124249977"></span>The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-63738607439489505902013-08-04T21:44:00.001-07:002013-08-04T21:54:05.544-07:00Boo! It's a name cake!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqEulLD3CzQ/Uf8OduhclMI/AAAAAAAABtk/JbXmM_bwETs/s1600/IMG_maxblowingcandles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqEulLD3CzQ/Uf8OduhclMI/AAAAAAAABtk/JbXmM_bwETs/s400/IMG_maxblowingcandles.jpg" width="351" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So we are almost through the list of sweet treat crazes of
2013, but I have been saving this particular sweet treat craze for a special
little nephew of mine for his birthday. I am of course referring to the
Peekaboo cake craze that is sweeping social media this year. Whether you've
seen it done on the Great Australian Bake Off with their checker board cake
challenge or seen the images a plenty on line of cakes sporting polka dots,
rainbow swirls and even love hearts, we've all questioned "well how one
earth do they do that?". So we thought we would show you! But given the
abundance of tutorials on line on how to bake polka dots into your cakes we
decided to take it to the next level and try something you hadn't seen before
(we have actually only seen this done once before albeit unsuccessfully), a
name cake. Yes that's right, cut the cake open to reveal the name of your loved
one or maybe some special words. Now this will really only work for short
names/words, unless you find some very small letter cutters, but you may lose
the effect. And of course this can be done with any sort of image cutters, it
doesn't have to be letters, so let your imagination run wild.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 1.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Bake your cakes for the letters inside the cake (get the
recipe for our butter cake <a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/50-shades-of-pink.html?utm_source=BP_recent" target="_blank">here</a>). We baked 3 square butter cakes coloured with
red food gel (one cake per letter to spell 'MAX').</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 2.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once your cakes are completely cooled, trim the tops of your
cakes with a serrated knife to ensure a flat surface to work with.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 3.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Using letter cutters, cut your letters out and set aside. We
got four of each letter out of each cake.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnLO-mbnrYc/Uf8Oee8qfXI/AAAAAAAABuA/pINJlOsjHFI/s1600/cutcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnLO-mbnrYc/Uf8Oee8qfXI/AAAAAAAABuA/pINJlOsjHFI/s640/cutcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 4.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Prepare your cake batter for the rest of the cake. You can
use the same butter cake recipe<a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/50-shades-of-pink.html?utm_source=BP_recent" target="_blank"> here</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 5.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Place a small amount of batter in the base of your tin and
smooth over. Align your first row of letters set at least 2cm back from the
front of the cake tin.Stack the remaining letters behind without any gaps.</span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tk9TpRNYzwg/Uf8Oe0_Ji_I/AAAAAAAABuM/viGa-0JbObI/s1600/setletters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tk9TpRNYzwg/Uf8Oe0_Ji_I/AAAAAAAABuM/viGa-0JbObI/s640/setletters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 6.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Using a piping bag, pipe your cake batter in an around your
letters, filling the tin. Use a spatula to smooth over the top of the cake.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 7.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Bake cake as per the recipe and allow to cool.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 8. </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once completely cooled, trim the cake sides and top using a
serrated knife to ensure a perfectly sized cake with the lettering centered.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wEBg8kh5EBM/Uf8OepyTAQI/AAAAAAAABuI/wy4vwiRTEGw/s1600/fillandtrim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wEBg8kh5EBM/Uf8OepyTAQI/AAAAAAAABuI/wy4vwiRTEGw/s640/fillandtrim.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Step 9.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Decorate as desired. We covered our cake in butter cream
with fondant cut letters to match the inside of the cake. Get our butter cream
recipe<a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/50-shades-of-pink.html?utm_source=BP_recent" target="_blank"> here</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp8ec0qCNig/Uf8OdqqbA3I/AAAAAAAABt4/ngL7w8ldoMc/s1600/ING_max_outisde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp8ec0qCNig/Uf8OdqqbA3I/AAAAAAAABt4/ngL7w8ldoMc/s640/ING_max_outisde.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-12467294933673416822013-07-21T02:09:00.001-07:002013-07-21T02:09:15.907-07:00An ice cream to warm your winter taste buds<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">With a grand top of 9 degrees in Melbourne yesterday, I sure did choose a cracker of a day to scope Melbourne for the best ice cream shops serving up winter ice cream flavours. With the idea to do this a few weeks ago now, I had marked the day in my calendar where I had a whole day free to hit the road and sample Melbourne's best ice creameries and gelati shops. Little did I know it would be the coldest July day in Melbourne in six years! Oh well, all the more reason to find some cracking winter flavours. I must say though I was a little disappointed with some of the ice creameries I visited. I know if I ran my own ice cream shop and wanted to continue the interest through the winter months then I'd be changing the flavours with the seasons and transforming a traditional summers day delight to a winter warming hot saucy sundae! A couple of shops I visited weren't even open which was a bit disappointing......so we wont even bother mentioning them! But none the less I did find some great flavours that I will share with you.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First cab off the rank was <b>Jocks Ice Creams & Sorbets</b> in Albert Park. Now this place has benefited from many reviews and with many award winning ice creams under its belt is considered one of Melbourne's best. But are they cutting it in the winter department? Well with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> their Baked Apple flavour I would have to say yes. Rich with smokey baked apples, this was one that could definitely warm those tummies. Their other winter delights included Date, with yummy smashed dates, and their Gingerbread flavour, rich with spices reminiscent of Christmas. </span><br />
Check this place out at <b>83 Victoria Ave, Albert Park.</b><br />
<b></b><br /><b></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Next I headed to Lygon Street, the little Italy of Melbourne, where I was sure to find some heart warming gold. And I was right! But it wasn't an Italian place that I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> found myself at, but <b>Helados Jauja</b>, a little South American gem. All made fresh on the premises, their winter warming flavours included Cafe Con Leche (an Argentine coffee), Dulce de Leche (an Argentine style caramel with dark chocolate chips), and a Caramelised Pear with Walnuts (very yum!). But it was the Egg Nog flavour that stole (or should I say warmed!) my heart! Filled with spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of brandy, again I felt like it was Christmas (a white one that is!). </span>Check it out at <b>254 Lygon St, Carlton. <a href="http://www.heladosjauja.com.au/">www.heladosjauja.com.au</a></b></div>
<div>
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<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQm45U5K8U8/UeuZYZGaUhI/AAAAAAAABrg/x7pa1WHGDVE/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQm45U5K8U8/UeuZYZGaUhI/AAAAAAAABrg/x7pa1WHGDVE/s400/IMG_1386.JPG" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Egg Nogg at Helados Jauja</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Next I popped across the road to a franchise that I wouldn't of thought would be displaying any original winter flavours, but instead I was pleasantly surprised. <b>Gelatissimo</b> boasted great flavours of Apple Pie, Creme Caramel, Tiramisu, and Honey Toffee & Malt. Next week they start their 'Sweets of Italy' campaign with 8 new traditional flavours for all those traditional gelati lovers out there. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">You'll find them at <b>197 Lygon St, Carlton</b> or other locations at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><b><a href="http://www.gelatissimo.com.au/">www.gelatissimo.com.au</a></b></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqog58n02bM/Ueuc-6FQN1I/AAAAAAAABsQ/mP0CBATTTVA/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqog58n02bM/Ueuc-6FQN1I/AAAAAAAABsQ/mP0CBATTTVA/s640/IMG_1390.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Apple Pie at Gelatissimo</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAY5FDVoSt0/UeudMfh8KyI/AAAAAAAABsY/7bbRg8MMrxU/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAY5FDVoSt0/UeudMfh8KyI/AAAAAAAABsY/7bbRg8MMrxU/s400/IMG_1391.JPG" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Open Caramel Sesame at Trampoline</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Then onto another franchise that again I thought wouldn't be setting in standards in the winter flavour department, but again I was 'warmly' surprised. At <b>Trampoline</b> it was great to see warm winter flavours like Caramel Pear, Salted Caramel Popcorm, and Open Sesame Caramel. But it was the hot waffles and sauces they were offering alongside their ice creams that really impressed me.....now that's a way to turn a summer treat into a winter one! </span>Visit them at <b>The Well, Burke Ave, Camberwell</b> or other locations at <b><a href="http://www.trampolinegelato.com.au/">www.trampolinegelato.com.au</a></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Last but not least I visited a new store, again in Camberwell, <b>Lick Me</b>. Now there was only one flavour here the qualified at as winter one, but boy oh boy was it a good one. Cinnamon Donut anyone?! Yes please! So very good and worth the visit at <b>761 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell. <a href="http://www.icecreamdelivery.com.au/">www.icecreamdelivery.com.au</a></b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">So don't be afraid to indulge yourself this winter with your summer passion, just chose warmly. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Stay toasty x</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-79424675595982854842013-07-14T01:59:00.000-07:002013-07-15T23:40:18.462-07:0050 shades of pink<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1mW7rxgIFeY/UeJbcWQnEsI/AAAAAAAABrQ/j2BT-AvjR-o/s1600/IMG_2106c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1mW7rxgIFeY/UeJbcWQnEsI/AAAAAAAABrQ/j2BT-AvjR-o/s640/IMG_2106c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So you must be living under a rock if you haven't realised that ombre cakes are trending this year. Whether they are ombre inside or out, anything sort of cake that incorporates a colour fading from light to dark seems to be 'taking the cake' at the moment. And really they are not that difficult to master than a normal cake, the reality is there are just a couple of extra steps involved to create these very pretty little cake master pieces. We made this sweet little 'shades of pink' cake for my girlfriend for her birthday and have gladly decided to share the recipe and the steps involved. And if you are looking for some step by step pics, head over to our Instagram page (Meko Creations) and check them out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy x</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8csOZOCcqg/UeJZbqkQ64I/AAAAAAAABrA/-Rhn6W8abE8/s1600/IMG_2098_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8csOZOCcqg/UeJZbqkQ64I/AAAAAAAABrA/-Rhn6W8abE8/s640/IMG_2098_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>You'll need:</strong></em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">375g butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 tspns vanilla essence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">450g caster sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 1/2 cups self raising flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Americolor gel - soft pink</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Americolor gel - rose pink</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Butter Cream</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">500g butter, room temp</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">960g icing sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 tbsps milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Americolour gel - white</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 180c. Grease and line the base and sides of an 8 inch cake tin with baking paper, extending paper 5cm above sides.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beat butter, vanilla and caster sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add half flour and fold in using a spatula. Add the other half of the flour, and again fold in. Add remaining milk and fold in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set out four mixing bowls and your prepared cake tin. Weigh out the mixture at 430g each evenly into each of the bowls and one in the cake tin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting with the cake tin, smooth the cake mixture out and bake at 170c for 20 mins, depending on your oven and until a skewer comes out clean. This cake will be your neutral bottom layer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next add 1/2 a drop of soft pink to one of your bowls and mix well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In your second bowl, add 1 drop of soft pink to your bowl and mix well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In your third bowl, add 2 drops of soft pink to your bowl and mix well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In your fourth bowl, add 2 drops of rose pink and 1 drop of soft pink and mix well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cover each bowl with cling wrap until ready to use.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once your first cake is baked, let it cool in the tin for 5 mins before turning out on to a wire rack. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Re line tin and repeat baking as above for each of the four remaining mixes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once cakes are all cooled, using a serrated knife trim tops as required. Your aim is to have level cakes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make the butter cream, cream your butter and icing sugar in an electric mixer until light, white and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl down and add your milk whilst you continue to beat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Split the butter cream, putting 500g in another bowl to fill the cake with later and add 1/2 a drop of soft pink to it and mix through by hand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back at the mixer, add your white food gel to the butter cream and continue to beat until your desired whiteness is achieved. Set aside to mask your cake in later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting with your bottom cake layer (neutral) spread a thin layer, approx 125g, of pink butter cream on top using a palette knife. Place the lightest pink cake layer on top and repeat until all layers are done (no butter cream required on top of the top cake layer). The aim is here to go from light to dark. Ensure your cake layers are all in line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Refrigerate for 5-10 mins until butter cream has hardened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove your cake from the fridge and using a palette knife spread a thin layer all over the cake, then return the cake to the fridge to set the butter cream. Apply the remaining butter cream to the cake, either in a smooth application or a rustic style, your choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep at room temperature until ready to cut and serve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Tip - Use a serrated knife to cut your cake to ensure clean cuts with perfect layers inside.</em> </span><br />
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<br />The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-87787959469752790222013-07-04T18:51:00.000-07:002013-07-04T18:51:12.354-07:00Cake Pops are just SO last year!.........<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we are nearly half way through the list now as we work our way through the hottest 'sweet treat crazes of 2013' and according to the article written in the Herald Sun that lists these sweet treat crazes (read it <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/food/spanish-doughnuts-and-popping-candy-are-contenders-for-the-title-of-new-favourite-sugary-treat-for-2013/story-fni0dgie-1226654870910" target="_blank">here</a>), cake pops are now apparently out! Do I hear a sigh of relief?? You can now happily pop those cake pop tins back in the cupboard as the whole idea of that little round ball of cake covered in chocolate and put on a stick has well and truly been done to death! I can happily say we have now moved on progressing on to other sweet treats that can be served up on a stick. And really, what can't you put on stick in to?? I've been scrawling Pinterest for different ideas, but you can try anything from mini apple pies, cookies, donuts, popcorn balls and even smores. I've included a few ideas below including marshmallows on a stick, 'hot chocolate' on a stick (love that one!....just a clever variation on the traditional rocky road - get our recipe for white rocky road pops featured below <a href="http://www.mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/pop-youll-fall-in-love-with.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and I couldn't go past showcasing the little ice cream pops covered in sprinkles.....very sweet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it's not just 'sweets on a stick' that are taking all the glory at parties this year, popping candy is making a grand entrance too! Now for those of you that don't know what popping candy is, it's a carbonated candy that creates a fizzy reaction when it dissolves in your mouth (oodles of fun!). Basically this sugary substance can transform the boring-est of baked goods into exploding mouth fireworks! Featured below are some great ideas including ice cream cone cupcakes with popping candy, popping candy trimmed martinis, popping candy chocolate slab and even a chocolate and beetroot cake with popping candy butter cream. Primarily a garnish it really can be added to any baked goods for a wow factor. So where do you get this popping candy i hear you ask? Well this ones a tricky one, it's not always easy to buy at the supermarkets or your local food store, but some Big W and Targets do sell it. Best to try on line, but stick to sites within Australia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So it looks as though we are definitely evolving in the party world this year......we are still 'popping' just in different and more creative ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Image credits and the full Pinterest board with loads more inspiration on 'sweets on a stick' and popping candy can be found <a href="http://m.pinterest.com/leeedwina/sweet-treat-crazes/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-50526323284898355062013-06-29T20:54:00.000-07:002013-06-29T20:54:11.497-07:00AMAZE Balls!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if you thought the last recipe on the blog for Snickers popcorn was sickly sweet, then I better warn you now, this next recipe is not for the faint hearted. As you would be aware by now, over the next couple of months we are working our way through the top sweet treat crazes for this year. And for this week I decided to tackle my favourite flavour/ingredient on the list.......PEANUT BUTTER! And who doesn't love peanut butter?..... oh unless you are one of those unfortunate people to suffer nut allergies that is! With so many recipes to choose from, (think peanut butter cups, peanut butter brownies, peanut butter cookies and even peanut butter smores and yoyo's), I decided to give you a recipe that is so simple, even the youngest of tackers will be able to help you in the kitchen with this one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So enjoy this one really......and don't let the guilt get to you too much. Just enjoy each bite and the buttery peanuty crispy goodness :)</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crispy Peanut Butter Balls</span></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(makes 24)</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll need:</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups smooth peanut butter</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">125g butter</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 cups icing sugar</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 cups rice bubbles</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">250g dark/milk chocolate melts</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">300g granulated nuts</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melt the peanut butter and butter in saucepan over a low heat, stirring to combine. </span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In large bowl, mix rice bubbles and icing sugar together. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Pour melted peanut butter over rice bubble mixture and mix well to combine. You will need to use your hands to ensure mixed thoroughly</span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> (but check the temp of the mix first before plunging your hands in).</span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Form into 4-5cm balls or smaller, and place on tray lined with baking paper. (Tip - wash your hands every three or four balls to stop the balls from becoming sticky)</span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chill for 30 mins or until firm.</span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place nuts in a large bowl and set aside.</span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a microwave, melt the chocolate (use dark or milk depending on your preference) in 30 second increments until melted and runny. </span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using a spoon, place a dollop of melted chocolate the size of a 20c piece in the palm of your hand (again check the temp here), and roll one of the balls between your hands to coat in chocolate. </span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transfer the ball into your bowl of nuts and coat thoroughly. </span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place on a tray lined with baking paper and repeat for remaining balls. </span></span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chill until ready to serve.</span></span><br />
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-88486009072268742962013-06-23T00:49:00.000-07:002013-06-23T00:49:05.013-07:00A popcorn flavour that really satisfies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So true to word, I bring you the second recipe to try off the list of 'sweet treat crazes' for 2013. Now if you're not sure what the hell I'm on about, you can read my last blog</span><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/we-are-going-sweet-treat-craze-y.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. And if you can't be bothered doing that, then you'll just have to take my word for it that we are working our way through the most popular sweet treats that <em>you </em>need to know about this year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So for the second cab off the rank I thought I would kill two birds with one stone....Popcorn and Caramel! A double whammy! Both featured on the list of popular sweet crazes this year and really there was no surprises there. Carmel was listed specifically as 'salted caramel', not a new flavour, but definitely a popular one. And as for popcorn, well you've probably heard me yabber on about popcorn a million times this year, especially when it comes to popcorn bars. So Mr Meko and I decided to experiment a little in the kitchen last night and came up with a popcorn flavour that you may in fact develop some sort of addiction to (<em>take that as our official warning, we've been eating it all day!</em>). Next time you're in for a movie night, definitely give this one a try!</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Snickers Popcorn</span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <em>You'll need:</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup popcorn kernels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">250g unsalted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">500g brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 tbsp water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12 x fun size Snickers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">salt flakes to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pop your corn kernels as per instructions on the pack and scatter on to a baking tray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 90c.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Make caramel by combining butter, water and brown sugar in a pot over a medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mix begins to boil, thicken and is rising to 3/4 of the height of the pot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pour over your popcorn and toss gently to cover all the pieces. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bake in the oven for 30 mins, giving the tray a good shake and a toss every 10 mins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Chop the snickers roughly into pieces and scatter on top of your popcorn and return to the oven for a further 10 mins until melted. Once melted, stir to combine and season with salt flakes to taste.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Serve warm or at room temp....either way be prepared to be taken to a happy place!</span><br />
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-35635160459602713982013-06-19T16:17:00.001-07:002013-06-19T16:17:50.821-07:00We are going sweet treat craze-y!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before Mr Meko and I took our mid year break I read an article in the paper on what's trending in sweet treats this year. As you'd know I love following entertaining trends so took a keen interest in this read. The article detailed how thanks to food bloggers (like myself!) and 'eater tweeters', there is a whole new world of food crazes forming. Home bakers are now tackling more challenging creations and experimenting more than ever before with the abundance of video blogs and 'how to' guides now readily available on line. When it comes to listing the sweet treat crazes in the article however, there were really no big revelations there. Popping candy featured, as well as marshmallows, winter ice creams, peek-a-boo cakes, ombre cakes and of course popcorn. Donuts were also on the list as expected, as were sweets on a stick and 'wild pairings' (mixing two odd flavour combos together). Favourite flavours peanut butter, caramel and honey completed the list. You can read the whole article <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/food/spanish-doughnuts-and-popping-candy-are-contenders-for-the-title-of-new-favourite-sugary-treat-for-2013/story-fni0dgie-1226654870910">here.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Given all that, I thought it would be quite fitting to work through each of the foods/flavours on the list over the next few blogs and give you some ideas and recipes so you too can incorporate them into your entertaining and parties!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So I thought first cab of the rank should be marshmallows! I've seen a few marshmallow recipes floating around now on line and in Donna Hay etc so no surprises here that they featured on the list. They're definitely a sweet little treat that you can get very creative with when it comes to colour and flavour. So we decided to workshop the homemade marshmallow and came up with rose water and coconut flavour. Very delicate and very sweet, make sure you don't cut your marshmallows too big (even though that looks fantastic!) as they're a real mouthful. Enjoy x</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Rose Water and Coconut Marshmallows</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>You'll need:</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups caster sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2/3 cup hot water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2/3 cup cold water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 1/2 tblsp gelatine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp rose water essence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up to 8 drops food colouring paste (we use AmeriColour in beige)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups desiccated coconut (toasted if desired)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grease a 4cm-deep, 16cm x 30cm tin. Line the base and sides with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang on all sides. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combine sugar and 2/3 cup hot water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves and syrup turns clear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using a fork, combine gelatine and 2/3 cup cold water in a jug. Pour into hot syrup and remove off the heat. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until gelatine has dissolved and mixture is clear. Pour into bowl of an electric mixer and set aside to cool to room temperature (about 45 minutes).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat sugar/gelatine mixture on high for 6 to 10 minutes or until very thick. Add the rose water and food colour paste and beat further for 1 minute. Spread into prepared tin. Smooth top with a palette knife and set aside, at room temperature, for 1 hour or until set. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lift onto a board and using a wet knife, cut marshmallow into squares.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place coconut in another baking dish and one marshmallow at a time, carefully toss and coat each one. Remove to a wire rack. Set marshmallows aside until surfaces feel dry (about 1 hour). Serve.</span></div>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-57579705048036178222013-05-26T22:19:00.000-07:002013-05-26T22:19:31.964-07:00Kids Party Trends 2013<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Given my recent blog on top party trends for 2013 was so popular, I thought I would do some homework and of course put my spin on what I think are the hottest kids party themes for this year! I know we are already half way through the year (can you believe it?) but there is definitely some new themes that have emerged that are worth a look. I think we are all getting a bit tired of the old Ballerina and Bob the Builder themed parties, and need to think outside the square a little! Understandably your child may still be into Ballerina's and Bob, but that's not to say you can't put a different take on it. It's so easy to be creative with kids parties, especially if they have a twist on a traditional theme. So in saying that I've listed my top five boys party themes, top five girl party themes and then of course my top five unisex kids party themes for this year. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely something to consider when you are planning your next little one's party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>First the Girls:</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>1. Tutus & Bow Ties</em></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than the usual Ballerina party, why not put a spin on it with a Tutus and Bow Ties theme! The girls can dress in their tutus, the boys in their bow ties and the food can be themed with little bows and lots of pretty ruffles.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>2. Vintage Pink Pony</em></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYXQZLSnbkE/UZ2y7NuRHeI/AAAAAAAABkw/obCJUl1Al4s/s1600/IMG_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYXQZLSnbkE/UZ2y7NuRHeI/AAAAAAAABkw/obCJUl1Al4s/s400/IMG_0021.jpg" width="266" ya="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every little girl loves a pony party, but try styling it with a rustic edge, using vintage props and decorating your dessert table in hues of pink and brown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>3. Lions, and Tigers and Bears! Oh My!</em></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWh5kc6gI-w/UZ2y6XuCl8I/AAAAAAAABko/sKJNMUgYRyo/s1600/IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWh5kc6gI-w/UZ2y6XuCl8I/AAAAAAAABko/sKJNMUgYRyo/s640/IMG_0020.jpg" width="302" ya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not just Wizard of Oz Party, but a Lions, Tigers and Bears! Oh My! party. There is a variety of party foods and theming that can incorporate the ideas of hot air balloons, yellow brick roads, red sparkly shoes, rainbows and of course little Toto motifs as pictured above on these cupcake toppers.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>4. Paper Straws and Pink Milk</em></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFkqKpSit5c/UZ2y7_vM7eI/AAAAAAAABk4/a6tmmhVfzjA/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFkqKpSit5c/UZ2y7_vM7eI/AAAAAAAABk4/a6tmmhVfzjA/s320/IMG_0022.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes every little girl's favourite colour is pink, but don't just have a pink party, focus the party around an element of food or drink as done here with this Paper Straws and Pink Milk party. Then dress your table vintage style with pretty floral tea pots, tea cups and cake stands. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>5. Sprinkled with Love</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now this is a theme you can really have fun with! Sprinkled with Love! Sprinkles are so versatile and can be added to the dodgiest of baking creations to make them look spectacular!</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decorate your party space with pretty coloured paper circle garlands, giant clear polka dot balloons and confetti.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><u>For the Boys:</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>1. Little Mr Moustache</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A seriously cute theme for little boys, you can be so creative with your moustache theming from the cupcakes, to cookie pops, drink wraps and favours. Set up or hire a photo booth for the kids fit with dress ups and of course stick on moustaches and let their little minds run wild!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>2. 50s Rock Diner</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfrPhXcTsa0/UZ2y4eIyeLI/AAAAAAAABkQ/Vl4fI-K7eNQ/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfrPhXcTsa0/UZ2y4eIyeLI/AAAAAAAABkQ/Vl4fI-K7eNQ/s400/IMG_0017.jpg" width="285" ya="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What little man doesn't want to look super cool?! I love this theme, especially given the abundance of vintage soda crates and candy dispensers available now. Serve mini hot dogs and hamburgers for a real 50s touch and play musical statues with a 50s rock twist.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>3. Ol' fashioned Camp Out</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb4Z3J20h7M/UZ2y3nO_CJI/AAAAAAAABkI/wQ8rDGCuTpg/s1600/IMG_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb4Z3J20h7M/UZ2y3nO_CJI/AAAAAAAABkI/wQ8rDGCuTpg/s400/IMG_0016.jpg" width="240" ya="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You don't need to head into the forest to go camping! You can do it in the comfort of your living room or backyard! Think mini picnic basket favours, scroggin bags or perhaps log fire cake made with Twix or Kit Kats.</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>4. Wild Wild West</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzo02hDLV1M/UZ2zSDA6EDI/AAAAAAAABlw/YMpnTsbySjw/s1600/IMG_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzo02hDLV1M/UZ2zSDA6EDI/AAAAAAAABlw/YMpnTsbySjw/s400/IMG_0024.jpg" width="382" ya="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No this is not just a cowboy party....it's a Wild Wild West party! Transform your backyard with hail bails and cactus and let the kids enjoy countless cowboy games! Fill little hessian bags with gold chocolate coins as party favours to take home. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>5. The Mad Scientist Laboratory</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A new theme that has emerged that I just love. So many creative and gruesome foods ideas that can be incorporated </span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">into his party. Make sure you get your hands on some plastic test tubes to serve yoghurt shots or popping candy in!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>Unisex:</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>1. Dunkin Donuts</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--uEKe5n1UNE/UZ2y-N5Gl9I/AAAAAAAABlQ/A_slwLs0Bi8/s1600/IMG_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--uEKe5n1UNE/UZ2y-N5Gl9I/AAAAAAAABlQ/A_slwLs0Bi8/s400/IMG_0026.jpg" width="266" ya="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you read my last blog on party trends you would be well aware that donut bars are all the go now, so why not make a whole theme of it! Let the kids make their own donuts and offer a variety of toppings, sprinkles and lollies to decorate.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>2. Lollipop-land</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQENdl_EwwI/UZ2y-7OKplI/AAAAAAAABlY/CFGNJoQpm-g/s1600/IMG_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQENdl_EwwI/UZ2y-7OKplI/AAAAAAAABlY/CFGNJoQpm-g/s400/IMG_0027.jpg" width="300" ya="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A variation on a candy or rainbow party, be as colourful and creative as you like. Theme everything lollipop style from your invitations, to your cookies, cake pops and favours.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>3. C is for Cookie!</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Milk and Cookies parties are a bit last year......but that's not to say you can't still enjoy a C is for Cookie party! Still incorporate the milk and cookies but put a Cookie Monster/Sesame Street spin on it using shades of cobalt blue in your theming. And you don't just have to serve cookies.....try making pudding or mouse cups with crumbled cookie tops, or even cookie and cream flavoured popcorn!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>4. My Little Pizza Shop</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iowyD-S3LD0/UZ2y8oKX2aI/AAAAAAAABlA/1IEfZ2qR5AU/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iowyD-S3LD0/UZ2y8oKX2aI/AAAAAAAABlA/1IEfZ2qR5AU/s320/IMG_0023.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Got a wannabe Chef on your hands? Well give them their own Pizza Shop for the day! Of course pizzas will be served, either do a MYO pizza bar or create a pizza making activity for the kids. And don't forget the aprons and chef hats for all your little budding chefs!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><em>5. Ice cream Parlour</em></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you can find one of those cool vintage ice cream carts to hire somewhere then definitely have yourself an ice cream parlour party. And if it's too cold for ice cream, make mock ice creams with cones filled with cake crumbs and topped with butter cream. I am loving the birthday cake featured in the above picture, poured ganache on cake is such a hot cake decorating idea right now and perfect for this theme.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As always the full image credits and Pinterst board with lots more inspiration can be found <a href="http://m.pinterest.com/leeedwina/kids-party-trends-2013/">here</a>.</span></div>
The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-90876258393705727232013-05-18T22:47:00.000-07:002013-05-18T22:47:50.187-07:00Mr Meko hits a milestone<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of you may have seen that Mr Meko hit a milestone birthday last week.....yes the big 40! We decided to celebrate quietly and save ourselves for a pending overseas holiday that we have coming up instead. With one of Mr Meko's best mates turning the big 30 only last month we decided to combine the two occasions and have double the fun. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Labelling it the boys 70th, we enjoyed a lovely evening with all our close friends and unfortunately also with quite a few uninvited hiccups too! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dG66nblFhJA/UZhdo-KoqzI/AAAAAAAABh4/5TXvZZJljhU/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dG66nblFhJA/UZhdo-KoqzI/AAAAAAAABh4/5TXvZZJljhU/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dG66nblFhJA/UZhdo-KoqzI/AAAAAAAABh4/5TXvZZJljhU/s320/IMG_1161.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We chose the venue <em>Morris Jones, </em>in Chapel St after hearing raving reviews about it. Dealing with the venue's function coordinator, she seemed to be very efficient with great attention to detail....well that's what I thought anyway. It seemed to be a different story when we arrived. As all our guests were escorted to our table I was mortified to see that none of our pre dinner drinks I had arranged were ready for us, in fact, nothing was known about them at all. But that aside, I was more disappointed with the fact that we had somehow been seated in a public area after pre booking and paying for a private room! I was not impressed I can tell you. The icing on the cake however was when we were seated and handed the al a carte menus, when I had preselected a menu for us. Needless to say there was no communication going on this venue. After advising the waiter of their countless errors and feeling rather embarrassed for my guests we still managed to enjoy the rest of the evening.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdvY-wwhaDQ/UZhdii61SFI/AAAAAAAABho/OM9CqDrQNGw/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdvY-wwhaDQ/UZhdii61SFI/AAAAAAAABho/OM9CqDrQNGw/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdvY-wwhaDQ/UZhdii61SFI/AAAAAAAABho/OM9CqDrQNGw/s320/IMG_2269.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But unfortunately that wasn't the only hiccup we encountered. Given Mr Meko had the night off from the kitchen for his birthday, we had to go 'externally' for the birthday cake. We decided on <span>a large reputable cake business in Malvern</span>, as we weren't exactly ordering anything fancy and didn't think they could get it wrong. But yikes you can see from the photo why I was left asking 'what the hell is that that we ordered?' and 'what exactly were we getting for our money?'!! I could have done a better job than that! I would never let a cake go out of my business looking that bare and undecorated. It clearly needed the Meko touch! So a quick dash down to the supermarket was needed before the party to arm myself with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries to rectify this cake! I couldn't present that to Mr Meko for his birthday! Lucky for me I have been paying much attention to the berry placement on some of our recent cake orders and luckily was able to save the day.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqRe6FIpYrk/UZhd4MBw1OI/AAAAAAAABjI/sxPdVSTNtXA/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqRe6FIpYrk/UZhd4MBw1OI/AAAAAAAABjI/sxPdVSTNtXA/s400/IMG_1181.JPG" width="345" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But that's enough whinging for one blog. It was a memorable night, but I know for next time, if you want something done properly (and you run your own party business) it's probably best you do it yourself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ciao x</span></div>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-30015398622665596882013-05-05T02:28:00.000-07:002013-05-05T02:28:47.415-07:00Luv u Mum<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yQoB3Hyze4/UYYWd8CTjtI/AAAAAAAABg8/9DSwC1_1z3o/s1600/IMG_1970_correctedcompjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yQoB3Hyze4/UYYWd8CTjtI/AAAAAAAABg8/9DSwC1_1z3o/s640/IMG_1970_correctedcompjpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The campaign has begun, I'm bringing back the Petit Four! For those of you who are unaware, Petit Four simply translated means 'small oven', but is otherwise known as a sweet or savoury bite. Commonly served as an after dinner sweet served with tea and coffee, these little bite sized pieces of heaven are seriously under rated and need some decent air time. So this Mothers Day, forget the large scale cake dominating your afternoon tea or dessert table and let the Petit Fours be the focus. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-gYpgiKC_g/UYYZ2djxSeI/AAAAAAAABhM/34uqmbJaVas/s1600/603671_446668648758790_326440800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-gYpgiKC_g/UYYZ2djxSeI/AAAAAAAABhM/34uqmbJaVas/s200/603671_446668648758790_326440800_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We decided to draw inspiration from an old Valentines Day favourite of heart shaped 'I Luv U' candy (featured above) and create a Petit Four that will have your Mum smiling this Mothers Day. Be as loving as you like with your messages, or even be a bit naughty and consider messages like 'Feed Me', 'Clean Me' or even 'Iron Me'!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are pretty simple to make but you will need the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Small heart shaped cookie cutter/s</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Palette knife</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Piping bag</strong> (bought or home made)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>A large square white chocolate mud cake</strong> (packet or home made)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Soft gel pastes</strong> (pale pink, violet, lemon yellow, orange, pale green - <em>we use the brand 'AmeriColours' available at most cake shops</em>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Butter Cream:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>300g softened butter</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>500g icing sugar</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Royal Icing:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>300g icing sugar</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>1 egg white</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Red soft gel paste</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Using a serrated knife trim the top off your mud cake to ensure a flat top. If you want a ganache or cream filling in your cake, split the cake in half and fill and place back together. <a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/get-your-ganache-on.html">Click here</a> for a good ganache recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Using heart shaped cutter/s cut your shapes and set aside on a baking tray lined with baking paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Place your cake hearts in the freezer until they become firm. This will avoid any crumbling when you mask the tops with butter cream.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRTJzNVfqJY/UYYV_CA8I3I/AAAAAAAABgo/p6Sbv53Dm2E/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRTJzNVfqJY/UYYV_CA8I3I/AAAAAAAABgo/p6Sbv53Dm2E/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Make your butter cream by beating together your butter and icing sugar with electric beaters until light and fluffy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Separate the butter cream into six different bowls for colouring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Place one drop of each gel paste into five of the bowls and mix well to combine.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Leave one uncoloured as a neutral cream.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uh-bfNLvlpg/UYYV_C33HmI/AAAAAAAABgs/cBio3vIrDTc/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uh-bfNLvlpg/UYYV_C33HmI/AAAAAAAABgs/cBio3vIrDTc/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="304" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. Remove your cakes from the freezer and place the cutter/s back over each of the cakes to mask the top. This will ensure a sharp edge with your butter cream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. Using a palette knife spread a decent amount of one of the coloured butter creams onto the cake and scrape the top and sides for a smooth finish. Repeat the process with the other cakes and colours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. Make the royal icing by mixing your icing sugar and egg white together in a bowl until combined then adding the red gel paste gradually until desired colour is achieved. Load into your piping bag and with a fine nozzle/tip free pipe your text.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RM5At9Rl5uc/UYYV_x24P4I/AAAAAAAABg4/fOm8LlFsIzA/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RM5At9Rl5uc/UYYV_x24P4I/AAAAAAAABg4/fOm8LlFsIzA/s640/Slide4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that's it! Too easy. As per usual......enjoy, and Happy Mothers Day x</span></div>
The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-62679135327329089242013-04-25T01:02:00.000-07:002013-04-25T01:02:44.445-07:00And then came Mothers Day.......<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mothers Day is only 2 weeks away now, and what are we all doing for it?.......entertaining our Mums of course! And it wouldn't be Mothers Day without lots of prettiness, lovely flowers, cakes, and soft hues of pastels. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I think of my Mum, I specifically think of Hydrangeas (her favourite flower of course) and Italian shortbread, or Canestrelli as it's otherwise known (she just loves all things Italian!). So I've incorporated these two elements into my Mothers Day inspiration, along with a few other traditional ideas too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mothers Day wouldn't be complete without a high tea of cupcakes, cookies, macrons and of course cake! But why not add some new ideas this year, perhaps meringues, Italian shortbread, or even donuts?! Better still, what about Petit Fours?! I'm on the campaign this year to bring back Petit Fours! They have seriously been overlooked in the entertaining world, and seemed to be just reserved as an after dinner sweet, usually at weddings and banquet dinners. But they can be made to look so pretty and taste so delicious and really should be featured on dessert tables, not brushed aside as an after thought. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">S</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o this year for Mothers Day I will put Mr Meko (aka my pastry chef/husband extraordinaire) to the job to make and share with you all a very pretty Mothers Day Petit Four, to be featured on your Mothers Day table. Watch this space for the recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, I've picked out a few of my favourite ideas for Mothers Day, but the full Pinterest board can be found <a href="http://pinterest.com/leeedwina/mothers-day/">here</a>, with full image credits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy x</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j7hqMSeTTQ/UXjTVFnWruI/AAAAAAAABfs/VePUD6aGWdY/s1600/f39263958465079d11b0e37e133a28e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j7hqMSeTTQ/UXjTVFnWruI/AAAAAAAABfs/VePUD6aGWdY/s640/f39263958465079d11b0e37e133a28e7.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Hydrangeas from <a href="http://www.katyelliott.com/">www.katyelliott.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_dzl61TX2c/UXjTDuSFevI/AAAAAAAABeY/mWLxwUzI7GI/s1600/1365edc6335ea26f7f114812eaaa59d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_dzl61TX2c/UXjTDuSFevI/AAAAAAAABeY/mWLxwUzI7GI/s640/1365edc6335ea26f7f114812eaaa59d8.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Setting from <a href="http://www.mefphoto.com/">www.mefphoto.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0wrBfML27U/UXjTDApEg7I/AAAAAAAABeQ/n6J-qzVn01M/s1600/2fc2db5608185dcb7b7980585343b797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0wrBfML27U/UXjTDApEg7I/AAAAAAAABeQ/n6J-qzVn01M/s640/2fc2db5608185dcb7b7980585343b797.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Meringues from <a href="http://www.blogg.amelia.se/lindalomelino">www.blogg.amelia.se/lindalomelino</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1h-WJNNEKc/UXjTDyzqZEI/AAAAAAAABec/pcmRwBu5dBc/s1600/3a6012a32722647844ede3cb9f949e6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1h-WJNNEKc/UXjTDyzqZEI/AAAAAAAABec/pcmRwBu5dBc/s640/3a6012a32722647844ede3cb9f949e6a.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Layer Cake from <a href="http://www.sweetstella.com.au/">www.sweetstella.com.au/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tq-ZhcvBePo/UXjTEbPaRpI/AAAAAAAABes/FFr4H7KYveM/s1600/3d12f4e6c73315088f9ec99872379654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tq-ZhcvBePo/UXjTEbPaRpI/AAAAAAAABes/FFr4H7KYveM/s640/3d12f4e6c73315088f9ec99872379654.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangea Cupcakes from <a href="http://www.belleinspirations.blogspot.com.au/">www.belleinspirations.blogspot.com.au/</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhcK5stXceA/UXjXjsTYP6I/AAAAAAAABgE/RflybXFrU1U/s1600/3de9407c0565c7a60f908597914ea12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhcK5stXceA/UXjXjsTYP6I/AAAAAAAABgE/RflybXFrU1U/s400/3de9407c0565c7a60f908597914ea12.jpg" width="219" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBAH6GsG4Ew/UXjWKzKmgqI/AAAAAAAABf8/P2Kob4qs2S8/s1600/67f5d7780c08771f267b7e4b8375f28f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBAH6GsG4Ew/UXjWKzKmgqI/AAAAAAAABf8/P2Kob4qs2S8/s400/67f5d7780c08771f267b7e4b8375f28f.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Canestrelli (Italian Shortbread) from </span><a href="http://www.chiharubatolecrostate.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.chiharubatolecrostate.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://spilucchino.blogspot.com.au/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">spilucchino.blogspot.com.au</span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d80VmLMcBD0/UXjTFFucvHI/AAAAAAAABe4/_qgR66gx2aQ/s1600/778a1f492b8b19c658df1c296179d264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d80VmLMcBD0/UXjTFFucvHI/AAAAAAAABe4/_qgR66gx2aQ/s640/778a1f492b8b19c658df1c296179d264.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Cupcakes from <a href="http://www.thepastrystudio.com/">www.thepastrystudio.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBfZc69FP0s/UXjTGLcwW7I/AAAAAAAABfI/JJp30cPJrrs/s1600/805aa711ca0586fb42990b3b85333406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBfZc69FP0s/UXjTGLcwW7I/AAAAAAAABfI/JJp30cPJrrs/s640/805aa711ca0586fb42990b3b85333406.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Ruffle Cake from <a href="http://www.pictureperfectforyou.tumblr.com/">www.pictureperfectforyou.tumblr.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay-MDIeS4yc/UXjTFWdxEOI/AAAAAAAABe8/wzffmLNWFcA/s1600/87e237b22da3f8a8c8c0b8cdaa5e974e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay-MDIeS4yc/UXjTFWdxEOI/AAAAAAAABe8/wzffmLNWFcA/s640/87e237b22da3f8a8c8c0b8cdaa5e974e.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiffany Box Petit Fours from <a href="http://www.brasstacksevents.com/">www.brasstacksevents.com/</a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD5Xxv59YwQ/UXjTGI7bZ1I/AAAAAAAABfM/2x3jSYh0Oho/s1600/8bfeaae5a0783364db750b16654523b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD5Xxv59YwQ/UXjTGI7bZ1I/AAAAAAAABfM/2x3jSYh0Oho/s640/8bfeaae5a0783364db750b16654523b8.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petit Fours - source unknown</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8a1MSkYsNz8/UXjTGV7-ctI/AAAAAAAABfU/WtsPRfE1zo0/s1600/dc6ffbec5a2c97b5182fe00928c8b17e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8a1MSkYsNz8/UXjTGV7-ctI/AAAAAAAABfU/WtsPRfE1zo0/s400/dc6ffbec5a2c97b5182fe00928c8b17e.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Setting from <a href="http://www.lindaraxa.blogspot.com.au/">www.lindaraxa.blogspot.com.au</a>/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4snXDv_chk/UXjTHVX2RaI/AAAAAAAABfg/aTbT68PAnZo/s1600/e19b6b4fb962f8e78c65caf6f9a9a60e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4snXDv_chk/UXjTHVX2RaI/AAAAAAAABfg/aTbT68PAnZo/s640/e19b6b4fb962f8e78c65caf6f9a9a60e.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mothers Day Cake from <a href="http://www.littlebigco.blogspot.com.au/">www.littlebigco.blogspot.com.au</a></td></tr>
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<br />The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-20649966715139717752013-04-20T01:39:00.000-07:002013-04-20T01:39:19.157-07:00Forget the ANZAC biscuits......<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as promised on the last blog here is our <strong><em>'ANZAC' Inspired Apricot & Coconut Frangipane Cake</em></strong>. This is not a recipe you will find anywhere else as we created it all ourselves in the Meko test kitchen! Something new to try this ANZAC day rather than the usual ANZAC biscuits or lamingtons........enjoy x</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvHHeaAM0W0/UXJRtiGKSfI/AAAAAAAABeA/4x29DUEIi10/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvHHeaAM0W0/UXJRtiGKSfI/AAAAAAAABeA/4x29DUEIi10/s640/IMG_1937.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll need:</span></em><br />
<em><strong></strong></em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">400g butter, softened</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">400g caster sugar</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">400g shredded coconut</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 eggs</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">120g plain flour</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla essence</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">825g tinned apricot halves</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">60g brown sugar</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">60g rolled oats</span></strong></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 180c and grease and line a 9 inch square tin with oil spray and baking paper. Be sure to use one large sheet of baking paper (not pieces) with excess height on each side to allow for easy removal of the cake from the tin once baked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drain your apricots from their syrup in preparation for use later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix the oats and brown sugar in a bowl and set aside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using electronic beaters, cream together your butter and sugar until light and fluffy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing to beat, add your eggs one at a time along with your vanilla essence until mixed through. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl down at least once during this process to ensure an even mixture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add the coconut and flour and beat slowly (or stir) until thoroughly combined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using a spatula, dollop the mixture into the tin, ensuring your spread it right to the edges and smoothing over the top.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Press your apricot halves into the top of your cake mix, cut side facing down, to form rows. You'll use approximately 16. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reduce your oven to 160c and bake for 1 hour (baking times may vary for different ovens), turning once half way through baking, or until cooked through. You will need to cover with tin foil once cake turns golden to ensure it doesn't colour too much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove from the oven, discard the tin foil and sprinkle the entire cake with the brown sugar and oat mixture and then return to the oven for a final 10 minutes to turn crunchy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allow to cool fully before removing from the tin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using a serrated knife, trim off the cake edges for a professional finish. Then slice into thirds, and then thirds again to create 9 slices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Serve with a dollop of thickened cream.</span><br />
The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-79306077989178821442013-04-13T22:57:00.000-07:002013-04-13T22:57:10.475-07:00A little ANZAC inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With ANZAC day approaching next week, as always, I've been searching the net recently to find some different yet traditional ways to celebrate it. Last year on the blog, we made ANZAC cookies dipped in white and dark chocolate which were so yummy! (get the recipe</span><a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/some-anzacs-for-some-anzacs.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). But this year I'm inspired to create something that is a bit of twist on the old ANZAC biscuit classic. As such, I've opted to make an ANZAC slice but instead exploring some different flavour alternatives. There are plenty of variations on ANZAC slices out there at the moment, gooey caramel, chocolate and even coconut, oat and apple. In saying that I think I have settled on an apricot and coconut ANZAC slice, but plan to make it as more of a friand than a biscuit base slice. Stay tuned for the next blog for the recipe and pics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, I thought I would share with you some of the great ideas I found on line for the special day. Whether you are having a quiet afternoon tea with family and friends, or maybe looking for some traditional Australian fare to enjoy over some drinks, there is something for everyone. And as always the entire Pinterest inspiration board can be found </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/leeedwina/anzac-day-ideas/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> along with full image credits.</span> </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOQ10-VLhs/UWo8dzgLCuI/AAAAAAAABcY/tIRiA2Gl1pg/s1600/9dfe5f1a302c76f98b7a5ee6fb3ecfd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOQ10-VLhs/UWo8dzgLCuI/AAAAAAAABcY/tIRiA2Gl1pg/s640/9dfe5f1a302c76f98b7a5ee6fb3ecfd6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lime and Mascarpone Anzac Tart from GourmetTraveller.com.au</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2qynd6PRh4/UWo8d6eoT4I/AAAAAAAABcc/AV2U9O3-Q-o/s1600/4c8d6506d612673aab3039452140ed5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2qynd6PRh4/UWo8d6eoT4I/AAAAAAAABcc/AV2U9O3-Q-o/s640/4c8d6506d612673aab3039452140ed5f.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anzac Day Cupcake by Rochelle Steer</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9jOrNvxnP4/UWo8eP2lyGI/AAAAAAAABcg/rrqS_-dsOSI/s1600/05ddc25582298fae461e2b7a6d05cb56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9jOrNvxnP4/UWo8eP2lyGI/AAAAAAAABcg/rrqS_-dsOSI/s640/05ddc25582298fae461e2b7a6d05cb56.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheese, Rosemary & Tomato Mini Dampers from WomensDay.ninemsn.com.au</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvJ9jJsF7jY/UWo8eU1tdLI/AAAAAAAABco/qyO48XAtXlg/s1600/a5156fa46016392c0d8e49d38666cb89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvJ9jJsF7jY/UWo8eU1tdLI/AAAAAAAABco/qyO48XAtXlg/s400/a5156fa46016392c0d8e49d38666cb89.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anzac Slice from au.lifestyle.yahoo.com</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfxHm7gTfgw/UWo9T0SBD2I/AAAAAAAABds/C6R2YE0l5Bw/s1600/b927a7d14724399afd8120ed02a324901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfxHm7gTfgw/UWo9T0SBD2I/AAAAAAAABds/C6R2YE0l5Bw/s640/b927a7d14724399afd8120ed02a324901.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anzac Biscuits with Poppy Craft Bag</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (source unknown)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OTDjD4EkLg/UWo8fYXCPsI/AAAAAAAABc8/qwZlQdva8vg/s1600/b3ac01323a9203cc51004aff404c69fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OTDjD4EkLg/UWo8fYXCPsI/AAAAAAAABc8/qwZlQdva8vg/s640/b3ac01323a9203cc51004aff404c69fc.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lemon Rosemary Yoghurt Cake by BakedBree.com</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tN6H2r9Jze0/UWo8fba5BnI/AAAAAAAABdA/v7DT0d1n1BI/s1600/adebff4deb4ecdc8de94fdf8382e9253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tN6H2r9Jze0/UWo8fba5BnI/AAAAAAAABdA/v7DT0d1n1BI/s640/adebff4deb4ecdc8de94fdf8382e9253.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet and Spicy Rosemary Nuts from MyKitchenInTheRockies.com</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_iKYdyJWGw/UWo8gupHA9I/AAAAAAAABdQ/7pmeq4VAjXY/s1600/cd5a11857f2921ecef4dd78f7599f659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_iKYdyJWGw/UWo8gupHA9I/AAAAAAAABdQ/7pmeq4VAjXY/s640/cd5a11857f2921ecef4dd78f7599f659.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rosemary Lemonade from ABeautifulMess.com</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIzDjcIL7PQ/UWo8g9Q5sYI/AAAAAAAABdY/k4Oe3AUo6Lk/s1600/bf42735d7f2d589a96f19a3647fbf879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIzDjcIL7PQ/UWo8g9Q5sYI/AAAAAAAABdY/k4Oe3AUo6Lk/s640/bf42735d7f2d589a96f19a3647fbf879.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coconut, Oat and Apple slice from Wholesome-cook.com</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvYsjyxtZBs/UWo8h8onJJI/AAAAAAAABdg/DQwtJ1xQeXQ/s1600/e77b3f1e94e55a5efde4346fb689f372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvYsjyxtZBs/UWo8h8onJJI/AAAAAAAABdg/DQwtJ1xQeXQ/s640/e77b3f1e94e55a5efde4346fb689f372.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rosemary and Parmesan Crackers from AlexandraCooks.com</span></td></tr>
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The Real Bosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05664073396613155632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257600561926636863.post-31852692874461320502013-03-30T22:22:00.001-07:002013-03-30T22:22:52.753-07:00Emerald green is the new black........<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we would have all heard by now that <strong><em>Emerald Green</em></strong> is the Pantone colour of the year 2013. And of course it's a stunning choice for all things fashion and home wares. But how does it fit in when entertaining or hosting parties? I was curious to see how this colour was trending as when I wrote my <a href="http://mekocreations.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/whats-party-trending-for-2013.html">'What's party trending for 2013'</a> blog as there wasn't a great deal yet out there. But now a quarter of the way in to the year and Pinterest has an abundance of boards trending with all things emerald green especially when it comes to weddings and entertaining. So I thought I would throw another pin board in the mix, but focusing more on using emerald green in a subtle and sophisticated way, rather than many of the kitschy green party boards floating around out there at the moment! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here I've selected some of my favourite images that incorporate emerald green, just to give a few ideas on how you can incorporate the colour of the year into your next party. And of course you can view the whole pinterest board and read the image credits right </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/leeedwina/emerald-green-parties-the-colour-of-2013/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HwMmu8Vlosc/UVfBknHRgqI/AAAAAAAABbE/LODo4JoWqvw/s1600/ebc44020715c96cee2d3fae2a3f1252e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HwMmu8Vlosc/UVfBknHRgqI/AAAAAAAABbE/LODo4JoWqvw/s640/ebc44020715c96cee2d3fae2a3f1252e.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baenk.com/green/green-flowers-13/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">baenk.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.unitedwithlove.com/2013/01/10/emerald-green-wedding-ideas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">unitedwithlove.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://thefoodpreneur.blogspot.com/2013/02/Crowdsourcing-Food-Trends-from-McCormicks-Saint-Paddy-s-Green-Treats.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thefoodpreneur.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-summer-table-decorating?page=7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">houseandhome.com</a></td></tr>
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