If you are a regular Cupcakes and Couscous reader then you: a.) are awesome and b.) will probably know that I love a good cookie recipe. These cookies came about when the recipe I was actually trying to make went slightly off track, but luckily in a good way!
Continue reading “Vanilla and chocolate almond butter cookies”
Earlier this month I attended the Good Housekeeping Celebrity Bake Stars event at D’Aria in Durbanville. There were bubbles and nibbles and foodies galore, and the audience was treated to a demonstration by Zola Nene and Clement Pedro who shared loads of fun recipe tips and tricks.
While some may not share my sentiments I actually love the school holidays. No lunch boxes, no school runs, and just generally no rushing. Yes, it does mean that productivity grinds to a halt and there is the ever present risk of cabin fever, but how wonderful it is to have a short break from the regular routine and enjoy some quality time with the little ones. We have managed to do a couple of fun outings so far, but when it is cold outside we love to huddle into the kitchen and cook or bake (i.e. make a huge mess!) together.
Two weeks ago, after months of planning and anticipation, it was finally time to hop on a plane and fly to Bloemfontein where I had been invited to demonstrate some of my recipes to the lovely ladies of Bloemfontein Fynproewers. Exciting times! When I landed I was met at the airport by Alma, one of the committee members who took me straight to the demo venue where the other committee members were all busy in the kitchen preparing my dishes for the audience to taste the following day. I had a chance to get my bearings, check the recipes and also familiarise myself with the demonstration area. At this point the excitement and the nerves were really starting to kick in!
Continue reading “Salted caramel chocolate truffles and a food demo in Bloemfontein”
Continue reading “Millionaire’s shortbread with ganache topping”
So how were the holidays everyone? Did you have fun? Did the Easter bunny come to visit? The last two weeks have gone quickly – holiday outings and play dates, the build up to Easter and of course lots of egg hunting fun and family time over the long Easter weekend made for a busy time. Then last week we went on a family holiday with friends where we headed to Montagu for a few days. (Can you believe that in all my thirty five years this was the first time I had ever visited Montagu Springs?) We love a good road trip, although sadly the littlest of our troupe decided that he was not enjoying the long drive and expressed his disapproval in a rather loud and shouty manner for much of the way! Other than that little hiccup the trip was loads of fun and turned out to be a perfect spot to take the family. All in all it was a very special holiday and I can’t help feeling a bit sad that it is over. For now, it is back to school runs, packed lunches and the regular term time routine – onward and forward!
Cupcakes & Couscous 