Saturday, 29 September 2012

Lemon drizzle .....


I love lemon drizzle cake as it always turns out so moist and crunchy, a yummy combination of sweet and sharp flavours.  I tend to mix juice of a small lime to the lemon juice to give the extra tang! As we all know lemon drizzle cakes have been made by many so this recipe is a mixture of different recipe ideas and in no way my own (original). It is still enjoyable and I can guarantee you it won’t last a day!

Preparation:  10 minutes             
Cooking:  up to 45 minutes depending on whether it is cupcakes or a large cake
Tin size: 10 inch round or 12 hole muffin tray
Oven: 170* C

Ingredients
250 g self raising flour
250 g soft butter
250 g fine sugar
3 medium eggs
175 ml semi skimmed milk
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

Drizzle
Zest of 2 large lemons and one small lime plus juice
110 g sugar

Method
  • Preheat the oven to 170* C . Butter and line cake tin or put muffin cases in muffin tin.
  • Beat butter and sugar together with a hand mixer till light and fluffy. Then add the eggs gradually and mix well after each addition.
  • Fold in the milk then beat the mix again for a couple of minutes. Fold in sifted flour and baking powder and whisk for a final 2-3 minutes. Mix in the zest then pour the batter into the prepared tin.
  • Depending on tin used check the cake mix after it has been in the oven for 20 – 30 minutes. It is cooked once a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean or the cake bounces back when gently tapped on top.
  • Prick the cake with a toothpick or skewer immediately after taking out of oven and spread the drizzle on top. Leave to cool in tin before transferring to a cake plate. 

Drizzle
Mix the lemon and lime juices and sugar with a spoon and pour evenly over the cake while still hot so it can absorb all the juices.

Decoration
For an extra crunch just crush some pistachios and sprinkle on top of drizzle cake.

Thursday, 27 September 2012

Bridge over troubled waters ....


Guess where this was taken!

It has been too long .....

Good Evening All! I know I have been slack in putting posts in. Have been busy moving and cooking but not  putting any pictures. Well, this is about to change as starting next week there will be recipes, pictures, crosswords, conundrums and more!

Watch this space!

Sunday, 27 May 2012

Summer Coolers

It is hot, hot, hot! The best way to enjoy sunny weather is to ensure you stay hydrated. Below are a few cold drink ideas which don't take time to make and will keep you feeling refreshed as you take in the glorious heat after a cold and miserable few weeks.

No measurements as you can have a play!

Lemon & Lime cooler - fill a blender with ice, lemon and lime cordial, fizzy water and blend to get a thick or thin slushie (your choice). Pour in a tall glass and serve with a sprig of mint.

Mixed Berry cooler - blend frozen mixed berries with lemonade till smooth. Pour in cocktail glasses (add rum for adults) and enjoy!

Iced Tea - mix cold tea with sugar and lemon cordial, pour in a tall glass full of ice.

You can do so much more, just get mixing and try out different flavours and share the good ones with all of us!

Sunday, 13 May 2012

Sunday Dinner!

Have been away too long so to celebrate my return, here's what I made earlier and yes, the Yorkies are home made! Yum Yum!