tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57481095624667944172024-02-19T16:48:37.995+00:00Stuff I make, bake and loveAll work and no play makes me a dull girl, Don't be a robot, make time for Crafting, yay!Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-10984003173173247562013-06-14T22:56:00.000+01:002013-06-14T22:56:08.393+01:00I've moved to www.lillyhiggins.ie<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8KmsTYJsbA3ZN09cy7JBIU4c9DLn6aKpogzRPV8cYA0-OFQ8j4PIZF6ndc_vvXSt_Qar5vYVl0JpE6GGKl7fWGARGkd0sIBtYAvrFd1olxEYKQE94X7otBw_JOm7nZr-JbdqPdvSn3Ue/s1600/lilly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8KmsTYJsbA3ZN09cy7JBIU4c9DLn6aKpogzRPV8cYA0-OFQ8j4PIZF6ndc_vvXSt_Qar5vYVl0JpE6GGKl7fWGARGkd0sIBtYAvrFd1olxEYKQE94X7otBw_JOm7nZr-JbdqPdvSn3Ue/s320/lilly3.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Damian Drohan</td></tr>
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That's right I've moved the blog to <a href="http://www.lillyhiggins.ie/">www.lillyhiggins.ie</a> so head on over there for more gorgeous recipes, chat and lovely things that catch my eye. I'm yet to finish uploading my almost two years worth of Sunday Business Post recipes but the recipe archive should be done soon and it's jam packed with gorgeous cakes, tarts, suppers and soups! Get in touch if there are any recipes you'd like me to cook in particular as I'm always looking for ideas.</div>
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See you over at <a href="http://www.lillyhiggins.ie/" target="_blank">the new blog!</a></div>
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Lilly x</div>
Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-83823679850432540472013-02-16T16:40:00.000+00:002013-02-16T16:40:04.008+00:00The luxury that is blogging!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jOqOTZ_DkgyyidTkllT_TGpIbg8IiINKveYhpLqn86OkTVqe2sRuBpqAKGCHSHR_LaL2qqrkaRn1CdVvZppkcoQEmfpzbcEpVarRyb4S1xX7V16bKo1I124njpGSUpHMAm1ExyZTtpiw/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jOqOTZ_DkgyyidTkllT_TGpIbg8IiINKveYhpLqn86OkTVqe2sRuBpqAKGCHSHR_LaL2qqrkaRn1CdVvZppkcoQEmfpzbcEpVarRyb4S1xX7V16bKo1I124njpGSUpHMAm1ExyZTtpiw/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's incredible how things have changed so quickly. When I first started blogging in 2008 there was no Twitter or Instagram. Blogging was for computer nerds and taking photos of your food before you ate it was unheard of. Now everything is different. Every second diner whips out their iPhone at mealtimes and our daily lives are catalogued in beautifully shot photos where even the dullest of dinners can be made look amazing with the tap of a button. I'm delighted to see all of the amazing videos being posted to Vine, it's such exciting new technology and has massive potential for creativity. I cannot wait to get some time to make a few videos of my own. </div>
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So with all these instant social networking apps I find blogging a time consuming luxury. I love to compose well thought out blog posts but have decided that this year it's better to just pop in and say Hi more regularly and update you on my goings on each week. This year kicked off as a busy one with the arrival of our second gorgeous baby boy Cathal in January and now I'm just finishing the text for my second book. It'll be out in the Autumn. I've really enjoyed making it and can't wait to hold a physical copy of it in my hands! It's all about the food I'd be serving up if I had a cafe or deli of my own. Fluffy oat pancakes and massive quinoa salads as well as some gorgeous smoothies and there's plenty of pretty cakes for tea break too! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBa3QMyVOkRIHKDd9RszY3CtnV83WismxtXjaXtbSlmpbkbgA6LoGuWKpoySNeotx2I3SwUPhIsPnrNolme5ZXUXcC_9xVC-pI1dH7eVGi6PCz8ycC8fKzqzBFcmOQidhqSdAh_4TOyFHw/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBa3QMyVOkRIHKDd9RszY3CtnV83WismxtXjaXtbSlmpbkbgA6LoGuWKpoySNeotx2I3SwUPhIsPnrNolme5ZXUXcC_9xVC-pI1dH7eVGi6PCz8ycC8fKzqzBFcmOQidhqSdAh_4TOyFHw/s320/IMG_0702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I'll be back here soon but in the meantime I'll be on Instagram & Twitter; Have a great week!</div>
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Lilly x</div>
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Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-2071693027831589082012-12-08T16:25:00.000+00:002012-12-08T16:25:17.380+00:00Gingerbread Nativity Scene Recipe & Template<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfq9owy7BxO-KjsazMkGtgqhpf5aWdPlSL5jcnQQmsmb_f8ZuZfsMHpplWyKygiimGQDCE8Mp7VoA7w-1LLVdxIi44iOeQicdmDu3JtJIXrVkHHJIzX4k6qlC3V61fD8gG9P_CE6lHLcS/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfq9owy7BxO-KjsazMkGtgqhpf5aWdPlSL5jcnQQmsmb_f8ZuZfsMHpplWyKygiimGQDCE8Mp7VoA7w-1LLVdxIi44iOeQicdmDu3JtJIXrVkHHJIzX4k6qlC3V61fD8gG9P_CE6lHLcS/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Every Christmas I make some form of Gingerbread scene. I use a traditional molasses based gingerbread dough which tastes amazing, you can use half honey or agave syrup if you feel it’s too dark or rich in taste. This dough can be sticky but if chilled properly and rolled between greaseproof paper the results are perfect and it holds it’s shape beautifully when baked doing the most complicated cookie cutters justice. A few years ago I began to make Nativity Scenes which are perfect to display at home instead of the usual wooden or porcelain decorative crib. Although it may look complicated the stable is easier to make than a full gingerbread house. This recipe makes a large amount of dough and usually is enough for the entire Nativity scene and up to twenty gingerbread tree decorations. Simple but delicious decorations can be made using a gingerbread man or star shaped cookie cutter. I make a hole in the top using a knitting needle and string a ribbon through once baked. Children’s names can be piped onto the decorations to personalise them as well as being the perfect vehicle for glistening gum drops and multicoloured jelly beans. I bake these cookies the day before I decorate them, leaving enough time for them to cool completely. The assembly and decoration can be a time consuming process although it is very enjoyable. If you do decide to just make cookies as tree decorations or simply for eating then I suggest having a cookie decorating party. Have a group of friends over, make a pot of tea and lay all the sweets and cake decorations on the table for everyone to decorate their own. Some of the biscuits may not make it to the decorating stage having been dunked in the tea and eaten but it’s a lovely way to kickstart the festive season. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8fogEby36H2X3daWFUwSVB4OU0" target="_blank">The Characters: Mary, Joseph & Baby Jesus</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Happy Festive Baking!</span></div>
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<br />Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-849064577887057302012-12-07T15:46:00.001+00:002012-12-07T15:57:26.472+00:00Christmas Present ideas for food lovers!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I cannot believe Christmas is nearly here already! I always associate this time of year with gorgeous food and drink, but it's also a time for giving! I've been spying lots of amazing Irish present ideas this year so have compiled a list. I know I've probably left loads out but these are the ones that have caught my eye and are a little different and special for the food lover in your life that already has everything.</div>
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<a href="http://ambrichoppingboards.com/" target="_blank"><b>Ambri Handmade wooden Chopping Boards</b></a></div>
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The best chopping boards have to be wooden and I really love working on a natural surface. Wood is also healthier as wood has natural antiseptic properties that a plastic board just doesn't have. I've really fallen for these Kerry made boards and you can even get them engraved with a message for your loved ones! *romantic potential!!!!*</div>
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<a href="http://fingalfergusonknives.com/" target="_blank"><b>Fingal Ferguson Knives</b></a></div>
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The west Cork native famous for his incredible charcuterie making skills is also a knife maker and has an impressive selection of hand crafted knives on his website. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sheridanscheesemongers.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sheridans Cheesemongers</b></a></div>
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A few years ago I bought my partner the gift of membership to <a href="http://www.sheridanscheesemongers.com/index.php/cheeseclub" target="_blank">The Cheese Club</a>. Not only did a parcel of perfectly packaged cheese arrive each month but we got tasting notes too! We didn't have to buy cheese all year and it was fantastic exploring all the different varieties. Definitely one to recommend.</div>
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Alternatively you could just pick up <a href="http://www.sheridanscheesemongers.com/index.php/hampers" target="_blank">a hamper</a> of cheeses complete with wine, chutney, crackers etc. to suit your budget. And they can even post it out. Blessed are the cheese makers!</div>
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Print Block are a textile print collective based in Dublin and have just opened their first pop up shop. Unique handprinted items such as tea towels, table runners, napkins and trays are all on offer at The Culture Box in Temple Bar. The shop is open Mon-Sunday 10-6 and Thursdays till 8 until December 22nd. <a href="http://printblock.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Their website</a> has all the info and it makes me wish I was living in Dublin! Pictured below are chopping boards, napkin and mini table runner by Print Block member Jennifer Phelan, five other stylish designs are available. </div>
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<b>A Cookery Course</b></div>
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Theres a huge variety of brilliant courses on offer, to suit all budgets and times. <a href="http://www.thefirehouse.ie/" target="_blank">The Firehouse Bakery </a>and Bread School has been on my 'must visit' list for a while and has a brilliant day course that will guide you from soda breads to sourdough for an affordable 110 euro.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thegoodthingscafe.com/cookeryschool-go.html" target="_blank">Good Things Cafe</a> based in Durrus have ran their friendly cookery school for the past seven years with great success. Small class sizes and quality produce make it the perfect place to learn.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cookingisfun.ie/pages/courses/shorter_courses/index.php" target="_blank">Ballymaloe Cookery School</a> have a long list of different day courses too ranging from sushi making to food writing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kAIxj_pqyLlAAuPpx_BC-LzmAr1P1EirDoM3f9Tf7chRNPEMrnnNvRU2Q_QqDXsvcQIY5Vj96169YVjZodXhBbel_SXXM2DBsuHeBnHIBKmOx-QX68zRBR9P0gT6NAV8RzRg5WJdmK_R/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-07+at+13.47.54.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kAIxj_pqyLlAAuPpx_BC-LzmAr1P1EirDoM3f9Tf7chRNPEMrnnNvRU2Q_QqDXsvcQIY5Vj96169YVjZodXhBbel_SXXM2DBsuHeBnHIBKmOx-QX68zRBR9P0gT6NAV8RzRg5WJdmK_R/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-07+at+13.47.54.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.horgans.com/" target="_blank"><b>Horgans Delicatessan, Cork</b></a></div>
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The Cork based Horgans produce award winning Christmas Hams and Spiced Beefs, cooked and ready to carve. They do hampers too but the Irish Angus Spiced Beef is a real Cork tradition and Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. They also deliver straight to your door. What a dream present! </div>
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<a href="http://www.jameswhelanbutchers.com/info/beef-bonds/" target="_blank"><b>James Whelan Beef Bonds</b></a></div>
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This is such a genius idea! You can buy a share in one of Whelan's renowned Angus, Hereford or Wagyu/Kobe cattle and the bond certificate comes beautifully packaged. Once the bond matures the share holder gets delivery of their bounty of various cuts of prime Tipperary beef. You're guaranteed a return of investment (i.e no risk and a gorgeous dinner). All the details of how to become a steak holder (!) are on their <a href="http://www.jameswhelanbutchers.com/info/beef-bonds/">website.</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouIlfs6YgPu6yax6yyu_pNrbmFKZh4tughYqUuHIxF9nKIAdZ29PS8eqKRnBu3VOn_zLzfLt4I7ZIy88BuPmnmIJRPHJxwKQ6TSE4pKULIRudfR_wLELGhAMVvlLGh_Qxq-eVpuEyL_w7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-07+at+13.14.16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouIlfs6YgPu6yax6yyu_pNrbmFKZh4tughYqUuHIxF9nKIAdZ29PS8eqKRnBu3VOn_zLzfLt4I7ZIy88BuPmnmIJRPHJxwKQ6TSE4pKULIRudfR_wLELGhAMVvlLGh_Qxq-eVpuEyL_w7/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-07+at+13.14.16.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.duncannonsmokehouse.ie/gifts/" target="_blank"><b>Duncannon Smokehouse</b></a></div>
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Smoked Salmon is another traditional and truly delicious food that has to feature on the menu over Christmas. I always give my inlaws a side of smoked salmon as it's guaranteed to be eaten and always welcomed! This year I discovered <a href="http://www.duncannonsmokehouse.ie/gifts/" target="_blank">Duncannon</a> and their beautiful range of smoked fish, the cold smoked trout is incredible too and you can order online and it comes beautifully packaged. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iYKE9BL6fVTqPm60DMMtfgWQ46bmjCmVkGV_-QlQ0UHO7A_uNkFRH93u6jzlGqja-QrxGKriSGNHfCgSGv63QIgmqzDkd-k8VlbOhKc3mh63iHe63wZ6tVZ1uHqiaM-xMDuUaq2zhHtY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-07+at+13.27.27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iYKE9BL6fVTqPm60DMMtfgWQ46bmjCmVkGV_-QlQ0UHO7A_uNkFRH93u6jzlGqja-QrxGKriSGNHfCgSGv63QIgmqzDkd-k8VlbOhKc3mh63iHe63wZ6tVZ1uHqiaM-xMDuUaq2zhHtY/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-07+at+13.27.27.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Wine!</b></div>
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What better than a nice bottle or a selection of wines? I go to my local <a href="http://www.bubblebrothers.com/store/" target="_blank">Bubble Brothers</a> or <a href="http://www.thewinebuff.com/shops/cork" target="_blank">The Wine Buff</a> here in Cork and ask them for a good recommendation. It really is a lovely present and guaranteed to be drank over the holiday season!</div>
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So no need to panic, just get online and start ordering! Let me know if you have spotted any other brilliant Irish gift ideas.</div>
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Lilly x</div>
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Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-45733214471926242952012-11-24T20:18:00.002+00:002012-11-24T23:13:12.785+00:00Download my free Christmas Card!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwi_EHmdQIPc5zp4lIBhSSyBSvLRdq0ij0l-jF4hIyOKu_B-rnzLKRL1N0RHyX6ET3Lub5Uh_DvqL_UKDCWyDfyLMFpG5werDW3Nvvl9hkDxIJj-kZcT_-zCXCAwmH_5Uk1Mt_hG5cgbQ/s1600/xmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwi_EHmdQIPc5zp4lIBhSSyBSvLRdq0ij0l-jF4hIyOKu_B-rnzLKRL1N0RHyX6ET3Lub5Uh_DvqL_UKDCWyDfyLMFpG5werDW3Nvvl9hkDxIJj-kZcT_-zCXCAwmH_5Uk1Mt_hG5cgbQ/s400/xmas+card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every year my Granddad would start talking about Christmas around August. Like me, he was obsessed with all things glittery and festive. He loved everything that Christmas involves: excessive food, presents, drink and merriment. So each year as summer came to a close I would get a phone call from him requesting a serious meeting to discuss 'this years card'. We would have several meetings where I would present initial rough sketches, he would make me change them <i>loads </i>(angels could be plumper/happier etc.) and then we would finally decide on a drawing. He had a little book stuffed full of names and addresses of his various friends that he would send them to. Most were in their eighties or nineties and kicked up a huge fuss if their names weren't on his card list. He would stagger the postage because as his buddies received the cards they would then ring him to discuss the card etc. and stay on the phone for hours. Being in his nineties his phone was on the loudest volume setting possible so if you were in the room to witness one of these calls it was quite deafening as he tended to yell back too! </div>
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Granddad is no longer here but I recently found one of these cards and decided to scan it in and <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=forums&srcid=MDg1NDYzMDI2NzA2NDc5MzcxNTQBMDczMTExODQ3NjU0MTExMDI1NzgBS2p3RFlGNmU1QmtKATQBAXYy" target="_blank">share it</a> with you. I can't remember what year it was from but I do remember him insisting that I write have 'a holy Christmas' as he had a few nuns on his books so wanted to keep on their good side. Of course it worked a charm and his phone was hopping for days. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRXJTZO0fhCDjft8FeY9bHIUFPptvu_LGWHGDyaB3n5tYr_zUtsALxnmWEYR1Vw_YUg2AJnBu-NxeTXJVdHXU7cNkRGf9nooS9DtXIO4rb5z5C2EUwNpMMdqm88xvaZW2-ciDvsuoteqZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-24+at+20.07.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRXJTZO0fhCDjft8FeY9bHIUFPptvu_LGWHGDyaB3n5tYr_zUtsALxnmWEYR1Vw_YUg2AJnBu-NxeTXJVdHXU7cNkRGf9nooS9DtXIO4rb5z5C2EUwNpMMdqm88xvaZW2-ciDvsuoteqZ/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-24+at+20.07.32.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Originally I printed these on cream paper and placed gold star stickers on top of the stable. We spent a good few enjoyable hours folding and sticking. Well I was folding and sticking he was sipping a hot whiskey. Here are a few ideas of ways that you can personalise the cards for your own use:</div>
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<li>Print out loads and get your or someone else's kids to color them in.</li>
<li>Print them on colored or gold paper and you won't even have to color them in!</li>
<li>Glue glitter or place a gold star sticker over the stable.</li>
<li>Print out scaled at 40% and thread with a ribbon, use as gift tags.</li>
<li>Enlarge and print on to A3 paper, use as a disposable Place mat on Christmas Day. Your fellow diners could even color them in whilst they wait for the turkey to be carved!</li>
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So I've created a google group page thing where you can download it. <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=forums&srcid=MDg1NDYzMDI2NzA2NDc5MzcxNTQBMDczMTExODQ3NjU0MTExMDI1NzgBS2p3RFlGNmU1QmtKATQBAXYy" target="_blank">The link is here.</a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Lilly x</div>
Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-73938257628870503362012-11-19T15:50:00.001+00:002012-11-19T18:50:38.813+00:00Sugar free, Butter free and Wheat free Banana Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRtElxCscTIiI8fG68qDX0ZAaNjltqAmpD6ZaH9oYiRmk3nCI5_0W-g9wb4pndiuuciQ9JZ9FOHTnwd9qSH9hKi74kCvfXbrdOXn3xFscMukZkXm0CbrqcEfUFXiUhBxjXpU9CepwXtLh/s1600/Banoffee+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRtElxCscTIiI8fG68qDX0ZAaNjltqAmpD6ZaH9oYiRmk3nCI5_0W-g9wb4pndiuuciQ9JZ9FOHTnwd9qSH9hKi74kCvfXbrdOXn3xFscMukZkXm0CbrqcEfUFXiUhBxjXpU9CepwXtLh/s320/Banoffee+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Banoffee Cake from my book<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Bake-Love-Lilly-Higgins/dp/0717150429/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353340042&sr=8-1"> M<span id="goog_2094499087"></span>ake Bake Love</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2094499088"></span></a> is one of my favorites. It's oil based and really moist and it only takes minutes to make. Another one of it's winning features is the thick toffee icing spread oh so generously over the top. But lately I've been trying to make healthier cakes, well a little healthier. Liam is nearly one year old already and the pressure is mounting for his Birthday Cake. Of course a first birthday cake has to be amazing. It's the first of many incredible celebration cakes. So I'm practicing but I do want a baby friendly cake. The last thing I want to do is to overload him with sugar. He loves honey in his porridge so I've altered this recipe and replaced the sugar with honey and most of the flour with oats. So really it's a breakfast cake. Porridge in a heart shaped tin. </div>
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This cake won't be THE birthday one but it is a celebration cake of sorts as he started walking last week and is now <i>unstoppable</i>. One of many milestones. He loves the cake (phew) so I'll be making it again!</div>
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Lilly x</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sugar free, Butter free and Wheat free Banana Cake</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This cake doesn't rise the same as a cake with lots of gluten but it is rich and moist making it the perfect thing to have with hot tea or even vanilla ice-cream! I blitzed normal porridge oats in the food processor to make a fine flour, I then made the entire cake in the processor. It may seem like a very wet mixture to begin with but the oats absorb loads of that moisture and it thickens up quickly. You can make this cake entirely wheat free by using coconut or rice flour.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">180g oats, blitzed to a fine flour in a food processor</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">45g plain, Tritamyl, coconut or rice flour<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />3 eggs<br />120g honey or 100g Agave Syrup<br />2 medium ripe bananas, mashed<br />1 tsp vanilla essence<br />220ml olive oil or rapeseed oil</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Butter a 28cm springform tin and dust with flour.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Sieve the flours and baking powder into a bowl. Set aside.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and honey on high with an electric mixer until thickened and light in colour. Fold in the mashed banana and vanilla. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while still mixing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed, taking care not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared tin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden. Cool on a rack.</span></div>
Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-15554774230423756192012-07-20T22:36:00.000+01:002012-07-20T22:36:57.689+01:00Quick and Easy Black and Redcurrant Cordial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEpppj0u-IKRPKyhlp4HVeCUY16RdNn9Rs1ZEqagcW9-43kXCrqCb0hkfH7Ddh9LcHYlHTTeSh0D7UWqGItup5uBY2zNW5sOTSiaiGGHuK58BbWMJHi2g67Ym1GGwH4kf8GwQRpIWfmwj/s1600/redcurrants2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEpppj0u-IKRPKyhlp4HVeCUY16RdNn9Rs1ZEqagcW9-43kXCrqCb0hkfH7Ddh9LcHYlHTTeSh0D7UWqGItup5uBY2zNW5sOTSiaiGGHuK58BbWMJHi2g67Ym1GGwH4kf8GwQRpIWfmwj/s400/redcurrants2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3GbOS75nvE8HhE4_UUwVNkTDBCCslrBLo9dunsVuLMYnW2cpCCysnRwLS3ei76aEJFr9bQAPOJ5-tprey-JL2EA6beaq0gXzCjh0fqDSvaEByAaS5j6Y_vyZmWLCSGLbGm7bczhtR5O3/s1600/blackcurrants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3GbOS75nvE8HhE4_UUwVNkTDBCCslrBLo9dunsVuLMYnW2cpCCysnRwLS3ei76aEJFr9bQAPOJ5-tprey-JL2EA6beaq0gXzCjh0fqDSvaEByAaS5j6Y_vyZmWLCSGLbGm7bczhtR5O3/s400/blackcurrants.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year we've rented an allotment and it's been a brilliant way of making us actually grow and nurture plants. For the past few years we've attempted the whole kitchen garden 'thing' in our own garden but there's something a lot more sociable and enjoyable about gardening with your community. It's really encouraging to see our neighboring plots flourish too and after all that planting and weeding it's finally time for us to start harvesting more than just radishes and salad leaves! We've had the freshest new potatoes and a brilliant selection of herbs that aren't available in shops like Apple and Ginger Mint. For me it's a total joy to be able to stop off on my way home and pick a bunch of dill or fennel to have with our dinner. This week I picked lots of currants. I was totally unsure of what to do with the red currants though, such pretty glistening red berries but are they used for anything useful apart from decoration? A quick online search revealed that red currant jelly was my best bet but it's not something I often use. So I simply added the berries to the cordial I was making. And.. it's addictive! I used a mixture of 1/3 blackcurrants to 2/3 red and it's a rich plummy colour with a fruity fresh taste bursting with vitamins. </div>
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This recipe is so quick and easy, it actually takes just as long to make a pot of tea! I've drunk copious amounts of this cordial over the past few days and have decided that I'll infuse some mint in the next batch, it'd also be gorgeous with lime juice or diluted with champagne instead of water for the perfect summer aperitif.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Black and Redcurrant Cordial</b></span></div>
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600g currants (I used 200g black & 400g red)</div>
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1 1/2 litres water</div>
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450g sugar</div>
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First wash the berries. Pick through for any debris or twigs but no need to remove the berries from the stalks.</div>
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Place the berries, sugar and water into a heavy based saucepan. Bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer for five minutes until the berries burst easily. </div>
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Remove from the heat and drain through a sieve, squashing the berries against the sides of the sieve with the back of a ladle to ensure all of the juice is extracted. This makes for the fruitiest cordial but it is a little cloudy which is fine by me.</div>
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Pour the cordial into bottles and dilute with water/ champagne etc to taste!</div>
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I also made a Red currant and Spiced plum relish which I'm not sure about. It seems a little watery but does smell divine. I altered an Ottolenghi recipe for spiced plum and rhubarb relish as suggested by this <a href="http://lifeat33degrees.blogspot.ie/2012/03/by-jove-i-do-believe-i-have-little.html" target="_blank">blog here.</a> I'm looking forward to trying it with cheese though and it will make a colourful fruity addition to a winter cheeseboard!</div>
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Lilly x</div>
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<br />Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-8150839557257696542012-07-20T21:35:00.000+01:002012-07-20T21:35:13.723+01:00Pop Up Supper at The Science Gallery<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last April I curated a pop up supper in Dublin's fantastic<a href="http://sciencegallery.com/" target="_blank"> Science Gallery</a>. It's a brilliant resource to have in our capital and I definitely recommend visiting the gallery, such an inspiring space and all the staff are so enthusiastic and friendly. I chose Superfoods as my theme for the pop up and there were salads scattered with ruby red pomegranate seeds and sprouted seeds things as far as the eye could see. And of course antioxidant rich chocolate cake for dessert! Thanks to the lovely Shaun O'Boyle for being a brilliant host and giving me these great photos! Hack the city is the current exhibition at the Science Gallery and it sounds amazing, read all about it <a href="http://sciencegallery.com/hackthecity" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Thanks to everyone at the Science Gallery for such a great night and to Clare Anne O'Keefe who popped in on her way home from work and ended up lending a hand. I used to work with Clare Ann yeaaaars ago and it was great to see her in 'real life' again after seeing her cooking such gorgeous food on Irish Masterchef last year. </div>
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Lilly x</div>
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<br /></div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-66202430526831716752012-04-14T11:36:00.000+01:002012-04-14T11:36:15.180+01:00Chia Seed Protein bombs<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9eyPka1u3skR5b0cATjlmttodD9O0-Q6dC0dkGtwYXxEctluLZfY99FLs0tRLob7bHEty6pnu5Jqok1149l3xZrNKW23jjkJzASGpWEFD2gDDbZaN2acjq5F45-GtzDEvZmLqK_G9qCf/s1600/INGREDIENTS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9eyPka1u3skR5b0cATjlmttodD9O0-Q6dC0dkGtwYXxEctluLZfY99FLs0tRLob7bHEty6pnu5Jqok1149l3xZrNKW23jjkJzASGpWEFD2gDDbZaN2acjq5F45-GtzDEvZmLqK_G9qCf/s400/INGREDIENTS.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW72WUakTUGrEhv3oNBnKI662i9RZ99flnA7Wvzkq96xE9BZKZMiTflegl_9ZOafIruxO0K2DreOmC_ETfR7d0s2hWUK_hT4cMir4BclMotyURXr4RBmK98GpgG57qYj804V9V9nZ0jNL9/s1600/MIX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW72WUakTUGrEhv3oNBnKI662i9RZ99flnA7Wvzkq96xE9BZKZMiTflegl_9ZOafIruxO0K2DreOmC_ETfR7d0s2hWUK_hT4cMir4BclMotyURXr4RBmK98GpgG57qYj804V9V9nZ0jNL9/s400/MIX.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaVDygEzlg8mX09jvp6nJmGE23DeMuZfA43sccOXSTtPjzlqhDGFko3QBKNwKL9UpSStgxVK7S8fdXR03ck-ilbL14hOQmMvpo4yFVDaU1RSz7uvQaobFZ_tPyZ9szUu_DXrWW9ymVlYy/s1600/ROLL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaVDygEzlg8mX09jvp6nJmGE23DeMuZfA43sccOXSTtPjzlqhDGFko3QBKNwKL9UpSStgxVK7S8fdXR03ck-ilbL14hOQmMvpo4yFVDaU1RSz7uvQaobFZ_tPyZ9szUu_DXrWW9ymVlYy/s400/ROLL.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNdszGagMvutxQhhCMLALE0ZofUGSLWvp8-LHcgyIq3evBvriGIAcGiKUw8mK5SHwn-3zhaJsjyqdUYD7rbuCE-1dY9l9FhgM96Rja5OHeRFIUKskeRYDr6nnVbu341F5UO5BMm_vvjpj/s1600/CHIABIA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNdszGagMvutxQhhCMLALE0ZofUGSLWvp8-LHcgyIq3evBvriGIAcGiKUw8mK5SHwn-3zhaJsjyqdUYD7rbuCE-1dY9l9FhgM96Rja5OHeRFIUKskeRYDr6nnVbu341F5UO5BMm_vvjpj/s400/CHIABIA.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">My sister <a href="http://d1155203.cp.blacknight.com/about/" target="_blank">Raedi</a> is a personal trainer and founder of <a href="http://www.runlikeagirl.ie/" target="_blank">Run Like a Girl</a> where she teaches girls how to go from walking to running in no time. She leads groups of happy women running around Phoenix Park and is a picture of health and vitality. So naturally I want whatever she's got. Shiny hair and lots of energy? Yup. That sounds good to me. But seeing as I live in Cork and she's based in Dublin I have to do it through distance learning and her first brilliant tip was to make these <a href="http://www.susanjanemurray.com/fuse/recipes/sub/5/id/170/Protein_Bombs_.html" target="_blank">Protein Bombs from Susan Jane Murray's</a> blog. I didn't have all of the ingredients listed so changed around a few and the results are so delicious! I don't know how these can be good for you but Susan Jane assures us they are. I used Irish company <a href="http://www.chiabia.com/" target="_blank">Chia Bia's</a> ground chia and cranberry mix. They have a blueberry one too and it's equally tasty and full of chia goodness.I got organic whey protein in my local Health shop. I'll definitely make these again! </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-36073868661243355892012-03-18T18:32:00.001+00:002012-03-21T20:45:12.283+00:00The best chocolate muffin recipe ever!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUJUHldZRsEq-ly_3bMNVjuseynMVMfCjxfe9lRyWLw57JG1Eh1SC1DRVtoaDUrDQzey5KhlWhRhlUmgRJg9NDjivVZU3SJee7Revfo2EenPuzcxc3W_pO4Ki1S9pfyi2Br8mTD-Zwh8b/s1600/choc+muffin1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUJUHldZRsEq-ly_3bMNVjuseynMVMfCjxfe9lRyWLw57JG1Eh1SC1DRVtoaDUrDQzey5KhlWhRhlUmgRJg9NDjivVZU3SJee7Revfo2EenPuzcxc3W_pO4Ki1S9pfyi2Br8mTD-Zwh8b/s400/choc+muffin1.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50b1ay5v6RHdxap4nPQSy88t013RZDvN3TZnJxvq1TiSmCUEhiM9X1l8dUKXkryrCWMIhVWh6NkVsBEYSZYEYYMfPt8thrcW8Tc2BSOqyZMkFS5QcD_EdD4xBHrWQXiLBpWI2Nf0eHjCQ/s1600/chocolate+muffins+on+tray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="231px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50b1ay5v6RHdxap4nPQSy88t013RZDvN3TZnJxvq1TiSmCUEhiM9X1l8dUKXkryrCWMIhVWh6NkVsBEYSZYEYYMfPt8thrcW8Tc2BSOqyZMkFS5QcD_EdD4xBHrWQXiLBpWI2Nf0eHjCQ/s400/chocolate+muffins+on+tray.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Have you ever felt like you've been searching for something all your life and then suddenly BOOM! Well get ready because here's that chocolate muffin recipe you need. I'm not a major fan of chocolate but my goodness these muffins... They are unreal. They are the perfect combination of bitter cocoa, rich chocolate, buttery richness yet feather light thanks to the cornflour. It's <a href="http://www.danlepard.com/">Dan Lepard's</a> recipe for Chocolate Custard Muffins and it does have a long list of ingredients and a rather unusual method but the results are well worth it. First you make a custard with the cocoa and cornflour then you beat in the chocolate and butter. I really wasn't convinced that it would work but I trust his recipes and twenty five minutes in the oven later and I'm in love. Best Chocolate Muffin recipe ever.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXtoKCvc2oK7Q7JqjytgbHABJqJ9_HJU6ZqY8Xrwh2wIC6Io2pTYPFadMhwubnjqUgXka275Oaqr_z9qXf8HHGGI7MqKE9eKBpALwqbBNIZ7H7B3pCc_rbqy31IPaHwDJEK0Hh6nKTN5C/s1600/chocmuffin2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="177px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXtoKCvc2oK7Q7JqjytgbHABJqJ9_HJU6ZqY8Xrwh2wIC6Io2pTYPFadMhwubnjqUgXka275Oaqr_z9qXf8HHGGI7MqKE9eKBpALwqbBNIZ7H7B3pCc_rbqy31IPaHwDJEK0Hh6nKTN5C/s400/chocmuffin2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Dan Lepard's recipe for Chocolate Custard Muffins can be found </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/apr/26/recipe.foodanddrink1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here on the Guardian website</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: blue;">.</span> It's also in his book, Short & Sweet, which has just won the <a href="http://andresimon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Andre Simon Award</a> for food book of the year. <br />
These are the ultimate muffin to have with a glass of cold milk!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;">Lilly x</span></div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-81091165621864777032012-02-02T16:18:00.000+00:002012-02-02T16:18:03.462+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t1lPmRMFA56R96035ZI8nxZfN72mCB1fOnZDfM1VN2jHL29AqZHXkiXEtLydJMZ1eBm0ZYIPTt2nrRsjsF4JYJhb1Li2pFPWcTA3wtluAw2iynTppAp_Py12ip7XlqkW7OMvbK1t4Ozq/s1600/shoes3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t1lPmRMFA56R96035ZI8nxZfN72mCB1fOnZDfM1VN2jHL29AqZHXkiXEtLydJMZ1eBm0ZYIPTt2nrRsjsF4JYJhb1Li2pFPWcTA3wtluAw2iynTppAp_Py12ip7XlqkW7OMvbK1t4Ozq/s400/shoes3.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Belated New Year! Two days after my last blog post our gorgeous baby boy Liam came into the world! I was planning on making a gingerbread house but never got around to it as he decided to arrive early. My festive baking plans were sabotaged! Liam is doing really well now and we're <em>almost</em> in some sort of routine. I feel like I've known him forever and he sleeps most peacfully in the kitchen with the oven humming and the mixer whirring! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been up and down to Dublin doing a series of Baking demos on RTE's Fourlive programme for the past few weeks. We did four in total: Breads, Scones, Sponge cakes and pastries. They're all on RTE player now. I also did one just before Christmas on the Peanut Butter Cookies. One of my absolute favourites from Make Bake Love.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been doing lots of writing including a once a week piece for The Sunday Business Post's Agenda magazine. I really love that as it involves making a great family meal each week.Next Sunday's will be a gorgeous roast vegetable and goats cheese tart. It's great because I spend the week cooking and experimenting with different flavours. It really has become my dream job! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">So if you've only just come across my blog as a result of Make Bake Love or if you're a regular around here: Happy New Year and let's make 2012 an absolutely great year full of gorgeous food!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-14881230428907076522011-12-04T18:53:00.001+00:002011-12-04T18:56:09.545+00:00Chocolate Tiffin Christmas Puddings: Easy Edible Christmas Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMT0cPA_xEwvHyRahZ7EFRJ9Rhei92PdozGMV4O56iTwN2Zaa1n_p3k7gxvd9T58ZnBkOrRoyregyfsFXIn0uyjcjdeTbM1CnWby3s5ylK2xbu5wtuWBpoSTe-xm3jbkkdr0cdA5-Iv6b/s1600/iced+tiffin+xmas+pudding+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="208px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMT0cPA_xEwvHyRahZ7EFRJ9Rhei92PdozGMV4O56iTwN2Zaa1n_p3k7gxvd9T58ZnBkOrRoyregyfsFXIn0uyjcjdeTbM1CnWby3s5ylK2xbu5wtuWBpoSTe-xm3jbkkdr0cdA5-Iv6b/s400/iced+tiffin+xmas+pudding+2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1RLFKkn6mAA-Fm8RAdq4bY0NaX7qNTxe8_Xyq1pwfKBErLayDLh-N9TM7pgBw2LaobyUpor93HGuE8VTyGfksCo9EkAXdQmXvHl4Iq1GVf74MGDWW9uzLV1KQbnXo-dQ8z6-FhD7fQLF/s1600/chocolate+tiffin+christmas+pudding+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="253px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1RLFKkn6mAA-Fm8RAdq4bY0NaX7qNTxe8_Xyq1pwfKBErLayDLh-N9TM7pgBw2LaobyUpor93HGuE8VTyGfksCo9EkAXdQmXvHl4Iq1GVf74MGDWW9uzLV1KQbnXo-dQ8z6-FhD7fQLF/s400/chocolate+tiffin+christmas+pudding+1.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKaqEfqpYmUn0If2ZZkmDIxxA5Tx-tHRCEMjhyphenhyphen2NES_tIrUUDX2AIdSWYlxs6n7twdKTk8dtCm2Aik-1-AUQsZg0QFu_Wk0bMeK0WduDy70T1ATBA5zVjcOWN3-GCOJOxIzEXMb8Zv1KH/s1600/inside+tiffin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="252px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKaqEfqpYmUn0If2ZZkmDIxxA5Tx-tHRCEMjhyphenhyphen2NES_tIrUUDX2AIdSWYlxs6n7twdKTk8dtCm2Aik-1-AUQsZg0QFu_Wk0bMeK0WduDy70T1ATBA5zVjcOWN3-GCOJOxIzEXMb8Zv1KH/s400/inside+tiffin.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> I remember when I was a child seeing the incredible Christmas cakes that my mother would make taking centre stage on the Christmas Table. When the time came to remove the ribbon, little glittery trees and Santa figurines we would all be so excited with the thought of what lay beneath the thick white icing. The disappointing reality was that under that icing was a thick layer of homemade marzipan and a fruit cake soaked in brandy and full of plump sultanas and nuts. Of course nowadays I realise that those cakes were works of art, a labour of love that my mother had spent hours preparing and mixing. As children we just presumed that these incredible cakes would be made from chocolate; but sadly no. The same went for Christmas Puddings, I so wished they were made from solid chocolate. A few days ago I got that sinking feeling when I saw a TV advert for Christmas Pudding and I realised that now that I am a grown up I can make chocolate puddings if I want, Yessssssss. And thats how these gorgeous tiffin christmas puddings came to be made. The perfect little present for the chocolate lover in your life!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qkm-mW3SsZrtF9S9QOolMJV-jRIvHoJwrAPQFS-otHuMi6JeVoBkoD2vgQTCm56LBA_h0yF53_i0kaaw-w3a0PR42ImEiGRddodhF-KmqQWxJKsQWnr6DRqStidoh4ASaIWlsADPKPhM/s1600/iced+tiffin+pudding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="278px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qkm-mW3SsZrtF9S9QOolMJV-jRIvHoJwrAPQFS-otHuMi6JeVoBkoD2vgQTCm56LBA_h0yF53_i0kaaw-w3a0PR42ImEiGRddodhF-KmqQWxJKsQWnr6DRqStidoh4ASaIWlsADPKPhM/s400/iced+tiffin+pudding.JPG" width="400px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibO_E7nnILotaFfEy-yTAZ4FpYBxmXtyKb3xfbqrGVIPyFgl-ixiveB4z2yerDW9XblhDjvde_ywFO7RCzHBrP5Dwx0v4t7TJS4DtQXOAAB6w-uqSZy1oQUk04b2I4y3E9_Ogkl8LIHsR/s1600/2+tiffin+xmas+puddings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="228px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibO_E7nnILotaFfEy-yTAZ4FpYBxmXtyKb3xfbqrGVIPyFgl-ixiveB4z2yerDW9XblhDjvde_ywFO7RCzHBrP5Dwx0v4t7TJS4DtQXOAAB6w-uqSZy1oQUk04b2I4y3E9_Ogkl8LIHsR/s400/2+tiffin+xmas+puddings.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong>Chocolate Tiffin Christmas Pudding</strong></span> <br />
Makes 2 x 1 pint puddings<br />
<br />
150g (5oz) butter<br />
2 tbsp golden syrup<br />
200g (7oz) dark chocolate, chopped<br />
300g (10oz) biscuits (digestives, rich tea, polo, fruit shortcake etc.)<br />
200g (7oz) sultanas<br />
100g (3 1/2oz) nuts, toasted & chopped<br />
<ul><li>Line 2 x 1 pint pudding bowls with cling film.</li>
<li>Melt the butter, syrup and chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a bowl of simmering water. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is melting evenly.</li>
<li>Crush and break the biscuits into bite size pieces, don’t worry if some bits are big as they’ll break down when you’re stirring.</li>
<li>Add the sultanas and nuts. Combine well with the biscuits in a large bowl.</li>
<li>Pour the melted chocolate mixture over and stir everything well to combine.</li>
<li>Spoon into the pudding bowls . Compress and flatten with the back of the spoon.</li>
<li>Leave to set in a cold room or the fridge before tuning out. Decorate with a cherry on top and white melted chocolate.</li>
</ul><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdWwXbOhxdpqaN7t_mEizM4CxDbPcDlQLKuq3m5WZEXxtK2nN8yMa_77HQo8Av7lsZBhWzaISe34UG1bzwrnwVrcwvaiLsi_4PrQF8u86W_kD6HYKk5Ci3WoTbSEidXpqk5YKLHtj1okN/s1600/chocolate+biscuit+cake+christmas+pudding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdWwXbOhxdpqaN7t_mEizM4CxDbPcDlQLKuq3m5WZEXxtK2nN8yMa_77HQo8Av7lsZBhWzaISe34UG1bzwrnwVrcwvaiLsi_4PrQF8u86W_kD6HYKk5Ci3WoTbSEidXpqk5YKLHtj1okN/s400/chocolate+biscuit+cake+christmas+pudding.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I added cherries to mine too. You could also soak the sultanas in brandy or rum for a few hours before using them. This tiffin recipe is from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Bake-Love-Lilly-Higgins/dp/0717150429/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323024915&sr=8-1">my book Make Bake Love</a>. You'll find it in the Thrift chapter. I actually tripled this recipe and got six gorgeous puddings. You could make smaller ones by using suitably shaped teacups, just make sure you line them with cling film!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The only thing you can't do with these beauties is dowse them in brandy and set them alight!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-58330529617373269392011-11-29T14:58:00.001+00:002011-11-29T14:59:29.042+00:00Mini Panettone : Easy Edible Christmas Gifts<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;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTw98DKOCqgOWs1wI83gxgdwkIuIz7qhqn1Yu2VSXW3ThqceEvS6CUQg3tj0Jfm_vnRDLlHw5TFDEMNgQ9Nz88OavKtIFGjHNdxGLkOteI59K2EYkSB8yURGZByxisLLRsn1KOluXtuwa/s1600/panetonne1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="253px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTw98DKOCqgOWs1wI83gxgdwkIuIz7qhqn1Yu2VSXW3ThqceEvS6CUQg3tj0Jfm_vnRDLlHw5TFDEMNgQ9Nz88OavKtIFGjHNdxGLkOteI59K2EYkSB8yURGZByxisLLRsn1KOluXtuwa/s400/panetonne1.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tW9Oh0vV2ZEJ3DjJYSy2IbqUxAX2wRz-vxpt7PSCI-RJvZuWvZkvEJ0cV5v-DuHyHAiOvD9O3vzrGOM0nM-TZcFGjoDo7tjuJvAWdAgVIrooZ0PqbAqLycjIjREZmM0VZ5bE-4ZPZOQQ/s1600/panetonne+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tW9Oh0vV2ZEJ3DjJYSy2IbqUxAX2wRz-vxpt7PSCI-RJvZuWvZkvEJ0cV5v-DuHyHAiOvD9O3vzrGOM0nM-TZcFGjoDo7tjuJvAWdAgVIrooZ0PqbAqLycjIjREZmM0VZ5bE-4ZPZOQQ/s400/panetonne+close+up.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above: Macadamia, White Chocolate and Cranberry Panettone & Mini Chocolate & Almond</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: justify;">Lately I've become addicted to baking Panettone. Baking them and eating them that is. They have to be one of the most comforting of Christmas recipes. The warm yeast rising and the mixture of spices fills the house with the nicest of smells. No candle could compete with the toasted Macadamia, White chocolate and Cranberry beauty that I made recently. Mixed Spice and Raisin, dark Chocolate and Orange. The different flavour combinations are endless. I decided to make some small ones to give as part of some Christmas hampers. One of these with a little jar of flavoured butter (cointreau, rum or brandy) makes a gorgeous gift and if not eaten straight away they can be toasted for breakfast or transformed into a luxurious bread & butter pudding!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLhl40HCOM1W26hvIgWnqyNnMvIUmXt1W-eA8P2BFe3E9qo7CHCCUC7XxOtE9O1LrR07G7ty6nK32a-0n0CtCT0RGFoKBXWe3t0aQ9M-kJ6OyDXDUnTSaY0XMa3pvza9k6c3Eu6cqoHrP/s1600/group2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLhl40HCOM1W26hvIgWnqyNnMvIUmXt1W-eA8P2BFe3E9qo7CHCCUC7XxOtE9O1LrR07G7ty6nK32a-0n0CtCT0RGFoKBXWe3t0aQ9M-kJ6OyDXDUnTSaY0XMa3pvza9k6c3Eu6cqoHrP/s400/group2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Dark Chocolate and Toasted Almond Panettone</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 1 large or 6 mini (depending on tin size)</span></div>350g strong bread flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 sachet (7g) fast action yeast<br />
50g golden caster sugar<br />
100g almonds, toasted & chopped<br />
100g butter, soft<br />
3 eggs, beaten<br />
4 tbsp milk, warm<br />
100g dark chocolate, chopped<br />
25g melted butter, to finish<br />
<ul><li>Grease and line the tin(s) with greaseproof paper. If using mini silicone tins there's no need to grease or line them.</li>
<li>Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the yeast, sugar and nuts</li>
<li>Make a well in the centre. Add the eggs, butter and milk. Mix well. Turn out onto your work surface.</li>
<li>Knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This can also be done in a mixer using a dough hook.</li>
<li>Place into a large greased bowl and cover with cling film. Leave to double in size for an hour in a warm place.</li>
<li>Once risen punch down the dough with your fist, knead for 5 minutes. Gradually knead in the chopped chocolate. Shape and place into the prepared tin(s)</li>
<li>Preheat the oven to 180C. Leave the dough to rise for 30 minutes. Carefully brush the top with melted butter. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. I remove mine from the tin for the final five minutes to give them an overall golden colour.</li>
<li>Once the base sounds hollow when tapped the loaves can be removed from the oven and left to cool on a rack. Duct with icing sugar once cooled and wrap.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Dofn_tzR_FtgTPojvV4NOws2I5f1fSQ3v03Gf9_5qxCablvfu9pUp4lsNemCHjGDvx0vvgLih1r-ZTwqKseg-IW65OWExaT9Fgy69jhI4Je_BMxdTsvMiVxqQWkDtmA8g-QHXuACTxhb/s1600/chocolatechips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="186px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Dofn_tzR_FtgTPojvV4NOws2I5f1fSQ3v03Gf9_5qxCablvfu9pUp4lsNemCHjGDvx0vvgLih1r-ZTwqKseg-IW65OWExaT9Fgy69jhI4Je_BMxdTsvMiVxqQWkDtmA8g-QHXuACTxhb/s400/chocolatechips.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihugTLFDZBx-Pd1svooGMoexw6BnJzIAdyLnYRqvz5eeOeql32MURpleMnXt6xnfvv3QmwJ4ZiP1tCu5Xk5KpHMkLUltW4TOc-1ym6jKQwzWg26MqXjQYMj6nxAz2Ud4CenYvtIldg5fh_/s1600/panetonne+dough.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="177px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihugTLFDZBx-Pd1svooGMoexw6BnJzIAdyLnYRqvz5eeOeql32MURpleMnXt6xnfvv3QmwJ4ZiP1tCu5Xk5KpHMkLUltW4TOc-1ym6jKQwzWg26MqXjQYMj6nxAz2Ud4CenYvtIldg5fh_/s400/panetonne+dough.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKkQ399tlZ7k7LjGcfIseqTafMHKJ-ITgagxm5Vc6uBTKOyFaQpH4qkWwVt6GY9yqSBDuHHW6PWaVEMm67PQa6S1t-_lO-ocxgLhwT4gIAahATSykSmPqT7qvZwj8O7D3O6qsS7Xw5JgW/s1600/panettone+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="191px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKkQ399tlZ7k7LjGcfIseqTafMHKJ-ITgagxm5Vc6uBTKOyFaQpH4qkWwVt6GY9yqSBDuHHW6PWaVEMm67PQa6S1t-_lO-ocxgLhwT4gIAahATSykSmPqT7qvZwj8O7D3O6qsS7Xw5JgW/s400/panettone+group.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm planning lots more edible gifts to share here on the blog and will also have an article in The Independent Weekend Magazine so I'll link to that here once it's out. Hope all your Christmas preparations are going well!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-44357388901486010652011-11-11T11:46:00.000+00:002011-11-11T11:46:07.461+00:00Quick Pumpkin Soup<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTvarid2qsZ5vWtFTUdcv1hd4IknvgpZmk4P124YZtRdbX33aVQOMbHF9DBFaafpqJ8p5dUNozes9J7JFzIfk8dfw-h9j6AhR53itdCpg0x6CtxLpdm-mBIypvMQ3L2UjZHadUixsDqGP/s1600/pumpkin+soup+ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTvarid2qsZ5vWtFTUdcv1hd4IknvgpZmk4P124YZtRdbX33aVQOMbHF9DBFaafpqJ8p5dUNozes9J7JFzIfk8dfw-h9j6AhR53itdCpg0x6CtxLpdm-mBIypvMQ3L2UjZHadUixsDqGP/s400/pumpkin+soup+ingredients.JPG" width="400px" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhGTOiyzQ-N529D8q_rGpUU5ZWnvMKZJRIVeX72lBXNUiaxYSLF4q8D7yCNZPjOkncgcXei71-eGPFIl0NDNvqxjSplPf2yXiMn0-BAXfWJtD8p5EJaaoZH60j75E7Uln7sdJkiOvrj3M/s1600/soup+in+mug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhGTOiyzQ-N529D8q_rGpUU5ZWnvMKZJRIVeX72lBXNUiaxYSLF4q8D7yCNZPjOkncgcXei71-eGPFIl0NDNvqxjSplPf2yXiMn0-BAXfWJtD8p5EJaaoZH60j75E7Uln7sdJkiOvrj3M/s400/soup+in+mug.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I love soup weather. When it's freezing outside and gets dark at five in the afternoon then there's nothing better than a mug of soup just before dinner. I love having soup while I'm waiting for dinner to cook. It's like a vegetable smoothie full of nutrients and healthy garlic and onions.And also sometimes cream. Ahem. This soup is great though because it has ginger, garlic and coconut milk and it uses up any leftover tinned pumpkin that you might have from making <a href="http://lillyhiggins.blogspot.com/2011/10/easy-and-gorgeous-pumpkin-muffins.html">the pumpkin muffins</a>. Win win!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YB97Ve9VdjOjv9FSsy4FfmE3KVUF4yPvAOTQn6BeyCLU_dx7rpRef8IARlvTdK_djPhbq-hqFNMnowyve2AGnYrvXSweGFvNegBZmHZZwb0IzwUM2JEzfof0OfyRG0oDW9mCu0nw38fz/s1600/soup+in+pot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YB97Ve9VdjOjv9FSsy4FfmE3KVUF4yPvAOTQn6BeyCLU_dx7rpRef8IARlvTdK_djPhbq-hqFNMnowyve2AGnYrvXSweGFvNegBZmHZZwb0IzwUM2JEzfof0OfyRG0oDW9mCu0nw38fz/s400/soup+in+pot.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT6QeZJBBd6oqAIhC-GWp8QZZ_Wjjv7QYSQfH4kowu4o96tVq5HmbUQ9ZN6I77Zy7X6LdqkSZ1BOHlRcN9NLSQfFu-B2b84P1CB4Qm7OecdEcgOpAi0goPw2HMF_tGNzSqRt-de3GPqfy/s1600/soup+with+bread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT6QeZJBBd6oqAIhC-GWp8QZZ_Wjjv7QYSQfH4kowu4o96tVq5HmbUQ9ZN6I77Zy7X6LdqkSZ1BOHlRcN9NLSQfFu-B2b84P1CB4Qm7OecdEcgOpAi0goPw2HMF_tGNzSqRt-de3GPqfy/s400/soup+with+bread.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><strong>Pumpkin Soup</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 1 big pot</span><strong> </strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">50g ginger, peeled & chopped</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">2 onions, roughly chopped</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">4 (500g) sweet potatoes, peeled & roughly chopped</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">1 large butternut squash, peeled & chopped</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">325g (or 1 tin) pumpkin puree</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">1 litre stock or water</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">1 tin coconut milk</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Salt & pepper</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Butter or olive oil</span></div><ol><li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Saute the ginger and onion in butter or olive oil in a large pan until soft.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Add the sweet potato and squash.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Add the stock and simmer until the vegetables are softened.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Add the pumpkin puree, coconut milk and simmer for five minutes.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Puree until smooth. Season to taste.</span></div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">There's no real rules with this soup, put whatever you have in! And don't worry if you don't have tinned pumpkin just add some peeled and chopped fresh pumpkin. Lovely!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Lilly x</span></div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-21281548697254627392011-10-27T12:02:00.000+01:002011-10-27T12:02:19.214+01:00Easy and Gorgeous Pumpkin Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2bJqbYVx6RVIIKDSPQbJA8GWwqPlM_zwTZb9kP8CaZSOAQaCDsAzoJRhgjZWMqVx5mH9b3z1u2cbWfdaa0-3I3xCWU1KpGfc3Ut1nD3OnaSAaOwOXktSc0AbjDb0lyZjTHGF4aUBmPMo/s1600/tin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2bJqbYVx6RVIIKDSPQbJA8GWwqPlM_zwTZb9kP8CaZSOAQaCDsAzoJRhgjZWMqVx5mH9b3z1u2cbWfdaa0-3I3xCWU1KpGfc3Ut1nD3OnaSAaOwOXktSc0AbjDb0lyZjTHGF4aUBmPMo/s400/tin.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFBscHR-6Vbb2LJLj74jyV1RgUUdh48RuSmo3YgH86EZ2frhDh676yX6ifQxQUsyC4pH8u7gXbNNt-g-7RUYw5xrUVK_KLSVEuKkkbi07AFrsjLY8gP87pW8TVrPxPTVYKLGqeZSxd15z/s1600/pumpkin+muffin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFBscHR-6Vbb2LJLj74jyV1RgUUdh48RuSmo3YgH86EZ2frhDh676yX6ifQxQUsyC4pH8u7gXbNNt-g-7RUYw5xrUVK_KLSVEuKkkbi07AFrsjLY8gP87pW8TVrPxPTVYKLGqeZSxd15z/s400/pumpkin+muffin.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I spent all of last week in Dublin to launch <a href="http://lillyhiggins.blogspot.com/2011/10/make-bake-love-is-out.html">MakeBakeLove</a> and was delighted to be able to wander around one of my favourite food haunts <a href="http://www.fallonandbyrne.com/">Fallon & Byrne</a>. I picked up two tins of pumpkin puree, for once I'll be ready for Halloween! I decided to make Pumpkin Muffins. Pumpkin Pie is still on my list of must bakes; Donal Skehans' <a href="http://www.donalskehan.com/2011/10/back-of-the-pack-retro-recipes-and-pumpkin-pie/">gorgeous version is here.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This recipe only uses 100g of the tinned pumpkin, I'll post a recipe next week on a gorgeous soup that you can make with the remaining pumpkin!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFsuK5SE6D4YYZXm0P_YyEalPsq-miuRJPVzFMjOiuW51bu5EY7PBQAYYxXTQK2-UiSD4C03tFPuTqf3BggfnTMATiW5AQWzcfIk9gptJh7HYcwQbbuykl95u1vN3JrdGDlpn3g18yxUE/s1600/table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFsuK5SE6D4YYZXm0P_YyEalPsq-miuRJPVzFMjOiuW51bu5EY7PBQAYYxXTQK2-UiSD4C03tFPuTqf3BggfnTMATiW5AQWzcfIk9gptJh7HYcwQbbuykl95u1vN3JrdGDlpn3g18yxUE/s400/table.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin28jR-kPMJYSgT8yxsy1gX3tP3YCWM49Zrxcca4fXL25OavziSwQZ5HqtXX7MG3V5D-DdvEy_xywLW72oF3LuqZWmNXTxrsCP3XUTyogQT_GnHSKfDZxubTyCfA59k8RrxYYxZsqK5l_3/s1600/batter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong></strong></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin28jR-kPMJYSgT8yxsy1gX3tP3YCWM49Zrxcca4fXL25OavziSwQZ5HqtXX7MG3V5D-DdvEy_xywLW72oF3LuqZWmNXTxrsCP3XUTyogQT_GnHSKfDZxubTyCfA59k8RrxYYxZsqK5l_3/s1600/batter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin28jR-kPMJYSgT8yxsy1gX3tP3YCWM49Zrxcca4fXL25OavziSwQZ5HqtXX7MG3V5D-DdvEy_xywLW72oF3LuqZWmNXTxrsCP3XUTyogQT_GnHSKfDZxubTyCfA59k8RrxYYxZsqK5l_3/s400/batter.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Pumpkin Muffins with a Maple Glaze</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"></span><br />
Cake recipe from The Primrose Bakery<br />
<strong></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><br />
</strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">110g unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">240g soft light brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">2 large eggs, free range or organic</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">1/2 teaspoon good-quality vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">100g pureed pumpkin </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">125g self-raising flour, sifted</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">120g plain flour, sifted</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp ground ginger</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">125ml buttermilk (or 120ml milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Maple Glaze:</span> Sieve 8tbsp icing sugar into a bowl, add 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1-2 tbsp hot water. Mix until smooth. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">12 toasted pecan halves</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Preheat the oven to 160C and line a 12 hole muffin tray with the appropriate size cupcake cases.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and smooth, which should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric hand mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract, beating well after each addition. Add the pumpkin and beat until just combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Combine the flours, cinnamon and ginger in a bowl. Add one-third of the flours to the creamed mixture and beat until just combined. Add half of the buttermilk and beat again until just combined. Repeat these steps until all the flour and buttermilk have been added.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Carefully spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases, filling them to about two-thirds full. Bake in the oven for about 25 mins until slightly raised and golden brown. To check they are cooked, insert a skewer in the centre of one of he cakes – it should come out clean.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Remove from the oven and leave the cakes in their tins for about 10 minutes before placing carefully on a wire rack to cool.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Once cooled top with the maple glaze and half a toasted pecan nut.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCdpMHW93zdC9cvMEe4253XdLT_4B1vhGJ9Z21wioQ84wZ6E_Ehwb_rvtvBitqMsnMRvUpPDJSArDoLUqwDOYsBgu8fEeWlft770rnCwGkt81ziFv1K5yrOi6IMAkz6maTjVumFaATSkD/s1600/baked+muffins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCdpMHW93zdC9cvMEe4253XdLT_4B1vhGJ9Z21wioQ84wZ6E_Ehwb_rvtvBitqMsnMRvUpPDJSArDoLUqwDOYsBgu8fEeWlft770rnCwGkt81ziFv1K5yrOi6IMAkz6maTjVumFaATSkD/s400/baked+muffins.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqbgbiZGenmhXNDmiKb72zHcOdXfZrz9LaLC8NvcPgclby5VOJDF79GHgKTWqGPwMePzpc_pJqqkV56aPeXPwowJRhSPXHRuJ_-Y_AwxRU2GWP-0txfY8yJrnrKcQnmVdF2RXBZ1JdhJw/s1600/tray+of+muffins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqbgbiZGenmhXNDmiKb72zHcOdXfZrz9LaLC8NvcPgclby5VOJDF79GHgKTWqGPwMePzpc_pJqqkV56aPeXPwowJRhSPXHRuJ_-Y_AwxRU2GWP-0txfY8yJrnrKcQnmVdF2RXBZ1JdhJw/s400/tray+of+muffins.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">For me these cakes were light, moist and beautifully spiced. I didn't want to use the sugary creamcheese frosting that The Primrose Bakery suggested so just added the maple glaze. Very Thanksgivingy and very moreish! These muffins perfectly represent the Holiday Spirit and are gorgeous uniced with coffee for breakfast too! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">And (not to be nagging but...) Make Bake Love is shortlisted for Best Irish Published Book of the year in this years Book Awards and the public can vote until November 13th. <a href="http://www.irishbookawards.ie/PublicVote.aspx">I'd love if you voted for it here!</a> Thanks a million!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-49567768622439270922011-10-23T22:16:00.000+01:002011-10-23T22:16:56.949+01:00'Make Bake Love' is out!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZONOniLdj06IdT9UcJdwdNLz178hCb6NULcXKsy2qNUVit1taE2IRf55qoYg74RXKNbweP0QXCpMq_2x77TTRt35wyetdArMJO4lFF7ZQmjrzj_Gfp9orxbM5UqGvmg4631ez6FX1dgg/s1600/Make+Bake+Love+High+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZONOniLdj06IdT9UcJdwdNLz178hCb6NULcXKsy2qNUVit1taE2IRf55qoYg74RXKNbweP0QXCpMq_2x77TTRt35wyetdArMJO4lFF7ZQmjrzj_Gfp9orxbM5UqGvmg4631ez6FX1dgg/s400/Make+Bake+Love+High+res.jpg" width="307px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The book is now finally out! Yay! It's incredible to see stacks of MakeBakeLove in bookshops all over the country. Even though it only came out on Friday I've already had loads of people baking from it and letting me know what their favourites from the book are. It really is so exciting to be able to share the book with people who have never seen the blog and to see so many people getting back to baking! Massive thanks to all at Gill & MacMillan and to the brilliant Kristin who copy edited the whole book for me. She has her own lovely blogs <a href="http://edible-ireland.com/">Edible Ireland</a> and <a href="http://dinnerdujour.org/">Dinner du Jour</a> and co-founded <a href="http://www.irishfoodbloggers.com/">The Irish Food Bloggers Association</a>. It was an incredible stroke of luck to have such a talented perfectionist on my team!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I was also really lucky that my boyfriend Colm took the photos of me for the book, seeing the photo he took on the cover really makes it for me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you can't make it to a bookshop and want to order online then here's a list of places where you can get it. I'm told it's out of stock at the moment on Amazon so these are your best bet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.dubraybooks.ie/display.asp?K=9780717150427&stem=true&sf1=keyword&wsf=eh%5Fsort%5Fbs%2F12&st1=make+bake+love&m=1&dc=1">Dubray Books</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.gillmacmillan.ie/food--drink/food--drink/make-bake-love">Gill and MacMillan</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Make-Bake-Love-Lilly-Higgins/9780717150427">The Book Depository</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X-kNOGuE80C0aO8LBNICiwa06e6mQUFGEX-5r0H8DeU8O3nWlw-LqpuhWCq-aoo-cRyu6cffBpBWQrUKIypv_z6Sekq0Dba0RtCOpHiD6d-sY0USpPXeSao-bc3YuNZiHuZ67WfTDjEz/s1600/logo_large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X-kNOGuE80C0aO8LBNICiwa06e6mQUFGEX-5r0H8DeU8O3nWlw-LqpuhWCq-aoo-cRyu6cffBpBWQrUKIypv_z6Sekq0Dba0RtCOpHiD6d-sY0USpPXeSao-bc3YuNZiHuZ67WfTDjEz/s320/logo_large.gif" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Also some brilliant news: The book has been shortlisted for Best Irish Published Book Of The Year! I'd love if you took the time to <a href="http://www.irishbookawards.ie/PublicVote.aspx">vote for MakeBakeLove here</a>. Thanks a million!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-35917407517697165342011-10-12T12:20:00.000+01:002011-10-12T12:20:26.883+01:00Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyOVd1dIvn4BoohLqvhqMsWZ0hDpSbjlaXdrAv3GDkB9aHuSdhrDIdtYQDpDRAqjYFJAAsf_hheHJ-j8YaDxSKPqDRq-msEn9en5nAF9PEsMxTJMn0mmWlalC_A13kFap7mGjDnntFLuS/s1600/chocPBck2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyOVd1dIvn4BoohLqvhqMsWZ0hDpSbjlaXdrAv3GDkB9aHuSdhrDIdtYQDpDRAqjYFJAAsf_hheHJ-j8YaDxSKPqDRq-msEn9en5nAF9PEsMxTJMn0mmWlalC_A13kFap7mGjDnntFLuS/s400/chocPBck2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0XuDhJNcmhjqYo5tVy9_l6oOOmX8Pjhuv3Gu00EUxrOD-Fq-fAKikwbZfbG8_0aA_PQT3EOYxpITAUWj9wNXS1_RLvZhGrDlhYK9l_mZVa5RT6vZNElQQBI2WmA1KKKNJ9iNejOze9Pb/s1600/chocPBck3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0XuDhJNcmhjqYo5tVy9_l6oOOmX8Pjhuv3Gu00EUxrOD-Fq-fAKikwbZfbG8_0aA_PQT3EOYxpITAUWj9wNXS1_RLvZhGrDlhYK9l_mZVa5RT6vZNElQQBI2WmA1KKKNJ9iNejOze9Pb/s320/chocPBck3.JPG" width="291px" /></a></div><br />
Two of my sisters celebrate their Birthdays today! Hooray! So Happy Birthday to big sister Ettie and small sister <span id="goog_1395456033"></span><a href="http://www.runlikeagirl.ie/">Raedi!<span id="goog_1395456034"></span></a> I made one of my favourite cakes from my book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0717150429/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d9_g14_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1RZ3H8WRG86Z0S7ZX8PR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128473&pf_rd_i=468294">MakeBakeLove</a> which will be out next week, it's so exciting to see it all printed and bound. Being able to flick through it and look at all the photos is great. It's like having the blog come to life!<br />
This cake is the ultimate celebration. Peanut butter and chocolate is a winning combination. Covering the inside of the tins with chopped nuts adds a lovely texture and flavour, but you can just use flour if you like. To go totally overboard, you could pile some mini chocolate peanut butter drops or chocolate-covered nuts on top. A salty-sweet dream cake!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t7lGnaehPbqf4jWfwgAT7IMvkE2IV5r3Ob3GG8qnCmLG3ZLBh1SPOmrcC6rq3Rk2NSvXn2sEO1bkcDlisFsjIpAM0JA5X1Vmz9Us0zw75HikYm9AmC8k7EpVNkaktDwuq1fbvu6gqCgN/s1600/ChocPBck6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t7lGnaehPbqf4jWfwgAT7IMvkE2IV5r3Ob3GG8qnCmLG3ZLBh1SPOmrcC6rq3Rk2NSvXn2sEO1bkcDlisFsjIpAM0JA5X1Vmz9Us0zw75HikYm9AmC8k7EpVNkaktDwuq1fbvu6gqCgN/s400/ChocPBck6.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuWj8YTmgiXDmq2dPa0qiukwMgiS0-UxbwR2m3bwQ5wJvNqdnGxHPlxTfxtRchykdUX9Pj-4VoKcmdNlZGL9TKjC4LHXxu_2PrjtliQPNmbUMQABWRxDSmI-THAaTdRj15mBNYLvUJ4F_/s1600/ChocPBck5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuWj8YTmgiXDmq2dPa0qiukwMgiS0-UxbwR2m3bwQ5wJvNqdnGxHPlxTfxtRchykdUX9Pj-4VoKcmdNlZGL9TKjC4LHXxu_2PrjtliQPNmbUMQABWRxDSmI-THAaTdRj15mBNYLvUJ4F_/s400/ChocPBck5.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake</strong></span></div><br />
Serves 8–10<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><strong>For the cake:</strong></span><br />
60g dry roasted peanuts, chopped, plus extra to decorate<br />
225g butter, softened<br />
225g caster sugar<br />
4 eggs<br />
100ml milk<br />
225g self-raising flour<br />
3 tbsp cocoa powder<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000;">For the peanut butter cream:</span></strong><br />
250g icing sugar, divided<br />
125g smooth peanut butter<br />
30g butter, softened<br />
50ml milk<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
<br />
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Butter 2 x 20cm sandwich tins and cover with the chopped nuts.<br />
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the milk. <br />
3. Sieve the flour, cocoa and baking powder into the egg mixture. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.<br />
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared sandwich tins, taking care not to disturb the nuts. Bake for 30 minutes, until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool fully on a rack.<br />
5. To make the icing, cream together half the icing sugar, the butter, peanut butter, milk and vanilla in a bowl until well combined. Add the rest of the icing sugar and mix well, until fluffy.<br />
6. Sandwich the cake together with the icing. Top with more icing and roasted peanuts.<br />
<br />
Lilly xLilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-31082045679464293392011-09-14T20:40:00.001+01:002011-09-14T20:42:45.404+01:00Chocolate and Coconut Granola<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jZAaTPlRUOw-_XSJA3fVw2smOzQFj8o2ZMZnbE_yW5iBSDnzvidkIMWpK1c5ycnLxo0tKMW-v_slYm8on7_ztZ9un8aldXEul1nx1teVxMxaVb4FKYk5obsTBw-cet-GWGp8c-VMjjzg/s1600/chocolate+granola+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jZAaTPlRUOw-_XSJA3fVw2smOzQFj8o2ZMZnbE_yW5iBSDnzvidkIMWpK1c5ycnLxo0tKMW-v_slYm8on7_ztZ9un8aldXEul1nx1teVxMxaVb4FKYk5obsTBw-cet-GWGp8c-VMjjzg/s400/chocolate+granola+1.JPG" width="400px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNKOzCIsjnEAORh-hz3NKbXh6xI23YRgeoEfP3RLf0p0whC5TAI2y3iiQKfnBsAqpIcSuLV5E3F5NxGrqfO7gFye1mtEFsgV1iyuuk3fdqYxcmkR0Ql8i4izA3sr36mzPFsp63GamAGmS/s1600/chocolate+granola+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNKOzCIsjnEAORh-hz3NKbXh6xI23YRgeoEfP3RLf0p0whC5TAI2y3iiQKfnBsAqpIcSuLV5E3F5NxGrqfO7gFye1mtEFsgV1iyuuk3fdqYxcmkR0Ql8i4izA3sr36mzPFsp63GamAGmS/s400/chocolate+granola+4.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I usually make <a href="http://lillyhiggins.blogspot.com/2011/04/wake-up-to-sugarfree-granola.html">this granola</a> in huge batches and it lasts about two weeks. I really love it and feel very virtuous knowing that it's sugar free and jam packed with nuts and fruit. But... I recently bought <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-Tea-Party-Book/dp/184533647X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316028536&sr=8-1">The Vintage Tea Party by Angel Adore</a> and as if by fate the book opened on page 26; This glorious chocolate and coconut granola! It's really easy to make and is highly addictive. I told myself that this could be my 'weekend breakfast' but by Tuesday I was adding a little to my sugar free granola, then by Friday the stuff was gone! <br />
It makes a gorgeous dessert layered with yogurt and fruit. And amazingly it really does turn the milk a chocolatey colour!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Chocolate & Coconut Granola</span></strong><br />
From The Vintage Tea Party<br />
Serves 8<br />
<br />
240g rolled oats<br />
175g flaked almonds<br />
70g shredded unsweetened coconut<br />
70g dark brown sugar<br />
40g cocoa powder<br />
90ml honey<br />
50ml vegetable oil<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
3/4 tsp salt<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Preheat the oven to 120 C.</li>
<li>In a large bowl mix the oats, almonds, coconut and brown sugar. In a seperate bowl mix the cocoa, honey, oil, cinnamon and salt.</li>
<li>Combine the 2 mixtures and pour on to 2 lined baking sheets. (mine was more solid like a flapjack mixture but I was able to crumble it up nicely once it was cooked). Bake the granola for 1 1/4 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even colour.</li>
<li>Leave to cool before storing in an airtight container.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7X7iEg_R8i6N3Hn-KhAExXKqQtMpE3OfMqlwdCN-ISbj4OckAppJX6V02u7fDEKwjiIyR_yn9gsxp_WEQHmANedsRG5dQ0iDQFryecro4zIKioSxVFgNXNxplbWMGluDWzdOOfErsiAx/s1600/chocolate+granola+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7X7iEg_R8i6N3Hn-KhAExXKqQtMpE3OfMqlwdCN-ISbj4OckAppJX6V02u7fDEKwjiIyR_yn9gsxp_WEQHmANedsRG5dQ0iDQFryecro4zIKioSxVFgNXNxplbWMGluDWzdOOfErsiAx/s400/chocolate+granola+3.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1hooUZOq2FtwQMRjW00_cGZu0hQT-vw5nmTkg5zLoivn_5Rj4SAl3ZEmh9S6XTwAUZv-KrzEXnyNOnDtL6kwv_8DHQ_5d-FqxFpq9_5r1oZyH0BBsx_EUaWRrcc1a0NkySdNlMrdNWm0/s1600/chocolate+granola+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1hooUZOq2FtwQMRjW00_cGZu0hQT-vw5nmTkg5zLoivn_5Rj4SAl3ZEmh9S6XTwAUZv-KrzEXnyNOnDtL6kwv_8DHQ_5d-FqxFpq9_5r1oZyH0BBsx_EUaWRrcc1a0NkySdNlMrdNWm0/s400/chocolate+granola+2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
I was tempted to leave out the cinnamon but didn't. It adds a gorgeous subtle spiciness. The book is lovely and beautifully styled, every page has little drawings and there are also tips on how to do vintage up do's and make up. A real how to guide to Tea Parties!<br />
Lilly xLilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-36594943462164037502011-09-12T09:07:00.000+01:002011-09-12T09:07:35.071+01:00Prudence Magazine Article!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp9wv-Hb65IYKxh5OC9rNlfAWfcDhheiRVw34gdjGJCSyDWhyphenhyphenlqft3JX4p1KorZST-uxQaOq9UUYk_YIQqmDmDuk80Mf9Pjl4W8Lk_Q9nJzhQjs1SJvGDryHUFvIC1JQwX-siMHwpLrxA/s1600/lily4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp9wv-Hb65IYKxh5OC9rNlfAWfcDhheiRVw34gdjGJCSyDWhyphenhyphenlqft3JX4p1KorZST-uxQaOq9UUYk_YIQqmDmDuk80Mf9Pjl4W8Lk_Q9nJzhQjs1SJvGDryHUFvIC1JQwX-siMHwpLrxA/s400/lily4.jpg" width="366px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG_gWpGqCAKOTtw29UbPvedMk5yYcRZOGEvklRER1BK3BGZ2RH3q63RfjJv-vGdiGczZ5Z92StfFK7hwjLGPcFbSQJyX9vzFaqyxsgPme0VOsp742VK99j_BOi0VtrwEUPZZlj6AUjXR2/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG_gWpGqCAKOTtw29UbPvedMk5yYcRZOGEvklRER1BK3BGZ2RH3q63RfjJv-vGdiGczZ5Z92StfFK7hwjLGPcFbSQJyX9vzFaqyxsgPme0VOsp742VK99j_BOi0VtrwEUPZZlj6AUjXR2/s400/DSC_0310.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This month there's a four page spread of my house in <a href="http://www.prudence.ie/">Prudence magazine</a>! I'm delighted that my gorgeous dog Bo got to be in it, even though she was <em>beside</em> herself with excitement she does look calm in the photos, phew!Thanks to Annette O'Meara who wrote the article and <a href="http://www.sherwood.ie/">Paul Sherwood</a> for the lovely photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL22iDop3KKYJPini12Fu7nlQbzp3DsU0Gv0CBUX53FVWTch37A4b5QPaDKgdwCNhE1mnFCY5SFRZDi8uF_IpJkPCOwXRu2Gju8mDnWWbW8M2tMUGiR3g4l1XvjjO5s-6amkiclXUR7CR/s1600/lily1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL22iDop3KKYJPini12Fu7nlQbzp3DsU0Gv0CBUX53FVWTch37A4b5QPaDKgdwCNhE1mnFCY5SFRZDi8uF_IpJkPCOwXRu2Gju8mDnWWbW8M2tMUGiR3g4l1XvjjO5s-6amkiclXUR7CR/s400/lily1.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_PDT1KViHnRvM6Lk0GTNVk7Ob8VjgilYNhufnIhSxniUJKCs6W03oyv37y8qLWQjeXmkOa8EreJ6RHTOqBFNMIuUU6LuPjKmX6I72v3iWGRprnOT-YvyrrBYSj9ZwRm_7hOTES17neWl/s1600/lily2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_PDT1KViHnRvM6Lk0GTNVk7Ob8VjgilYNhufnIhSxniUJKCs6W03oyv37y8qLWQjeXmkOa8EreJ6RHTOqBFNMIuUU6LuPjKmX6I72v3iWGRprnOT-YvyrrBYSj9ZwRm_7hOTES17neWl/s400/lily2.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYP-E9mmpZfugmXELyHhomcJMEN5jU6QqbhsobfmtUWdLScm75QD9QfXUIbwVqf_L3I39EIqO8gopobB3VcsupsWxjhRP5T6IAZ4vcpl7JteM7n22Z6t2bvm3jS3akZqnGDMxt5UKFMVp/s1600/lily3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYP-E9mmpZfugmXELyHhomcJMEN5jU6QqbhsobfmtUWdLScm75QD9QfXUIbwVqf_L3I39EIqO8gopobB3VcsupsWxjhRP5T6IAZ4vcpl7JteM7n22Z6t2bvm3jS3akZqnGDMxt5UKFMVp/s400/lily3.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-73908990705253449762011-09-02T10:33:00.000+01:002011-09-02T10:33:43.801+01:00Free Calender Desktop Background: September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGBfZCEfOzlSbz2V9aHRyU2jkPitiHNMFZkXS8T28yB4H9a79NDR3nnTZoatTasRkIo-jAdjDgJRupAxZzGBCz2HSF8kp5T7LQI2upqfF6-AcWqaNlGjMa4GpQXh2QSW_OqEipZQ7yqFc/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGBfZCEfOzlSbz2V9aHRyU2jkPitiHNMFZkXS8T28yB4H9a79NDR3nnTZoatTasRkIo-jAdjDgJRupAxZzGBCz2HSF8kp5T7LQI2upqfF6-AcWqaNlGjMa4GpQXh2QSW_OqEipZQ7yqFc/s320/2.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObYsvgWCF4eKAhksaNyNM0FYpNl8QXSwaSRiqJRNKJetobP0nPXuVwEqko1qAX9iRzYoD3mH49XyZtHcHZdWWPUn239tq8jp-0wOlztc-szgjUYNWtR37uGInTgj13dnd1yeFGgxxl0QB/s1600/DSC_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObYsvgWCF4eKAhksaNyNM0FYpNl8QXSwaSRiqJRNKJetobP0nPXuVwEqko1qAX9iRzYoD3mH49XyZtHcHZdWWPUn239tq8jp-0wOlztc-szgjUYNWtR37uGInTgj13dnd1yeFGgxxl0QB/s320/DSC_1348.JPG" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few months ago a blog reader emailed me asking if I could send her a high resolution photo of one of the cakes on the blog so that she could use it as a desktop background on her computer. She said that it would brighten up her office and I've been sending her photos ever since! So now I've decided to make it 'official' and I've added a calender so that you too can have a lovely desktop background! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love doing things like this and putting it all together so will upload a calender each month, I actually can't wait to do a Toffee Apple one for Halloween and a Coconut Snowball one for Christmas! Hurray!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For September's calender I've used two of my favourite flower photos (above). It's actually the same bunch of flowers but one is a close up of the sage, fennel leaves and flower. You can download them on Flickr:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lillysblog/6105190055/sizes/l/in/photostream/">Here's the bright and summery one.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lillysblog/6105189817/sizes/l/in/photostream/">Here's the more Autumnal subtle one.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm using Flickr as I think thats probably the easiest way to download them. I'm going to move the calender up slightly this evening so it should suit all general computer screens. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have a lovely weekend! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-54471177064372172612011-08-15T15:48:00.004+01:002011-08-23T15:56:02.960+01:00Easy Indian Flatbread & The Loaves & Fishes August Menu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">UPDATE: The Supper Club is now booked out for August and as I'm going on maternity leave we're taking a break till next year but I'll keep the blog updated about future events! Thanks! x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBGPZuC8iUH9Ldm9X20Rq9B9MJkOm414_DKquaBTmxb3iSfEMpf3CtHTW3W9lp9LDTmZlTRywJRQ15yj1StjS6Q7xC2dMo_pGX1tbT9MLSNGBfs3kAXAiqzfqB21GS0yy6Viz1zGNm-n2/s1600/blogmango.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBGPZuC8iUH9Ldm9X20Rq9B9MJkOm414_DKquaBTmxb3iSfEMpf3CtHTW3W9lp9LDTmZlTRywJRQ15yj1StjS6Q7xC2dMo_pGX1tbT9MLSNGBfs3kAXAiqzfqB21GS0yy6Viz1zGNm-n2/s400/blogmango.JPG" width="400px" /></a></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KQH7b4YOWvFdrDAqoZ4-l4w2nH8seVuINzp75vt2I4k1qEuHrOJBGKsvXkFJIz1Pn6MWg-WF8-5drHpf8JapFUuAP_0HyZTLQ4uofdZ8mdjMxfpy3_0VjPq1jQifti_Go_3qK5r2QYsG/s1600/blogmango2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KQH7b4YOWvFdrDAqoZ4-l4w2nH8seVuINzp75vt2I4k1qEuHrOJBGKsvXkFJIz1Pn6MWg-WF8-5drHpf8JapFUuAP_0HyZTLQ4uofdZ8mdjMxfpy3_0VjPq1jQifti_Go_3qK5r2QYsG/s400/blogmango2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Mango Fool with Coconut Biscuits</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> I've been doing loads of cooking and recipe testing in preparation for the next (and last for a while!) Loaves & Fishes Supper. As usual there will be a loose theme and the planned summery evening will be Indian! Nothing will be too crazy hot or spicy so everyone should enjoy it. I'm using the amazing spices from <a href="http://www.greensaffron.com/">Green Saffron</a>, a Cork based company that import and mix the most amazing fresh spices. <br />
<br />
<div></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Cucumber and Elderflower Champagne Cocktail</span></strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Mini Poppadums with fresh mint, red onion and mango chutneys</span></strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Chola Tikki (Indian Falafel) with salad</span></strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Green Saffron Red Lentil Dahl with Pilau Rice, Banana Raita and Coriander Flatbreads</span></strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Mango Fool with Coconut Biscuits</span></strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Tea & Coffee with Eastern Mendiants</span></strong></div></li>
</ul>Everything is homemade and it was great to practice making everything, especially the flatbreads! I've included the recipe below.I think they'd be perfect with dill added for a greek meal or chilli flakes. It's similar to a scone recipe and very versatile.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div></div><span style="background-color: #f1c232; color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Coriander Flatbreads</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div>Makes 8</div><br />
<div></div>300g plain flour<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander<br />
1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp bread soda<br />
1 tsp nigella seeds<br />
3 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped<br />
250ml plain yogurt<br />
Olive Oil (for frying)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div></div><img border="0" height="150px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jFHdVBxpi0p2nJFoU8UshL90CXH25plDP9CywF7Bk4A0eLlK4hSK9kcnYKCC02OZCW7EcXjk0z1cZCIi3Jz3-jI63QEBHhCtAC14o4zJdTTTSUFAohd4Nw3yptPtjELFdFQg4YwmG8we/s400/FB1.JPG" width="400px" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzkfhrvWlAeQxSnRMp3j8wb-EdD0Ai3XY9pwQuDdMLGgvpZYMklJbOmocHKneSGBcdS2GKtUYrbhX2TllhRLi43XRkoIibbTs42DmTW9cn2oTt4nqdgOF0N8uq2R3NJGh13lupKAUP4e6/s1600/FB3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzkfhrvWlAeQxSnRMp3j8wb-EdD0Ai3XY9pwQuDdMLGgvpZYMklJbOmocHKneSGBcdS2GKtUYrbhX2TllhRLi43XRkoIibbTs42DmTW9cn2oTt4nqdgOF0N8uq2R3NJGh13lupKAUP4e6/s400/FB3.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjcKdlrKTUd11kQQg4bqWoOdw4efZqG9SnAg06XsH2nhNjO7Z4GgmKcLMHcXwVTPpWc-RnzuIBEKPJ1dCHvUDUep6HTY6YUHcKSokoVgWe8a4cu5FY_2uR0XF5tJno2wz11PkZIHwKgsU/s1600/FB5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjcKdlrKTUd11kQQg4bqWoOdw4efZqG9SnAg06XsH2nhNjO7Z4GgmKcLMHcXwVTPpWc-RnzuIBEKPJ1dCHvUDUep6HTY6YUHcKSokoVgWe8a4cu5FY_2uR0XF5tJno2wz11PkZIHwKgsU/s400/FB5.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSJLMgwTvbOziCKgfaqGzpJBy2aDeSGD2K7OVZFdWLqhqZckfFxW0JQLLZPUlFBkK3pbEz4RPsliTcbaEGzpHhlRkMNbezRtBWD758-hA8G4nazDM3id7drjzQQZcKP-_cyq9Z8GmEBGo/s1600/FB4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSJLMgwTvbOziCKgfaqGzpJBy2aDeSGD2K7OVZFdWLqhqZckfFxW0JQLLZPUlFBkK3pbEz4RPsliTcbaEGzpHhlRkMNbezRtBWD758-hA8G4nazDM3id7drjzQQZcKP-_cyq9Z8GmEBGo/s400/FB4.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Sieve the flour, ground coriander, baking powder, bread soda and salt together into a large bowl. Stir through the nigella seeds and chopped coriander.</li>
<li>Add the yogurt and combine with a fork until the mixture forms clumps. </li>
<li>Tip onto a floured surface and knead for a minute until a smooth dough forms.</li>
<li>Divide into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle 4 1/2" wide.</li>
<li>Lightly oil a heavy based frying pan and place over a medium heat. Cook the breads 2 or 3 at a time, leave for 3 minutes on each side until puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm.</li>
</ul></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"></span></strong>I'll post the recipes for the onion chutney and Chola Tikki too!<br />
Lilly x</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-78966858919972012902011-07-31T22:01:00.002+01:002011-08-19T10:43:48.450+01:00Brilliant News & The Best Chocolate Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzD-gHC4N5ic5RSF7MFZ_x3p332x9EvIIposgQ_eVp-3YTR6aAqZnEXn6fdcXWvlNEu9ZqYu_3PMtTvEgL97e-sD6jggOpudoFBE9vhHTHYTic3K1GrsWz6EPYDHnSMVodIoF6S95HxvM/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzD-gHC4N5ic5RSF7MFZ_x3p332x9EvIIposgQ_eVp-3YTR6aAqZnEXn6fdcXWvlNEu9ZqYu_3PMtTvEgL97e-sD6jggOpudoFBE9vhHTHYTic3K1GrsWz6EPYDHnSMVodIoF6S95HxvM/s400/5.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So some brilliant news to kick off the week! We have a publishing date for the <a href="http://lillyhiggins.blogspot.com/2011/03/we-have-title-its-makebakelove.html">Make,Bake,Love book</a>: 21st October and to top off all the excitement of that we're having a baby in December! Yay! We're so delighted and can't wait for both brilliant new arrivals; book and baby! So I'm taking 'maternity leave' from the Supper Club for a few months, August is our last and is fully booked. We are having a Tea Party in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland in the supper club on 27th August and there's still places left, Read about it <a href="http://lillyhiggins.blogspot.com/2011/07/come-to-our-fundraising-tea-party-for.html">here!</a> To celebrate here's the most amazing chocolate cake recipe, it's flourless, a dream to make and tastes even better when kept in the fridge overnight. Hurray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYGqPV2PIdwEjKO4h3nhprdxHZk67-O7djHk6o6RPs-jZ7lgzpVWe0GXWWC-Er-QKAU7jkHwtUlIYryD7OY-fY1AnPUZ-4xzIrEBvHA7iVoXpQQPA0qqg-jFZ_RzgVQCSDlY9MK7Oe8Z0/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYGqPV2PIdwEjKO4h3nhprdxHZk67-O7djHk6o6RPs-jZ7lgzpVWe0GXWWC-Er-QKAU7jkHwtUlIYryD7OY-fY1AnPUZ-4xzIrEBvHA7iVoXpQQPA0qqg-jFZ_RzgVQCSDlY9MK7Oe8Z0/s400/1.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicC4vdO5zeIFSbrMPNQyQsKK3EdPu1hC8TqJYcCwtqwejwbSit3v9mYWRVBCbmBJuw1QkEYhKgL0J4kPqjR6JbL4aORDS6bk0J1DD_slS2QjCdbCWprch2QrPm6z8HpSHnvUo-Jwk3P-k4/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicC4vdO5zeIFSbrMPNQyQsKK3EdPu1hC8TqJYcCwtqwejwbSit3v9mYWRVBCbmBJuw1QkEYhKgL0J4kPqjR6JbL4aORDS6bk0J1DD_slS2QjCdbCWprch2QrPm6z8HpSHnvUo-Jwk3P-k4/s400/2.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Green & Blacks Chocolate Mousse Cake</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use: 20cm or 23cm (8in or 9in) cake tin with removable base or a similar-sized tart tin</div>Serves: 10<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon ground almonds plus extra for dusting tin<br />
300g (101/2oz) dark chocolate, minimum 60% cocoa solids, broken into pieces<br />
275g (10oz) caster sugar<br />
165g (51/2oz) butter<br />
5 large eggs<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Brush the tin with a little melted butter and dust with the ground almonds, shaking off any excess.<br />
Melt the chocolate, caster sugar and butter in a heatproof bowl suspended over a saucepan of barely simmering water, then remove from the heat.<br />
Whisk the eggs with the ground almonds and fold into the chocolate mixture. The mixture will thicken after a few minutes. Pour into the cake tin and bake for 35-40 minutes.<br />
Remove the sides of the tin and leave the cake on the base to cool, then dust using a fine sieve with icing sugar or brush with edible gold dust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4kkdl_aNtpcg3oPgnrtucEs_0g9K_3w9ImJbSgVLd-vgXNEoT0LZD6E9iY0yNAMCX3uQFWY9bKvvgkVsvLXm-OalP7KdfNHSPA_scfPtwxTu9Bri4BwGDf9OKig940FvaCyCuXJQY2vx/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4kkdl_aNtpcg3oPgnrtucEs_0g9K_3w9ImJbSgVLd-vgXNEoT0LZD6E9iY0yNAMCX3uQFWY9bKvvgkVsvLXm-OalP7KdfNHSPA_scfPtwxTu9Bri4BwGDf9OKig940FvaCyCuXJQY2vx/s400/3.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E_2q-xPn2ej2dD00O-SrcYV7ECyQTglg8rHH_X8vawjMryUhQHBUqbconwQ_QoLaC3E0t_0pevbQnEXfydMhVnNL8OZZHcRdlUQrJFNNEeuS9mH6ZqnOIzpySD8NqoGqAj1-XLL4E3iH/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E_2q-xPn2ej2dD00O-SrcYV7ECyQTglg8rHH_X8vawjMryUhQHBUqbconwQ_QoLaC3E0t_0pevbQnEXfydMhVnNL8OZZHcRdlUQrJFNNEeuS9mH6ZqnOIzpySD8NqoGqAj1-XLL4E3iH/s400/4.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1JdnpOOB9ZgdCKt6VAA7vmr5ZM4hXQEvrAuQj2FDlULPM3v7X8pol1SYBGC_cIOX8OWDcTwQlIbbI6go0XsW6pDY9rwt2tJSF2tDRpRa2UCjg3ez0jfRhiMDgp1QIKbClZfq-ATL2uTS/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1JdnpOOB9ZgdCKt6VAA7vmr5ZM4hXQEvrAuQj2FDlULPM3v7X8pol1SYBGC_cIOX8OWDcTwQlIbbI6go0XsW6pDY9rwt2tJSF2tDRpRa2UCjg3ez0jfRhiMDgp1QIKbClZfq-ATL2uTS/s400/6.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
This is the perfect cake when you need something gorgeous but don't have loads of time, and it's really rich so a small piece with greek yogurt or cream is unreal!<br />
Lilly x<br />
<br />
</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-17107295610702328212011-07-23T14:24:00.000+01:002011-07-23T14:24:33.783+01:00Come to our fundraising Tea Party for Down Syndrome Ireland!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtQSZOHCAaCUrnG67VeccOCtj0TNQZ1HTM2X-YlM4YpZ5sDQdbM_H2xE7PaalFW76OLxBc_wdo5ue30lXtV5vWDb-7qWbDPMIqVAF2uBaF833h31r243JM9BOo9LNiKG4x30r_xSLhAZ4/s1600/close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtQSZOHCAaCUrnG67VeccOCtj0TNQZ1HTM2X-YlM4YpZ5sDQdbM_H2xE7PaalFW76OLxBc_wdo5ue30lXtV5vWDb-7qWbDPMIqVAF2uBaF833h31r243JM9BOo9LNiKG4x30r_xSLhAZ4/s400/close+up.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dh1CQBib7feznzaiBbB7HF_fPvcBaqR5P1xGMrZZQtp4jIyIli8rq4L2MEkd0qRp47ENErPhjm4QoZA6g_n8eYnGPx7ZX7noLkN82vs0hKFO3-KcdXNlmWrDIUMyEznPe-TlC-HHW5Dq/s1600/cake1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dh1CQBib7feznzaiBbB7HF_fPvcBaqR5P1xGMrZZQtp4jIyIli8rq4L2MEkd0qRp47ENErPhjm4QoZA6g_n8eYnGPx7ZX7noLkN82vs0hKFO3-KcdXNlmWrDIUMyEznPe-TlC-HHW5Dq/s400/cake1.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We are having an afternoon tea party and you are all invited! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My sister Raedi and my Dad are two of the 150 cyclists completing the Tour de Munster, an epic 600km cycle, over 4 days, taking in every county in Munster. The Tour is in aid of <a href="http://www.downsyndrome.ie/index.php/about-us">Down Syndrome Ireland</a>, a brilliant organisation which provides information and advice, influences policy, raises public awareness and works towards the improvement of education and services for children and adults with Down syndrome.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Each cyclist pays their own way on the Tour and has to raise 1000 euro for DSI. So we've decided to do what we love doing the most: bake! We're transforming our usual supper club venue into a tea parlour for the afternoon. There will be loads of delicous sandwiches, cakes and tea! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tickets to the party are 20 euro and all of this goes toward our fundraising target. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Afternoon Tea party will take place on Saturday the 27th August from 2 - 4pm.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please email Raedi at landfafternoontea@gmail.com if you'd like to come along! Thanks & see you there! x</span></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3U3p4S-D7QyWnExYvjyh9cVcysYOynFPYOPZUAZMiJ2PuM0VmoKChiyj6iqI5DPuJRPM8YE7W2mH4ELWXoxSYBD2nWXAYkYqAXZP8vaQWQUv1bUyxezkM80r_XZzrRxEB8Q8MHCTi7_T/s1600/dsilogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3U3p4S-D7QyWnExYvjyh9cVcysYOynFPYOPZUAZMiJ2PuM0VmoKChiyj6iqI5DPuJRPM8YE7W2mH4ELWXoxSYBD2nWXAYkYqAXZP8vaQWQUv1bUyxezkM80r_XZzrRxEB8Q8MHCTi7_T/s320/dsilogo.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-7010767271152616282011-07-17T16:33:00.000+01:002011-07-17T16:33:19.405+01:00Cider soaked Ham: Perfect for every occasion!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYtlcS-Wo1X0Ei_wFx_2j8AZtCd_th0u1EsEJz_ZB1hHisdHLsgWdJZ0tMLLZw18Z4D0i0K-BLlOEiSsVBToy5qse6H994KZ_O4WUVgbZfQFHFH9QKTydaNe5P4ZMfKPG-S5eSoA8M4Tq/s1600/ham+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYtlcS-Wo1X0Ei_wFx_2j8AZtCd_th0u1EsEJz_ZB1hHisdHLsgWdJZ0tMLLZw18Z4D0i0K-BLlOEiSsVBToy5qse6H994KZ_O4WUVgbZfQFHFH9QKTydaNe5P4ZMfKPG-S5eSoA8M4Tq/s400/ham+copy.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">My mother always seems to have a ham in the fridge. It's the best thing ever. As you're waiting for dinner to cook or whatever you can cut a slice off, spread it with mustard and down the hatch. But it's not just for snacking: a few slices of ham with new potatoes, parsley sauce & spring cabbage is amaaazing. A sandwich made with real crusty sourdough, mustard, a strong cheddar and some of this beautiful smoked ham is the nicest lunch ever. When you don't feel like cooking a dinner on warm summer nights just assemble a ploughman's platter: basically anything that's in the fridge will work. Pickles, salads, cheese and a little dip made by mixing some honey with mayonnaise and mustard. It's so nice! I actually am not big into meat, I don't really like beef or chicken but real cooked ham will always have a place in my heart. It was always a mystery to me how my mother cooked the ham but she told me how the other day and I went out and got some of my own in The English Market in Cork. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogISFdCsNBWz64P6OTnJhdzB2wXjtUev30Y0ILlfmEiM9x2U86c0jV4I0Lx9f0GMCu6snnXA2TfSsmt65V4K8SP6nST_AdJaMAAHUrTTRtzyaheNFeGYSvt-_ovMC1I2nLnUbSx78aOH0/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogISFdCsNBWz64P6OTnJhdzB2wXjtUev30Y0ILlfmEiM9x2U86c0jV4I0Lx9f0GMCu6snnXA2TfSsmt65V4K8SP6nST_AdJaMAAHUrTTRtzyaheNFeGYSvt-_ovMC1I2nLnUbSx78aOH0/s400/5.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">What you'll need:</span></strong> <br />
1 piece of ham (mine was around ten euro, I forgot to weigh it)<br />
6 allspice berries<br />
4 cloves<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 tin cider</div>1 oven proof pot with a lid<br />
<br />
Simply place everything into the pot, cover and place in an oven preheated to 180C for 1 hour.<br />
And that's it! Oh and it also makes a gorgeous addition to eggs benedict!<br />
Lilly x<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748109562466794417.post-69409684884577346612011-07-07T20:03:00.000+01:002011-07-07T20:03:48.795+01:00Flowery Ice Cubes to make your day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0tCoVnumNwsxa99MFUpmbD-9K2VWPs6gNa8KoeRW2oaWPcl2x6g1U9ek-SGFTjebAEXqNgpOgtOKj_XqN8eJUfKlSF-6qmOtjfr7VC3mvJzLVGfYuMn9pVPCmlDCykklHp7X5dKK5_2b/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0tCoVnumNwsxa99MFUpmbD-9K2VWPs6gNa8KoeRW2oaWPcl2x6g1U9ek-SGFTjebAEXqNgpOgtOKj_XqN8eJUfKlSF-6qmOtjfr7VC3mvJzLVGfYuMn9pVPCmlDCykklHp7X5dKK5_2b/s400/1.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I know now that there are much more important things going on in the world but every now and again it's great to just immerse yourself in a <em>seemingly </em>trivial project like.... Floral Icecubes! Yes! It's barbeque and afternoon tea party season. Jugs of lemonade are made even more gorgeous with some citrus slices suspended in ice. Pitchers of Elderflower cordial are unbearablely cute with little borage ice cubes. The possibilities are endless! I've looked on the internet at lots of different variables so don't worry; You don't have to now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuMuJ2pdF3uKLRocKKLoNv5ztOzYUr1vR8uhp_u_INASKNzilB4koH8Er4V3OpsmwRPcCpR_Y2EDXY5ze3exQtAOUHZCUYwKzUyqZr9jJ0_A24tUON5r8J-WLZhvctAP6iTHhVFqe4wJT/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuMuJ2pdF3uKLRocKKLoNv5ztOzYUr1vR8uhp_u_INASKNzilB4koH8Er4V3OpsmwRPcCpR_Y2EDXY5ze3exQtAOUHZCUYwKzUyqZr9jJ0_A24tUON5r8J-WLZhvctAP6iTHhVFqe4wJT/s400/3.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Here are my top tips for perfect party ice cubes:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">You don't need to be a square: That's right! Use any flexible moulds to make your ice cubes. Silicone trays are perfect, you can get all shapes and sizes. Mini muffins aswell as star, flower and flamingo shapes! Just remember that water expands when freezing so don't use your good glasses or bowls.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Boil it down: By boiling the water first you are guaranteed a crystal clear cube and no cloudiness so your flowers can be centre stage.(I didn't boil the water for the ice cubes in the photo because I wanted to show you how they can go wrong. Ahem.)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">The bigger the ice the slower it melts. If your planning a six hour soiree then maybe make bigger icecubes so that they'll melt slower. And only add your ice cubes at the last minute.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Flowers that work: borage, primroses, feverfew daisies, pansies, violets, lavender, carnation, dandelion, cornflower, hibiscus, honeysuckle (berries are poisonous), nasturtium, roses, scented geranium, chamomile, elderflower.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Herbs that work: Mint, Lemon verbena, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram etc.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">Herb Cubes: If you have excess parsley, coriander or other fresh herbs in your garden then you can finely chop them and pack into an ice cube tray, half filling up with water. Once frozen top up with more water. When they're fully frozen simply transfer to a freezer bag and add to your stews, curries and soups during the winter to remind you of the sunny summer!</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jKnX6EQc_korbZGh-P8-zxAh35rJsZK33GUIZrHSIF12-Lw9xerUEml4m707-0J48klxlkq9wzoVZOaa7TWpPX-Sq_QMzb5C2dwf1kL41EjkDl3RIER8dUCOYv2H77uXCp3fnsPHSTSH/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jKnX6EQc_korbZGh-P8-zxAh35rJsZK33GUIZrHSIF12-Lw9xerUEml4m707-0J48klxlkq9wzoVZOaa7TWpPX-Sq_QMzb5C2dwf1kL41EjkDl3RIER8dUCOYv2H77uXCp3fnsPHSTSH/s400/2.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Now all we must do is cross our fingers and hope for more sunshine!<br />
Lilly xLilly Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805354926925972312noreply@blogger.com2