A rainbow cake broke me

The internet has peer pressured me into tackling a Pinterest project.

When I put together my 101 in 1001 I was in an aspirational mood to be the mother that made everything from scratch, made every life moment a mystery and made every game one of learning.

That lasted about a month.

But I still have the list. And I still have to finish it. So for Mini Me's first birthday I decided to tackle the rainbow cake.

What a ridiculous idea.

Mini Me and the Rainbow Cake that broke me

 

Bake test: Hummingbird Bakery Black Bottom Cupcakes, and a bit of breadbaking

From sweltering heat to wooly, rainy days. Perth's weather has changed in an instance. And I love it.

This grey weather is perfect for tea and movies and my favourite thing of all time - baking.

So while Hubby was enjoying the three Bs on a boat at a bucks party this Saturday I got my Betty homemaker on and baked up a storm. By the way - the three Bs are: Booze, Beef and Boobs. Apparently it's the secret to a great bucks day.

First up, I continued baking my way through the Hummingbird Bakery cook book and tried my hand at Black Bottom Cupcakes, or as I like to call them, Top Deck Cupcakes. Or even Double Cheesecake Cupcakes.

Why so many names? Well this cupcake by any name as a dense cake bottom, that is topped by a cheesecake, which you bake together. When cooled, you add a cream cheese, or cheesecake, icing.

See the layers on this thing!

Bake test: THE BEST Hummingbird Bakery Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes

I ask myself - why have I never made these before?

The Hummingbird Bakery Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes are going down as the best ones I've ever made from the cook book.

They tick all the right boxes. Chocolate - tick. Hazelnut (my favourite) - tick. Fluffy - tick, tick. Easy - tick. Easy to decorate for a fumbler like me - tick.

Chocolate - tick, hazelnut - tick, fluffy - tick, sweet - tick... tick, tick, tick.

Made with Love (Post-Apocalyptic) Apple Pie

In a post-apocalyptic world, I wouldn't survive.

I think often about what skill I'd offer the hardened band of survivors living off the land.

I'm not a genius to find an alternative energy source, or way to purify water. I can't kill a bug, let alone dinner, so what would good would I be against zombies, aliens or fellow man? I'm not the hot one, the funny one or the weird one. I have no medical knowledge, no survival skills, no building skills, but I could communicate the shit out of the rallying groups and throw a really nice party after.

With this in mind, I know I can cook, but I need to learn to do it without store-brought cheats. Feeling a little House on the Prairie I mucked in to make an apple pie, completely from scratch, with love, just to see if I could learn a survival skill. You always need a good dessert after a hard day of fighting zombies.

Apple pie, made from scratch

Splashing out

I'm in a foul mood this week.

Maybe it's the heat. Maybe it's because my dad is visiting an staying with my father-in-law, which is always trying. Maybe it's because Mini Me is out of whack due to starting daycare, teething, or because she's a baby. Maybe it's just one of those weeks.

So when it was Mini Me's nine-month birthday (nine in, nine out) I needed something and thankfully my yummy mummies group had the perfect solution.

My week as a vegetarian (with one slip up)

In my attempt to become an earth-loving hippie (remember no plastic bags as part of my new year's resolutions), I did a lot of research and a big tip was to go meat free once a week.

Did you know, one meat-free day a week reduces 213kg of global warming CO2 gases? That's what nine, five-metre tall tress can absorb in a year. So in one little week I helped fill the gap of what 63 trees could do. Given the rate we cut rainforests, I think that was rather helpful of me.

Doing the annual work of 63 trees in one week equals a happy planet

This isn't just a fad or a bunch of made up statistics (67% of statistics are made up according to the University of Me), even the United Nations is behind it. I really respect that organisation, and if you want something to help put you to sleep, you can read about it here.

Getting saucy on Italian Sauce Day

The end of 'Looking for Alibrandi' got it all wrong. Sauce Day is not a day of Italian tunes, people wearing head scarves and families embracing happily.

It's a little more like La Tomatina... there are tomatoes thrown, tears, tantrums, fights and that's all before the first espresso. Then the stench of rotten tomatoes lingers on your skin and hair.

The paving looks like a Japanese Whaling Ship (no animals were hurt in the production of thick juicy sauce). Nonno (grandfather for non-Italians) gives a mean eye when he thinks you're not boiling the bottles properly. Nonna mutters that Kevin never checks the tomatoes properly. Sister S is being Sister S and thinks its a laugh. My very Australian husband thinks it is the best fun.

What am I saying? It's a hard slog, but it's tradition. I'm a sucker for tradition. So if ya gotta do it, then do it with some style.

Best Chocolate Tart too good NOT to share

Oh. My. F-ing. Goodness.

This Tim Tam Tart, yes you read that alliteration right, this Tim Tam Tart is simple, decadent, delicious, fool-proof, rich, tasty, melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

A tasty tart

Bake Test: Hummingbird Bakery's Peaches & Cream cupcakes

Would you believe my sprightly Nonna only turned 70 last week.

I truly admire both sets of my grandparents. My young Nonna has led a brace life. In her late thirties she relocated the whole family from Italian's snow-capped mountains to a place where she doesn't know the language, is polar opposite in everything from lifestyle to the weather and of all places chose Kununurra to live in.

She's a force to be reckoned with and my friends were frightened of her, but she melts hearts (and bloats bellies) with her melt-in-your-mouth food.

What do you give a lady who doesn't care for material things, but just wants her family to be around her, happy and healthy. Cupcakes.

Aye Carumba, Mama's turned 50!

My family are young breeders.

Mum was 21 when she had me. My grandmother 20 when she had my mum. My great grandmother was the same and only passed away a few years ago. I definitely bucked the trend with Mini Me and I don't feel old at all.

Four generations of women in my family.

Life's a picnic

This is a little brag post. I'm riding high after a job well done for Mini Me's christening picnic we held on Sunday.

If only I could control the weather, it would've been perfect. A little too hot for my liking.

But everything else was exactly like I imagined it. Nicely presented food. Lots of tasty food. Full bellies. A game of footy for the boys. Playground for the kids. Wine for the ladies. Shade and blankets to lounge on. Perfect.

What's the recipe for this successful little party? Well here you go.

Bake test: Hummingbird Bakery Banana Chocolate Cupcakes

Smashing through the Hummingbird Bakery cupcake book. At this rate I'll be done with this 101 in 1001 activity before the end of the year.

Another weekend, another brunch. This time Hubby, Mini Me and I visited Mr and Mrs Mee for a long overdue catch up.

And it was another chance to cook up a batch of little cakes. And guess what.. success!!! I managed to get 12 cupcakes from Banana Chocolate Cupcake recipe.

Banana Chocolate Cupcake

Bake test: Hummingbird Bakery Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

I love the idea of one type of food resembling another.

White chocolate mousse that tastes like basil (I've made it and it actually works), food that looks like breakfast but tastes like dessert, ice cream that tastes like sesame seeds (thanks Nobu). They surprise and delight.

That's why I couldn't wait to try Hummingbird Bakery's Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes, and continue to complete my 101 in 1001 challenge.

Hummingbird Bakery Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Bake Test: Hummingbird Bakery blueberry muffins

Forget flowers, when I had Mini Me food was the best gift of all.

I didn't cook for the first two months. Mostly because I cooked like I was preparing my bunker in anticipation of a nuclear attack before she was born, but my wartime stock was supplemented by a stream of macaroons, cheeses, sushi, curries (which on the spicy end of the spectrum) and other deliciousness from visiting guests.

The best were those that cooked dinner for me, or food that went in the freezer.

That's why food is my new gift to mummies continuing Perth's baby boom.

Mummy L is the latest with long and lean 3-week old Baby A. With the frozen veggie soup in hand (good for nutrients and to eat one handed while feeding) I wanted to give her a little treat and cook another Hummingbird Bakery recipe as part of my 101 in 1001.



Almost a perfect match to the picture

Bake Test: Hummingbird Bakery chocolate muffins

When I lived in London Hummingbird Bakery was the must pit-stop at Portobello Market.

Those fluffy little cakes with an equal portion of sugary, cream cheese icing were the rush we needed after a sleepless night out.

So I was pretty excited when a friend brought me the recipe book for my birthday a few years.

I've tried time and time again to recreate their cupcakes, but I seem to always do something wrong. Maybe it is the drier, warmer weather in Perth that stops the cakes from rising? Maybe I'm making excuses.

Determined to get it right, number 69 (he he) on my 101 in 1001 is to cook every single cupcake and give them away to others (that second part was for my hips).

To treat my dad and say thank you to my sister for looking after him for the week, I made the chocolate cupcake.

One of the problems I have with every single recipe I've ever made from this cook book is I can only get six cupcakes. Without fail. The recipe clearly says you can make 12 normal cupcakes. No. I can make 12 mini cupcakes, but six normal sized cupcakes. Or is miniature normal in the UK?

I was once again consistent in getting only six cupcakes out of the mixture.

As I put them into the oven I realised I had a brain burp moment... I had forgotten the baking powder. But it didn't seem to change the end result. The cakes were still fluffy and rose ever so slightly. Go figure.

The hero of this recipe was the chocolate icing. I had never made it before and am kicking myself. It was sugary, it was chocolaty, it was damn good icing. I brought nice, fancy cocoa and I think it did the trick.

My bake test score... six cupcakes out of ten (since it is all I can create!)

Photo Friday - week 7

I don't see my dad often, since he born, bred and ingrained in Kununurra, so you have to make the most of when he comes to the big smoke.

The weather has been wooly but that hasn't dampened our spirits and it's been a great week. That says a lot because normally he drives me nuts! Try cramming a year of catch ups into a week. You rarely spend this much time with a parent.

But it's been fun, with some great memories, and no trucks, too.

1. Hitting the town: A very late Christmas outing (or is it an early Christmas outing) with my sister, her stud and Hubby.

2. The morning after: No, thank you 1907 for a fantastic eight-course degustation, hilarious service, free-flowing drinks, seedy hangover and breakfast. You spoil me!

3. Dog tired: I hear ya buddy. Weekends are intense.

4. It's wooly out there: But it's toasty in here with my uggs.

5. In front of me: Sure isn't easy baby.

6. Adventures of a mum: Today it is Salted Caramel Macaroons

7. At the hairdresser: Zia styling.

Bake test: Zumbo's Salted Caramel Macaroons

Australia was wowed by Adriano Zumbo's macaroon tower on Masterchef and since then the French biscuit has become the treat of choice when impressing guests.

So of course it featured in my 101 in 1001. Number 67 - learn to make macaroons.

Cooking something that requires attention, finesse and delicacy is impossible with a four month old who keeps you guessing - is this an hour nap or 15-minute cat nap? All I can manage is a 'throw it all in and hope for the best' slow cook meal or a 'throw food around and hope for the best' Jamie Oliver 15-min meal (my godsend).

During a sleep deprived stagger through Woolworths I thought I saw a mirage. Could it be true? Zumbo has created an equivalent to the pancake shake and bake for his famous French treat? And it's on sale? Sold!

Zumbo has a small range of add two ingredient packets and, hey presto Masterchef, you have an instant dessert. 

 

A pleasant meal at Peasant's Table

It's been a while since Bruce the Pram has found a place that satisfies his wide stature. Pram friendly restaurants can be hard to find!

But just down the road are two roomy and delicious finds. One of them is the new Peasant's Table in Mt Hawthorn. 

Market fresh: Kyilla Farmer's Market

I love to smell fruit and vegetables.

My favourites are tomatos that seem to capture the scent of the sun or ripe mangoes that smell like a muggy summer night.

Shopping at Woolies and Coles is great because everything you need is under one roof. But the mass produced, generic fruit and veg generally lacks the smells I crave.

That's why I laughed at the looming grey clouds threatening to unleash on Saturday to visit the Kyilla Farmer's Market in North Perth.

A small bit of blue sky at the Kyilla Farmer's Market

Set up by the Kyilla Primary School with an aim to bring the community together every Saturday between 8.30am and 11.30am, the market grows each week in numbers and stalls.

Ms Z lives nearby and after the first market she said it lacked a crepe stall. Hey Presto! Next week there was a crepe stall.

The market has everything you need for a weekend shop - two fruit & veg stalls, a seafood Monger, fresh pasta, bakery (with jam donuts that are meant to be so jammy they sell out very quickly), small goods and dips seller and coffee churning away.

Have a grumbling stomach? Fixed.

There's the aforementioned crepe stall and bakery with tasty morsels testing at every stall, a paella or Spanish egg stand and what I hope is the start of a new craze in Perth, a food van.

The Cuban Sandwich Co van only sells it's signature pulled pork roll with sweet pork, peppery jalapeño aioli, crispy lettuce and crunchy roll. After a taste test, Hubby couldn't help but buy one.

Located on a park off Clievenden St, the Kyilla Farmer's Market is a nice Saturday outing, particularly for those with a need to smell their produce.

Kyilla Farmer's Market
Kyilla Park on Clieveden Street, North Perth
W: http://kyillacommunityfarmersmarket.com.au/

 

Breakfast picnicking

I love picnics. Perth just makes it so easy to have them.

For the second time this week I found myself on the South Perth foreshore soaking up the winter sun.

Bringing together my favourite pastime and meal, breakfast, Mini Me and I caught up with Ms Lou on Sunday for a good catch up.

For this breakfast picnic, I stocked my picnic basket with:

• strawberry yoghurt parfait (in a jar of course)
• scrambled egg, avocado and tomato relish wraps
• mugs of hot water and teabags
• Mini Me's brunch of defrosted mummy milk

This was thrown together that morning and is such easy, healthy and portable food for a picnic. And they look impressive to.

I really have to get better at taking photos of my outings, or remembering to at least.

 

It was another perfect Perth day. Clear skies, a content baby and juicy gossip while runners pounded the pavement and cyclists zipped past to make us feel like blobs of lard as we chowed down out brekkie.

Once again Ms L was full of stories of her booze-filled night causing unknown bruises and we talked about a week of news. 

You'd think we'd run out of things to talk about considering we chat every few days. But that's what's brilliant about besties; there's always something to chat about. Plus Ms L is always good for a story. In Robin Hood days when stories were told by master orators, Ms L would've had that job. She captivates you with the right amount of intrigue and embellishment without corrupting the truth of the story.

As Mini Me and I strolled back to the car we were accosted by a mil (Man in Lycra). Unfortunately it was Hubby puffed after his once a month bike ride. Bless him for trying. At least his over priced bike's cost per ride is finally going down!