Auction time

I've only just started to get into auctions and now I'm totally obsessed. The thrill of the biding can be quite overwhelming as you make a quick decision to bid higher or stop. This auction was huge it was one persons life collection and they had great taste. It was a pleasure to be amongst it and hear the regulars talk about this man and what he was like. These are the pieces that Melissa and I liked and the pieces we won. 

Quinoa double chocolate & cashew cookies

Makes approx 12 

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

3/4 cup brown sugar 

2 eggs 

1 1/4 cup quinoa flour 

1/3 cup cocao powder 

1 tsp baking soda 

1/4 tsp salt 

1 cup chocolate chips 

1/2 cup raw cashews, chopped 

Preheat oven to 190c 

Cream the butter and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg one at a time beat till well combined. In another bowl add dry ingredients and stir to combine. Add flour mixture to butter mixture until well combined. Stir in choc chips and cashews. Roll dough into small balls and press flat on greased baking tray. Bake for approx 8-10 minutes. Then allow to cool on rack. 

-you can add any nuts that you like or take them out 

Enjoy 

Peanut butter chia cookies

I just bought a new cookbook The Quinoa Revolution and I'm totally hooked on Quinoa. I'm sure the girls at work are totally over hearing about which Quinoa salad I have for lunch. This recipe uses Quinoa flour. It's the first time that I have used this flour and it works very well, the cookies are light and fluffy.

You will need 

1/2 cup peanut butter 

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

3/4 cup brown sugar 

1 egg 

1tsp vanilla extract 

1 cup quinoa flour 

3/4 tsp baking soda 

1/2 tsp baking powder 

2tsp chia seeds 

1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts 

Preheat oven 190c put baking paper on tray. 

In mixing bowl add peanut butter, sugar, egg, butter and vanilla mix till combined. 

In medium bowl add flour, baking powder& soda, stir in chia seeds and peanuts. Add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture and mix well. Scoop dough into balls and place on tray making sure they are 5cms apart. 

Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Allow to sit on tray for 4 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool 

Enjoy 

The Belling 900

The new oven is finally installed and it looks amazing. Our old oven was original to the house and that was lovely too. The only issues were it was too small and the grill didnt work, neither did the door, we used a wooden spoon to keep the door closed. After many trips to electrical stores and many conversations with different staff. We decided on the Belling 900, the Smeg was just way out of our price range. The Belling has gas cook tops and electric oven, it is very large and came in an assortment of bright colours, we chose cream. I am looking forward to baking many loafs of bread and lots of sugary treats.

Caramel popcorn cupcakes

Baking really is my safe place. Where all the days/weeks worries and sadness disappear in that time frame it's take to complete a recipe. Today I found this recipe here and thought to myself I need to make these. They turned out perfect and they will be off to sell at work tomorrow. All proceeds going to Movember in support of men's health. I won't be in the Movember bake off this year as it's my sisters wedding. But it doesn't hurt to start early and raise awareness and funds before the comp.

Granola bars

Granola Bars have been on my mind for a couple of weeks now, ever since I bought a horrible brand of Muesli Bars. So bad I cant even remember the brand. I used to buy Carmen's Muesli Bars until Simon decided that he like to eat 2 a day. We can all do the math on how long they lasted. So switching brands in an attempt to cut costs hasn't been going to well. So my solution ....make my own bars. I found this recipe and changed a few ingredients, I still think it needs a bit more work. I'll keep you posted with changing ingredients and hopefully I can master the perfect Granola Bar.


1 1/2 cups of rolled oats

1/2 cup raw pepitas 

1/2 cup dried cranberries 

1/2 cup mixed nuts I used almonds/walnuts/peanuts 

1/2 tbs chia seeds 

2/3 cup peanut butter 

1/2 cup organic rice syrup 

1/2 tab coconut oil 

Heat peanut butter, rice syrup and coconut oil in medium pan on low to mix together. Add all other dry ingredients in bowl, add syrup mixture to dry ingredients mix in then put in lined greased slice tin. 

Bake in oven for 25 minutes on 200c 

Slice into bars and top with melted chocolate if you like ....... enjoy. 

Let me know how you go if you give this recipe a go!!!! I still think it needs work maybe more syrup less peanut butter or honey as well. It's a start anyway. 

Banana cake

I've posted this recipe before but today added walnuts on top. Its a no fail recipe and very moist. It's a lovely day and the sun is shining through the kitchen window. Getting odd jobs done around the house and banana cake is perfect for that afternoon tea break.