You know what's amazing but really not-so is how time flies when you're having fun...and how it seems to stand maddeningly still when you're not.  This last year has had both of these moments / months!  Finally, yes, finally, it's time moving forward and onward.  These past two years of life has been based on a decision by a government body that's out of my control and with the onset of (I'm hoping!) Spring maybe my new start will be complete and without barriers to living the life I want and choose.  Fingers are crossed.

New Day...Where to?

So.  I'm feeling like this bee. 

He sees it all but he can't get into it until I open the window and set him free. 

Two questions for him: HOW did he get in here when the window's been shut...and WHERE is he going after his manic attempts to get out?! 

I've started thinking about where I'm heading, what I'm going to do once I get there and how I'm going to get there!...a few questions are more important than others, I know, but in what order do they go?  HOW? WHERE? HOW? WHAT? WHERE? HOW? WHAT?

I'm already on the path and I suppose it's about steering at this stage. 
I've got a brain, I've got the heart and I'm ready to go- the winds are blowing up a storm out there.

Also, it's too cold for bees now so I'm hoping he's okay- safe with his hive or at least huddled in a warm bush somewhere.  No rain today so outlook is good for us both. xt

baking on a Wednesday

Lemon drizzle cake from Edmonds NZ cookbook.  A sure-fire recipe that has never failed me and can be used a million different ways by substituting the 'lemon' for 'coffee', 'peach', 'nut', 'ginger'...you name it, add as much as you want and VOÍLA! Beautiful cake.  


I've altered it slightly with what I put in it but the basic recipe is here- experiment! 


Recipe:
1 cup standard plain flour
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons  milk
2 teaspoons baking powder


then add you choice of flavour!  
lemon juice & rind, pineapple, peaches, nuts, coffee, nuts & coffee, lime juice etc...the possibilities are endless!


Sift flour into a bowl, add sugar, eggs, butter and milk and beat on high for 3 minutes. Stir in baking powder and lemon juice and rind.*

*or whatever you choose to add!

Bake at 190ºC for 15-20 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Ice when completely cooled.


I made a quick drizzle with icing sugar and lemon rind and juice for the top, poked holes everywhere when it was warm and used half the drizzle then, the other half when it had cooled a bit.


Here's a photo of the lemon...(I made mini domes!)!

At his request, I made a coffee and walnut cake for Michael's birthday by adding espresso coffee (2 tablespoons in a tablespoon of water) + walnuts...no lemons!  I made butter icing and two layers for this special request- icing sugar, espresso, butter- whipped to a frenzy then sandwiched when completely cooled (or else you have just liquid goo). Happy baking to you!

SInce I don't really eat cakes (but I do love making them) I rely on the eaters to tell me their opinion...I am happy to say that both were successes!

Happy baking to you!

strange things...

sometimes, pictures need no words...

I've been meaning to post this photo since I took it- and then here I am, today, and here it is!

I stalked this item and the aisle they were on for a little while to see if anyone actually bought it...I placed them on the shelf in a funny pattern...and nothing happened.  I went back a few days later and they were in the same place I'd put them! So possibly the slowest selling item- perhaps it's something you don't use for everyday cooking?...perhaps not.

Seems a high price to pay for what it says!

(yes, it's a Tesco shelf.  No, I didn't buy it.)

(Tesco, again, no, still didn't buy- although am quite intrigued!)