Banana and Salted Caramel Birthday Cupcakes

Posted in Cupcakes, DESSERTS by Katherine

salted caramel and banana cupcakes swirl buttercream orange and yellow flower toppers recipe

Happy Birthday to me! Well, yesterday actually, but who’s counting 😉

Continuing the brilliant tradition of taking cakes into the office for my birthday, these bad boys are my offering for 2014. Having just eaten one with compliments from colleagues ringing in my ears, I cannot help but rave about them. They are so good. And, made with real bananas, good for you as well. Wins all round.

They also make use of the final product from my Sugar and Crumbs trial pack. As much as I enjoyed using the Chocolate Cherry Cocoa Powder and Coffee Icing Sugar, this Salted Caramel Icing Sugar was always going to be my favourite, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

At £2.99 for a 250g bag from Sugar and Crumbs, it is a fair price (if you use the whole pack for one batch like I did), so one to use for…

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20Feb2014

Creamy Lemon Chicken With Bacon

Posted in Family Night, MEALS by Katherine

Just wanted to share this wonderful recipe!!

15Feb2014

Easy Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Posted in Family Night, MEALS by Katherine

In a mixing bowl combine
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup of corn
2 tomatoes diced
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup of salsa

add a scoop of mixture to 12″ flour tortillas
top with salsa and shredded tex mex cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Bake for 20-30 minutes

11Feb2014

Tangy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Posted in MEALS, Slowcooker by Katherine

Sounds great and the ingredients are kid friendly but my family did not enjoy this recipe. It was a fail. But maybe it’s us! So here is the recipe and if it ends up being a success in your household great! At least, this post will be a success! Hope you enjoy this easy to prepare meal!!!

Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon mustard powder
Sprinkle – Bread crumbs and Fresh Parmesan

Directions:

1. Coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs with fresh and evaporated milks. Mix in uncooked macaroni and 3 cups shredded cheese. Transfer to slow cooker, add remaining cheese on top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and Parmesan
3. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Do not stir or remove lid while cooking.

8Feb2014

Toasted Apricot Bread with Honey Peanut Butter

Posted in Breakfast, MEALS by Katherine

Just wanted a change to my morning breakfast routine, this was a great satisfying breakfast!

APRICOT BREAD

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons milk
1 egg
1 1/2 cups dried apricots, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter or margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the orange juice, milk and egg; beat well. Gradually blend in the flour mixture. Stir in the apricots. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

29Jan2014

Baked Kale Chips

Posted in MEALS, Nibbles and Appetizers by Katherine

OK , part of the New Year Resolution is weight loss!! I’m on the bandwagon…..I am really enjoying this superfood snack! Try it, I was surprised how much we enjoy this superfood! So far I have lost 7lbs! Just needed to brag a little.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 20 Minutes

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

1 bunch kale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F
2.	With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
3.	Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.

22Jan2014

Tangy Crudite Salad

Posted in MEALS, Salads by Katherine

Many people have New Years Resolutions, I am one of them, mine is the – standard – weight loss! So experimenting with salads is key for me. Salad ruts seem to hinder weight loss. Here is the latest salad experiment, so far so good! Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 cup of chopped broccoli
1 cup chopped cauliflower
1 cup of chopped carrots
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup of diced dried apricots
1/2 cup of cashews

1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoons white vinegar
1/8 cup sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cut the broccoli, cauliflower and carrots into bite-size pieces.
Place in a large bowl. Add the cranberries, apricots and cashews.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well.
Add to crudite mixture and toss gently.