Oliebollen (Deep-fried dough balls)

Olienbollen deep fried dough balls

New Years Eve just wouldn’t be the same without Dutch oliebollen. These deep-fried dough balls studded with rum soaked raisins and doused in icing sugar is the way Netherlanders ring in the New Year. It’s  a centuries old tradition and it’s said that oliebollen were likely the precursor to the modern day donut, thanks to the Dutch settlers … Read more

Baumkuchen (Tree Cake)

Baumkuchen tree cake

The January 2014 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Francijn of “Koken in de Brouwerij”. She challenged us all to bake layered cakes in the tradition of Baumkuchen (Tree Cake) and Schichttorte (layered cake). Wow, this was a fun challenge! And a fairly labor-intensive one! You need to have a good measure of patience, given … Read more

Festive Pavlova Wreath

Take a peek at any Kiwi dinner table on Christmas Day and you’ll almost always find that iconic, and most Kiwi of desserts – Pavlova. If you haven’t tried Pavlova, you’re in for a real treat – clouds of sweet marshmallow encased in crunchy meringue, topped with lashings of cream and tart fresh fruit. Simple, … Read more

Little Mocha Custards

Little mocha custards

Wow, there’s a reason these Little Mocha Custards are served in small cups – it’s not for the faint hearted! This combination of strong coffee, chocolate and Kahlua (or whisky) packs a punch for sure – an adult dessert if ever I had one. It’s rich, but not overly sweet – in fact I added a tablespoon … Read more

Upside Down Peach & Passionfruit Cake

Upside Down Peach & Passionfruit Cake

Time to celebrate a wee milestone (insert crowd cheering). This is my 300th recipe posted on this blog!! Yep, that’s 300 cakes, cookies, desserts, meals and drinks made, photographed, and then consumed (let’s not even go there!) by yours truly. Which is kind of funny given I never had any intention of starting a blog. … Read more

Healthy Nut Butter Chocolate

HEALTHY NUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE

I can’t lie. The idea of ‘healthy’ chocolate has always pretty much left me cold. That is until now. When it came time to sample this health enhancing chocolate I was, as always, prepared for the usual disappointment. Let’s face it… chocolate’s chocolate – there ain’t no prizes for second place. And it is true… you’re … Read more

Yafawi Sfeeha (with sweet walnut filling)

Yafawi sfeeha with sweet walnut filling

The July Daring Bakers’ Challenge was brought to us by Manal from Manal’s Bites. She introduced us to an authentic Palestinian dish from Jaffa that is served as a main meal along with a bowl of soup or a salad. The ‘Yafawi Sfeeha’ or also known as ‘Milwayeh’ which means ‘twisted’, is crispy yet tender and … Read more

Asian Fish & Rice Patties

Asian Fish & Rice Patties

I was looking for something light and healthy for lunch today and came across a torn-out page from an Australian magazine in one of my recipe folders. Sadly, the page doesn’t have the magazine’s name on it, so I can’t credit it. However, I’m glad I tried these Asian Fish & Rice Patties – they were quick … Read more