THAT person.

Cold, wet, dreary weather. 

Winter has definitely announced itself. 

Personally, I think winter would be the type of person (if it were a person, of course) you try to avoid but always get stuck talking to.

Surely you know what I mean - the type of person you see across the street and think 

"Oh goodness - where can I hide? Have they seen me? Can I still make a dash for it?"

Does everyone have old friends that are like that - or is it just me? 

Needless to say, I do not like winter.

It makes me want to stay bundled up inside in the warmth, preferably cooking.

But maybe that's a good thing - winter means I get lots of cooking done because I'm so desperate to stand huddled over the stove or pressed against the oven. 

But do tell me - 

What's your favourite winter warmer foods?  

I find myself trying to ditch salads and cold foods when it gets really cold 

and I stick to warm meals like pasta or baked vegetables. 

I've also rekindled my love of hot chocolates and my tea stash seems to deplete 100x faster

and don't forget warm winter flavours like cinnamon! 

Now for a masterchef style challenge, I have two things I've been sent - but have no idea what to do with! 

Mustard Seed Oil and Macadamia Oil.

Have you had any experience with either of these?

Any suggestions of what I should do with them?! 

Ooh and in other news!
I have a giveaway coming up on MAY 7th. 
So keep your eyes peeled! It has to do with Fairtrade Fortnight and my favourite chocolate ;) 
(It may even be an international competition :O)

Vanilla Cupcakes for an Egg-cellent Easter

Hey, it's Easter - I'm allowed to throw in a little cheesyness ;)

Last night I whipped up these little beauties for our little Good Friday dinner. 

They might look like your run of the mill vanilla cupcakes, 

but I'm pleased to say this may just be the Best Vanilla Cupcake recipe ever.

It's a bit of a frankenstein recipe - pulling bits and pieces of recipes together to create the ultimate one!

But rest assured, you'll have 12 yummy cupcakes by the end of the process.

BEST EVER Vanilla Cupcakes 

recipe by ksayerphotography

Makes 12

125g Butter, softened 

2/3C + 2 tbsp Sugar

2 Eggs 

1/2C Milk 

1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract

1 1/3C Plain Flour 

3/4 tsp Baking Powder

1/4 tsp Salt

Preheat oven to 160*C (320*F).

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 

Add in eggs one at a time, beating for a minute after each egg. (Don't worry if your mix looks slightly curdled, it'll come together - I promise!)

In a bowl combine milk and vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. 

With a mixer on low speed, alternatively add the flour and milk mixtures until all is combined. 

Beat for a further 3 minutes on high.

Divide into lined cupcake pans and bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on wire racks.

----

Though, if you do make this recipe - you may want to double it... or triple it... or quadruple it.

The cupcakes will vanish in a flash!

I frosted the cupcakes in a basic buttercream and then topped them with some candy coated easter eggs and sprinkles and there you have it - simple easter cupcakes :) 

So tell me,
Do you have any special Easter traditions?

Breads and spreads

To me, fresh crusty bread is one of life's simplest pleasure.

Even as a child I remember being excited when Mum bought a fresh loaf of bread from the bakery because I knew that there was a crusty end piece waiting for me. 

Luckily, no one else in my family seemed to like the "butt" of the bread, or is it the heel? 

What do you call it?

Lately I've been experimenting in the world of bread making. 

Quick breads.

Yeast breads. 

Flat breads. 

English Muffins.

Rolls.

Why? Because well, I can!

I get a little kick out of baking things most people wouldn't think twice about picking up at the supermarket. 

I mean, if you can buy english muffins why shouldn't you make them?

For ages I was scared of yeast.

It smelt like old people, bubbled and frothed and doubled in size.

Now - yeast and I are allies in the kitchen.

When I received a package of goodies from Melrose Foods I knew exactly what some of the products needed. 

Fresh bread, the perfect vessel! 

 My favourite thing to slather on fresh bread would have to be nut butter - followed closely by honey. 

Usually, I'm a peanut butter girl addict, but after making my own nut butters at home I've discovered a whole world of nutty goodness. 

Now, before I tell you about these nut butters.. It's time for a public service announcement.

See the writing on top of the jar up there? It's kind of a warning. 

"NATURAL OILS SEPARATE ON STANDING. PLACE THIS JAR ON A LEVEL SURFACE AND OPEN CAREFULLY"

Now I want you to make sure you actually do what that warning says and not be a dodo like me. 

You see, I read the warning... and then opened the jar while standing and holding the jar on an angle. 

Excuse me brain cells? WHERE DID YOU GO?!?!?!

Needless to say, my floor needed cleaning. 

Back to the nut butters!

Once I'd cleaned up the mess and stirred the oil back into the spreads (another messy job - but it's worth it!), it was time for the taste test! 

The Walnut and Cashew Spread is made up of 80% Walnuts and 20% Cashews, so it's full of Omega-3 fatty acids.

It had more of a delicate flavour, when compared to something like peanut butter, and spread really well.

It would be the perfect addition to baked goods and is perfect on a slice of toast for breakfast.

You could even use it in savoury recipes - perhaps adding it to a salad dressing or using it as part of a sauce for a stir fry.

The Brazil Nut and Linseed Spread was sweeter than the Walnut and Cashew Spread thanks to the naturally sweet Brazil Nuts. 

As someone who isn't a huge Brazil nut fan, I was pleasantly suprised to find I really enjoyed this spread! 

Linseeds (also known as flaxseeds) are the richest plantsource of Omega-3 fatty acids so they're perfect for people like me who don't eat fish or eggs!
I'm thinking this spread may be the perfect addition to some banana muffins in the near future.

Melrose also have a variety of other nut spreads like Almond and Cashew spread, 

which I definitely have my eye on to try!

Tahini is something I've been thinking about trying for quite a while, but just haven't gotten around to.

Tahini is made by grinding sesame seeds and is an excellent source of calcium. 

Hulled Tahini allows for easier absorption of the calcium in the sesame seeds which would otherwise slip straight through the digestive system without being absorbed. 

Tahini is also an excellent source of protein, having more protein than milk, soy and many nuts.

Hummus is one of the most common foods that call for tahini, but it is also excellent by itself as a dip or used as a spread on sandwiches. 

Tahini can also be used in dressings and sauces in savoury dishes or used in sweet desserts.

I actually liked it straight up on bread or crackers and its delicious when mixed with a little bit of honey!

Now, mayonnaise is something I usually avoid like the plague. 

I mentioned above that I don't eat eggs, the reason I don't like mayonnaise is exactly that. 

However! this mayonnaise from Melrose (tongue twister? maybe?) is egg and dairy free

so there's none of that awful eggyness I usually despise. 

The mayonnaise is made with natural sunflower oil and is cholesterol free and vegan friendly.

I liked the tangy taste from the mustard which made it a perfect addition to salads or sandwiches, it's a perfect alternative to regular mayonnaise for those with allergies or specific food preferences. 

You can pick up Melrose products in the health food aisle of the grocery store

or at your local health food shop!

Now.... 

I want you to tell me

What is your favourite thing to have with fresh bread?

and if anyone has any delicious bread recipes, feel free to share! :)

Oh and let it be known, those lovely rolls were not created by me. 

They were bought from a bakery! I can only dream my dough shaping skills will ever become that good :P

Kristy received these products courtesy of www.melrosefoods.com

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com

The ultimate chocolate cake?

"Kristy this is the best chocolate cake you have ever made"

That sentence is one that is quite shocking.

You see, my sister is a bit of a brownie snob and this carries over into chocolate cakes as well.

She's stuck on just one recipe.  

Her recipe she randomly found on the web and uses every. single. time.

To be honest, it's not even that great of a recipe.

It usually ends in disaster - either an overcooked brownie or a ridiculously undercooked brownie and quite commonly, it sinks.

But it still remains the best brownie recipe ever according to the creature of habit.

So when I received this Chocolate Mud Cake Mix from Well & Good,

I decided its fate was to stand the ultimate test.

To give the cake the best chance of winning her approval,

I decided it was best to hide the packet.

A fifteen year old would surely turn her nose up as soon as she read the words..

Gluten free

Wheat free
Nut free

Fructose friendly

Dairy free

No Trans Fat

GMO free

No Artificial Colours or Flavours

Halal

Kosher

So I baked away while she was at school, photographed and she came home to a chocolate cake precariously perched on the benchtop, awaiting its demise.

It was fudgy in the centre with a slightly chewy crust - just like the perfect brownie.

All it needed was a dusting of icing sugar to be complete.

"Ooooh what's this? Did you bake this today?"

I quickly weaved a little white lie, telling her I'd whipped up a Martha Stewart creation, before handing her a plate and a piece of cake.

She took a bite and that's when we heard...

"Kristy this is the best chocolate cake you have ever made"

My mum looked at me in shock,

my ego took a little dive (beaten by a packet mix!)

and I burst into laughter before pulling the packet from the cupboard.

"What's that? Wait.... this is from that?!"

The truth was out and her opinion stayed the same.

The only thing she was worried about was whether we could buy more!

 Luckily, all I have to do is look up the retailers.

Though, being as determined as I am, this cake mix has sparked the..

Ultimate Chocolate/Brownie Cake Challenge

 But I do have to say - go out and get yourself one of these mixes and bake it ASAP

You won't regret it - afterall, it passed the creature of habits ultimate taste test.

But do tell me!

Do you have a recipe you're stuck on using and won't budge on?

and Do you have a chocolate cake recipe you think is the best ever?!

I need suggestions!

Kristy received these products courtesy of www.wellandgood.com.au

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com

Rise and Shine

Breakfast, the first meal of the day - arguably the most important meal of the day.

It also happens to be my favourite!

I don't know about you, but if I were to skip breakfast my day would probably go no where.

A warm bowl of oatmeal, a crunchy bowl of cereal, a breakfast bake (a la Ashley), pancakes - you name it. 

Breakfast wakes me up and gives me the energy to go on with my day. 

 

Emma Dumas from The Muesli wanted to create a quality breakfast that is nutritionally balanced and tastes great.

The Muesli is 97% sugar free and filled with healthy fats

It's made up of - 

27% Raw Nuts (Almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts and brazil nuts) 

23% Seeds (Pumpkin, sunflower, linseed and sesame seeds)

36% Rolled Oats

14% Shredded Coconut 

It can be made bircher style by soaking overnight, sprinkled on top of yogurt, eaten straight up or however you fancy!

The Muesli would be good for someone watching their sugar intake, however, for someone like me who is all about balance - I felt like it needed an extra flavour boost.

By adding fresh or dried fruit to "The Muesli" I had a perfectly balanced breakfast that was full of flavour.

You can order some for yourself online or at a number of stockists.

So tell me - 

what's your go to breakfast?

I have a different breakfast every day, flavour wise - but they tend to be based around oatmeal, overnight oats, cereal or muesli with breakfast bakes and pancakes showing up when I have more time for a leisurely breakfast!

Kristy received The Muesli courtesy of www.themuesli.com.au

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com

Thank you, lucky stars.

I haven't disappeared!

I've just been extremely busy!

You never know just how much your mum does until she can't do it. 

This past week and a bit I've played Mum - cooking, cleaning, washing, vacuuming, bossing.

Yes! I even got to do the nagging part - I don't know about your parents, but my mum just doesn't know how to sit still.

Doctors orders? Psh! I'd walk into the loungeroom to find her with a vacuum in hand or trying to do something she really shouldn't have even attempted.

But anyway, she is now well and truly on the mend! 

I am currently thanking my lucky stars.

Yesterday I had a photo shoot and the weather was PERFECT for the duration of the shoot - the grey skies only appeared once my camera was packed away!  

Needless to say, I was extremely relieved! but my day didn't just end there - it got better! 

I will soon be embarking on an exciting new adventure which I shall share with you soon!

But do tell me - 

What's your most hated chore?

and have you been thanking your lucky stars this week? what for? 

I've found this week that I don't actually dread household chores as much as I thought I did.

I always moaned and groaned when mum asked me to empty the dishwasher or put out the washing

but now the only problem is the ants biting my legs as I try to hang out the clothes :P 

Curve balls

So my week this week got turned on its head,

hence why I've been absent on the blogging/emailing/social network fronts.

My lovely mum was rushed into hospital with appendicitis,

but don't worry! she's now recovering and her appendix has officially left the building her body.

It just goes to show that life is always going to throw you curve balls when you least expect it

and we all need to look after our health!

Has your life been thrown any curve balls this week?

 

A package I received from Audrey and Marco was the perfect hit of sweetness I needed this week!

Audrey and Marco is a fabulous online delicatessen - they have everything from pasta in all shapes and sizes to spiced cookies (can you say.. yum?!) and they also have some gorgeous hampers that are a perfect gift for foodie pals.

You can even search for products according to their country! 

I loved the Oliviero Almond Torroncini which was little individually wrapped pieces of nougat.

The little pieces were a perfect size for me as someone who can't handle too much sweetness.

I loved that you got a mix of whole almond pieces and chopped nuts - they definitely aren't stingy in the nut department!

I also received some Peanut Halva which is made in Greece.

This halva is made from tahini (ground sesame seeds) and is filled with peanuts.

Halva is quite like nougat in flavour, however its texture is quite different. 

It's a perfect sweet to serve with coffee.

The jam/preserve lover in me jumped for joy when I peered into the box to see Tiptree Orange and Ginger Marmalade 

and I was very happy to find the ginger flavour wasn't overpowering and you still had a delicious orange flavour.

As an oatmeal addict, you can be sure I added it with my oatmeal and it was delicious!

The Chestnut Spread was the only thing in the box that puzzled me for a while.

Chestnut spread? Chestnut spread? What on earth do I do with that?!

Much googling prevailed and I found that Chestnut spread is often used in desserts and commonly spread on toast or fresh bread for a sweet treat!

I've never actually eaten a chestnut, so I had no idea what to expect.
At first I expected more of a nut butter consistency, but upon opening the jar I found more of a caramel-y texture.

It was quite sweet with lots of flavour and delicious spread on bread and crackers.

I think it'd make a perfect addition to cakes - or even dolloped or swirled into ice cream! 

So head to Audrey and Marco's website and have a look at their products

I know you'll find something you've never tried before - so why not give it a go! 

They deliver Australia wide so if you're an Aussie, you have a world of food just a click away.

Plus, just look at their website! That cute yellow striped header is adorable. 

But do tell me! 

How has your week been so far?

and do you have any phobias?

I'm terrified of blood and needles - so I dislike hospitals immensely :P

The whole IV thing freaks me out - grosss.

Kristy received these products courtesy of www.audreyandmarco.com.au

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com

 

The best thing since sliced bread

That would have to be freshly baked sliced bread, no?

It's hard to beat the smell of bread baking away in the oven,

though I know the thought of actually making bread terrifies some people. 

Especially if they're gluten intolerant!

Seeing as Coeliac Awareness week is coming up soon, 

I thought now would be a good time to show you some more gluten free goodies. 

A while ago, I was sent a bunch of Simply Wize products.

All of the Simply Wize products are Gluten Free and provide delicious alternatives for those with Coeliac conditions.

The loaf of bread you see at the beginning of the post was made using the Crusty Bread Mix.

The mix makes it super easy to have a loaf of fresh, gluten free bread without the hassle of going out and buying a whole lot of different flours and stabilisers and whatever else. 

All you have to add is a sachet of instant yeast, water and oil and within an hour you'll have bread baking away!

The end product was a crusty loaf of bread with soft innards.

Unlike some gluten free breads, you couldn't actually tell it was any different

and by that, I mean it didn't taste like cardboard or have an awful gummy texture.

The deli wafers are delicious, and most definitely my favourite product from what I was sent.

They're light and crunchy and perfect for topping with cheese or dips. 

The Cheese wafers have a subtle real cheese flavour.

These were my favourite and I was so glad to find they didn't have that overpowering artificial cheese flavour that you find in other crackers and chips (think: twisties)

The Poppy seed and Sea Salt wafers are divine with cheese so they're the perfect addition to any cheese platter!

Don't worry, these will be a staple in my pantry from now on :)

The Corn Crunch is a deliciously moreish salty snack made from lightly salted corn kernels.

Yep, REAL corn kernels.

They definitely live up to their name with the crunch and are a perfect alternative to regular old potato chips!

Now, away from snacks and onto dinner - 

Simply Wize also make a gluten free Gnocchi that melts in your mouth.

I'm sure you could convince your friends that you'd been slaving away in the kitchen all day like a true Italian Mama when, infact, all you've done is added the gnocchi to some boiling water and topped it with some sauce!

 Now, in the supermarket there are plenty of ready made pizza bases you can pick up and take home to make a quick and easy dinner, however, there aren't that many options for people with Coeliac Disease.

Simply Wize solve that dilemma with their Pizza Crust

Now, I'll be honest, in the packet the pizza crusts don't look all that appealing.

But don't bail on me yet! I promise once they're topped with toppings and baked until crispy, you'll be thanking me!

The pizza crusts are delicious and have a great flavour from the italian herbs. 

They're individual sized and perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Proof they look far better once they're cooked!

To find out where you can get your hands on some Simply Wize products, check out their stockist page :)

and to find out more about Coeliac Disease have a look at my previous post 

(and while you're there - enter my giveaway to win over $100 worth of products!)

But do tell me! 
What's your snack of choice?
and what's your super easy/lazy dinner of choice?

I love crunchy snacks, especially crackers with cheese or dips 
though lately I've been leaning towards homemade bran muffins with peanut butter
or anything with peanut butter, really.  
My favourite lazy dinner is probably a ham and cheese toasted croissant with salad
or a pita pizza with feta :)


Kristy was sent Simply Wize products courtesy of www.momentumfoods.com.au
If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com

Winter warm ups

Rain.

Wind.

Cooler Temperatures.

The dreary weather Sydney has been having lately is really showing that Autumn is coming fast.
The cooler weather has definitely affected my eating - my summer cereal bowls filled with frozen fruit have been replaced by comforting bowls of hot oatmeal or amaranth filled with wintery spices.

Ice cream?! Nooooo way.

When the weather starts getting colder I always find myself subconsciously craving warming winter spices.

Ginger. 

Cinnamon.

Cloves. 

It was the cooler weather and dreary skies that made me decide it was time to try out the Ginger Drink I had been sent from Rochester Ginger.

The original Rochester Ginger drinks are made to a Dickensian recipe which dates back to the 1870's and contain 14% raw ginger root as well as raisins, elderflower and cowslip herb.

With the promise to unleash "the kick of two angry mules" I thought it would be a perfect drink to warm me up.

The Dark Ginger is a sweeter, milder variant made to an old Jamaican recipe with 9% ginger, caramel and cane sugar.

It's clear why these recipes have been handed down over three generations,

both of the versions are full of flavour and warm you up from the inside with the spicy ginger kick. 

They are a perfect non-alcoholic drink for those who want an alternative that isn't soft drink

though, according to my taste testers, they'd be an excellent addition to cocktails.

The heat from the ginger is perfect for ginger lovers and would make an excellent addition to recipes.

Both of the drinks are concentrated, so a bottle will make about 24 servings.

Just mix with your favourite mixer or dilute with some water and enjoy!

Find out how you can get your hands on some here!

But do tell me, 

Do your eating habits change with the season?

and What's your favourite wintery food?

I tend to eat salads all summer long and then find myself leaning towards hot vegetables in the winter to warm me up.

My favourite wintery food would have to be warm bowls of oatmeal or amaranth or a nice hot chocolate!

Kristy received these products courtesy of www.indigogreen.com.au

If you'd like a review of your products, send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com 

and DON'T FORGET! enter to win over $100 worth of Melinda's Gluten Free Goodies

just "like" and post "I want to win MGFG with ksayerphotography" at their facebook page

or tell me about your best/worst kitchen experience!

(Or do both and have double the chance!)