tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345559692024-03-14T02:35:22.237+00:00debbie hillI like to explore and make things.
Lifestyle, craft, holidays and outings. Recipes, tutorials, photos and illustration.d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.comBlogger709125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-42328410824868625832018-01-28T15:50:00.000+00:002018-01-28T15:52:23.667+00:00let's cook: mince pies<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-699E7LwlXxg/Wm3ob_aChXI/AAAAAAAAP3M/W9m57ed-KjEcdllppwuzYtq1PGfuAkMMACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/2%2Bpies.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-699E7LwlXxg/Wm3ob_aChXI/AAAAAAAAP3M/W9m57ed-KjEcdllppwuzYtq1PGfuAkMMACK4BGAYYCw/s640/2%2Bpies.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our final <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/lets%20cook%20challenge">cooking challenge</a> of 2017 was mince pies. It was just me and my mum competing in this one, and we decided to make them ready in time for a group taste test on Christmas day. Pictured above is a sample pie from each of our batches. My mum's is on the left, and mine is on the right.<br />
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As there were a lot of vegans in the group at Christmas, we both opted for vegan recipes so everyone could taste test both pies. In fact, we both ended up choosing the same recipe - <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-mince-pies">this one</a> from BBC Good Food. Ben and I got the BBC Good Food Vegetarian Christmas magazine and cooked a load of stuff from that over the festive period - it had a great selection of recipes.<br />
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My mum did really well and followed the recipe pretty closely, whereas I struggled to find any black cherries in kirsch so supplemented for some extra dried fruit and a dash of Christmas pudding flavoured liqueur - that's the same kind of thing, right? I also substituted the hazelnuts for walnuts.<br />
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Oh, and I don't actually have any circular pastry cutters (something I should have asked Santa for!) so I had to use a couple of glasses to try and cut my pastry out in the right size. You can see how much wonkier my pies are than my mums as a result...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EPJ5Kpo5Cw/Wm3ob-G1VPI/AAAAAAAAP3I/RSv70aONcnQ1ChjwN2NAjxBihwrzMsGkACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/mince%2Bpies.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EPJ5Kpo5Cw/Wm3ob-G1VPI/AAAAAAAAP3I/RSv70aONcnQ1ChjwN2NAjxBihwrzMsGkACK4BGAYYCw/s640/mince%2Bpies.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I like the star shapes my mum used on her pies - they look much neater than my single holly leaves. For presentation alone, my mum's were definitely the best.<br />
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When it came to the judging we served everyone up half a pie each (one each would've been too much after our huge Christmas dinner), and did some taste testing.<br />
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Around the room most people seemed to favour my mum's filling (probably because I tampered with mine) whereas my pastry got the biggest thumbs up, as it was a bit flakier. The scores were quite similar too, with a few sevens and eights. In the end we settled on <b>8/10 </b>each which seemed pretty fair, although I think my mum should probably get a little higher based on the appearance of her pies.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlQZYIhySOI/Wm3obwim3NI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/d1RtVCnkknw8NgSgCbLVFXXxgyD2UD9IwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/mince%2Bpies2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlQZYIhySOI/Wm3obwim3NI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/d1RtVCnkknw8NgSgCbLVFXXxgyD2UD9IwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/mince%2Bpies2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It worked out quite well for me and Ben as we were left with a tin of mince pies to work our way through in the couple of weeks following Christmas. A good snack for the first week back at work.<br />
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Our next cooking challenge (the first of 2018) is going to be <b>pretzels</b>. Wish us luck!<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-69133018324996204932018-01-06T18:18:00.001+00:002018-01-28T15:53:25.362+00:00let's cook: carrot cake<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPs5vY1WOlc/WlEGsEEp4BI/AAAAAAAAPIk/921lUlgOahIpSuuRG3X0ncqd0Jo0uf5awCLcBGAs/s1600/carrot%2Bcakes.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="920" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPs5vY1WOlc/WlEGsEEp4BI/AAAAAAAAPIk/921lUlgOahIpSuuRG3X0ncqd0Jo0uf5awCLcBGAs/s640/carrot%2Bcakes.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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We managed to do six <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenges</a> in 2017, and our fifth was carrot cake.<br />
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It's great that we've had more participants this past year and we had three entries again for this one; me, my mum and Audrey (photos above in the same order). Unfortunately I don't have that many photos of this challenge, which is often the way in the autumn and winter, when it's dark outside.<br />
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<b>The cakes</b><br />
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Audrey made her cake first, and actually made two different versions, both as birthday cakes for Ben's dad, John. One had cooked and pureed carrots mixed with walnuts and coconuts and the other had raw grated carrots with sultanas and orange zest. She took them along to their Ramblers meeting and said she got some favourable comments! Her only slight disappointment was that the cream cheese frosting went a bit runny out of the fridge.<br />
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My mum went next, and used a Mary Berry recipe. She said it was nice and moist, which she thought was probably because the recipe used oil rather than butter in the mixture. She also went for a cream cheese icing, topped with walnuts, which she said was really delicious.<br />
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Also, look at this artistic photo she sent through for me to use... bonus points deserved maybe?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6laX41wwZkY/WlELqq0eXYI/AAAAAAAAPI8/P2OB58b-gJwQOr3qr6Y11xpkM-y3jjBuACLcBGAs/s1600/mum%2Bcake.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="996" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6laX41wwZkY/WlELqq0eXYI/AAAAAAAAPI8/P2OB58b-gJwQOr3qr6Y11xpkM-y3jjBuACLcBGAs/s400/mum%2Bcake.png" width="400" /></a>
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I was a bit slow off the mark this time and actually had to have two attempts at my cake. I used the same recipe both times, from <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/easy-vegan/sue-quinn/9781743365250">this 'Easy Vegan' book</a> my mum shared with me. On my first attempt I think I took it out of the oven a bit too soon, so it was beyond moist and more like a soft sponge pudding than a cake (better with a spoon than fingers). </div>
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Ben actually really liked my first attempt, but I don't think it was quite cakey enough, so I didn't bother icing it and decided to try again. </div>
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My second attempt had a much better consistency and was more cake-like, although still nice and moist. I decorated it with a lemony non-dairy butter frosting and chopped pistachios, which was delicious but very sweet. I'm actually not normally a big fan of carrot cake or the cream cheese frosting and it wouldn't be my cake of choice but I did enjoy this one, although perhaps one slice was enough for me.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iljmY4a4GOE/WlEJI6FNQhI/AAAAAAAAPIw/_I440cXGs7gudLnI4OiTa8Ed9h42KRSrgCLcBGAs/s1600/carrot%2Bcake.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iljmY4a4GOE/WlEJI6FNQhI/AAAAAAAAPIw/_I440cXGs7gudLnI4OiTa8Ed9h42KRSrgCLcBGAs/s640/carrot%2Bcake.png" width="640" /></a>
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<b>The results</b><br />
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The scores awarded were as follows...<br />
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<ul>
<li>Audrey's carrot cake was scored <b>8/10</b> by John - a very good score!</li>
<li>Ben tried to give my first failed attempt a 10, but I overruled him, and he gave my second attempt a solid<b> 9/10.</b></li>
<li>My mum was the star baker this time and was awarded an excellent <b>10/10 </b>by my brother, who called out the icing as the best bit.</li>
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What a successful challenge! I feel like we've had a pretty good run of them this year.<br />
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Our final challenge of 2017 was festive themed and we decided to do <b>mince pies</b> this year, with a combined judging held on Christmas Day.<br />
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Write up to follow soon....</div>
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d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-11941297784006886752017-10-14T13:06:00.000+01:002017-10-14T13:06:31.394+01:00let's cook: gazpacho and bread rolls<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRid8Df4jbE/WeHsR5V7eYI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/6Rg9xpOhbpokv9EmIacpR4gPkChatK8MgCLcBGAs/s1600/lets-cook.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRid8Df4jbE/WeHsR5V7eYI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/6Rg9xpOhbpokv9EmIacpR4gPkChatK8MgCLcBGAs/s640/lets-cook.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our summer <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenge</a> was gazpacho and bread rolls. My attempt is shown on the left and my mum's is on the right. Audrey also joined in with this challenge, but unfortunately I don't have a photo to share.<br />
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I think the trickiest part of this challenge was the bread as the gazpacho is pretty quick to make (as it doesn't involve any cooking of course!). For my rolls I followed <a href="http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2015/03/no-knead-crusty-artisan-mini-loaves.html?crlt.pid=camp.HPZMfBepsK2r">this recipe</a> from The Comfort Kitchen for no-knead crusty rolls.<br />
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I liked the sound of no-knead, and these rolls were easy to make, bearing in mind that you need a few hours in between mixing and baking for the mixture to prove. I made the mixture one day and left it overnight to prove.<br />
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When I came to bake them I did find the mixture a bit sticky and think I might have knocked a lot of the air out of the dough when transferring them to the baking tray as they didn't rise as much as I'd hoped. The flavour was delicious though and fresh from the oven they were nice and crusty.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AirN2wmLVU/WeHwbZZr3nI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/SXj7ff5vJ1InyaCKBP86sSb07Z-mYUJHwCLcBGAs/s1600/debbie-roll.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AirN2wmLVU/WeHwbZZr3nI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/SXj7ff5vJ1InyaCKBP86sSb07Z-mYUJHwCLcBGAs/s640/debbie-roll.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I think I'll try making these rolls again one day as they are so easy that the mixture can be cobbled together one night, and then baked the next evening after work. Hopefully they'll rise a bit better next time too.<br />
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For my gazpacho I followed a recipe from an allotment gardening cookbook we have. As expected it was super quick to make. We picked the perfect time of year for this challenge as it was just around the time that our allotment greenhouse tomatoes were fruiting and I was able to harvest enough homegrown tomatoes for the recipe. What a treat!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hScvnCEea8A/WeH12b5UyJI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/tDXc2iDvttgujKG2JTP1j5i9NfbH2Nl9ACLcBGAs/s1600/tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1220" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hScvnCEea8A/WeH12b5UyJI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/tDXc2iDvttgujKG2JTP1j5i9NfbH2Nl9ACLcBGAs/s640/tomatoes.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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As I made quite a big batch of the gazpacho I tried out a couple of different consistencies when serving.<br />
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For the first portion I used our food processor to blend the mixture so it was a slightly chunky consistency. Ben really liked this texture, but I wasn't convinced (particularly by the appearance).<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRHDr-zEevk/WeHwbcbhL1I/AAAAAAAAJ0w/iWUTFDtUj-EKemv5EmP4fQzrl0PlYgxfQCLcBGAs/s1600/debbie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRHDr-zEevk/WeHwbcbhL1I/AAAAAAAAJ0w/iWUTFDtUj-EKemv5EmP4fQzrl0PlYgxfQCLcBGAs/s640/debbie.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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When we had the gazpacho the next day I used the blender to make a smoother consistency and I think this looked a bit more like traditional gazpacho. It tasted good too!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtuTOxcYwVo/WeH3AyzYw2I/AAAAAAAAJ1g/XYGKd2tK5swcsShOPhmXxxiGRTrsH7PCQCLcBGAs/s1600/gazpacho3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtuTOxcYwVo/WeH3AyzYw2I/AAAAAAAAJ1g/XYGKd2tK5swcsShOPhmXxxiGRTrsH7PCQCLcBGAs/s640/gazpacho3.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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My mum unfortunately didn't enjoy her gazpacho and thinks it's an acquired taste. She said she's never had 'cold soup' before.<br />
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Luckily she wasn't judging, and my brother and dad were. Her gazpacho looks good to me, and the poppy seed rolls look delicious, although I've heard reports that they were a little on the hard side (super crusty!?)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLWP0LfbcgM/WeHwcF_LHPI/AAAAAAAAJ04/9REyTv2nFGgIiVxMps3VVvntjntpiXnMQCLcBGAs/s1600/mums-gazpacho.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLWP0LfbcgM/WeHwcF_LHPI/AAAAAAAAJ04/9REyTv2nFGgIiVxMps3VVvntjntpiXnMQCLcBGAs/s640/mums-gazpacho.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Audrey also made her gazpacho with homegrown tomatoes (bonus points?) and John made a loaf of rustic Spanish bread to accompany it. They were really successful with both, and have since made it again for a dinner party.<br />
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It's great that these cooking challenges can lead us to discover new things that we want to make over and over again! My mum might not agree on the gazpacho front, mind.<br />
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<b>The scores</b><br />
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Ben was very happy with the gazpacho and the rolls and tried to give me 9/10 for this challenge, but I don't agree as the consistency of my bread rolls wasn't right. They tasted delicious, but were a bit flat, so I docked myself a mark and am going to settle with <b>8/10</b>.<br />
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The review from my dad on my mum's gazpacho was that is was as good as he's had when eating out before, and the flavour and texture deserved 9+. Great score!<br /><br />However, although the rolls looked good, both him and my brother said that they were a bit too tough to eat, and were probably around a 6/10, so overall they gave my mum <b>7.5/10. </b><br />
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Audrey and John both enjoyed their gazpacho and bread and collectively gave themselves a <b>10/10 </b>- a very successful result!<br />
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We all did pretty well this time round.<br />
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<b>Next up</b><br />
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My mum has demanded we make something sweet next time as we've done a couple of savoury things in a row now, so we're going for <b>carrot cake</b>.<br />
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I've never made a carrot cake before and am on the hunt for a good vegan recipe.<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-18311357456743309232017-07-29T20:31:00.000+01:002017-07-29T20:31:31.366+01:00let's cook: a Mexican feastHere's our most recent <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenge</a> - a Mexican feast.<br />
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It was back to the original cook-off team, with just me and my mum taking part in this one. We set ourselves the rule that whatever we chose to make had to include homemade tortillas and at least two side dishes.<br />
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Here are the resulting platters - my mum's is on the left, and mine is on the right.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKpILEueYc8/WXy1DHdR9lI/AAAAAAAAHjE/1uImLS3j3xwMhuiFZ7sLxAw1D1UxB8UhACLcBGAs/s1600/mexican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKpILEueYc8/WXy1DHdR9lI/AAAAAAAAHjE/1uImLS3j3xwMhuiFZ7sLxAw1D1UxB8UhACLcBGAs/s640/mexican.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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What nice spreads! <br />
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My mum made lamb and vegetable fajitas, with guacamole and salsa cruda on the side. And I made black bean & plantain tacos and barbacoa mushroom tacos, accompanied by refried beans, tomato salsa, guacamole and tortilla chips.<br />
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I loved this challenge as Mexican food is a big favourite of mine, and I enjoyed browsing Pinterest for vegan recipes (some of which can be found <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/hachioka/treats-to-eat-recipes/">here</a>).<br />
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As a side note: I haven't had much luck with Mexican food since eating a vegan diet and have twice been accidentally presented with cheesy dishes whilst eating out. Now I'm a bit scared of ordering things because of the moral dilemma!<br />
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Here are the recipes I used if you want to give them a try, as everything was easy to make and delicious (even if I do say so myself!)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDYJa3hlNR8/WXy-LXvtR9I/AAAAAAAAHjM/v3U4sWZxtLkF3RRgjW-H33ynLhgnhVduACLcBGAs/s1600/tortilla-dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDYJa3hlNR8/WXy-LXvtR9I/AAAAAAAAHjM/v3U4sWZxtLkF3RRgjW-H33ynLhgnhVduACLcBGAs/s640/tortilla-dough.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Tortillas</b><br />
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I found <a href="https://thecafesucrefarine.com/best-ever-homemade-flour-tortillas/">this recipe</a> for the best ever homemade flour tortillas, and they certainly lived up to their name.<br />
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They have very few ingredients and are really easy and satisfying to make. They also taste so much better than shop bought tortillas, so I would definitely recommend them!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vgLZWIEhmuk/WXy-LMrHzWI/AAAAAAAAHjI/8j7a2MacXFcSx4XNJDUHpBUyNb4ZYIl9wCLcBGAs/s1600/tortillas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vgLZWIEhmuk/WXy-LMrHzWI/AAAAAAAAHjI/8j7a2MacXFcSx4XNJDUHpBUyNb4ZYIl9wCLcBGAs/s640/tortillas.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I admit, not all my tortillas were as perfectly round as the one above. There were a few wonky ones in the batch too, but I cut up some of those and baked in the oven with a little oil to make tortilla chips for dipping.<br />
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<b>Salsa, refried beans & guacamole</b><br />
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I found <a href="http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2015/06/lazy-day-salsa.html?m=1">this recipe</a> for a classic tomato salsa which was quick and easy to make. It also makes loads so we had some leftover to enjoy with some nachos later in the week.<br />
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The refried beans were equally simple and only took a few minutes. <a href="http://buildyourbite.com/5-minute-homemade-refried-beans/">Here's the recipe</a> if you want to give them a try.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.thymeandhoney.co.uk/home/2014/04/30/the-worlds-best-guacamole">guacamole recipe</a> I found was billed as the 'worlds best' and, like the tortillas, it also lived up to it's name. I omitted the coriander (because it's horrible) in favour of parsley, and in my opinion that will only have improved the recipe. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mc9hRBqlMk/WXzBm7tbSgI/AAAAAAAAHjU/5N5bWSkI8kMTPjiHen_zBqcEiNhAIf7lwCLcBGAs/s1600/guacamole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1396" height="468" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mc9hRBqlMk/WXzBm7tbSgI/AAAAAAAAHjU/5N5bWSkI8kMTPjiHen_zBqcEiNhAIf7lwCLcBGAs/s640/guacamole.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Tacos</b><br />
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For the taco fillings themselves I decided to try two different recipes out - after all, it's nice to have a couple of dishes if you're going to have a feast.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKwI8DYJnCg/WXzPo8uzETI/AAAAAAAAHjc/Y3Djat64OP0B0rQR3QKie55SH6-UyJgOwCLcBGAs/s1600/tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1379" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKwI8DYJnCg/WXzPo8uzETI/AAAAAAAAHjc/Y3Djat64OP0B0rQR3QKie55SH6-UyJgOwCLcBGAs/s640/tacos.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The first (pictured left) were <a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/spicy-plantain-black-bean-tacos/">these plantain black bean tacos</a> - they had a lovely spicy sweetness to them and I really loved the texture of the plantain. I topped them with plenty of guacamole and some crispy kale too.<br />
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The second were <a href="http://www.veganricha.com/2017/06/vegan-barbacoa-mushroom-tacos.html">these barbacoa mushroom tacos</a> which had a lovely smoky taste.<br />
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Both recipes seemed to compliment each other well and there was enough food for me and Ben to have a feast two nights in a row (excellent news!)<br />
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I think the hardest thing about this challenge was co-ordinating all the different elements and ensuring everything was ready and warm at the same time. We had a couple of rounds of the plantain tacos as these were definitely best straight from the pan.<br />
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Here's a snapshot of the different things my mum made:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0AmjkO9pIk/WXzZNQXaxSI/AAAAAAAAHjs/cskG11AK5NsBsdx7Xm7Wknqm6l1o17qnACLcBGAs/s1600/mums-platter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1124" height="462" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0AmjkO9pIk/WXzZNQXaxSI/AAAAAAAAHjs/cskG11AK5NsBsdx7Xm7Wknqm6l1o17qnACLcBGAs/s640/mums-platter.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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She said that everything went pretty well, but she found the tortillas a bit of a hassle and doesn't think she'd make them again. The opposite of my thoughts!<br />
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<b>The scores</b><br />
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I'm lucky Ben likes Mexican food as much as me as he gave me a very generous <b>10/10 </b>for this challenge. I think he's hoping his score will encourage me to cook it all again!<br /><br />My mum also did brilliantly and scored <b>9.5/10 </b>for her spread. My brother was chief judge and said that although the tortillas weren't quite perfect, the guacamole was particularly great!<br />
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Luckily my mum didn't have my dad as the sole judge this time as he was trying to deduct marks for the presence of guacamole, and what he calls 'off cream'. Fussy eater. He still gave it a 9 though, so not too harsh.<br />
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Excellent results across the board!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRS9AYdYIdA/WXzbJRib8HI/AAAAAAAAHj8/R6IOWP_tveUQbiGjRD7Gp6npkaWPPrZTgCLcBGAs/s1600/feast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRS9AYdYIdA/WXzbJRib8HI/AAAAAAAAHj8/R6IOWP_tveUQbiGjRD7Gp6npkaWPPrZTgCLcBGAs/s640/feast.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Keeping up the momentum, next time we've decided to make <b>gazpacho </b>accompanied by <b>bread rolls. </b>Perfect for the summer!<br /><br />I'll see if we can get any other cooks to join in again, but otherwise it'll be another head to head with me and my mum. Wish us luck!<br /><br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-79219088354614797962017-07-28T12:34:00.000+01:002017-07-28T12:34:42.048+01:00let's ALL cook: hot cross bunsYou'll have to forgive me for being so behind with documenting our <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenges</a>. We've actually completed two more this year since the <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/lets-all-cook-quiche.html">quiche</a>, so expect another post to follow shortly.<br />
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This time, the challenge was hot cross buns! Seasonal at the time - not so much now. This was another group effort resulting in four different batches of buns:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOKg3BgSMEo/WXsSKwhQ5lI/AAAAAAAAHgc/h1xbSvghBCU1pjtitdvORV5PlcSA-XNyQCLcBGAs/s1600/4-buns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOKg3BgSMEo/WXsSKwhQ5lI/AAAAAAAAHgc/h1xbSvghBCU1pjtitdvORV5PlcSA-XNyQCLcBGAs/s640/4-buns.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Clockwise from top left: </b>Ben's mini vegan hot cross buns // My mum's traditional hot cross buns // Audrey's chocolate orange hot cross buns // My vegan hot cross buns<br />
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Don't they all look great? All recognisably hot cross buns - good batch baking!<br />
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Ben and I actually used the <a href="https://www.veganlifemag.com/hot-cross-buns/">same recipe</a> from <a href="https://www.veganlifemag.com/">Vegan Life magazine</a> for our buns. It was really easy to follow.<br />
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Unfortunately Ben had a bit of an issue as his buns didn't really rise and ended up quite small and dense - he thinks he might have heated the milk through too much and killed the yeast. I had a little more luck though as my buns doubled in size whilst proving.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIgPOLFpfGQ/WXsWkbQ1aMI/AAAAAAAAHgw/8t-UAKmIu2sRpyJFGUrpDBEzCANwXgHCwCLcBGAs/s1600/proving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1551" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIgPOLFpfGQ/WXsWkbQ1aMI/AAAAAAAAHgw/8t-UAKmIu2sRpyJFGUrpDBEzCANwXgHCwCLcBGAs/s640/proving.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I really liked making the crosses. Having never made hot cross buns before I assumed that the crosses were always piped onto the buns (like shop bought ones) but our recipe called for thin pastry crosses instead. I like how thin Ben made his! They look really cute.<br />
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My mum and Audrey both went for the piped method instead. My mum found it a bit messy I think - she reckons she made the dough too thick, so it was hard to pipe.<br />
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In the end I was really happy with my buns, they came out of the oven looking lovely and brown and the flavour of the recipe was spot on. I would definitely make them again instead of buying them - a lovely toasted snack for the spring months.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_u3_wZgm6CQ/WXsYzaJ0QoI/AAAAAAAAHg4/778mVHnyuM8XjydECbhRGizwTUPqoC9fwCLcBGAs/s1600/finished-buns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_u3_wZgm6CQ/WXsYzaJ0QoI/AAAAAAAAHg4/778mVHnyuM8XjydECbhRGizwTUPqoC9fwCLcBGAs/s640/finished-buns.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>The scores</b><br />
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Ben made his buns first and although the flavour was delicious, the fact that they didn't rise meant that they had a very doughy and dense texture. I tried to give him a 5 but he argued me down to <b>4/10.</b><br />
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As my buns followed the same recipe, but I had the advantage of not killing my yeast, I got a very high score of <b>9.5/10</b> from Ben. The half mark was docked because some the crosses were a bit hard and some bits fell off when cutting. I think piped crosses might be a less fragile approach.<br />
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Audrey's hot cross buns looked brilliant (just like the photo in the recipe!) and the chocolate/orange combo sounded like a winner, but unfortunately they didn't pass the taste test, scoring a <b>4/10 </b>on taste and texture. She's instead going to opt for a traditional recipe next year as the chocolate and orange was a disappointment.<br />
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My mum was awarded a <b>9/10</b>. The taste and texture of hers were highly praised, but I think one mark may have been knocked off because of the slightly hard and messy crosses. I'm tempted to give her back a mark for her improved food photography though.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0OIaC0yGMY/WXsfzXUu1RI/AAAAAAAAHhQ/x4U8s3xo7pw1_dnRP3EQvIE-Ilfow8u_wCLcBGAs/s1600/mums-buns-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0OIaC0yGMY/WXsfzXUu1RI/AAAAAAAAHhQ/x4U8s3xo7pw1_dnRP3EQvIE-Ilfow8u_wCLcBGAs/s640/mums-buns-2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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So, overall a mixed result this time, but it was nice to do another seasonal challenge.<br />
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Next up, we're making a <b>Mexican feast, </b>which must include some homemade tortillas and a minimum of two side dishes (salsa, guacamole, etc).<br />
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We've already finished this challenge so I'll share the results soon!<br />
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<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-66389899594920121842017-02-27T17:32:00.000+00:002017-03-04T09:16:05.719+00:00let's ALL cook: quicheThe <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenge </a>is off to a good start this year, with a record number of entries to our quiche cook-off. Thanks to the enthusiasm drummed-up in the Chrismas <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/lets-cook-stollen.html">stollen challenge.</a><br />
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Here are the quiches:<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyVn4vnsmYI/WLRSY0hYUDI/AAAAAAAABdA/yJ-xF6_KxJk-6PB6f6LwrcrzP6kAApWTwCPcB/s1600/4-quiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><br /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyVn4vnsmYI/WLRSY0hYUDI/AAAAAAAABdA/yJ-xF6_KxJk-6PB6f6LwrcrzP6kAApWTwCPcB/s1600/4-quiches.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyVn4vnsmYI/WLRSY0hYUDI/AAAAAAAABdA/yJ-xF6_KxJk-6PB6f6LwrcrzP6kAApWTwCPcB/s640/4-quiches.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Clockwise from top left: </b>Derek's red pepper, leek & broccoli vegan quiche // Audrey's roasted tomato & parmesan quiche // My mum's cheddar, bacon, tomato & chive quiche // My roasted tomato, spinach & pine nut vegan quiche.<br />
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They all look pretty good - no baking disasters this time! It's impressive to have two vegan entries too - especially as quiche is so traditionally egg-based.<br />
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Derek made his filling using tofu and tahini, whereas I found a recipe which called for a filling mixture of soy cream, chickpea flour and ground cashews.<br />
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<a href="http://myvibrantkitchen.com/vegan-cherry-tomato-and-baby-spinach-quiche/">Here's the recipe</a> I followed. I added basil and pine nuts to the ingredients too as they're my favourites.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KYVTL5_xOA/WLRSZ7ong9I/AAAAAAAABdQ/SMbJdzx1xwE1cEnpXkY-3MEawuu7R9GGQCPcB/s1600/tomato-quiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KYVTL5_xOA/WLRSZ7ong9I/AAAAAAAABdQ/SMbJdzx1xwE1cEnpXkY-3MEawuu7R9GGQCPcB/s640/tomato-quiche.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The pastry was really easy to make, and simply substituted butter for olive spread to make it vegan. I decided to blind bake it first to make sure it was extra crispy and didn't go soggy once the filling was added.<br />
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The recipe actually made enough pastry and mixture to fill my quiche tin, with some left over for an extra mini quiche. Lucky us.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyVn4vnsmYI/WLRSY0hYUDI/AAAAAAAABdA/yJ-xF6_KxJk-6PB6f6LwrcrzP6kAApWTwCPcB/s1600/4-quiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><br /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyVn4vnsmYI/WLRSY0hYUDI/AAAAAAAABdA/yJ-xF6_KxJk-6PB6f6LwrcrzP6kAApWTwCPcB/s1600/4-quiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><br /></a>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5yLUBHtmXE/WLRSMtlNkXI/AAAAAAAABc0/EWF86U2GWCYsv00Ap9pDRwTO5DDPQkEsgCPcB/s1600/my-quiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5yLUBHtmXE/WLRSMtlNkXI/AAAAAAAABc0/EWF86U2GWCYsv00Ap9pDRwTO5DDPQkEsgCPcB/s640/my-quiche.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I was super pleased with how they both came out. The pastry was crisp, and the filling was firm. I really like the way the roasted tomatoes look too - it's quite a pretty quiche.<br />
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And luckily I made enough so that Ben and I could enjoy it cold for lunches throughout the week too.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GMtgVVkavE/WLRSYpLESnI/AAAAAAAABc8/js8hFyreVUwcMrFmUGLWE1T7BLfIgkOcACPcB/s1600/mums-quiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjjnchPxG-k/WLRSZHJsoMI/AAAAAAAABdE/Lci95eg2qQc4FY8QiwMYh_7awOzUDccSACPcB/s1600/quiche1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjjnchPxG-k/WLRSZHJsoMI/AAAAAAAABdE/Lci95eg2qQc4FY8QiwMYh_7awOzUDccSACPcB/s640/quiche1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1afx1wrooFA/WLRSZaYv0gI/AAAAAAAABdM/Ed-rNdAXIpMXm9B5oo_5sXvcc9A3KXM-gCPcB/s1600/slice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1afx1wrooFA/WLRSZaYv0gI/AAAAAAAABdM/Ed-rNdAXIpMXm9B5oo_5sXvcc9A3KXM-gCPcB/s640/slice2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>The scores</b><br />
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Derek's was the first entry to come in. He had to self-judge his one, and he gave it a <b>7/10</b>, docking himself points for adding too much filling (he said he was greedy).<br />
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I made mine next - it was a bit of a challenge as Ben normally doesn't like quiche that much due to the egg giving him tummy ache (hence the vegan approach). It paid off though as he said it was one of the best quiches he has ever had, and he didn't get a tummy ache either. He scored me <b>10/10 - </b>success!<br />
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Audrey (Ben's mum) made hers next, and scored a very respectable <b>8/10</b> for her quiche. John (Ben's dad) later said that he would have given her an extra point if there had been bacon included too, which sounds very similar to my dad's approach to judging.<br />
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My mum made hers last, with my dad as the judge (luckily there was bacon!). He said he couldn't fault it and gave it full marks with <b>10/10. </b>Well done mother!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GMtgVVkavE/WLRSYpLESnI/AAAAAAAABc8/js8hFyreVUwcMrFmUGLWE1T7BLfIgkOcACPcB/s1600/mums-quiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5GMtgVVkavE/WLRSYpLESnI/AAAAAAAABc8/js8hFyreVUwcMrFmUGLWE1T7BLfIgkOcACPcB/s640/mums-quiche.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This felt like quite a competitive one as there were so many of us taking part, so it's great that we all did so well.<br />
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I really enjoyed the quiche I made (especially when it was cold) and it was great for lunches at work, so I definitely think I'll make it again sometime soon. Good picnic food too!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW45y8EBNL4/WLRSZf3pJGI/AAAAAAAABdI/7utREUE9g4Q-B8YWSqtjahnjeOZoblxjQCPcB/s1600/slice-of-quiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW45y8EBNL4/WLRSZf3pJGI/AAAAAAAABdI/7utREUE9g4Q-B8YWSqtjahnjeOZoblxjQCPcB/s640/slice-of-quiche.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Our next challenge is <b>hot cross buns</b>, and is scheduled to be completed by Easter.<br />
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I'm looking forward to this one as I love hot cross buns. Although at the moment I have no idea about how to do the cross. I'd better do some research...<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-27299682510587352652017-02-11T09:57:00.004+00:002017-02-11T09:57:29.810+00:00let's cook: stollen<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-wEMh7AaMg/WJ36mOIN-vI/AAAAAAAABas/xbI8S-0o-qYfcjGATHWvMKNXxYsgIP4lwCK4B/s1600/lets-cook-stollen.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-wEMh7AaMg/WJ36mOIN-vI/AAAAAAAABas/xbI8S-0o-qYfcjGATHWvMKNXxYsgIP4lwCK4B/s640/lets-cook-stollen.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We decided to schedule in a festive <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenge</a> this Christmas, partly because my mum was stalling with her <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/lets-cook-sushi.html">sushi</a>, and partly because it would be an opportunity for a side by side taste test as we would all be together in the same place.<br />
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The one shown on the left above was my stollen, and my mum's is on the right. My mum's definitely looks the most <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=stollen&espv=2&biw=1311&bih=1266&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjY0rHdiobSAhUkLcAKHWtHC8EQ_AUIBigB">stollen-like</a>.<br />
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The recipe I chose was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2007/dec/02/foodanddrink.recipes">this one</a>, which was described as <i>'Nigel Slater's version of the perfect Christmas stollen'. </i>I'm not sure where I went wrong, but I would say mine turned out far from perfect.<br />
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We <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/hachioka/lets-do-christmas/">hosted Christmas</a> at our house this year, so Ben and I took to the kitchen on Christmas eve for a bit of a cooking session. A good day to bake a traditional German fruit bread too!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NddgrHeHEA0/WJ36l1oZ5KI/AAAAAAAABak/UQc2Z18KyfEhazZ6VDMeUlhkMj4MuWhXQCK4B/s1600/stollen1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NddgrHeHEA0/WJ36l1oZ5KI/AAAAAAAABak/UQc2Z18KyfEhazZ6VDMeUlhkMj4MuWhXQCK4B/s640/stollen1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The ingredients list for the filling of Nigel Slater's stollen was definitely a winner: cardamoms, cherries, mixed peel, sultanas, ground cinnamon, flaked almonds and marzipan. It smelt delicious when it was all mixed together in a bowl.<br />
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Well, apart from the cardamoms, as I accidentally left them in the pestle and mortar and we only discovered them on boxing day - oops! I must have got distracted by the gravy/nut loaf/mushroom stuffing.<br />
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However, I think it was the construction where things started to go wrong for me. The filling was rolled up in the centre of the dough, rather than being mixed in, which meant it ended up as sort of filled tube of plain bread, rather than a lovely moist fruit loaf.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1zKJKdPZWj8/WJ36mVXLtPI/AAAAAAAABbU/UVOxoCf-7TscQ8isf6DcYs7OVs_BL2G3gCK4B/s1600/debbiestollen2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1zKJKdPZWj8/WJ36mVXLtPI/AAAAAAAABbU/UVOxoCf-7TscQ8isf6DcYs7OVs_BL2G3gCK4B/s640/debbiestollen2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmNe5JyDAEE/WJ36mmU_wMI/AAAAAAAABbQ/-6mMO-MDpjgHOEgpPhlN4qjxs3WcZXDNQCK4B/s1600/debbiestollen.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmNe5JyDAEE/WJ36mmU_wMI/AAAAAAAABbQ/-6mMO-MDpjgHOEgpPhlN4qjxs3WcZXDNQCK4B/s640/debbiestollen.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My mum seemed to get on better with her recipe. She followed a Delia Smith one she found in a newspaper (it might be <a href="http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/collections/delia-online-cookery-school/christmas-stollen">this one</a>). Hers had a long stick of marzipan running through the centre of the mixed-fruit dough, possibly more in line with the traditional Stollen.<br />
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It looks good!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldQE653i2EY/WJ36mZoDZRI/AAAAAAAABa0/ZJK71jKdBHQ0oVvIdJkZQqXHT2DT0Wf7QCK4B/s1600/mum-stollen-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldQE653i2EY/WJ36mZoDZRI/AAAAAAAABa0/ZJK71jKdBHQ0oVvIdJkZQqXHT2DT0Wf7QCK4B/s640/mum-stollen-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RoR8cUz_B-Y/WJ36mXo3f_I/AAAAAAAABbA/oxmfL71lAJIc7dm2IH4reWdQcZzzW_yuQCK4B/s1600/mum-stollen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RoR8cUz_B-Y/WJ36mXo3f_I/AAAAAAAABbA/oxmfL71lAJIc7dm2IH4reWdQcZzzW_yuQCK4B/s640/mum-stollen-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>So, to the judging...</b><br />
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We did the taste testing after a boxing day stroll and were lucky enough to have five judges presiding over this one. </div>
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I think both of ours fell down for being a bit dense and not as moist as they should be. Although they were both a few days old when we did the testing - especially my mum's, who made hers a couple of days before Christmas.</div>
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I would be the first to admit mine wasn't a winning bake and was very pleased to receive a collective mark of <b>6/10</b> for my loaf. I think it might have been a bit generous actually.</div>
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My mum did much better and got a score of <b>8/10</b> for her stollen - success! It definitely did look the nicest.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTjPOl0cKTQ/WJ36mUtc8pI/AAAAAAAABbE/N2rvCmqQLXMp3DiDy6IZzwrwaDj7INi7wCK4B/s1600/mum-stollen-3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTjPOl0cKTQ/WJ36mUtc8pI/AAAAAAAABbE/N2rvCmqQLXMp3DiDy6IZzwrwaDj7INi7wCK4B/s640/mum-stollen-3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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For the next challenge, we've decided on making a <b>quiche.</b><br />
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And we had a couple of new sign-ups to the challenge on boxing day so this one might be more of a group bake-off. Things are going to get competitive!<br />
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<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-68235011699979934192017-01-15T17:37:00.000+00:002017-01-15T17:37:20.424+00:00let's cook: sushi<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_2qcGTYW1U/WHtmqAzYe9I/AAAAAAAABY0/90dD6YzkXIgOCrN90Qr7XE348ZoRkkdGgCLcB/s1600/sushi1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_2qcGTYW1U/WHtmqAzYe9I/AAAAAAAABY0/90dD6YzkXIgOCrN90Qr7XE348ZoRkkdGgCLcB/s640/sushi1.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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It's been a while since I posted about one of our <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenges</a>.<br />
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It's not because the <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/lets-cook-swiss-rolls.html">swiss rolls</a> put us off, although you could understand if they had. In fact I made my sushi way back in July, straight after the disastrous swiss roll, but my mum has been waiting until my brother visited until she made hers. Unsurprisingly, my dad was decided to be a bad choice of judge for this challenge; he doesn't like salmon and he doesn't like sushi.<br />
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Here's what we made...<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nrdL1big9w/WHtqC8Ds7WI/AAAAAAAABZA/Chx3VBECWU0gLwfC8W2tvK-0MPkrbjpTACLcB/s1600/sushi-comparison.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nrdL1big9w/WHtqC8Ds7WI/AAAAAAAABZA/Chx3VBECWU0gLwfC8W2tvK-0MPkrbjpTACLcB/s640/sushi-comparison.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Mine is on the left and my mum's is on the right. My mum made smoked salmon, avocado and chive maki rolls.<br />
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I went all out with my sushi and decided to try lots of different types:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cj4L-W09VtI/WHuqhkxZ5YI/AAAAAAAABZQ/AOS76L-wVIc2G_yLAagiHxjFj8yBzxUbACLcB/s1600/other-sushi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cj4L-W09VtI/WHuqhkxZ5YI/AAAAAAAABZQ/AOS76L-wVIc2G_yLAagiHxjFj8yBzxUbACLcB/s640/other-sushi.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYo6GIH4cLM/WHurNySFqhI/AAAAAAAABZc/Nh3ojDna7ioOS3CokaPXNpYhbnQEHATKQCLcB/s1600/maki-rolls2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYo6GIH4cLM/WHurNySFqhI/AAAAAAAABZc/Nh3ojDna7ioOS3CokaPXNpYhbnQEHATKQCLcB/s640/maki-rolls2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Clockwise from top left:</b> Prawn, avocado and carrot hosomaki // Salmon nigiri // Prawn, cucumber, avocado and carrot California rolls // Salmon, cucumber, avocado and carrot futomaki // Salmon hosomaki<br />
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I really enjoyed the whole process and love how colourful it all looks as a platter.<br />
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I heard from a lot of people that the rice is the key to making great tasting sushi, so I asked my friend Tiago (expert sushi maker) what recipe he follows and he recommended <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByXX17MpcF4">this video</a>, which worked a treat!<br />
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Cooking the rice was the longest part of the process, but once it is ready and cooled I was really impressed with how quickly it all came together. And the rolling was much easier than I thought it was going to be; even the California rolls didn't fall apart (thanks to the stickiness of the rice).<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SkBDW7oUZI/WHusxjfbphI/AAAAAAAABZk/T-b8zJrNLXclTHMV5eWCwZTFXiYUsH3EwCLcB/s1600/sushi-making.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SkBDW7oUZI/WHusxjfbphI/AAAAAAAABZk/T-b8zJrNLXclTHMV5eWCwZTFXiYUsH3EwCLcB/s640/sushi-making.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Now, to the results...</b><br />
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My brother gave my mum a score of <b>5/10</b> - he said rice was the main issue. My mum didn't follow the video recipe I shared with her and said she wasn't very happy with hers at all, hence the single photo of her sushi. I think they look ok though.<br />
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Ben, on the other hand was really pleased with his sushi feast and gave me a top score of <b>10/10</b>, both for taste and appearance. Hooray! I've turned it around since the last challenge.<br />
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I will definitely be making sushi again, as it tasted really delicious, and wasn't quite as technically challenging as I thought it would be. A good summers evening spread.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7yuetfF8go/WHuvvSD-n_I/AAAAAAAABZw/jptTY2XGg7AckZvJ5THnmX_Jf3m7zdGrwCLcB/s1600/sushi2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7yuetfF8go/WHuvvSD-n_I/AAAAAAAABZw/jptTY2XGg7AckZvJ5THnmX_Jf3m7zdGrwCLcB/s640/sushi2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCgOac-yQr8/WHuvzauIP1I/AAAAAAAABZ4/1ve0Oj82kGck0EUeKrIzaAMA1MulDExRACLcB/s1600/sushi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCgOac-yQr8/WHuvzauIP1I/AAAAAAAABZ4/1ve0Oj82kGck0EUeKrIzaAMA1MulDExRACLcB/s640/sushi.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Our next challenge is a festive one: <b>Stollen</b><br />
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We planned this one so that we could make something whilst my mum was waiting for my brother to return, so the cook-off is in fact already complete and I will share the results soon.<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-12460172867631463082017-01-14T13:46:00.000+00:002017-01-14T14:04:42.114+00:00Hanover house numbers 51-75Happy new year!<br />
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Here's another set of photos from my house number series to start the year off.
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWMjifocMeQ/WHopNeoAMmI/AAAAAAAABYk/XiCuE2_BDEYfttj8ABb4yPYJx_lRzUlggCLcB/s1600/51-75-montage.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWMjifocMeQ/WHopNeoAMmI/AAAAAAAABYk/XiCuE2_BDEYfttj8ABb4yPYJx_lRzUlggCLcB/s640/51-75-montage.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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As the numbers get higher, the amount of houses to choose from gets smaller, but I think there are some good finds in this selection. 57 and 74 are my favourites here.<br />
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My original goal of getting to 100 in the series by last July was a little optimistic, but I'm confident I can reach 100 this year! My work is moving back to Brighton so the streets of Hanover will be back on my daily walking route.<br />
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I'm uploading the photos over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debbie_hill/">Instagram</a> under <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/hanoverhousenumbers/">#hanoverhousenumbers</a> if you want to see more as I find them.
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<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-31030250256884060522016-07-17T13:16:00.000+01:002016-07-17T13:20:49.015+01:00let's cook: swiss rollsI was tempted to change the title of this post to 'let's fail to cook: swiss rolls' as I'm afraid this challenge wasn't our finest hour. We actually completed this bake-off way back in April, but I've been holding off posting about it as it was such a disappointment.<br />
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Here goes though...promise not to laugh too much.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXMbSoAa4D4/V4tvvMDrmzI/AAAAAAAABV4/niCdg5kAPmgKQ6K1YO1GomNDZyKWzX_QwCLcB/s1600/swiss-rolls.jpg"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXMbSoAa4D4/V4tvvMDrmzI/AAAAAAAABV4/niCdg5kAPmgKQ6K1YO1GomNDZyKWzX_QwCLcB/s640/swiss-rolls.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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All I can say is that swiss rolls are harder than they look.<br />
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My effort is shown on the left (no amount of icing sugar can cover up that sorry mess), and my mum's is on the right.<br />
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I actually had two attempts here and this is the best of the two, which is really saying something. With my first effort I attempted a cake with no refined sugar but boy was that a mistake. The recipe used stevia as a substitute which I found out after baking has an aftertaste that will make you need to scrub your tongue (I actually had to do this).<br />
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Ignoring the taste, my first sponge came out pretty nice and fluffy. It cracked a bit while rolling but wasn't a complete disaster. But of course I had to start again, because of the stevia. I used a more traditional cake recipe for my second attempt, but think I rushed the whisking part and didn't get enough air in the mixture as my cake came out of the oven very flat and rubbery (with a distinct eggy aroma). Awful!<br />
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I also failed with my filling as I was aiming for something tropical, yoghurty and light, which instead ended up sloppy, oozy and gross. Oh well! You can't succeed at everything.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-esEqWGBPeSk/V4tw9X0nMBI/AAAAAAAABWE/d9qWS-NZu2U-_EP6MQXywifVDaVvfzHygCLcB/s1600/swiss-roll-end.jpg"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-esEqWGBPeSk/V4tw9X0nMBI/AAAAAAAABWE/d9qWS-NZu2U-_EP6MQXywifVDaVvfzHygCLcB/s640/swiss-roll-end.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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My mum's sponge actually looked ok, although she also reported a slightly eggy taste when freshly baked. I think her troubles were caused by baking for slightly too long, leading to this interesting geometric swiss roll.<br />
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You can't go wrong with a traditional jam filling though - sometimes it pays to play it safe!<br />
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We actually had an extra entry into the challenge this time. My brother Tim decided to take part too, and just look what he came up with:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOmGufJhB9k/V4tw9Hw4NTI/AAAAAAAABWA/5TSUGJuGlZUOxEx1BCFwHCZ2kTqEc4DxQCLcB/s1600/tim-swiss-roll.jpg"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOmGufJhB9k/V4tw9Hw4NTI/AAAAAAAABWA/5TSUGJuGlZUOxEx1BCFwHCZ2kTqEc4DxQCLcB/s640/tim-swiss-roll.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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A rather perfect looking swiss roll, which rather steals the show.<br />
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It totally looks the part, although both him and my mum confirmed that it was a bit dense and eggy too. Why are swiss rolls so hard?<br />
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<b>And to the results...</b><br />
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Ben was very sweet and tried to give me a score of 2/10 but I've overruled that and awarded myself 0 marks as we had to throw the whole thing in the bin.<br />
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If I remember correctly my mum was awarded a 3/10 for her effort, and of course Tim came in first, although still with a fairly low score of 5/10.<br />
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I think we'll all have to give them another go one day, once the disappointment has worn off.<br />
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<b>Next time</b> we'll be making <b>sushi</b>. I'm looking forward to this one!<br />
We can't do much worse...<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-85507687283367229012016-07-15T19:00:00.000+01:002016-07-15T19:00:41.144+01:00I'm back, seedjack.I've been going through a bit of a creative dry spell lately, with very little time spent making, drawing or crafting outside of work. I'm not sure why, but I think I need to rediscover some creative energy.<br />
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The only area where I am finding motivation, and enjoying making things, is in the kitchen. I've been setting time aside most weekends to do a spot of baking and Ben and I have been trying new recipes non-stop during the week. It's been a good time for our tummies!<br />
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I thought I'd share a little recipe for something I made at the weekend, as it was a successful baking experiment, inspired by a tasty seedy snack one of my work pals shared with me last week.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmuVhlfcXpE/V4ka7eAYcXI/AAAAAAAABVg/t4GuvHaL4N00s_02sglvHgFWJGJODOBnwCLcB/s1600/seedjack2.jpg"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmuVhlfcXpE/V4ka7eAYcXI/AAAAAAAABVg/t4GuvHaL4N00s_02sglvHgFWJGJODOBnwCLcB/s640/seedjack2.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Savoury seedjack</b><b>s </b><br />
<b>(</b>Makes approximately 12)
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<b><u>Ingredients</u></b><br />
150g rolled oats
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50g mixed seeds (plus extra for sprinkling)</div>
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100g grated cheddar cheese</div>
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50g mozzarella cheese</div>
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1tbsp melted butter</div>
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3 eggs</div>
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Small bunch of fresh chives (or other herbs)</div>
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Salt & pepper</div>
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<b><u>Method</u></b></div>
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Preheat the oven to 190ºC and line a 20 x 20cm baking tin with parchment.</div>
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Mix the oats, seeds, cheddar, mozzarella, butter, eggs and herbs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.</div>
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Put the mix in your lined tin and ensure it is evenly distributed right to the corners. At this stage I sprinkled the top of my mixture with a small handful of linseeds. </div>
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Put in the oven and bake for 25-30 mins, until golden brown on top.</div>
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Transfer to a rack to cool, and then slice into flapjack pieces.</div>
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So easy! Now enjoy...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXG3BPfePoI/V4ka8pWGDNI/AAAAAAAABVs/ac0d4iracwY9DU17yws5rAXi8T5UnjPDgCEw/s1600/seedjack1.jpg"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXG3BPfePoI/V4ka8pWGDNI/AAAAAAAABVs/ac0d4iracwY9DU17yws5rAXi8T5UnjPDgCEw/s640/seedjack1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7cuMwycaIE/V4ka7kl0QFI/AAAAAAAABVs/WVNnuUSnvjYVPeNFvn-XX1DFJHa82nyWgCEw/s1600/seedjack3.jpg"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7cuMwycaIE/V4ka7kl0QFI/AAAAAAAABVs/WVNnuUSnvjYVPeNFvn-XX1DFJHa82nyWgCEw/s640/seedjack3.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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They're perfect for a mid-morning work snack. Lovely and cheesy. I think I'm going to make another batch this weekend, with extra seeds.<br />
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Let me know if you try this recipe out as I'd love to hear how you get on!<br />
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<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-42043749931483992072016-04-10T18:30:00.002+01:002016-04-10T18:38:25.114+01:00A week in new recipesI've started to think much more about the food we eat at home recently and am trying to make a conscious effort to be more healthy and sustainable in our food choices.<br />
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On the whole we are already a pretty healthy household - our diet is mostly vegetarian (with the occasional foray into seafood) and we prepare nearly all our meals from scratch - apart from the occasional shop bought pizza! However, I'm a sucker for sweet snacks and want to try and wean myself away from the refined sugar and onto more healthy snacks.<br />
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I'm also keen to cut down on both gluten and dairy, both because I think it will probably improve my day-to-day health, and for environmental reasons. I've watched a couple of documentaries about the food industry recently, including <a href="http://www.cowspiracy.com/">Cowspiracy</a>, and it's hard not to want to make a change after listening to some of the facts about how the food we eat impacts the environment.<br />
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I've also recently been inspired by Rachel's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/365_recipes/">365 Recipes</a> project. She cooks delicious and healthy plant-based food and her feed is a feast for the eyes. While I can't commit to trying a new recipe every day like Rachel does, I would love to boost the number of new recipes I try and experiment with using less processed ingredients in our meals.<br />
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So...I'm going to try and post a bit more regularly about our food choices and some of the recipes we try in an aim to capture the recipes for future reference, and encourage myself to keep cooking new things and move gradually to a better way of eating.<br />
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Here are some of the things we've been eating in the past week or two...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Clockwise from top left: Parmesan, parsley & paprika biscuits // Pea pancakes // Chocolate shortbread // Banana & blueberry bread</span></div>
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<b>Parmesan, Parsley & Paprika biscuits</b><br />
These were based on the Parmesan biscuits recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cookie-Magic-Biscuits-Cookies-Attitude/dp/1862058474">this book</a>. Although not the healthiest of snacks we needed a savoury snack to counteract the leftover Easter chocolate. I added parsley to the cookie dough, but if making again I'd probably increase the quantities of parsley & paprika for more of a flavour boost.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpH_de_I1_U/Vwp9jWOgJrI/AAAAAAAABUU/mXU_l70Rt-0fMXJAICK6G30wVzER1AqPA/s1600/bread-and-biscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpH_de_I1_U/Vwp9jWOgJrI/AAAAAAAABUU/mXU_l70Rt-0fMXJAICK6G30wVzER1AqPA/s640/bread-and-biscuits.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uabc9apWU4/Vwp9jqJ_aMI/AAAAAAAABUc/vgIb9k8CaCU5Ufsx1LlFWPB012ZIdUIwQ/s1600/pea-pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uabc9apWU4/Vwp9jqJ_aMI/AAAAAAAABUc/vgIb9k8CaCU5Ufsx1LlFWPB012ZIdUIwQ/s640/pea-pancakes.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Pea pancakes with roasted tomatoes, houmous & homemade ketchup</b><br />
This recipe was very pleasing for me. The pancakes were from a recipe in this <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Allotment-Cookbook-Through-Caroline-Bretherton/dp/1405362650/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460307958&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=allotment+cookbook+throughout+the+year">allotment cookbook</a> and while we first had these a couple of weeks ago with roasted asparagus & feta there was enough mixture left over to freeze and use another day. Today was that day, and I enjoyed a delicious late brunch in the spring sunshine - the pancakes are delicious, and a great colour too!<br />
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Ben made the ketchup from a recipe found in this <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Eating-Well-Jasmine-Hemsley/dp/0091958326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460308164&sr=1-1&keywords=hemsley+hemsley+the+art+of+eating+well">Hemsley & Hemsley book</a> (a recommendation from Rachel) and it complimented the pancakes really well, especially when topped with lots of roasted seeds.<br />
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<b>Chocolate shortbread</b><br />
Ok, I know I said I was trying to be healthy and eat less sweet snacks, but this shortbread recipe is pretty low on sugar (let's not mention the butter) and I was making them to share with friends. Another one from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cookie-Magic-Biscuits-Cookies-Attitude/dp/1862058474">Cookie Magic</a> book - it has a great variety of sweet & savoury biscuits!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3_hlVANFaE/Vwp9jbHh1EI/AAAAAAAABUQ/nQXCRzxrLioixxfuwMpZ3HugJ1JkjedJg/s1600/banana-bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3_hlVANFaE/Vwp9jbHh1EI/AAAAAAAABUQ/nQXCRzxrLioixxfuwMpZ3HugJ1JkjedJg/s640/banana-bread.jpg" width="640" /></a><b>Hemsley & Hemsley banana bread (with added blueberries)</b><br />
Another one from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Eating-Well-Jasmine-Hemsley/dp/0091958326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460308164&sr=1-1&keywords=hemsley+hemsley+the+art+of+eating+well">The Art of Eating Well</a> - this gluten free loaf uses natural sweeteners (maple syrup) and will make a perfect early morning snack for us to take to work for the next few days. The temptation to reach for shop-bought cereal bars in the morning needs to be curbed.<br />
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I really like the texture and taste of this bread, and will definitely be making it again!<br />
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<br />
<b>Other recipes cooked but lacking photos include:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Hemsley & Hemsley Asparagus & Pea Quinoa risotto with mint & parsley oil (turned into Quinoa risotto balls the following day)</li>
<li>Hemsley & Hemsley Feta & Black bean burgers (cooked by Ben and served with Courgette Fries & Homemade tomato ketchup)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/River-Cottage-Veg-Every-Day/dp/1408812126/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460309126&sr=1-1&keywords=river+cottage+veg+everyday">River Cottage</a> quinoa salad with courgettes & onions</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
I hope to share more soon. I'm enjoying spending my evenings browsing recipe books at the moment. Tonight, we eat macaroni peas!<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-4461568420193132002016-03-30T22:17:00.000+01:002016-04-07T13:21:22.219+01:00let's cook: ravioli<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bxfz7mZzKE/VvwhUR8UfrI/AAAAAAAABSc/2XR3w3w5BAM8BBgvT8TeRjOsdG27GVVMw/s1600/ravioli-shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jANfGLuoD0/Vvwhb60OawI/AAAAAAAABS4/-JSS89SbUyQ5blk-MRYT1on35qrAhaGTA/s1600/ravioli.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jANfGLuoD0/Vvwhb60OawI/AAAAAAAABS4/-JSS89SbUyQ5blk-MRYT1on35qrAhaGTA/s640/ravioli.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Three <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenges</a> in three months - we're doing really well this year! This one was a tough one too. We set ourselves the challenge of filled pasta, which actually involves a lot more thought than I first imagined.<br />
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First we had to decide on the form of pasta and the dough recipe, then we had to think of the filling, and finally decide on a sauce/accompaniment to serve with. A lot of elements to consider.<br />
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We both went for ravioli as you can see - mine is pictured on the left above, and my mum's is on the right.<br />
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I've broken the process down into stages below with some recipes too if you'd like to try it yourself.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">STAGE ONE: THE PASTA</span><br />
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I had never made pasta before (nor had my mum) so this was an exciting one for me. I always had visions of it being really difficult, making a lot of mess and needing a lot of space, but thankfully none of the above turned out to be true!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_r7N4KK4hw/VvwhbWls8JI/AAAAAAAABSs/g3FLTv2MVng2LMda2saiLIeXeFfBGSd-A/s1600/parsley-pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_r7N4KK4hw/VvwhbWls8JI/AAAAAAAABSs/g3FLTv2MVng2LMda2saiLIeXeFfBGSd-A/s640/parsley-pasta.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I didn't want to stick with just plain egg pasta dough so I decided to make two different batches of pasta - one with parsley & one coloured with beetroot - both of which filled me with more pleasure than balls of dough should.<br />
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For the parsley pasta I used the "advanced" mixing method of forming the dough directly on work surface by cracking the eggs into a well made in the flour. I felt like a pro! I wasn't quite as adventurous with the beetroot one (mostly because I didn't want to stain the whole kitchen pink) so opted for the food processor approach with that one.<br />
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Isn't the colour great? Like pink bubblegum!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lagDg7UizTc/Vvwhb7WtIBI/AAAAAAAABS8/QVYYaASv7K4rzrN5KiysJzXKZvlwo-tYg/s1600/beet-pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lagDg7UizTc/Vvwhb7WtIBI/AAAAAAAABS8/QVYYaASv7K4rzrN5KiysJzXKZvlwo-tYg/s640/beet-pasta.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The recipes I used were as follows...<br />
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<b><u>Ingredients </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Each of these makes about 450g of pasta.<br />
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<b>Parsley pasta </b><br />
2 eggs<br />
1⅓ cups 00 pasta flour<br />
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley<br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
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<b>Beetroot pasta</b><br />
2 eggs<br />
1½ cups 00 pasta flour<br />
1 small roasted red beetroot (pureed)<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
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<br />
<b><u>Method (the professional way!)</u></b><br />
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Place your flour on the work surface and make a well in the centre.<br />
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Crack the eggs into the well and add the oil and extras, e.g the herbs.<br />
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Using a fork, beat the mixture in the centre, slowly incorporating the flour. If you're like me, you'll find you might get a bit eager with the fork and break through your flour walls so be on the lookout for egg overflow. As more and more of the flour begins to combine with the egg you'll probably want to abandon the fork in favour of using your hands.<br />
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Once the mixture is combined into a solid ball knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes stronger and more elastic. When your dough looks smooth and no longer feels sticky, shape it into a ball and cover with a tea towel/clingfilm to keep it moist.<br />
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Then let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes.<br />
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When you are ready to use your dough, cut it into quarters so you can work on one piece at a time, while keeping the other pieces covered to prevent them drying out.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjInWjA6jIE/VvwhcWlYKeI/AAAAAAAABTk/6zGdaNcGW5QAnwwVxMa4N-XyKHLbWvTUA/s1600/cut-dough.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjInWjA6jIE/VvwhcWlYKeI/AAAAAAAABTk/6zGdaNcGW5QAnwwVxMa4N-XyKHLbWvTUA/s640/cut-dough.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I actually invested in a pasta machine for this project as I had some vouchers I'd been given for my birthday. Beforehand I thought I'd just make my pasta by hand, but decided to treat myself, and I'm very pleased I did!<br />
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Because I made two lots of dough I had enough to make some extras on top of my ravioli so I used my pasta maker to roll out the dough and then cut it into tagliatelle & fettuccine. It worked really well, and was a nice added extra for this challenge! I have frozen some of the fresh pasta to eat at a later date too.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gs5_LSn0Ds/Vvwhb_9wiUI/AAAAAAAABTE/BJmsquyVM28oW_VZfBanPCbv3lWs2tI8g/s1600/tagliatelle.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gs5_LSn0Ds/Vvwhb_9wiUI/AAAAAAAABTE/BJmsquyVM28oW_VZfBanPCbv3lWs2tI8g/s640/tagliatelle.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">STAGE TWO: FILLING & CONSTRUCTION</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
Back to the ravioli. The filling I decided to used was taken from this <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/9993-beet-ravioli-with-goat-cheese-ricotta-and-mint-filling">Food 52 recipe</a> and was a combination of parsley, mint, ricotta and goat cheese.<br />
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It was just a case of combining all the ingredients in a bowl and then dolloping on the rolled out pasta. I found this whole process very relaxing; rolling out the dough, passing it through the pasta machine until it was thin, and then constructing the ravioli.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-appSFL9Xcbc/VvwhbcYI7fI/AAAAAAAABTU/b5m9LqlsafEK5Rkepk11ZXL_tG3dbo5GA/s1600/ravioli-construction.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-appSFL9Xcbc/VvwhbcYI7fI/AAAAAAAABTU/b5m9LqlsafEK5Rkepk11ZXL_tG3dbo5GA/s640/ravioli-construction.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I bought myself a round ravioli cutter (I also got a square one for my mum!) so was able to create some nice uniform shapes. They looked really nice I think, and held together well.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lamHKIjwyw0/VvwhbnvRLII/AAAAAAAABTQ/xWjQFc8yH0c0AIZAkREzFStBzJP3E6arw/s1600/beetroot-ravioli.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lamHKIjwyw0/VvwhbnvRLII/AAAAAAAABTQ/xWjQFc8yH0c0AIZAkREzFStBzJP3E6arw/s640/beetroot-ravioli.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">STAGE THREE: SERVING SUGGESTIONS</span><br />
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I made my ravioli in the day time while Ben was at work, but couldn't wait to the evening to try them so made myself a small portion of super fresh ones, which I served on a bed of fettuccine with a homemade avocado pesto and load of parmesan. Delicious! And so quick to cook!<br />
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It was the first day of the year that it was warm enough for me to eat my lunch in the garden too so that was an added treat.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AryVHHdpQO8/VvwhceHYOrI/AAAAAAAABTc/vt6EZAejGtk371ot42c7PLFZimBz5Ur-A/s1600/my-ravioli.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AryVHHdpQO8/VvwhceHYOrI/AAAAAAAABTc/vt6EZAejGtk371ot42c7PLFZimBz5Ur-A/s640/my-ravioli.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I think the ravioli was best cooked fresh as I wasn't quite sure how to store them once constructed and put them in the fridge, but after a while I think the filling began to seep into the pasta a bit and they got a little sticky. Perhaps I rolled the pasta thinner than I was meant to?<br />
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Anyway, there were still some good (non-sticky) ones left for Ben to try when he got home from work. This batch was a mixture of herb and beetroot ones, and I served them on parsley tagliatelle with sauteed asparagus and walnuts in a lemony buttery sauce, using <a href="http://greenvalleykitchen.com/ravioli-sauteed-asparagus-walnuts/">this recipe</a> from Green Valley Kitchen.<br />
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It was a nice feast!<br />
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My mum made her batch on Easter Monday and she said that she found it pretty challenging one too - apparently there was flour everywhere!<br />
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She opted for an egg pasta dough, but tried two different fillings. One which was spinach based, and the other a ricotta one. With no pasta maker available she rolled out her pasta by hand and thinks she may have left it a little thick as she found the ravioli took a while to cook. Look how neat they are though. Like little pillows.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dfPS1GP45k/VvwhbUxklwI/AAAAAAAABSo/g07gmBpcmas3lBtp2_N_QUcBofGVhVm1w/s1600/mums-ravioli.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dfPS1GP45k/VvwhbUxklwI/AAAAAAAABSo/g07gmBpcmas3lBtp2_N_QUcBofGVhVm1w/s640/mums-ravioli.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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She served it with a pomodoro sauce, although confessed that it came out looking a bit like chutney, which is a little odd. Good to see a healthy helping of parmesan too though.<br />
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Now, on to the scoring...<br />
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Ben gave me a very respectable <b>9/10</b> with one point being deducted by the disappointment of me having to throw some of the super sticky ravioli pieces into the bin. I definitely think I'll be making pasta again though so I'll try and make it when he's not at work next time so we can both enjoy it super fresh!<br />
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My dad gave my mum another high score with <b>8/10</b>, possibly with a couple of marks being deducted due to the thickness of the pasta. I did have the advantage of having a pasta machine so I would bump that up to a 9 too I think.<br />
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Another pretty good round! This challenge is really improving our skills.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bxfz7mZzKE/VvwhUR8UfrI/AAAAAAAABSc/2XR3w3w5BAM8BBgvT8TeRjOsdG27GVVMw/s640/ravioli-shapes.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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My mum has requested an easier challenge next time (not involving dough) so we have opted for swiss rolls or roulades. I've already started pinning some <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/hachioka/treats-to-eat-recipes/">recipe inspiration</a>.<br />
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The thought of them is making my mouth water already.<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-80694209823749903612016-03-12T11:23:00.000+00:002016-03-12T11:23:02.818+00:00tweed<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EH8OzeALw/Vt3X5pTqAgI/AAAAAAAABRs/X_k3jXdQVf8/s1600/cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EH8OzeALw/Vt3X5pTqAgI/AAAAAAAABRs/X_k3jXdQVf8/s640/cardigan.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My felted tweed cardigan is finally finished. Doesn't it look grand? I really like the contrast trim and it fits really nicely, so a success all round I'd say.<br />
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It took me a little longer than my <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/a-work-in-progress.html">original Christmas deadline</a>, but that is partly because I got caught up knitting a jumper for a small dog so I'll let myself off the hook.<br />
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The pattern is from this <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/brochures/rowan-loves-kidsilk-haze-felted-tweed">Rowan Loves</a> brochure which has a few knitting patterns that I really want to make. And they use really nice yarns too!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7X0-oEKdBeA/Vt3XroYcovI/AAAAAAAABRQ/elbUTk65mUY/s1600/rowan-felted-tweed.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7X0-oEKdBeA/Vt3XroYcovI/AAAAAAAABRQ/elbUTk65mUY/s640/rowan-felted-tweed.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I actually took the plunge and invested in the Rowan Felted tweed yarn the pattern recommends, rather than taking my usual (thriftier) approach of substituting for different (cheaper) wool.<br />
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I think in the past I have doubted my knitting skills a bit more and worried about buying quality yarn and then wasting it by making a badly fitting cardigan I wouldn't wear, but I have confidence in my abilities now so I'm going to try not to hold back.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKRvdLLVaQU/Vt3Xr9ciM5I/AAAAAAAABRk/rKdaxibuIec/s1600/knit-in-progress.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKRvdLLVaQU/Vt3Xr9ciM5I/AAAAAAAABRk/rKdaxibuIec/s640/knit-in-progress.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I also learnt a new skill whilst making this garment, the pick up stitches method for adding on a button band. With previous cardigans I have always knitted the button bands as separate pieces and sewn them on, but am pleased with the pick up and knit method as the end result seems much neater, and it means I can avoid some of the dreaded sewing up.<br />
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It's nice to have learnt a new technique too!<br />
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The pattern for this cardigan also has a few variations, both in sleeve length and neckline, so I may use it again to make a slightly different version. It's nice when you find <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/scallop-shells.html">a reliable pattern</a> you want to make again and again.<br />
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But for now, I'm going to make the most out of this one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jN2nbkvR7oY/Vt3XrlHD5II/AAAAAAAABRU/M1x2-CecquE/s1600/finished-cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jN2nbkvR7oY/Vt3XrlHD5II/AAAAAAAABRU/M1x2-CecquE/s640/finished-cardigan.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In other news, I've already started on my next knitting project: a chunky knit jumper to keep me warm on spring and summer evenings. I'd forgotten quite how quick knitting with chunky yarn can be and I've already made good progress - the front and back are done, and only took a week each. At this rate, maybe I'll have it finished by the end of March.<br />
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Wishful thinking perhaps?d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-16535751264676178832016-03-05T14:58:00.000+00:002016-03-05T15:00:44.342+00:00a brown valentine<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OX06B4rK8XM/VtrpFyHNG2I/AAAAAAAABPg/DudoGjx1eHM/s1600/brown-valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left;"></a><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BtUwCTvGrE/VtrpI-gulhI/AAAAAAAABP4/qpFh4sK95Tw/s640/heart-banner.jpg" width="640" />
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<br />
I decided to make Ben a little crochet banner for Valentine's day this year, in his favourite colour: brown!
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I didn't have a pattern so just sort of made it up as I went. It turned out to be a fairly quick project, which was lucky as I had to make the whole thing in secret one Saturday while Ben was at work.<br />
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I used some nice speckled brown wool which I'd originally bought as an alternative option for the <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/his-and-hers-hats.html">bobble hat</a> I made last summer and added a corded edge in cream. Once I'd finished I crocheted around a stick along the top edge to hang the banner.<br />
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It ended up looking just as expected, which was a nice surprise.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MAaS1aQuE0/VtrpI0a518I/AAAAAAAABP0/HcEeBF8PC9w/s1600/crochet-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MAaS1aQuE0/VtrpI0a518I/AAAAAAAABP0/HcEeBF8PC9w/s640/crochet-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I debated whether to embroider or add a felted design, but in the end opted to crochet on a heart shape using a series of slip stitches. The end result looked nicely wonky I think.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euYRk4Z2hZo/Vtr0iKbIcKI/AAAAAAAABQI/kXudzBZ5xFE/s1600/brown-valentine2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euYRk4Z2hZo/Vtr0iKbIcKI/AAAAAAAABQI/kXudzBZ5xFE/s640/brown-valentine2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And Ben said it was lovely so I was very pleased.<br />
In return he made me probably the best card ever. So good!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OX06B4rK8XM/VtrpFyHNG2I/AAAAAAAABPg/DudoGjx1eHM/s1600/brown-valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a>d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-1908436722991472532016-02-08T22:11:00.001+00:002016-07-17T13:19:58.511+01:00let's cook: bakewell tarts<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXd-eZYNXG8/VrjyZf3t3qI/AAAAAAAABOM/LTM4MD8l4C4/s1600/tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXd-eZYNXG8/VrjyZf3t3qI/AAAAAAAABOM/LTM4MD8l4C4/s640/tarts.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our second <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenge</a> of the year is complete! Bakewell tarts was the test this time, and it was like a proper bake-off (in that both of our recipes came from the <a href="http://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/">Great British Bake Off</a>).<br />
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I went down the Mr.Kipling route with an iced bakewell tart, and my mum went a bit more rustic, with a scattered almond and icing topping.<br />
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I was pretty impressed with how mine turned out actually - I thought it might be a challenge too far to get the pastry, frangipane AND icing to turn out right, but I think I did ok - and I enjoyed making it a lot.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_xARHDfAMbo/V4t3qStH5tI/AAAAAAAABWU/QLUDydhXa2ksvyUh7L7C4j9jPOjKADvrACEw/s1600/overhead-slice.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_xARHDfAMbo/V4t3qStH5tI/AAAAAAAABWU/QLUDydhXa2ksvyUh7L7C4j9jPOjKADvrACEw/s640/overhead-slice.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/bakewell-tart-recipe/">recipe I used</a> was by GBBO contestent Luis Troyano, and I'm pleased to say my tart looks pretty similar to the photo used on the recipe - a visual success!<br />
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I enjoyed working with the sweet shortcrust pastry - I managed to roll it out nice and thin, and ended up with a pretty neat looking tart case after the blind bake.<br />
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And I haven't made a frangipane filling before so I wasn't really sure what to expect. When I first added it to the tart case it looked like I hadn't made quite enough (and I actually made a little more than the recipe required) but after baking it had risen quite a bit and I wasn't left with a sunken looking tart like I'd been worrying about.<br />
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Here's what it looked like post baking - not too shabby!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAn4iud5IyE/VrjybZwQxPI/AAAAAAAABO4/fwqc5KyiuBE/s1600/just-baked.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAn4iud5IyE/VrjybZwQxPI/AAAAAAAABO4/fwqc5KyiuBE/s640/just-baked.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I thought the icing might be my downfall so I really concentrated on getting a neat and smooth layer, without getting any crumbs mixed in, which has been an issue in the past. I ended up with a pretty even coverage - right to the edges too!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPv_5lbH6dA/Vrjya1EOtzI/AAAAAAAABOs/HzjzGnaU0Xw/s1600/bakewell-tart.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPv_5lbH6dA/Vrjya1EOtzI/AAAAAAAABOs/HzjzGnaU0Xw/s640/bakewell-tart.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And the stripes were super easy. I'm pleased it didn't matter that I had slightly wobbly hands at the time.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7s2cG9IAo4/VrjyawIgrJI/AAAAAAAABOo/44p3vIedfew/s1600/tart-corner.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7s2cG9IAo4/VrjyawIgrJI/AAAAAAAABOo/44p3vIedfew/s640/tart-corner.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Pretty!<br />
<br />
My mum found her recipe in one of the Bake Off books. She said she struggled a bit with the pastry and she had to do a couple of patch up jobs prior to baking. It looks like she had more than enough frangipane though, as it ended up taller than the pastry.<br />
<br />
I quite like her approach to a topping - a scatter of almonds with just a drizzle of icing. A good option for the less sweet-toothed among us as the fully iced tarts are definitely super sweet.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzT_KGzLofo/VrjyagwCWMI/AAAAAAAABOc/-a2nl6ixrp8/s1600/mums-tart.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzT_KGzLofo/VrjyagwCWMI/AAAAAAAABOc/-a2nl6ixrp8/s640/mums-tart.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>So, how did they taste? </b><br />
<br />
Overall I found my tart pretty tasty, although admit it was a bit of a sugar overload. I worried at first that I'd spread the jam too thinly on the base, but think it was the right amount in the end - the filling was nice and moist, in contrast to the crisp pastry.<br />
<br />
My mum has reported that hers was very tasty too, although she thinks she used too much jam on the base, and she said her pastry was a little uneven. It looks good though!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6shyZJ56Df0/VrjyZHTiTrI/AAAAAAAABOE/63DLoepfeR8/s1600/slices.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6shyZJ56Df0/VrjyZHTiTrI/AAAAAAAABOE/63DLoepfeR8/s640/slices.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>And the scores...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I made my tart the same weekend as my mum and dad came to visit so for the first time in a while we had the same judge to make a direct comparison.<br />
<br />
Both my parents and Ben gave my bakewell tart a 9/10, with my mum and dad deducting a point because of the sweetness, and Ben deducting a point for the lack of cherry on each slice (!) I gave him another slice with a cherry on the following day so he was happy in the end.<br />
<br />
My dad, it turns out, is quite a fan of bakewell tarts and was generous with his voting across the board, giving my mum a 9/10 too. However, my mum insisted I reduce this to an 8 as she wasn't pleased with the technical side of her bake.<br />
<br />
Personally, I think she should take the high marks while she can, as she never knows what my dad is going to <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/lets-cook-dips-and-dippers.html">refuse to eat</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8mUZKk2vrw/V4t3qQoV9YI/AAAAAAAABWY/j4RcfQu8n8YzjEdy3RRnEnzsuF39tUOWQCEw/s1600/bakewell.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8mUZKk2vrw/V4t3qQoV9YI/AAAAAAAABWY/j4RcfQu8n8YzjEdy3RRnEnzsuF39tUOWQCEw/s640/bakewell.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
On the whole, I think we both did really good this time round.<br />
<br />
Next time we'll be making filled pasta - I'm thinking ravioli.<br />
I hope it doesn't matter that we don't have pasta machines...<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-58929614647831187632016-01-31T11:41:00.001+00:002016-01-31T16:57:58.106+00:00mini knitted hearts<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gZ_kVseRa0/Vq48siN-85I/AAAAAAAABNI/CoMb0Fc_0Xk/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Mini knitted heart valentines knitting pattern" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gZ_kVseRa0/Vq48siN-85I/AAAAAAAABNI/CoMb0Fc_0Xk/s640/hearts.jpg" title="Mini knitted heart valentines knitting pattern" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
As Valentines day is almost upon us I thought I'd share a favourite knitting project of mine - these knitted hearts make perfect gifts for loved ones on Valentines Day, or any day!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VuSeD63l1FU/Vq3tUW7PZ2I/AAAAAAAABKk/1qPzkN8e-yc/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a></div>
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It's also a super quick knit - I made one yesterday using some of my <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/adventures-in-dyeing-yarn.html">hand dyed yarn</a> and it was done within the hour.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've shared the pattern below if you'd like to try one out.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbQP8u43vm0/Vq48szyJkcI/AAAAAAAABNU/Zf5jL0gs3bc/s1600/knitted-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Mini knitted heart valentines knitting pattern" border="0" height="454" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbQP8u43vm0/Vq48szyJkcI/AAAAAAAABNU/Zf5jL0gs3bc/s640/knitted-heart.jpg" title="Mini knitted heart valentines knitting pattern" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Knitted hearts</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b><u>Yarn and needles </u></b></div>
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I recommend DK wool and side 8 (4mm) needles as a starting point, but you can experiment different weights and sizes if you want a larger or smaller heart.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>Instructions</u></b></div>
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Cast on 2 stitches.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For the bottom of the heart:</div>
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Row 1: purl</div>
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Row 2: kfb in both stitches (4sts)</div>
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Row 3: p</div>
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Row 4: kfb, k to last st, kfb</div>
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Repeat rows 3 & 4 until you have 20sts</div>
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Purl 1 row</div>
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<br /></div>
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For the top of the heart:</div>
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Row 1: k10, then turn</div>
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Row 2: p2tog, p6, p2tog</div>
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Row 3: k</div>
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Row 4: p2tog, p4, p2tog</div>
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Row 5: cast off</div>
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<br /></div>
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Repeat the above 5 rows for the remaining 10 sts on needle.</div>
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<b><u>Finishing up</u></b></div>
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Weave in loose ends.</div>
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Sew up and stuff.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now leave them on pillows, hide them around the house or tuck them in coat pockets - they'll be a nice little surprise for whoever you choose to make one for.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buxV5cVi9IY/Vq48s_exa9I/AAAAAAAABNY/fuSEIt-AA9A/s1600/knitted-hears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mini knitted heart valentines knitting pattern" border="0" height="440" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buxV5cVi9IY/Vq48s_exa9I/AAAAAAAABNY/fuSEIt-AA9A/s640/knitted-hears.jpg" title="Mini knitted heart valentines knitting pattern" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NqDQl2Unj9I/Vq3xu7poEII/AAAAAAAABLc/YzLIoPTLAAA/s1600/knitted-hears.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a></div>
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d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-74315644948057105712016-01-16T10:25:00.001+00:002016-01-16T10:25:34.737+00:00Hanover house numbers 26-50Here's the second set of photos from my <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/hanover-house-numbers-1-25.html">house number</a> series over on Instagram.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROIOtzrCBpk/Vpk7j2Elo3I/AAAAAAAABJA/T9aGkU3nBc0/s1600/26-50-montage.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROIOtzrCBpk/Vpk7j2Elo3I/AAAAAAAABJA/T9aGkU3nBc0/s640/26-50-montage.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I'm still enjoying the amount of variety - they are all pretty unique, especially alongside the colourful walls of the houses. 45 is a particular favourite - I love how it's embedded in the wall.<br />
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I'm uploading the photos over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debbie_hill/">Instagram</a> under <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/hanoverhousenumbers/">#hanoverhousenumbers</a> if you want to follow the series.<br />
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The regularity of my posts has definitely slowed down due to the shorter daylight hours and the change in my daily commute, but I expect it will pick up in the summer, and maybe I will be able to reach 100 around a year after I started (in July).<br />
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I just need to find a nice number 51 first...d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-10651634836852030422016-01-10T19:04:00.000+00:002016-01-10T19:04:08.619+00:00let's cook: stuffed bread<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCDwg2AQ4zE/VpKYgbJ0P9I/AAAAAAAABHQ/wAH779Lz_sA/s1600/breads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCDwg2AQ4zE/VpKYgbJ0P9I/AAAAAAAABHQ/wAH779Lz_sA/s640/breads.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">cooking challenge</a> is off to a strong start this year - with both of us making our stuffed breads in the first week of January. Last year we had four different cook-offs: <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/lets-cook-dips-and-dippers.html">dips</a>, <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/lets-cook-tart-tatin.html">tart tatin</a>, <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/lets-cook-gnocchi.html">gnocchi</a> and <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/cooks%20challenge">jam & scones</a>. Let's see if we can better that this year!<br />
<br />
I think this one was a good challenge - neither of us have done much bread-making before so it was a bit of a skill test - but also a creative one in terms of deciding on a filling and shaping the bread.<br />
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I made a couple of Mediterranean style pesto and sundried tomato mini plaited loaves, and my mum went made a giant plaited bread ring with a Moroccan filling: olives, goats cheese and a spicy onion mixture. Sounds tasty to me.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDRFCjb1kBo/VpKYgS7kqYI/AAAAAAAABHM/OvlMemPZ65U/s1600/bread-closep.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDRFCjb1kBo/VpKYgS7kqYI/AAAAAAAABHM/OvlMemPZ65U/s640/bread-closep.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I used this <a href="http://mediterranealicious.com/2015/04/27/braided-basil-pesto-bread/">great recipe</a> from Mediterranealicious as a basis for my bread but made my own pesto for the filling and added some sundried tomatoes. The pesto was super quick. Here's the recipe if you want to try it out.<br />
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br />
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<b>Super speedy basil pesto</b><br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
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2 packed cups of fresh basil leaves<br />
½ cup extra virgin olive oil<br />
½ cup grated parmesan<br />
¼ cup pine nuts<br />
2 crushed garlic cloves<br />
<br />
<u>Instructions</u><br />
<br />
Put all the ingredients in a food processor and mix.<br />
<br />
Season with salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XECvpNNfMFo/VpKYgmNzjKI/AAAAAAAABHg/gzxjvEsdW3M/s1600/pesto.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XECvpNNfMFo/VpKYgmNzjKI/AAAAAAAABHg/gzxjvEsdW3M/s640/pesto.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The recipe above makes enough pesto for the bread, with some left over to use another day (we had it with linguine the following day and it was delicious!)<br />
<br />
When it came to making the bread I ran into a bit of difficulty as the dried yeast I had in the cupboard had expired I think - I tried twice and it just would not activate, and my first two batches of dough refused to rise.<br />
<br />
I went out and bought some instant yeast sachets though and that did the trick. I left the dough for an hour in a warm place and it rose enough that I was sure the yeast was doing it's job. From the sound of it, my mum's yeast was super active as she said her dough kept growing and growing!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX77c_xRzZU/VpKYbEgNmmI/AAAAAAAABG0/W97NKGsNGUQ/s1600/sliced.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
Once the dough and the pesto were ready I rolled out the bread mixture into an A3 sized piece, covered with the pesto and some chopped sundried tomatoes, then rolled it lengthways to create a long tube. I strayed from the recipe instructions here and chopped my rolled up dough in half to make two smaller loaves.<br />
<br />
The fun bit was cutting the rolled dough in half lengthways to reveal the filling, then twisting the two halves around each other to make the plait.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBkEm38UPM/VpKYgZEl74I/AAAAAAAABH4/PT2s4ojbJCE/s1600/bread-in-progress.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBkEm38UPM/VpKYgZEl74I/AAAAAAAABH4/PT2s4ojbJCE/s640/bread-in-progress.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I thought it might untwist itself as it baked in the oven, but luckily it came out looking the same shape as when it went in. I really like the outcome here - the shape is really nice and the fact that there is so much filling on display makes it look pretty tempting.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQuh_l-5Q94/VpKYgljSVbI/AAAAAAAABHw/-6yj9VDgD9M/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQuh_l-5Q94/VpKYgljSVbI/AAAAAAAABHw/-6yj9VDgD9M/s640/bread.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX77c_xRzZU/VpKYbEgNmmI/AAAAAAAABG0/W97NKGsNGUQ/s640/sliced.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
My mum said she got on quite well with her recipe too - which was from a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013pqnm">Bake Off</a> book. I think she was a bit suprised by how big it turned out, but it looks like a successful bit of baking, and the flavours sound great!<br />
<br />
<b>So....to the scores:</b><br />
<br />
We both ended up eating the bread warm from the oven with some baked Camembert (great minds!) Judging by the picture my mum and brother enjoyed theirs over a game of Scrabble.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kPwDSFpVtM/VpKjmlIOYZI/AAAAAAAABIk/tmwoKffpMF4/s1600/mums-bread.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kPwDSFpVtM/VpKjmlIOYZI/AAAAAAAABIk/tmwoKffpMF4/s640/mums-bread.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's lucky my mum had my brother there as a judge as my dad had two bites and decided he didn't like the flavours (typical!) My mum scored a generous 9/10 from Tim though, with the score being bumped up to 10 because it was served with cheese.<br />
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Ben also gave me a very generous mark of 10. I'm wondering now if this is possibly partially due to the cheese too? Either way it was a great result all round - full marks for us both!<br />
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Maybe one of the most successful cooking challenges to date?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkmzi99Nwok/VpKYggLyrsI/AAAAAAAABHc/1P7CrTQZx9U/s1600/stuffed-bread.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkmzi99Nwok/VpKYggLyrsI/AAAAAAAABHc/1P7CrTQZx9U/s640/stuffed-bread.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Next time we'll be making Bakewell tarts.<br />
I think I might do an iced one. Yummy.<br />
<br />d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-40281915129631652102016-01-03T10:45:00.000+00:002016-01-03T10:45:01.638+00:00hello 2016<div>
Happy new year! I hope you've all enjoyed the festive period and best wishes for 2016!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Yet again, I was a bit under the weather over Christmas which left me feeling a bit unenthusiastic about everything. But I'm feeling much better now and in a positive frame of mind about the year just gone and the year ahead.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
2015 was a great year: Ben & I moved into our first home together - we cooked, we gardened, we holidayed and we adopted a cat! Below are some of my personal favourites from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debbie_hill/">Instagram</a> which sum up the past year...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_YQj5xWPgs/Voj1Pk0Y3uI/AAAAAAAABGk/SiV3xWnwpOI/s1600/2015.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="479" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_YQj5xWPgs/Voj1Pk0Y3uI/AAAAAAAABGk/SiV3xWnwpOI/s640/2015.jpg" width="640" /></a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now to 2016. I didn't really make any resolutions last year, but I've got a few in mind for this year. Hopefully all very achievable....</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Be nicer - be kind</b></div>
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I think it's always good to keep this as a conscious thought - to help be more generous and selfless.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Connect more with friends and family</b></div>
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I've really loved spending time in our new house, so I spent a lot of time at home in 2015. That in itself is no bad thing, but I want to make the effort to keep in touch and see friends and family more often this year. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Reply to messages and emails sooner</b></div>
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This is one that has come up in my new years resolutions before. I often find myself receiving a message or an email and thinking "I'll respond to that when I have a moment to reply properly." Then it slips my mind and I don't reply for ages. I must do better!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Go on the London Eye</b></div>
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It's been there 16 years now and I must be one of the only people not to go on it! This year is the year.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Eat a pickled egg</b></div>
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Always good to have an eating challenge to tick off the list. I think Ben's going to try jellied eels!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Draw more</b></div>
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No specific challenge here. Just to try and find the time to draw a bit more often.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And that's it!</div>
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Good luck with your resolutions if you have any, and have a brilliant year!</div>
d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-32198975110101284922015-12-31T10:03:00.000+00:002015-12-31T10:03:27.724+00:00things I like this November and December...<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n08yW-cVjoA/VoT5KUZEF9I/AAAAAAAABGU/aOQoAo5-Uy8/s1600/pinterest-picks.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n08yW-cVjoA/VoT5KUZEF9I/AAAAAAAABGU/aOQoAo5-Uy8/s640/pinterest-picks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Columns (L-R):<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731059539/">1</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731415899/">2</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731285165/">3</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731150018/">4</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731070252/">5</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731086190/">6</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731415905/">7</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731176746/">8</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731216044/">9</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731284581/">10</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731415904/">11</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731070253/">12</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731241795/">13</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731187466/">14</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731098990/">15</a><span id="goog_1716769080"></span><span id="goog_1716769081"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731070251/">16</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731164801/">17</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731216022/">18</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529731276188/">19</a><br />
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A final set of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/hachioka/pins/">Pinterest</a> favourites to round off the year.<br />
A busy mixture!</div>
d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-48269143123851417042015-11-23T20:29:00.002+00:002015-11-23T20:29:42.133+00:00colourful crochet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYQs4FHFOe4/VlN1VhmZMcI/AAAAAAAABFE/6ZYCQ5E2URs/s1600/crochet-squares.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYQs4FHFOe4/VlN1VhmZMcI/AAAAAAAABFE/6ZYCQ5E2URs/s640/crochet-squares.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've made a bunch more crochet squares for my <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/stitch%20library">stitch library</a>. Every time I think I've run out of different colours of wool I manage to dig out a couple more balls from my yarn basket.</div>
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A couple of these were made from the wool I received in my recent <a href="https://www.fibreshare.org/">Fibreshare</a> package. It was lovely to make use of them so quickly! </div>
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Of these ones I think the embossed circles is the most interesting (and surprisingly easy to crochet too!) although the colour I used for the crossbill stitch also make that one a firm favourite.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFWSSk6fsYI/VlN1URLVBXI/AAAAAAAABFA/iHNgVPq8q5M/s1600/stitch-library-november.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFWSSk6fsYI/VlN1URLVBXI/AAAAAAAABFA/iHNgVPq8q5M/s640/stitch-library-november.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I actually spread all my squares out on the floor on Saturday and I think I do have enough for a medium sized blanket. I'm tempted to go large and try out some more stitches though. </div>
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We'll see!</div>
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d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-55707252625710604042015-11-21T16:01:00.001+00:002015-11-21T16:01:47.734+00:00shopping list sketches<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1S6Ethjnd8/VlCT0eI0UMI/AAAAAAAABEw/hs6vnWT2-P8/s1600/11_21_squash.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1S6Ethjnd8/VlCT0eI0UMI/AAAAAAAABEw/hs6vnWT2-P8/s640/11_21_squash.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I've decided it's time to revive my <a href="http://shoppinglisthunt.blogspot.co.uk/">shopping list hunt</a>.<br />
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I found this list Ben made in our recycling box this morning and realised how long it has been since I've done any drawing. I thought this might make a nice weekly drawing challenge to try and keep up over the coming months.<br />
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To get me started I drew the very minuscule butternut squash that has been winding it's way across our patio. We planted it a bit late so unfortunately it's never going to reach it's full potential. I love the way squashes grow though.<br />
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Tangles of tendrils.d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-27481740975786105622015-11-12T23:03:00.000+00:002015-11-12T23:03:45.523+00:00a new pal<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvAimYBrHlQ/VkUXD1JHZII/AAAAAAAABD0/WbhHPWqTios/s1600/mary.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvAimYBrHlQ/VkUXD1JHZII/AAAAAAAABD0/WbhHPWqTios/s640/mary.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This is Mary, our new housemate.<br />
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Isn't she sweet? We adopted her from the <a href="http://rspca-brighton.org.uk/">RSPCA</a> two weeks ago and she seems to be settling in well.<br />
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I decided to make her a little welcome present in the form of a knitted worm...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isga808zJJ0/VkUXEM8iu-I/AAAAAAAABD8/3GUR6HXznbg/s1600/mary-toy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isga808zJJ0/VkUXEM8iu-I/AAAAAAAABD8/3GUR6HXznbg/s640/mary-toy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A french knitted worm.<br />
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It's funny how quickly I forget how to do french knitting and have to look it up on youtube each time for a refresher. It was so quick to make once I got going though.<br />
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And Mary seems to like it...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOk-Rw3vBq4/VkUXFU2-oXI/AAAAAAAABEI/k7njNisu9vc/s1600/playtime.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOk-Rw3vBq4/VkUXFU2-oXI/AAAAAAAABEI/k7njNisu9vc/s640/playtime.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We woke the other morning to find that she had carried it up to bed in the night.<br />
Sweet little one.d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34555969.post-88407181102920617552015-11-05T18:23:00.000+00:002015-11-05T18:23:05.450+00:00shibori sample needle cases<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuoFvWnKglQ/VjuRDTtM9QI/AAAAAAAABDI/vEJ9csAeXFo/s1600/finished-cases.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuoFvWnKglQ/VjuRDTtM9QI/AAAAAAAABDI/vEJ9csAeXFo/s640/finished-cases.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have a lot of <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/a-weekend-shibori-workshop.html">Shibori samples</a> in my fabric pile since the recent workshop I attended at Sussex Prairie Garden and I've been really keen to start using them.<br />
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I wanted to start with small scale projects, as sewing isn't always my forte, so I decided to make some sewing needle cases. A handy make for me as I'm always using track of my yarn darning needles.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaB_u6EUHrA/VjuRCcHS8aI/AAAAAAAABC4/IoyQRBWiAkQ/s1600/fat-quarters.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaB_u6EUHrA/VjuRCcHS8aI/AAAAAAAABC4/IoyQRBWiAkQ/s640/fat-quarters.jpg" /></a><br />
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I decided to go for patchwork approach and picked out some of my Shibori samples as well as some other favourite fabric pieces (you may recognise them from the <a href="http://debbiehill.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/sunday-morning-making.html">cushion cover</a> I made recently).<br />
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When it came to the sewing I mixed together some different fabrics and layouts for each case. I didn't really have a plan in mind, and instead just sort of made it up as I went along. You may be able to tell!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyP7NkC85zU/VjuRE-YfUII/AAAAAAAABDc/19Io3h5nIAc/s1600/in-progress.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyP7NkC85zU/VjuRE-YfUII/AAAAAAAABDc/19Io3h5nIAc/s640/in-progress.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pGe447wYtXA/VjuRBkc7pMI/AAAAAAAABC8/tRxE8SWZ49I/s1600/cases.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pGe447wYtXA/VjuRBkc7pMI/AAAAAAAABC8/tRxE8SWZ49I/s640/cases.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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To hold the needles/pins I sewed some felt into the insides of the cases, and I also found some gold elastic in my sewing box which I used for the button fastenings.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEvvWpJXdzk/VjuRD17lRLI/AAAAAAAABDU/JjrYRBbuofg/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEvvWpJXdzk/VjuRD17lRLI/AAAAAAAABDU/JjrYRBbuofg/s640/finished.jpg" /></a><br />
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They turned out well I think. It's a good thing that I wasn't going for a consistent look and feel because they all ended up slightly different sizes. I think that's ok though, especially as I was going for a <a href="http://www.srithreads.com/collections/boro-textiles">Japanese Boro </a>sort of approach.<br />
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Here they all are...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLHtotBRK2Q/VjuRFNe2hNI/AAAAAAAABDg/OrxPL5TpCto/s1600/needle-holders.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLHtotBRK2Q/VjuRFNe2hNI/AAAAAAAABDg/OrxPL5TpCto/s640/needle-holders.jpg" /></a>
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Not too shabby (I hope).d e b b i ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635877776881188656noreply@blogger.com0