Showing posts with label baking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baking. Show all posts

Wednesday, 8 April 2015

March Musts

Must Watch - Pretty Little Liars



OK so we are really behind so don't you dare comment a spoiler! We only just discovered this series this month and are completely hooked (as if we needed another excuse to spend our  lives in our pjs watching Netflix). March was the month of the big reveal, where everyone found out who A is so it only seemed right to make Pretty Little Liars the must watch of this month.

Must Read - None of the Above



The media seems to be absolutely obsessed with reporting negatively about the younger generation when it comes to voting. As the general election approaches its becoming more important to address this. Rick Edwards explains both the need to vote, and how to know who to vote for in a way that's easy for everyone to understand. There's no shame in not understanding politics (does anyone really understand it?), but this doesn't mean you can't make an effort to engage in it. Your vote matters, and if you don't think it does then you definitely need to give this a read. 

Must Use - Clinique Take The Day Off 


Now this we are a little embarrassed about. Most bloggers have probably been using this kind of product for years, and were totally aware of why it is so essential. But we weren't. Before, we would use make up wipes, face washes, water, cleanser, toner.... the lot - but none of this. Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil takes off all traces of make-up and oil and leaves our faces so fresh and clean. Who knew we were potentially leaving so much crap on our faces?! At £22.00 a bottle it is a bargain, you use one squirt each time and it seems as if its lasting a lifetime. Perfect for both of our skin types and so lightweight on our faces - the best addition to our skincare regime. 




Must Eat - Shredded Wheat Nests 


Why Mini Eggs are only around at Easter is beyond us. We like to eat as many as possible before they are off the shelves and these nests are the perfect opportunity to do just that. These cakes just say Spring and are a great way to break those Summer diets that everyone is starting. Find the recipe here

Must Buy - Activewear 


The weather has definitely brightened up and everyone's starting to get on that health hype (seriously is all people can talk about dieting?). With brighter weather there are becoming less excuses to not work out. If you're going to do it then you may as well do it in style. Buying workout clothes is a great motivator, and lets face it getting on the move is better than the low calorie diet that people alternatively choose. 


Must Wear - Zara Skinny Jeans 


Anyone else sick of the Topshop Joni/MOTO/Leigh/Jamie jeans? Yep, us too. They fade within a few washes, they don't fit all shapes and most importantly - they don't even feel like jeans. We are a nation of followers, and unfortunately we always fall for the price tag. We think that if something is more expensive, we are getting better quality. This is not true. To us, Topshop's jeans feel similar to jeggins. Have you ever worn Joni jeans on really cold day? Useless. The cold goes straight through them. We have found the perfect range of jeans in Zara - so many types, so many colours and all around the £23-£30 mark! Granted, Zara aren't great for their organisation is stores, so it's likely you will have to take a long look around to find different ones, but it is so so worth it. Comfortable, flattering and above all, actual jeans!


Must Go - To A Restaurant You've Never Been to Before 


If you're regular readers of your blog you will know this has been our March obsession. We have spent far too much money eating out this month (explains why we haven't made our current loan last until our next), but it's been the best idea we have had. There's just something about Spring that makes you think of a fresh start, and to do that you have to try things that are different. We are such creatures of habit when it comes to food, so break it and trust us you will not regret the good food that you will enjoy as a result. 

Saturday, 7 March 2015

Red Nose Day - Malteaser Tray Bake


With Red Nose Day coming up and Malteasers giving a donation when you buy a pack, I wanted my baking this week to be with this in mind. When you Google what to make with Malteasers the famous tray bake is what always seems to come up, and I realised that I have never actually made it. 

Now this recipe is what I like to call Kirsti proof. Let me explain... Kirst can't bake. She's one of those people that chucks everything in and hopes for the best, and don't even get me started on her artistic skills. In other words when it comes to baking (and most other crafty things) she resembles a 5 year old, so this ones perfect for the kids (that includes you Kirst). 



It really couldn't be simpler, and the chances are you won't even have to leave the house to make it (who doesn't have Malteasers constantly on hand!?). All you will need is butter, syrup, chocolate, digestives (I only ever seem to have Fox's as they are my fave so mine was slightly different) and of course Malteasers. 

In terms of actually how much of all that the ingredients are: 

  • 100 grams butter
  • 200 grams milk chocolate
  • tablespoons golden syrup
  • 225 grams digestive biscuits (finely crushed)
  • 225 grams maltesers


So that's the ingredients checked off as being easy, and luckily how to make it is even easier than that (not even Kirst could mess it up). You simply melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a bowl. 


Then get a whole pack of Malteasers and crush up some digestives. You are supposed to really crush them but I wanted big biscuity chunks (it doesn't look as good, but the taste is woooow). 


Then once everything is melted, chuck everything together (no really, I mean it when I say this recipe can't be neat). This to me looks like Kirsti baking in a bowl - absolutely no structure and looks like it's going to taste awful! 


I know I know, for someone with baking OCD it really doesn't look impressive at all. Pop the messy goo into a dish on top of grease-proof paper, and place it in the fridge. In terms of how long to wait, it's basically how long you can bare. I mean I had a nibble before it even went in, and then mum saw it in the fridge and couldn't resist it so stole some (it was a wonder it even made it to being chopped up). Just try and leave it for about an hour, or at least until it's hard. 




I honestly can't believe I've made something that looks to awful. My baking creations normally take me hours and i've even been known to use a ruler to make sure they can literally be described as perfection. I've basically been Kirst for a day, and as much as I hate to admit it, baking like this is actually pretty fun. 

They really are so delicious, and lasted approx 5 seconds in my house. It also feels good to know that while you are stuffing your face with sugary goodness, you are doing your bit for charity. If baking really isn't for you, there is no excuse not to make this, it couldn't be easier and despite me usually taking forever in the kitchen slaving away, my family have actually said this is one of the best things i've made (not sure if that's a compliment or not?). 



Emma x