Ikea has style

What an amazing way to display ingredients for a recipe.  Taking cooking to all new level of art form.  I love it.








Doesn't this just make you want to play with your food.  Looking forward to getting my hands on the Ikea baking cookbook if it becomes available here.

Planning a kids party

I have been asked to share some of my ideas about how to plan a kids birthday party.  So here goes.

Firstly select a theme, this can be as broad as transport or as simple as the colour green.  Once you have a theme stick to it!  It is very easy to get distracted and to broaden the theme but then ideas get cluttered and you loose the effect. 

Once you have a theme (or you may need to decide this first) determine the location and timing of your big event.  I like to entertain at home but I am fortunate to have a house that allows me to do that but if you don't consider going to a park, playground or beach.  Then keep you eyes open. 

If you plan in advance you will have the luxury of just keeping your eyes open in cheap shops, the supermarket, online and you will be surprised how much of your theme you will stumble across.  You don't need too much, often it is best to keep to the KISS principle.  Have a few items and use repetition, it makes a great visual effect. 

Then you need to become a bit OCD, it is amazing the visual impact of grouping colours or textures together or lining up jelly babies on a plate.  I often use Amy Atlas' dessert tables for inspiration they are simply amazing.

Anyway this is the start to your party planning.  Stay tuned for more ideas, including the food, games and decorating.

Enjoy xxx

Chocolate Bread Men

In anticipation of my sons upcoming birthday party in August I have started to prepare.  I came across this chocolate bread men recipe which turned out to be a nice alternative to gingerbread men.  I hope you enjoy. xxx

Ingredients

Bakers flour 1kg

Butter 420g

Sugar 360g

Egg yolk 80g

Bicarbonate of soda 15g

Cocoa powder 40g

Golden syrup 180g

Method

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.  Beat the eggs, sugar and butter in a large bowl until creamy.  Add all other ingredients and mix for 10 minutes.  Tip the dough onto a floured bench top and shape into a ball.  Briefly knead the dough and then let rest for 10 minutes.  Toll out he dough until it is 5 millimetres thick.  Cut into the desire shapes, place onto a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.  Enjoy plain or top your chocolate bread men with your favourite icings and candy decorations.

From Wallaby Bakers Flour