Banana Split Icecream Torte

An icecream torte may seem a little untraditional as a Birthday Cake  but when I was planning a birthday cake for Miss 4’s family birthday dinner, we had already had her party and her actual cake.  We still needed something cake-like to cut on her real birthday.  I had been eyeing this recipe for some time and felt it was the perfect opportunity to give it a go.  Warm February evenings could definitely cope with the cooling-down-deliciousness of a Banana Split Ice Cream Torte!

It’s the first time I’ve made an icecream cake and there were multiple steps to its’ creation.  My photo taking of the actual torte was atrocious, so instead I’m sharing pictures of my precious girl who was excited about apportioning herself the largest piece of cake {and who had also had her ears pierced earlier that same evening.  It had only been a whooooole year of asking for them to be done!  Not one tear shed, but plenty of smiles!)

The melt in your mouth amazingness of this torte was incredible.  The combination of the flavours and textures was so perfect.  The crunch of the chocolate base, the bite of the banana, the richness of the hot fudge sauce and the (obviously) creaminess of the icecream, along with the delicate flavour of the crushed pineapple all combined to create a serious taste sensation! My father in law appreciates most of my sweet treats and is always complimentary.  But he made sure  to mention of his appreciation for this cake several times over the course of the evening!

Smoked Fish Chowder

This is a delicious, hearty and filling soup.  It is the perfect end to a long Winter’s day.  You know the ones when the rain hits your windscreen relentlessly as you sit, stuck in traffic on your way home.   When all you are dreaming about doing after you get the kids into bed is curling up on the couch, under a cosy rug  and watching your favourite TV show in peace & quiet.  Ahhhh yes, this soup will warm your belly and tantalise your taste buds before you sink into the sofa.

Pumpkin and Parmesan Muffins

My little girl has just started morning Kindy which means our morning routine has changed dramatically.  Three days a week she now attends from 8.30am – 2.30pm and obviously during this time, has lunch.  That requires me packing a little lunch-box for her {and having to be at the Kindergarten gate by 8.30am, dressed and looking presentable!   Of course I realise that most of you probably have to leave home at a much earlier hour than this to get to work and drop kids off to daycare on your way, but as someone who has thoroughly enjoyed staying in my PJ’s for as long as I can on yucky rainy days, this is a big deal!}

Anyway, I digress!  I have been on the hunt for a few different things that can be popped into her lunch-box to keep it interesting and healthy.  These little muffins are so delicious.  And in my opinion, are especially delicious cut in half and buttered.  I could honestly eat the entire batch myself.  I am a sweet-toothed kinda gal, but give me a cheese muffin of this kind and I’m all yours.

Pots of Gold {Individual Butterscotch Puddings}

Dessert is my favourite part of any meal.  I’ll forgo an entree to order dessert, and thankfully my beloved is usually of the same mind – so we get to share.  I don’t really discriminate when it comes to sweets.  I would generally choose sticky date pudding or tiramisu over creme brulee, but I will never turn dessert down.

Last night we had family over for dinner and I wanted to serve a dessert that would round the meal out perfectly, without being overly sweet or too heavy. Individual servings are very in right now, and I understand why.  Having your own beautifully presented dessert makes it seem that bit more special. Spooning bite-sized mouthfuls of creamy, silky, butterscotch flavoured deliciousness into your mouth  doesn’t get any more amazing than this.

Collapsed Pavlova with Poached Peaches & Mascarpone

I realise being a Kiwi, that making a Pavlova is almost a rite of passage.  Especially for someone who loves dessert and who loves to cook as much as I do.  And yet, I’d never ever made one before this. It’s another one of those things that I have always been afraid of {much like this risotto I shared with you a while ago!}

During my first hosting experience of the incredible Cuisine Club I belong to, I made this Collapsed Pavlova as my dessert course.  I loved that I could tackle the almighty Pav without the pressure of it looking perfect.  This version is meant to be a bit haphazard, it’s supposed to look as though it’s imploded.  That right there takes a whole lot of pressure off, don’t you think?

Homemade KFC

I’m not a huge fan of KFC, in fact my favourite part of their menu from my younger years was the fries, with that delicious and overly salted chicken flavouring.  But when the lovely ladies from my Cuisine Club were recently raving about a recipe from the new Food Truck Cookbook called “My 13-herbs-and-spices Chicken”, I couldn’t help but ask for a copy.

A couple of nights after receiving the recipe in my hot little hand, I gave it a go.  I was disappointed.  I didn’t like the flavour, it didn’t taste anything like KFC to me and although I used plain flour instead of the recommended Potato flour, I didn’t think the disappointment could be solely based on this.  It tasted a little dry and the spices seemed to sit on the chicken, more than be a part of it.  And for that reason, I didn’t share the recipe with you.

Pink Spiral Cookies

These cookies were a beautiful and fun addition to our party spread back when my daughter turned three.  They were part of our “Pink & White Garden Party” and were the first item to disappear from the table.  They’re a lovely buttery cookie and you can adjust the colouring and flavour to suit your needs. Be sure to read through this entire recipe before setting out to make them as there are a few waiting times required.

Girls’ Night In

Inspired by the worldwide phenomenon that was Fifty Shades of Grey, I hosted a little “Girls’ Night In” last winter.  I invited fifteen friends (+ my Mama & my sister = see, not sordid & sleazy as some of you may be imagining!?) to join me for a sophisticated soiree at my home.

Ginger Cake

It’s no secret I love ginger.  Along with caramel and lemon, it rounds out my top three favourite flavours.   I love it in Chinese cuisine, I love it in sweet sticky Ginger Crunch and I love it in this cake.

My Mama used to make an incredible Ginger Loaf as I grew up.  It was hearty, full of bite and so satisfying with a thick slathering of butter.  She gave me that recipe when I left home and try as I might to recreate the magic of that loaf, I can not do it.

This ginger cake recipe was the first (of many) I have made from The Cooks Companion.  It is so so so good.  It’s not like the loaf at all, but it has become my replacement ginger fix.

Cheesy Pretzel Dip

This is the perfect accompaniment to Soft Pretzels & Pretzel Bites.

Cheesy Pretzel Dip
Ingredients
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp plain flour
1 cup milk
8 oz tasty cheese, grated (although edam or colby etc will do just as well)
Salt to taste

In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 seconds, whisking constantly.
Slowly whisk in the milk until no lumps of flour remain. Stirring constantly, bring the milk to a simmer over medium-low heat until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the element and stir in the grated cheese until all of the cheese has melted.  Add a pinch of salt, if needed. Serve warm. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave on medium power at 30 second intervals.