Another sweet round

So much has happened lately as per usual. Sometimes it's hard to believe how I made it. Some days are plain tough and then it gets better. Some days are long and some are super short. It is what you make of each day that counts. I like to bake during the weekend because I have ample time. Sometimes all you need is something sweet to cheer you up.

I have been following Masterchef and I am always amazed by the level of knowledge, creativity and cooking skills shown by the contestants. It's incredible to be able to cope under the pressure and present beautiful dishes with this incredible level of plating. #platinggoals

This is a group of desserts I have prepped and been compiling over the few weeks. I shall be posting more soon. 

Matcha custard tart with red bean filling

Macaron with lemon buttercream

Pandan cake layered with coconut cream

Mini carrot apple and sultana muffins

Mini chocolate tart with mini macaron

Anzac cookie

Almond flourless carrot cake

Red Velvet Cookies

Can you believe we are in February already? Where did January go, I ask myself. What I can say is that this month is going to be very exciting and full of challenges. I shall do my best though and will try to keep posting. 

Let's get back to topic, shall we?

Well, I had my first red velvet cake slice two weeks ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is probably because of that little hint of cocoa powder which makes the cake so special, or maybe the cream cheese frosting, or even both. Anyway I had set my mind in making some red velvet cupcakes long ago, but I decided to go for a cookie version instead this time. So I found this recipe and decided to go ahead with it. I'm really glad I did, because these cookies are absolutely gorgeous. I love the hit of chocolate chips. The cookie itself is gooey, lightly crisp and caky-like texture-wise. I did not get all my cookies same sizes because the dough was very soft and as such quite difficult to shape- even after refrigerating the latter. I guess the hot weather was to blame. I shall let the dough sit in the fridge for longer next time. I do love the fact the cookies turned out so red. 

Strassburgers cookies (Recipe)

It is quite funny to hear people wish 'Merry Christmas' and say 'meet you next year' already. I then realised that indeed we are approaching Christmas so fast and this year will soon be over. I have started Christmas baking and I am enjoying it. 

This is my first time baking butter cookies. These ones are buttery, crisp and like all butter cookies, melt in the mouth. As seen from the below photos, I had some issues with the piping. I was meant to pipe all using the rose tip, but it was not coming through (since it was too small), so I went with a normal round tip. I think they turned out nicely in spite. The unbaked version look just like a burfi (Indian milky sweet confectionery). I loved eating burfi so much in my childhood, so sweet and creamy. 

I came up with this recipe from the cooking book 'Swedish Cookies, Tarts and Pies' by Jan Hedh. This book is filled with cookie recipes and I was left mouthwatering looking at the photos. These cookies are a good substitute to the Royal Dansk cookies in my opinion, even though the latter is Danish, not Swedish. My say is that it does not really matter if the taste and texture is there, right?

Recipe (adapted from 'Swedish Cookies, Tarts and Pies')

Ingredients (for 30 cookies):

50g icing sugar

8g vanilla sugar

150g softened butter

187.5g AP flour

Method:

1. Sift both sugars and beat with softened butter until creamy and airy.

2. Carefully fold in flour until just combined.

3. Place dough into a piping bag with a round tip (or rose tip if you have a big one)

4. Pipe onto tray lined with baking paper.

5. Bake into preheated oven at 180C for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.

Oats (two-way)

Did you know that oats is a superfood? I bet you did not. If you think about it though, it appears to me that every food item is a super food on its own. Personally I feel there is no reason why  we should classify them when each of fruit/vegetable/meat/grain/oil has its own nutrients and benefits. My say is that healthy eating stems from creating and maintaining a balance of what you eat. Yes, you need sugar and fat in your diet, not necessarily in large amount but both are definitely essential to sustain your health. Plus, by eating different dishes and trying need flavours, you open your taste-bud.

Back to the topic of this post, I had a box of uncooked oats on hand and after some thinking, I decided to create 3 dishes. First is some homemade muesli, second condensed milk cookies and finally granola bars.

You will see what I am talking about with the pictures below:

Drizzle some oats, nuts, seeds and apricot with maple syrup and put in the oven (180 degrees) for about 15 minutes (mixing halfway through) until golden.

These cookies are made with condensed milk and are super delicious.

Mix your muesli mix with condensed milk and bake for about 30 minutes until the top is golden crisp and you'll end up with homemade granola bars.

Matcha (green tea) cookies

My third time using matcha powder. I decided to make some cookies. These cookies consist of almond meal, white chocolate and chopped almonds. I think they make a great combination together with the green tea powder, and the cookies are real crunchy, not only from the chocolate and almonds, but the texture itself.

 

 

 

Christmas Tree Cookie

I know this is a long overdue post. Remember I bought the cookie set a few days ago (see post here). I finally decided to make them and I reckon that my cookie tree turned out great. Here to prove it are some photos. The cookie itself was almost like shortbread. Now we simply have to wait until December to make another one. Let the countdown begins. So...until December it is ;)

 

 

 

Chocolate chip peppermint cookie

Alright this is my last post on sweet treats so far. I have already made these cookies and here is the post about it. Still I really like this cookie, especially the flavours. They are also so easy to make which marks yet another sweet treat. Shout out to all the choc mint lovers like me. Enjoy :)

 

 

Mint choc cookie

It looks like I have not been making cookies for a rather long time. It was about time for me to try new ones and coincidentally I saw this video on youtube. Mint chocolate cookie. Yes! These cookies look so irresistible. Mint and chocolate is another amazing combination that I absolute adore. Alright, I would agree that chocolate goes well with almost anything. Anyway, I could not wait to try this cookie. I got hold of all the ingredients and finally gave it a go. I end up with 20 cookies. Now let me tell you that those cookies taste really good. They are chocolaty and the mint simply boost the flavour. I put a little bit less butter because I ran out, which is why I believe they were crunchy instead of chewy, but they were still so delicious. The crunchiness I think actually make it even better. It would definitely make them again.

Right I also put all my ingredients together, like for the first time before starting off. I always tell myself this but then keep on going round the kitchen looking for my ingredients. This always end up with the kitchen being so messy and requiring more cleaning. So after a few previous lessons, I finally put all my ingredients together before getting started with the recipe- nice and neatly so that I stop from going round and round. I think this is a habit that everyone should inculcate because it really does save time, and result in less messy and stressful moments. The other day was crazy because I already started cooking and did not have all my ingredients ready, so there was such a rush and panic. Fortunately enough, it was not such a catastrophe in the end. Pheww. Nevertheless, pointless stressful time. Back on topic, give these cookies a try definitely worth it :)

Oh yes I finally get hold of a cookie jar. Hehe this is so great. The cookies look so nice in it.

Cookie and cream chocolate chip cheesecake cookie

Believe me the cookie that I made contains everything that the title says. Omg I just had a lot of craving for oreo cookies lately  and everything that has to do with cookie and cream from ice cream to shakes from cheesecake to cookies. So I saw this Oreo Cheesecake Cookies recipe and instantly fell in love with it. I mean the photos are so gorgeous and the cookies look so yummy. My thought was that I HAD to make those cookies and I had my try and they were just lovely and so good. I love the crunchiness and the taste everything. Only bad thing is that it's really rich with cream and butter in it, and sugar. So try keep your hand off the cookie container...I know hard thing to do ey. Well that said, a cookie here and there doesn't kill and it's just a perfect snack.

Ready to be put in the oven

Just out from the oven :)))

Cooling down on wire rack; can't wait to try them