Valentine's Day Cookies

I've been wanting to learn how to make royal icing for a while now. Royal icing is used to decorate cakes and biscuits and it sets hard. After reading up about the techniques and ingredients I thought that making Valentine's treats for my family and friends would be the perfect opportunity to try it. People make it different ways, using egg whites or meringue powder. Although sometimes controversial I decided to use the original egg white recipe, I couldn't see how these raw egg whites would be a problem if it has been done this way for years. I made them using the 'flooding' technique where you outline the shape you want and then thin out the mixture slightly and fill the area in. They were a lot of fun to make and look really cute topped off with coloured sprinkles.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today was my Dad's birthday. We had a really nice relaxing day, which of course included eating birthday cake. I can't take much credit for this as Mum was more about the production and I was in charge of design. Based on the ribbon I chose blue, and managed to find a shade that didn't scream baby boy (but maybe Smurf). Creating a manly looking birthday cake is actually pretty tricky, but I think he really liked it.

Whoopie Pies

These are easily one of the most fun things I've ever made. The recipe is from my Whoopie pie book which was a brilliant Christmas present. With the help of the lovely Alexia we made the original chocolate with marshmallow filling combo. These were easy to make and are the best mixture of cake and cookie texture. I will definitely be working my way through the rest of the book.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

After a long and stressful week I felt like I deserved these. I've been wanting them for a few days now after watching a Friends episode that mentioned oatmeal cookies...I used this recipe but just used chocolate chips instead of nuts. They are just the right amount chewy and are perfect with a cup of tea or glass of milk. A good way to start a relaxing weekend.