The Most Amazing Brownies EVER

Now we all love a good brownie no? The problem that I find is that rarely do people bake brownies the way they are supposed to be ie. moist and decadent! I usually get these dried up weird in between cake/brownie things that just are not worth the calories!! So after a very long time searching for the ideal recipe for my dream brownies I finally came across the perfect ones, courtesy of Nigella Lawson (from her cook book "How to be a Domestic Goddess').
Its easy, never fails and DELICIOUS!

Ingredients:
- 375g soft unsalted butter
-375g dark chocolate (just like with my cookies, I use Cadbury's Bourneville Chocolate)
-6 large eggs
-1 tbsp vanilla extract (because in Cyprus this is difficult to come by, I used 2 sachets of vanilla sugar)
-500g caster sugar
-225g plain flour
-1 tsp salt


Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Line your brownie pan with greaseproof paper (use a large pan about 33 x 23 x 5 1/2 cm).

2. Chop the chocolate and melt together with the butter in a heavy based pan

3. While they are melting beat the eggs, sugar & vanilla in a measuring jug (this is to make it easier for pouring later, if its difficult, mix them in a bowl and then transfer the mixture to a jug). Also measure the flour and salt in another bowl

4. When the chocolate & butter has melted let it cool a but before beating in the egg mixture. IT IS ESSENTIAL that you keep mixing while you pour to prevent the eggs from cooking in the chocolate!!

5. Then add the flour (bit by bit otherwise you will get it everywhere...trust me he he he ). Mix that in well.Then pour into your baking tin.

6. Bake for 25 minutes (if you want them a little more runny and moorish then take them out after 20 minutes!

USE A TIMER!! The secret to brownies is not to over cook them! 

When you take them out of the oven the mixture will be very soft in the middle 

Dont be afraid that is how they are supposed to be! Otherwise you will get the 

weird inbetween cake things! 

7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for min 30 mins before you cut them up into squares. And for an extra presentation, dust them a bit with icing sugar!! 

ENJOY! 

Xmas Coconut Treats

Merry Xmas everyone and a Happy New Year! I hope that you all enjoyed the holidays, and if they were anything like mine, it probably consisted of a ridiculous amount of eating he he he
Well since we are still slightly in the festive mood (I always have a problem saying good bye to Xmas ) I thought I would share with you a traditional Xmas treat recipe that my mum has made since I can remember.
It is a traditional Egyptian recipe that she learnt from my grandmother who lived many years in Cairo.
Apart from the fact they look (and taste) yummy, they are also RIDICULOUSLY easy!
Here you go:

Ingredients:

-1 can of sweet condensed milk
-250gr bag of dried coconut
-Extra coconut to coat the treats
-Green and Red Glace Cherries

[This mixture makes about 12 small treats. For the amount that I made now, I tripled the ingredients, ie 3 cans with 3 bags of coconut. ]


Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 180 C and cover a tray with greasproof paper
2.  Mix the condensed milk and the coconut in a bowl until you get a mixture that can be easily moulded.

NOTE: if you need to add more coconut than the bag contains then do so. You do not want a very runny mixture. 

3. Next take small amounts of the mixture and roll it in your hands. They should be maximum 2-3cm in diameter, (dont make them too big as they lose their 'charm'). They coat them in the extra coconut you have. TIP: to make moulding easier, put a little bit of water on your palms to make it easier to roll the dough. 

4. Next place all the treats on the tray and decorate them with glace cherries (you will find that one cherry per treat is way too big so you will need to cut them into quarters)

5. Place them in the over FOR A MAXIMUM of 10-15 minutes. You just want them to get golden brown, be very careful as they burn very easily. 

AND VOILA! adorable looking xmas treats! [also great for parties] 

Fool- Proof Pizza Dough

Here is a great recipe for when you are going to have some friends over and you want to make a quick and easy meal. Homemade pizza is a great answer! You usually have all the ingredients you need at home and concerning the topping you can place pretty much anything you have in the house.

Ingredients:

Makes one large baking tray

 For the Dough
- 4 1/2 cups of plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 sachets of ready-to-use yeast
- 9 tbsp olive oil
- Luekwarm water (enough to knead the dough)

For the tomato sauce base
- One tin of tomato passata
- 3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
-


STEPS:

- Sift the flour into a mixing bowl, add the salt and the yeast.

-Mix in the olive oil with a spoon

-Slowly add the lukewarm water until you have a sticky dough

- Allow dough to rise for 1 hour or so (the dough should double in size)

- Preheat oven to 200 C

- Take your tray and grease it thoroughly with olive oil

- Then with your hands place the dough in the tray, making sure it reaches all the corners

 

 

- Then make the tomato base by mixing all the above ingredients and place onto the pizza base

- Then you can add any topping you like. My favourites are goat's cheese, fresh basil & of course mozarella for the top. Also try porcini mushrooms & prosciutto.

- Bake in the oven for 40 mins

 

 

 





 

Woopdedoop #5: Trip to Stockholm

Sorry it has been so long since my last post! I really did not realise how time has completely flown by! Well I have many new recipes that I would like to share with you but firstly lets start with my recent trip to Stockholm. Now for those of you who have never visited Sweden and in particular Stockholm, I must say you will be completely blown away.
Apart from the beautiful scenery, architecture, design and that 'perfect' Swedish way of life, Stockholm is an absolute haven for a foodie. The local cuisine is perfect (if you like fish and meat), but what really excited me is the vast array of international and local cuisine that can be found throughout the city.
Below I have posted some photos from my trip and finish off with my most FAVOURITE discovery...swedish chocolate balls.

View from my hotel! waking up to this everyday :)

Mussles with White wine and Garlic sauce!!!!!

Accompanies by one of the many local beers

 

The most amazing Corque Monsieur I have had

A MUST if you visit Stockholm!!
 

And the desserts......

AND FINALLY.... chocolate balls!!!

Ingredients:

 

- 4 cups of rolled oats

- 1 1/4 cups sugar

- 1/2 cup cocoa powder

- 1 cup sofetned unsalted butter

- 2 tbsp strong coffee

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1/3 cup shredded coconut

 

 

STEPS:

 

1. Mix the oats, sugar and cocoa in a bowl. Add the butter and use your hands to mix the ingredients together to make a thick dough. Mix in the coffee and vanilla.

 

2. Place the coconut in a seperate bowl

 

3. Pinch off small amounts of the dough and roll them into little balls. Then roll them in the coconut so that the entire ball is coated. Balls are ready to eat. For a better texture, place them in the refrigerator for 2 hours. ENJOY!

 

 



 

Yoghurt Chicken with Olives & Lemony Roast Potatoes

This recipe is ideal for a dinner with friends. Actually I thought of it when I was going to have some friends over and was thinking what the hell to do. I hadnt managed to go supermarket shopping that day so I was out of the usual condiments that I like adding like pesto, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes etc. I ALWAYS have yoghurt at home (you will see the trend in my recipes) and I had some delicious marinated greek olives so I thought why not?
Also these oven roasted potatoes are a perfect side to any dish AND they are not drenched in oil like most roast potatoes (not that I mind but maybe the more health conscious of you will prefer :) ).
So here goes:

Ingredients:

For the chicken:
- 4 large fillets of chicken
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 cups of Greek Yoghurt
- 1 cup of pitted green olives (I used pimento olives)
- 2 tsp Italian herb mix (oregano, basil, thyme )
- sea salt + freshly ground pepper


For the potatoes:
- 6 large potatoes
- The juice of 2 large lemons (it must be greshly squeezed)
-3 tbsp of English mustard
- 1 tbsp soya sauce
-Sea salt  + freshly ground pepper



STEPS:

Chicken:

1) Slice 2 garlic cloves into slivers. Pierce the chicken fillets and place a sliver of garlic in them, (this not only gives a lovely sweet garlic taste to an ordinarily bland fillet but it also allows the marinade to penetrate the meat better making it even more tender).
2) Place the chicken in a bowl and add 1 tsp of herbs and the 2 cups of yoghurt. Mix well, cover with clingfilm and leave overnight in the fridge to marinate. NOTE: if you forget, then try to leave it for minimum 1 hour before you cook it.
3) Preheat your oven to 180 C and line a baking tray with grease proof paper (TIP: I find that this has a magical way of keeping the chicken from burning too quickly!)
4) Remove chicken from the fridge and plac onto a baking tray. Dont forget to put all of the marinade in with the chicken.
5) Add the remaining 1 tsp of herbs and season with salt and pepper
6) Take the olives and slice them thinly. Then stuff the fillets with the sliced olives. Place them everywhere! Under the fillets, in between, on top etc.
7) Cover with tin foil and bake for 15 mins
8) After the 15mins, remove the foil and continue to bake for 15 - 20 mins until thoroughly cooked

Potatoes:
1)Preheat the oven to 180C, and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper
2) Peel the potatoes and slice into wedges, place into the baking tray and drizzle with olive oil

3)Mix the freshly squeezed  lemon juice, soya sauce and mustard together in a bowl and add to the potatoes.
4) Season with salt and pepper and mix with your hands to ensure that the sauce has been equally distributed!
5)Place in the oven and cook for approx an hour. NOTE: check on the potatoes every 20 mins to prevent the top ones from burning.

SOOOOOOO after this you get a lovely, light dinner for 4 people! Enjoy!

Turron de Avena (Chocolate Oat Wafer Bars)

We were talking with my Argentinian friend one day about childhood treats that we miss (eg.  chocolate rice crispies, flapjacks etc) and he told me about one of his favourites which was Turron de Avena (chocolate oat bars). They are a staple in all Argentinian households!
 I happen tp LOOVE anything to do with oats so I asked him to send me the recipe they used to use so I could try it out. Guys they are unbelievably easy and ridiculously mourish!!
Try them out!

Ingredients:

- 3 packs of plain cream/water crackers (make sure that they have no salt or other flavourings)
-12 tbsp of sugar
-12 tbsp of milk
-12 tbsp of oats
-12 tbsp of cocoa (if want it extra sweet you can also use Nesquick)
-200 grams of unsalted butter

STEPS:

1) Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat
2) When it melts add the cocoa, sugar, milk and last the oats. Mix well and allow the mixture to cook for 3 mins (continue to stir so as to avoid it burning on the bottom).
3) Then layer the bottom of a tray with the crackers. Add a layer of the mixture (use a spatula to spread it evenly to create a layer).
4) Then repeat this so you have another 2 layers of crackers finishing off with a layer of the mixture.
5) Place the tray in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours so it can set, then cut into small squares and serve.....AND THATS IT!!

Stuffed Mushrooms with Goats Cheese

I find that when preparing dinner for friends, these stuffed mushrooms are always a great success. And they are sooo easy!

Ingredients:
- Button mushrooms (depending on how many people you will have)
- Goats cheese
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil

STEPS:
1) Preheat oven to 180C
2) Remove the stems from the mushrooms, drizzle the mushrooms with some olive oil and then stuff with goats cheese
3) Place in the oven until the mushrooms are grilled and the goats cheese becomes golden.
4) Remove and garnish with fresh basil.

Mary Berry's Irish Soda Bread

I have just bought Mary Berry's Baking Bible and it is fantastic! I tried her recipe for Irish Soda Bread one Sunday for brunch, it is quick and wasy and it has no yeast so you dont have to wait for it to rise!

Ingredients:
- 450g white plain flour
- 1 tsp of baking soda
-1 tsp salt
-150ml milk
-150ml yoghurt
-About 6 tbsp of water

STEPS:
1) Preheat the oven to 200C
2) Mix together all the dry ingredients
3) Add the milk and yoghurt mixture and enough water to form a very soft dough
4) Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and shape into a neat round about 18cm. Place on a baking tray and make a shallow cross on the top with a sharp knife.
5) Bake in the preheated oven for 30 mins, then turn the bread upside -down and continue baking for 10-15 mins or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped at the bottom.

Easy NO FAIL Chocolate Cake

Finally after years of looking for the perfect MOIST chocolate cake recipe, I finally found one that is easy, versatile and never fails! You can make it into a cake or cupcakes!
So here it is courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk/recipes (by Rachel Manley)

Ingredients:
- 225g plain flour
- 350g caster sugar
-85g cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
-1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-2 free range eggs
-250ml milk
-125ml of vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
-250ml boiling water

STEPS:

1) Preheat the oven to 180 C , Grease and line a 20cm baking tin
2) Mix the eggs, sugar, milk,cocoa, vegetable oil and vanilla extract
3) Mix in flour, baking soda and baking powder
4) Then mix in the boiling water (the mixture will be slightly watery like chocolate milk)
5) Pour into the baking tin and cook for 40 mins or until a skewer inserted in the cake comes out clean.
VOILA your cake is ready.

Here are some tips that you can do:

Nutella Frosting

- To make the nutella easy to spread boil some water and place the jar in the water (baine marie) this will keep the nutella smooth and easy to spread

-Also to keep your plate clean, place aluminium foil all around the cake (see below) and when your are finished just remove them!

CUPCAKES

- This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes

-Follow the recipe as above, just place the mixture in cupcake tins instead of a cake tin

- IMPORTANT: the cupcakes take about 5-10mins to cook!! Be careful you don't burn them!

- Then you can frost them with butter icing or nutella!

Woopdedoop #4

Now that the summer has come I just lovvvve this french grenache rose wine!! Great on a summer afternoon with grapes, nuts and goats cheese!!

Amaazing whole wheat apple muffins

I had some apples that I wanted to use so I went on my favourite blog smitten kitchen (smittenkitchen.com) and found this unbelievable recipe for apple muffins! They are amazingly moist!!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinammon
- 1 large free range egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (v. important that it is at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark , brown sugar
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 2 large apples peeled and chopped

- Preheat oven to 180C.
-Place cupcake holders in your cupcap baking tin

Steps:
1) Mix the flours together, baking powder, baking soda, salt & cinammon and set aside.
2) In a seperate bowl, cream butter and both sugars. Beat until fluffy.
3) Add the egg and mix well. Mix in the yoghurt gently (if you over mix it will curdle the mixture)
4) Stir in the dry ingredients and fold in apple chunks
5) Divide the mixture evenly in the muffin cups and sprinkle each one with brown sugar (do not miss this step it really makes them amazing)
6) Bake for 15- 20 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the centre of the muffins.
7) Cool the muffins and Enjoy!!!

Easy homemade pesto sauce

This year I have had surprising success with my herbs! For once they have not
(yet) died on me! So I found myself having to trim my basil to strengthen it and wondering what to do with 5 bunches of basil. Soooo I decided to make some simple pesto-style sauce which is great with pork and chicken! So here is the simple recipe:

Ingredients:

- 4-5 cups of basil leaves (take them off the stems)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (you can always add more depending on how you want it)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tbsp capers
- parmesan (optional as this makes it heavier)
- 2-3 anchovies (optional, I would not use this if you are going to use it as sauce on pork)

NOTE: you can always make more and place in a jar. Just increase the quanities

Place everything in a food processor until all pieces are well blended. Then you can just use it anywhere:
a) place it on pork chops or chicken pieces and then cook in the oven for a very light and tasty meal
b) use it in pasta
c) cut potatoes into small cubes, mix in pesto sauce , place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and then cook in over at 180C
Enjoy!!!

pork chops

chicken pieces

The 10 minute brunch / lunch / dinner

Here is a recipe for a healthy, easy and fast meal that is well balanced.
Basically we are talking about a poached egg, wholemeal toasted bread (drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar), served with mixed salad! So easy yet surprisingly filling!

How to poach your egg:
Now there are a million theories on how to poach and egg. Some use special little cups, some try the professional chefs way etc etc. After many a failed attempt I have found that using simple poaching rings (metallic rings that look like cookie cutters) never fails! You just bring the water to a boil, place the rings in the pan, gently break the egg in the ring and cook for approx 3 mins (depending on how you like your eggs).

Then place your egg on the toast and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve with mixed salad (I find a mixture of baby spinach, rocket and watercress is the best combination).
E voila!

Yoghurt Chicken

This is a recipe that happened by accident! I had some leftover yoghurt and I thought instead of throwing it away I would dump it in with the chicken! Its a really easy 'foundation' to work on as you can change the spices according to what you feel like at the time.
Here is the 'Mediterranean' version:

Ingredients:

- 3 chicken fillets
- 3 large cloves of garlic (crushed)
- 2 cups of light greek strained yoghurt
-  3 cubannelle peppers (the long, sweet, light/yellow green ones)
- 1 small onion
- 1 - 2 tbs of balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbs of olive oil
- oregano
-sea salt & freshly ground pepper


Steps:

 1. Cut the chicken into small pieces (about 3cm cubed), add the crushed garlic cloves and the yoghurt. Mix well, cover the bowl with cling film and leave overnight to marinate. (If you do not have the time then leave it for a minimum of 1 1/2 hours to marinate).

2. Preheat the oven to 180 C. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

3. Thinly slice the onion into 'ribbons' not cubed. Then thinly slice the peppers in the same way. Add them to the mixture along with remaining ingredients.

4. Place the mixture in the baking tray, spreading it out as much as possible. Cook for 20-30 mins until chicken is cooked and BEFORE it dries out.

I like to make some wild rice or bulghar wheat as a side dish and mixing it together with the chicken

TIPS: sometimes I add tandoori or masala spices and chilli flakes for an indian version! If you use these spices replace the balsamic vinegar with lemon.


Enjoy!!

Woopdedoop #3

Yesterday I discovered a really adorable new cupcake shop in Strovolos, Sweet Lavender Cupcakes!
They have the most amazing flavours, coconut, mocha espresso, red velvet, peanut butter, lemon and the list goes on. They are also suprisingly moist! Well Done!
www.sweetlavendercupcakes.com,

Woopdedoop #2

Roses are in season and I just picked these from my mother's garden! Beautiful addition to any table!!

Lenny's Banana Loaf

After asking permission from my good friend Lena, I have decided to share with you her amazing recipe for moist, light Banana Loaf!

Ingredients:
- 4 free range eggs
-1 cup of sugar
- 2 1/2 cups of plain flour
-3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbs milk
- 2 tsp cinammon
- 6 large ripe bananas (if your bananas are not that ripe then thinly slice them into the mixture)

STEPS:
- Preheat your oven to 170-180C
- Mix eggs, sugar, oil, milk and cinammon together
-Add flour, baking powder and baking soda
-Finally add the bananas
- Place mixture in greased baking tray and cook for apprx. 40 mins
-To check if it is ready place a skewer in the middle and if it comes out clean it is ready
(TIP: if it needs more baking then place some foil on the top so that the top of the loaf does not burn)

Cookie Cake!

Remember the cookie recipe I posted a while ago? Well after a personal request, I made it into a 3-tier cake! You just simply make the same recipe 3 times but just making one large cookie each time!!

Just make sure that the ends dont burn before it cooks thoroughly, lower the temperature a bit!

Easy (& Healthy) Broccoli Bake

This is a very easy and simple way to create a healthy side dish using broccoli.

Ingredients:
- 3 large heads of broccoli
- 3 large cloves of garlic (finely SLICED not crushed or chopped)
- the juice of 3 large lemons
- 3-4 tbs of light soya sauce (depending on how strong you like it)
- 3 tbs of olive oil
- chilli flakes (optional)

STEPS:

- Preheat your oven to 180 C
-Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper (this helps the broccoli cook quicker)
-Clean and cut the broccoli into small pieces (this little bunches)
- Add all the above ingredients and everything well with your hands (I find this makes sure everything is evenly spread)
- Then place the tray in the oven for 35045 minutes
NOTE: after 20mins check the broccoli to and mix it up a bit if you see that the top bits have started to go crispy.

The broccoli should be firm and slightly crispy (it is not meant to go soft like it does when boiled). It is great mixed in with freshly cooked pasta for a super light meal!

Easy Homemade burgers

There are some days when you come home from work really late and you really want to cook something quickly and with as little fuss as possible. This is where these burgers really come in handy. You take a couple from the freezer (no need to defrost), place them on a baking tray (lined with grease proof paper), drizzle a little olive oil on them and bung them in to oven (160C) for aprox.40 minutes and voila you have your dinner (accompanied with rice, cous cous and salad). SO EASY!

INGREDIENTS:  (makes 12 large burgers)

- 1 kilo minced meat (I use pork but you can also use beef if you prefer)
- 1 large grated carrot
- 1 large pepper finely chopped
-  1 1/2 cups of bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup rolled oats (Quaker)
- 1 free range egg
- 4 tablespoons of Lea and Perrin's
- a bunch of finely chopped parsley
- freshly ground pepper and salt to season


STEPS:

Just place all ingredients together in a bowl and mix well. Then make the burger patties and place in a tray lined with greaseproof paper and place in the freezer!

 TIP: Feel free to experiment with the spices that you add to the burgers. Add tikka masala and chilli flakes for a spicy option or cumin and corriander for a Middle Eastern touch!

Enjoy!!