Times they are a changing.... I am baking

 
I used to be the friend who made the cakes from the Woman's Weekly Cook Book for all my friends birthdays, but eventually I got sick of baking cakes which were mediocre at best due to a dodgy oven (or at least I blame the oven). So when the grill finally died on our oven (it was the only part I was still using) - it was time to bring in a new one. And it appears my baking mojo also got delivered with the oven because I have caught the baking itch. In the last 2 1/2 weeks I have baked 2 cakes and one batch of cookies. The cookies are Chewy Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies (part brownie, part cheesecake, part cookie) from the latest Real Living Magazine. Normally i don't even look at the receipes, but times they are a changing apparently!

Next up is a baked chicken. Would you believe i have never cooked one before.... off to call my mum for some advice on what the hell I am meant to do with it.

Food Post - Festive Watermelon

For those that know me (and I hope a lot of you are getting to know me) you will know I am not a bit cooking inclined - but every now and then something catches my eye and I think - i could do that, and I may even want to do that. So when i saw this image on Pinterest I thought it would make a great summer Christmas dessert.

Image via Wit & Whistle

I tried this out during the week with the idea of using the star shape watermelon on the fruit skewers at my son's birthday party this weekend- worked a treat - but I would recommend using a half / whole watermelon and not a quarter as you would end up with less wastage.

Pear

Just loved the pic and wanted to share

(image and receipe for Pear Crisp with Pecan Brown Sugar Topping from Creature Comfort Blog)

Icy Poles Anyone?

Wondering if i can use this Zoku Quick Pop Maker (apparently in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity!)

To make this (great idea for kids party):

(image source unknown)

If not - i can always make these with what i have

Tutorial by sandy toes and popsicles

Then again - with the weather outside in Sydney at the moment - I really feel like one of these:

For the how to - head to Picky Palate