2 Layered Strawberry Shortcake!

For my little sister's birthday a few weeks ago I made a layered strawberry shortcake.  All of the guests over at my house said it was the best cake they had ever tasted.  This is the yummiest cake I have ever tasted.  The whipped cream added the perfect sweet touch!  This is an absolutely delicious dessert.  This is a cake you have to try!

 

 

Layered Strawberry Shortcake

1 1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
4 eggs, separated
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
4 cups sliced strawberries
whipped cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F

In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup of sugar and baking soda. Mix well

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat egg yolks, water, oil and lemon juice.  At low speed, beat in flour mixture until smooth.

Using clean beaters, beat egg whites on high speed until foamy. Beat in cream of tartar until soft peaks form.  Beat in remaining sugar until stiff, but not dry, peaks form.  Fold in beaten eggs into flour mixture. 
Pour the batter into 2 pans.

Bake until the top is golden. About 25 mins.  Depending on the size of your pan and the heat of the oven the baking time can vary so check on your cake often. 

While the cake is in the oven, you can make your delicious whipping cream!

Time for the fun part...

Cool completely.  Lay the first layer of cake on a platter and spread the whipping cream on top.  Place the fresh, sliced strawberries over top  Now you're ready for the second layer!  Spread a nice layer of whipped cream on and finish by decorating with the remaining strawberries!

 

ENJOY!

Date Squares

Date squares are the perfect sweet treat.  As the name implies, dates are the star of this dessert.
Dates are the fruit of the palm tree that grow in large bunches.  They are high in sugar, which makes it ideal for a dessert.  This is the recipe to make if you're trying to impress your guests or even just to satisfy your own sweet craving.  I guarantee you will love this dessert. Make sure you try it!

Date Filling

3 cups pitted dried dates, chopped
1 cup water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Oatmeal Crust

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup butter

Directions

Filling

Place the pitted dates and water in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and have absorbed most of the water - about 5-10 mins.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Let cool. It should be a fairly smooth consistency. 

Preheat oven to 350F and place rack in the centre of the oven.  Use 9inch square baking pan.  

Oatmeal Crust 

In a bowl, mix oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon.  Add butter and mix until it all comes together  crumbly.  Press about 2/3 of the mixture onto the base of the pan.

Spread the date mixture evenly over the oatmeal crust.
Sprinkle the remaining dough over the dates, press down gently to compact.

Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Once the squares have cooled completely, cut into squares.

Enjoy!

Let the date squares cool. 

Now you're ready to eat!

Earls Restaurant

Earls is honestly one of my favourite restaurants.  The food is the best!

My favourite dish to get is called the Hunan Kung Pao. It is wok fried noodles, made with spicy ginger soy sauce and seared vegetables topped with peanuts.  You can also customize it by adding 1-6 hunan peppers depending on how much spice you can handle. (I got 2 lol) You can get it vegetarian or you can add pan fried chicken or sauteed prawns to the dish. It is the yummiest dish ever.  I go to Earl's just to get this. You have to try it!

 

Earls is definately the restaurant to go.  They have amazing food, a fun atmosphere and nice service.

http://www.earls.ca/

Hunan Kung Pao

I ate my whole meal with chopsticks!!

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Yes.  I'm a pasta lover.  Pesto pasta is one of my all time favorites.  My mom makes amazing pasta and the other day I helped her make this one.  This pasta dish is quick, delicious and healthy. Try this recipe out, I guarantee you won't regret it!

A bowl of delicious chicken pesto pasta

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless

1 tbsp olive oil

5 cups rotini pasta

3/4 cup pesto

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/4 cup pine nuts

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/3 cup olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

Preparation

Cut chicken into pieces. Then in a skillet, oil heat over medium-high heat - cook chicken. Stir often, cook for 5 minutes so it is no longer pink inside.  Then set aside.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta for 8-10 minutes. 

To the pasta, add chicken, salt, pepper, toss to coat.  Heat through.

Pesto

In food processor, finely chop together basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, salt and pepper.  With the motor running, add oil in thin steady stream.  Stir in garlic.  (This can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze up to 6 months) 

Enjoy your pesto pasta! 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Enjoy the perfect peanut butter cookie with a glass of milk :)

This is the perfect cookie.  For all you peanut butter lovers, this is definitely the recipe you've been looking for. I can't explain how great the texture of this cookie is.  It is everything you want in a cookie, The outside is crisp while the inside stays soft and delicate.  If you love to bake, you have to try this!

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup peanut butter (I used smooth)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Batter

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the egg, vanilla and peanut butter.
Beat it until it is smooth.  Mix in the flour, baking soda, salt.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet.

Bake for 10-12 mins, or until lightly browned.




Enjoy with a big glass of milk!

Pumpkin Spice Cake

A piece of pumpkin spice cake <3

This is a delicious cake.  The warm spices paired with the pumpkin is so good!
Me and my mommy made this cake  together the other day and I loved it, I know you will too! 

Ingredients

4 eggs

1 cups granulated sugar

]1 cup cooking oil

14 oz. canned pumpkin

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).  Beat eggs in a mixing bowl until frothy.  Add sugar.  Beat until fluffy and lemony in color.

Mix in oil and pumpkin slowly.  Beat well.

Add remaining ingredients.  Stir until moistened.  Turn into greased and floured 10 inch (25 cm) angel food tube pan.  Bake in oven for about 1 hour or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

Let it cool. Enjoy a nice big slice! 

There's nothing like a delicious Pakistani dinner (:

I had dinner at Gulberg's this weekend.  Gulberg's is a Pakistani Restaurant! It has amazing food. I love it!

Appetizers!

Chaat Papri - Served with boiled chickpeas,
chilies, yogurt, tamarind chutney topped with spices

Dahi Bhalle - Ground lentil balls deep fried, dipped in yogurt,
served with chutney

Maash daal - Lentils 

Daal Makhni - Lentils 

Fresh Roti

Rice

http://gulbergrestaurant.com/
509-15950 Fraser Highway, Surrey

Perfect Palak Paneer

Palak paneer is an Indian dish that combines fresh spinach with a fresh cheese called paneer in a creamy curry. It is wonderfull served with naan or basmati rice.  The key to this dish is all of the amazing spices.

Palak Paneer served with roti

Ingredients:

6 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger root
2 red chili peppers
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
3/4 cup sour cream
3 lbs fresh spinach
1 large tomato, quartered
8 ounces of paneer
Sea salt to taste

Directions

1.  In a large saucepan heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and saute garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of ginger, red chilies and onion until brown.  Mix in teh cumin, coriander, turmeric and sour cream (more or less to achieve desired creaminess.) Add the spinach, handfuls at a time until it is cooked down, about 15 mins in total.  Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

2. Pour spinach mixture into a blender or food processor and add the tomato, the remaining 1/2 tbsp of ginger and cilantro (more or less according to taste).  Blend for 15 to 30 seconds, or until the spinach is finely chopped.  Pour back into the saucepan and keep warm over low heat.

 

3.  In a medium frying pan heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat and fry cheese until browned; drain and add to spinach. Cook for 10 mins on low heat.  Season with salt to taste.

Enjoy on top of steamed basmati rice or fresh naan and roti! 

Aysha's Homemade Spaghetti

Spaghetti is always a delicious meal to have.  This recipe is quick and yummy.  You have to try it!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup minced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup celery, minced

1 pound lean ground beef

1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp lemon and herb seasoning mix
1 cup fresh chopped mushrooms

2 cups tomato sauce

1 pound spaghetti

3 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 

Sprinkle of grated cheese

Directions

1.  In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium high heat; saute onion for 2 minutes.  Then add celery, garlic and mushrooms.

2. Then add the meat; cook until no longer pink. Add all of the seasonings. 

3.  Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil with salt.  Put the spaghetti into the water and cook for 7 to 8 minutes only.

5.  When ready to serve, combine pasta with meat sauce. If desired, top with fresh basil and cheese. 

Pakistani Chicken Pulao

Chicken Pulao is such a yummy dish.  It is rice cooked with chicken in it.   The aromatic spices and flavors give it the most amazing taste ever.  This is one of my all time favorite foods in the world.  No one can beat my grandma's pulao.  You have to try this dish, I guarantee you will love it!

Ingredients:

1 large chicken (skinned and cut into pieces)
2 cups of plain yogurt
1 tsp. Garlic paste
1 tsp. Ginger paste
1 large Onion (chopped)
4 Cardamom pods
1 tsp. Whole cumin seeds
1 tsp. Cloves
2-3 Green chilies (chopped)
1 tsp. Red chili powder
1/2 tsp. Turmeric powder
1 cup Tomato puree or 2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup Fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves
2 cups Long grain rice/basmati rice
2 tbsp Clarified butter (Ghee) or oil
4 cups Water

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot.  When the oil is hot, add onions and whole spices.  Stir fry for a few minutes, add ginger and garlic paste.  Reduce heat and add powdered spices.  Do not burn them.

2.  Add tomatoes.  When they are well mixed, add plain yogurt and stir well.

3.  Add chicken pieces and mint leaves and stir well so that the yogurt masala coats the chicken well.
Cook for 30-40 minutes on medium heat until the chicken is cooked.

4.  Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.

5.  Add 2 cups of rice and salt to taste.

6. Cook on low heat with the lid on until the rice is cooked.

7.  Sprinkle coriander leaves on top and lightly mix.

8.  Serve on a plate with yogurt and salad.

Enjoy!

"Love at First Bite" Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Freshly baked perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These are the yummiest, easiest and best tasting cookies you will come across in your life.
They are perfectly moist on the inside with just the perfect outer texture.
You honestly have to try them.

1 cup Butter or margarine, softened
1 cup Brown sugar, packed
1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/4 tsp Salt
1 1/4 Rolled Oats
1 cup Raisins

Cream butter and sugar together.  Beat in egg and vanilla.
Add remaining ingredients.  Mix well.  Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake in 350F (180C) oven to 8 to 10 minutes.

Enjoy your perfect oatmeal raisin cookies!

Gelato in Fort Langley

Fort Langley is one of the best places when it comes to gelato.
Gelato is the Italian version of ice-cream.  It is made from milk instead of cream and is known for its real, rich and bold flavours.  It is honestly one of the best sweet desserts you will ever taste.

I was in Fort Langley to film a music video for a school project and my friends and I decided to go to Maria's Gelato.  The selection of flavours make it a hard choice to decide on a flavour.  The last few times I visited I got hazelnut gelato and pistachio gelato.  This time I tried bachio (hazelnut and chocolate)

IT WAS SO YUMMY.
If you are ever in Fort Langley, this is the place to go!

Bottom left corner - Bachio Gelato
Top corner - Strawberry Sorbetto
Bottom right corner - hazelnut Gelato 

Rice Krispy Balls!

This is a fast, easy and delicious sweet treat!
I made these with my grandma yesterday <3 You have to try this recipe. I hope you enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

50 mL 1/4 cup margarine or butter
250 g 1 pkg (about 40) regular marshmallows or 5 cups miniature
2 mL 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1.5 L 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

PREPARATION

1. Melt margarine in large saucepan over low heat.  Add marshmellows and stir until completely melted.  Remove from heat.

2.  Stir in vanilla.  Then stir in rice krispies cereal until well coated.  Using a lightly butted spatula, press into a buttered pan.

3.  Allow mixture to cool.  Cut into bars.  They taste best is served the same day.

(Instead of putting the rice krispies into a pan, we pressed them into circles.  They will cool the exact same way and both are absolutely a delight to serve)

Now you're ready to eat. Enjoy :)

Dahi Bhalle (Pakistani Appetizer)

Home made bhalle 

Ingredients

1 cup Black gram lentils (split/washed)
2 lbs. Yogurt
1 tbsp. Cumin powder (roasted)
2 tbsp. Red chili power
1 tbsp. Salt 
1 tbsp. Ginger
2 tbsps. Coriander leaves 
Tamarind chutney to taste (optional)
Chutney to taste
Vegetable Oil for frying
Potatoes/Chickpeas (Optional) 

Directions

1. Wash and soak the lentils in cold water for a few hours. Strain and grind to a smooth paste.
2. Whisk into a batter with salt (1 tsp), roasted cumin powder(2 tsp), Roasted red chili powder (1 tsp) and salt (2 tsp), mix well and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Drop one tbsp. of batter in flat round shape into Heated oil and fry until light golden.
4. Put fried bhallas into water and let them soak until soft. 
5. Drain, squeezing out the water between the palms of your hands.
6. Mix yogurt well with salt to taste.
7. To serve, place the bhallas on a plate and cover with yogurt.  You can also add pieced of potatoes and chickpeas for an extra element. 
8. Add Mint chutney and Tamarind chutney (these are optional).
9. Sprinkle red chili powder, black salt and roasted cumin powder. Garnish with coriander leaves.  

Enjoy! 

Pakistani Dinner

Looking for amazing Pakistani food to eat? Gulberg's cuisine is the place to go.

They have delicious food, great service and a lovely atmosphere.

The other day we went to Gulberg's for a late snack in the evening. 

We got dahi bhalle.  Which are ground lentil balls deep fried, dipped in yogurt and served with chutney.  

Then we indulged on the mixed tandoori platter which consists of kebabs and chicken tikka.  The meat are marinated in exotic spices and cooked in  a tandoor.  The freshly made naans hot off the tandoor with melted butter tastes amazing. 

Halwa

A bowl of hot halwa off the stove <3

Halwa is a sweet south Asian dessert perfect for satisfying you're sweet tooth. It is so delicious...

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sooji (semolina flour)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clear butter)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2cup water
• Pinch of cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds for garnish

Method:

1. Boil the water with sugar, and cardamom powder in a pan over low medium heat. Bring to a boil and Set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a frying pan on medium heat.
3. Add sooji and roast to golden brown color; stirring constantly this will take about 5 to 8 minutes. Sooji will be golden brown in color and will have a light sweet aroma.
4. Add the syrup slowly, as you add the syrup to sooji water will splatter.
5. Turn down the heat to medium low and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Sooji will absorb the water, as the Halwa cools so keep Halwa a little more softer then you want.
7. Garnish with almonds.

Perfect Pakoras

Pakoras are an all-time favorite Indian snack.  It is perfect for any occasion.
Pakoras are delicious paired with a cup of hot Indian Chai.

Pakoras are made with different vegetables, which are dipped in a spicy besan (gram flour) batter and deep-fried.

Ir is the perfect food to eat any time of the day.  This is my all time favorite snack!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1 tablespoon of coarsely ground coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 
• 2 chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 3/4 cup of water
• Oil to fry
• 1 small potato, sliced thin
• 8 thin slices of cauliflower
• 1/2 small zucchini, sliced thin

Method:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together: besan, rice flour, coriander powder, and salt. 
2. Add the water slowly to make a smooth batter (consistency of pancake batter)
3. Next, add the green chilies and cilantro. Mix well.
4. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium high heat.
5. The frying pan should have at least 11/2 inch of oil. (To check if the oil is ready, put one drop of batter in oil. The batter should come up but not change color right away).
6. Dip the vegetable slices in the batter one at a time and slowly drop in frying pan.
7. Fry the pakoras in small batches. The pakoras will take about 4 to 5 minutes to cook.
8. Turn them occasionally. Fry the pakoras until both sides are golden-brown.
9. Repeat this process. The crispy, delicious pakoras are ready to serve.

Tips:

If oil is too hot pakoras will not be crispy and or if oil is not hot enough pakoras will be greasy.

Variations:

You can use almost any vegetable when making these pakoras, such as eggplant, onion, cabbage, bell pepper, and different kinds of chilies! Experimenting with different flavors is good! 

Serving SuggestionsThe pakoras are even tastier when dipped in fresh cilantro chutney or tamarind chutney

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

Stuffed Bell Pepper :)

5 green pepper
1 lb Ground beef
1/2 onion
1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
2 celery stalks
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ml rice
1/2 cup cheddar cheese or mozza cheese
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp seasoning salt

Sloppy seasoning:
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp cayenne pepper/chili flakes
1 tsp herb seasoning blend
1/2 tsp salt

Method:


1)  Bring water to a boil and cook the rice.
2) Cut green pepper in half lengthwise. Discard seeds. Parcook by immersing in boiling water in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and place upside down on a plate.
3) Saute ground beef, onion, celery, mushrooms, garlic and all seasonings until ground beef is browned.
4) Mix together all ingredients for the sloppy seasoning.  Mix it into the beef and rice mixture.
5) Spoon into green pepper pieces and sprinkle with cheese on top.
6) Bake in the oven until the peppers are baked through and the cheese is melted.

Enoy!

Nanaimo Bars

This is the treat to satisfy your sweet craving.
It is sooo yummy.  I guarantee you will love it! These are in the shape of easter eggs, which make is a unique spin on the traditional nanaimo bars.  This recipe is guaranteed to wow your guests :)

Centre (white)

Ingredients:

-250ml soft margarine

-250ml icing sugar

-25ml milk

-15ml custard powder

Method:

1) Blend the margarine, icing sugar, milk and custard powder with a woodden spoon

2) Spread carefully over the top sides of the eggs, chill in 15minutes

Base (yolk)

Ingredients:

-60ml margarine

-30ml sugar

-1 egg

-2ml vanilla

-7ml cocoa

-250ml graham cracker crumbs

-125ml unsweetened coconut

-60ml walnut pieces chopped finely

Method:

1) Put the margarine, sugar, egg, vanilla, and cocoa in the top pot of a double boiler. Then water in the bottom of the pot should be just below and not touching the bottom of the top part

2) Stir and cook over medium heat until the mixture is slightly thick, about 5minutes. Remove from heat

3) Mix the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and nuts in a bowl

4) Pour the hot mixture over the crumbs, Mix with a wooden spoon

5) Using your hands, form small egg shapes. Put an waxed paper on a cookie sheet.

chocolate topping (shell)

ingredients:

-120ml semisweet chocolate

-30ml margarine

method:

1) Melt the chocolate and margarine in the top pot of a double boiler over medium heat

2) Quickly swirl the eggs around the melted chocolate. Use 2 forks to lift each egg out of the pot

3) Spread the chocolate over any parts that did not get covered. Put the eggs back on the cookie sheet and chill again.

Day At The Beach!

There's nothing like having delicious fish n' chips at the beach.
Crispy fresh cut fries, fluffy light battered halibut and ling-cod fish, fresh cut onion rings, yummy coleslaw and a perfectly home made tartar sauce.
At the beach on a sunny spring day, it was an amazing day.  Absolutely amazing fish n' chips followed by 2 perfect scoops of ice-cream.

If your looking for a place to eat, the Fishboat is the place to go.
http://fishboat.ca/

FishBoat Restaurant

15513 Marine Drive

White Rock, BC V4B-1C9

Phone: 778 294-3474

The best ice-cream in the world is at Moomoo's
15547 Marine Dr
White Rock, BC V4B1C9
604 837-8976

Fish n 'chips @ the Fishboat Restaurant, Whiterock

Lemon Blueberry Coffeecake

My famous lemon blueberry coffeecake!

It is my mommy's birthday today and I decided to make her this absolutely amazing cake.
This is my all time favourite cake recipe.  It turns out perfect every time.  I don't have the words to describe how delicious this cake is.  You HAVE to try it!

Cake:

1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup margarine
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp finely grated lemon rind
1 1/2 cups blueberries

Glaze:

1/2 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp margarine

1.  In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, soda and salt.
2.  In a large bowl, with electric mixer, cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and vanilla.
3.  Stir in yogurt and lemon rind.  Stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture, just until well mixed.
4.  Remove 1 cup of batter and set aside.  Spread rest of batter in a springform pan greased on bottom only.
5.  Place rest of batter back in bowl, stir in washed and well dried blueberries.  Spread over batter in the    pan.
6.  Bake in 350F (180C) oven for 45-50 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched in the centre.
7.  Cool for 5 minutes then remove the outer ring from pan.  Cool completely.
8.  In small bowl, mix together icing sugar, lemon juice and margarine until smooth.  Drizzle from spoon over cake in this stream.

Now it is finally time to cut yourself a big piece and enjoy with a cup of tea or latte.
<3

In the mood for a cold drink?

The Starbucks green tea frappuccino is amazing.  It is one of my favorite drinks at Starbucks.
It is a refreshing blend of sweetened matcha green tea, milk and ice.  It has a distinct and unique flavor.

I love it.  Next time your near a Starbucks, this is the drink to have!
If you're a fan of green tea, I guarantee you will absolutely love it.

Green Tea Frappuccino @Starbucks

Enjoy! 

Starbucks Happy Hour

Caramel Frappuccino @ Starbucks

From May 4th to the 13th, Starbucks had happy hour from 3pm to 5pm everyday.
All of the frappuccino's were half price.
I had so many frapps. I got to try many new flavours so I would like to share my experience with you :)

On Sunday I had the caramel frappuccino.
It is coffee blended with caramel sauce, milk and ice.  It is topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.   This is the perfect combination in a frappuccino.

It is a very popular drink.  The caramel gives it a very distinct buttery sweetness.  The fluffy swirl of whipped cream adds just the right touch of decandence.  It is tough to beat by far.  I enjoyed it a lot!

For all the caramel lovers out there, this is the drink to have!

California Roll Sushi

My friends and I got together on the weekend and had a cooking party.  My first time making sushi was a success! It' a perfect dish to make if you want to impress your guests.  I hope you have as much fun as I did, enjoy :)

California Sushi Rolls <3
They were so yummy!

Ingredients -

2 cups of rice
Sesame seeds

Dash of soy sauce

Seaweed sheets (nori)

bowl of imitation crab

2 tbsp mayonnaise
pinch of salt

Cucumber

Avacado

Assembling the sushi -

Have the rice boiled and the crab teared into pieces.

In a bowl, mix the crab with some salt and the mayonnaise.

In another bowl, have the rice mixed with soysauce and sesame seeds.

Next, lay out the seaweed sheet after you have cut it in half. 
Cover the sheet entirely with a layer of rice.

Then flip the seaweed sheet so that the rice is facing down. 

Then place the crab, avacado and cucumber horizontally on the seaweed.

Make sure all of the ingredients are equal in size and position, and roll. As you roll, press the ingredients inside what should look like a cylindrical shaped sushi roll. Make sure the sushi is rolled tightly.

Wipe a knife with a wet cloth before slicing sushi. Cut the sushi roll into bite-size pieces.

Dip into some soy sauce and wasabi.

Enjoy!

Heavenly Chocolate Chip Cookies



Heavenly chocolate chip cookies. 
You will fall in love with them. 



These are the worlds best chocolate chip cookies! If you are looking for  a sweet treat, there is nothing better than biting into one of these soft, chewy and delicious chocolate chip cookies.

You will need:

1 cup (250 ml) butter

1 cup (250 ml) packed brown sugar

1/2 cup (125 ml) granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla

2 cups (500 ml) all purpose flour

1 cup (250 ml) oats
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder

1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda

2 cups (500 ml) chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C)

In bowl and using electric mixer, beat buttter and sugars unil light and fluffy. 

Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla. 

In another bowl and using a wooden spoon, stir together flour, oats, baking powder and baking soda; stir into butter mixture just until blended.  Stir in chocolate chips.

Roll dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in diameter.  Place on ungreased cookie sheets, placing balls 2 inches (5 cm) apart.  

Makes about 38 cookies



One sheet at a time, bake in centre of oven for 8 - 10 minutes or just until golden. 

Let cool and then enjoy with a big glass of milk!

Aysha's Carrot Cake

A piece of Aysha's Carrot Cake

This cake was made for my sister's birthday and it was absolutely amazing.

If you feel like having something sweet, this is the dessert to make. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 eggs

180 ml (3/4 cup) vegetable oil

180 ml (3/4 cup) buttermillk

500 ml (2 cups) sugar

500 ml (2 cups) all purpose flour

10 ml (2 tsp) baking soda

10 ml (2 tsp) cinammon

2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt

250 ml (1 cup) crushed pineapple, drained

500 ml (2 cups) grated carrots

250 ml (1 cup) coarsely chopped walnuts

180 ml (3/4 cup) shredded coconut

Icing-

250g  cream cheese

60 ml (1/4 cup) softened butter

1/2 tsp (2 ml) vanilla

250 ml (1 cup) icing sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, oil, buttermilk and sugar with an electric mixer until blended.

Add flour, soda, cinammon and salt. Blend.

Mix in pineapple, carrots, nuts and coconut.

Pour into greased 33 x 23 cm baking dish.  Bake at 180 C (350 F) for 55 minutes.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese with butter until smooth. Beat in vanilla.  Then beat in icing sugar one-third at a time, until smooth. Spread over top of the cake once cooled.

Now it's time to enjoy a piece of cake, I guarantee you will love it :)