Missionary Moments

Well we had a Mini MTC experience with the Stake Primary children which was a really great day. We had all sorts of workshops including a testimony book, cooking cookies, keep fit and a relay game which included making a bed and doing shoe laces. The kids really looked like they were enjoying it, I know I did! We had a special visit from Joseph Smith and saw the plates being taken from the ground. We also had our Mission President come to visit and speak to us - This was a great time to be had. As always pictures to follow...

Hot Fudge Sundae Cake MY FAVE!

HOT FUDGE SUNDAE CAKE

1 cup plain flour

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil/light olive oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place all these ingredients into a deep oven proof dish and mix together

THEN...

Smooth over the top

1 cup packed brown sugar

Sprinkle ¼ cup cocoa powder

Pour over 1& ¾ cups of hot water @ this point

THEN....

Cook for 40 minutes @ 350 F, 180C or Gas Mark 4

Serve hot with ice cream

ALTERNATIVELY

Cook in the microwave @ 50% for 9 minutes, then FULL POWER for 6 mins

Thanks Tanya for this wonderful recipe it is a treasured fave and the next one ill have to try in my own kitchen... YUMMO

Catch up time - Scarfs, buns, parcels and more...

As my husband has been mighty busy with work Ive had no time on the "fast" computer so whilst I had a moment I thought I would catch up. As always theres a massive stack of photos...which I will try to explain pretty much theres me in a scarf messing arround - then photos of my creations and our kitchen OH how small it is!!! but it was after Id cleaned it all so I had to take a photo as we know these things never stay clean. Also there is a parcel from "santa" which was kindly sent from Marks parents. I really could see the happiness in his face when he got it among the goofy faces. I know when I have been away and theres something from home I love it. Im so grateful they thought of him whilst things are going on. Bad news is Mark has an addiction to twislers and he would NOT stop eating them...I had to hide them bless!! I was really touched they sent us their first christmas stockings - I sorta felt like we were getting a family aireloom (cant spell! and if thats right it was a guess) well like I said Marks working hard and got somewhere with his job hunting so im praying hard and keeping my fingers crossed. I have been baking and crafting - the two features are my almond essence buns with pink icing (note do NOT wait till the end before you put on sprinkles as it sets and your pretty much screwed) Anyway thats something to learn for next time which I did and it worked perfect...The other item is something I never did before and it is Oatmeal Caramel Brownie...Ill put the link up sometime where its from - yummy...its got everything oats, hazelnuts, choc chips and the yummy melted caramel...Mark has gobbled it up and sure he will ask for more soon. I like doing desserts - helps me relax now I understand what my sister is going on about as she cooks like ALL THE TIME! Im slow but enjoying the process. So there you have it...this is the catch up.

before I forget - Bun Recipe

I am going to put down the recipe for the buns I make so I have a reference point. 

Sponge Buns

Ingredients

4oz butter

4oz sugar

4oz of self - raising flour (6 oz if you want the mixture to go furthur)

2 eggs

flavouring (optional) I like Almond or Vanilla personally

For the Icing

1 3rd of a 500g bag of icing sugar

few teaspoons of water

dot of food colouring

METHOD

Preheat oven to gas mark 4-5

1) Mix butter and sugar together 

2) Beat eggs and add flour with egg in small portions until all is finished

3) Put 1-2 teaspoons of chosen flavouring
4) Put in preheated oven for 20 mins

5) Whilst waiting for buns to cook - wash up and then make the icing 

6) Icing goes into a mixing bowl with water after all is mixed together add a drop or two of food colouring

7) Once buns are golden brown take out and check that the mixture comes out clean - testing with a cocktail stick. Let them cool for 10-15 mins

8) Once cooled - add icing on top of the buns - with any optional sprinkles

9) Serve and enjoy

How far I have come!

Well I saw some of my old photography images with my first camera the Sony Cybershot. Just to think I started Photography at 17/18 and havnt looked back since. I really love taking lovely photos - how to say this without being critial or negative but there are too many people professing or wanting to be a photographer, but as everyone knows that means more style and unique abilty to capture your own personal slant if you will on the world. It is not an easy occupation - it truly is hard work but that passion and excitement I get at a wedding or photographing portraits its just amazing - My dad always comments on how wonderful I am with people but I got this gift from him. I am thankful for how far I have come. I have learned mostly myself but with help from my degree, my family and Mark my hubby amongst feedback from so many clients/friends/collegues. Thanks for making my life interesting and wonderful. The memories wont fade...

Here are some examples of my very early work - over 5 years old.