Monthly Macarons (January)

Heya, long time no blog. Sorry guys it feels like ages since I last blogged, no excuse just a busy time at work.

Macarons No. 1

So my new project for 2013 is my mission to master the Macaron. I have tried it twice before with varied success. The first ones I made were plain with a chocolate ganache, they looked and tasted good the only problem was that I did not make the almond meal fine enough (see above).

Then me an my sister tried wir hands at chocolate macarons, these also had a good consistency but when we put them in the oven they developed a load of air bubbles.

Macarons No. 2

 

If you haven't realised yet I am a bit of a perfectionist so I am really annoyed by my recent attempt, they tasted fab but they looked like I'd thrown them out wir second floor window. So I am now on a mission to perfect the macaron, I will try making them each month until I make the most 'awesomest' macarons ever. As I have tried these in Paris and LOVED them and want to take a little of that Parisian luxury to my flat in Orkney.

Macarons No. 3

Any advice would be greatly received xxx

Final Pottering of 2012

Well tomorrow is 2013 and I have high hopes for next year, I plan to blog regularly and to keep trying out new ideas and sharing more of my own recipes and crafts. I also hope that all my friends and love ones will be healthy and happy this year, as well as those of you who kindly read my blog.

Sweetcorn Chowder, made with the stock left over from 'Cherry Cola Ham' - wish der wis a little ham to put in it

 

In the Blain house hold we are having a different New Year celebration from usual as my sister, her boyfriend, my aunt and cousins won't be around for the usual shenanigans but I think those that are left can hold their own.

We are having a tasty but easy dinner which is mostly originated from the BBC Good Food website.

Slow-Braised Soy & Five Spice Beef (BBC Good Food)
I had this a few months ago and was surprised by how easy it was but most of all how tasty it was for the minimum amount of effort I put into it.

Lemon Self-Saucing Pudding (BBC Good Food)
This is a pudding I have always wanted to try after I had it The MET in New York last year, mine may not be as theirs though (see above).

 

Light Brioche Bread
I got this recipe from Pinterest, for us to eat on New Years Day morning, it is slightly healthier than your usual brioche and I thought it may be a better way to start 2013 than the calorie filled usual loaf (this one is just as tasty).