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Monday, December 21, 2009

New one in the house!

This year Christmas came early for me. Our old coffee machine has been on strike for longer period of time, so we decided instead of having it repaired (again!) to go for new one. Frankly, decision has been made long time ago, we knew we wanted Kitchen Aid - sturdy and beautiful piece of appliance. Only price tag was putting us off, but I've done a bit of research on Internet and eventually found good e-shop with better price. So finally, we've got it!

This is the first ever espresso made in new coffe mashine and the first cappucino. Not bad for the first time, is it?

With nice cup of coffee it feels like home...

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Advent time - apple gingerbread cake

Last Sunday in November was the first Advent Sunday. The weather was so unbelievably awful - rain and strong winds, floods in many parts of the country. I planned to go to woods to find some nice twigs, pine cones and dried berries in the morning. Instead I stayed at home until afternoon, only stepped outside the house to chop ivy, holly, lavender and some greens in our garden. Anyway, I managed to create nice enough advent wreath and light the first candle.


And with Christmas spirit in the air I made Apple gingerbread cake. Lovely smell of Christmas spices filled the house to get me in the right mood.



Apple gingerbread cake
300g self rising flour
2 eggs
225g light brown caster sugar
2 tbsp cocoa
1 tbsp ground mix spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cardamon)
80g butter
300g grated apples
In the bowl cream sugar, butter and eggs, add flour with cocoa and spices, then fold apples in. Transfer into a tin lined with baking paper and bake in preheated oven for 175 degrees for about 30-40 minutes.
Let it cool for a while and finish of with chocolate icing - place heatproof bowl over the pan with simmering water. In the bowl melt 100g chocolate with 40ml cream and stir. Spread evenly over cake and cut into squares.