So people,
OREO CUPCAKES!
I pinched this recipe from BeanTownBaker, but found the ricipe really faffy, and a little strange.
"In a large bowl cream the butter until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the milk and vanilla and mix to combine."
This does NOT, repeat NOT work. Adding milk just make the creamed butter sit on TOP of the milk. And it makes a lot of mess.
The end result was nice, delicious even, receiving good reviews from many but... I don't know. The bun mixture tasted how I think sweet muffins should taste, and didn't rise as much as I would have hoped for for buns.
In the future, I would just suggest making your usual fairy cake mix, adding broken up Oreos. At the bottom of each cupcake case, I'd place a whole Oreo (not a half as suggested by BeanTown's recipe).
Will make these again in the future, but to my own recipe, not this one.
Will add pictures to this post when I find the mmory card for my camera (which I stupidly left on a table within Ru's reach, and he's probably squirelled it away...)
Emi, x
Friday, 20 August 2010
Possible Pox, Cakes and 'The Epic Search For The Perfect Buttercream'
Okay, so again wading through the blog posts I need to catch up on, here's goes another round...
We thought our son Ru had the chicken pox. Long story short, he didn't. He merely had what the walk-in centre thought was "a non-specific viral infection". Which didn't really help us out at all. They asked if he had come into contact with cat or dog urine. Well, the cat urine goes in the cat litter tray which is out of his reach. The dog urine however could have easily come from my sister's dog who had peed on the gravel in my mum's garden several times. Despite my mum and I rinsing the gravel where the dog had pissed with warm water, apparently it did't help.
In the end, they just said to keep dosing him up with Calpol and baby neurofen. Great. Calpol as E122 in it, which is actually banned in several countries, and Stephen and I are very loathe to give Ru Calpol for this and a couple of other reasons.
We both despise some parents immediately running for the Calpol bottle as soon as their child has even the slightest sign of a sniffle or the slightest raised temperature.
Whatever it was that Ru had, gave him little bumpy spots on his face, right across his cheeks, with a few dotted over one arm and one leg.
And it's pretty much gone now, a couple of weeks later, but he's still got a few bumps on his cheeks, but at least he's back to his usual happy, sunny self!
Bad news, we still have chicken pox to come!
Anyway, made more cakes... nothing special I could put on my '101 Things In 1001 Days' though, but it was fun to experiment with the icing and to make roses for the first time...
Yes, it pretty much WAS an excuse to use pink decorations and play with icing!
I tell you what though. Buttercream? The perfect one that pipes on perfectly? Kinda solid, but still gooey when you eat it?
I can't make it.
I tried the Pioneer Woman's buttercream recipe, and that failed massively. It didn't stiffen, and it tasted more sugary than the buttery-ness that I so craved... :( *sad face*
However, I have a new recipe to try, from the youngest of my three bridesmaids who made the most beautifully decorated cupcakes for Steve and I for the wedding. Will have to report back how it goes.
Maybe I'll try it next week when I make a whole heap of cupcakes for Stephen to take to work to sell to raise money for St Catherine's Hospice. (A post on this coming soon!)
Right, gonna do the other stuff in a seperate post, as they fulfill criteria for #'s 1 and 2 on my '101 Things' list!
Love love love,
Emi, x
We thought our son Ru had the chicken pox. Long story short, he didn't. He merely had what the walk-in centre thought was "a non-specific viral infection". Which didn't really help us out at all. They asked if he had come into contact with cat or dog urine. Well, the cat urine goes in the cat litter tray which is out of his reach. The dog urine however could have easily come from my sister's dog who had peed on the gravel in my mum's garden several times. Despite my mum and I rinsing the gravel where the dog had pissed with warm water, apparently it did't help.
In the end, they just said to keep dosing him up with Calpol and baby neurofen. Great. Calpol as E122 in it, which is actually banned in several countries, and Stephen and I are very loathe to give Ru Calpol for this and a couple of other reasons.
We both despise some parents immediately running for the Calpol bottle as soon as their child has even the slightest sign of a sniffle or the slightest raised temperature.
Whatever it was that Ru had, gave him little bumpy spots on his face, right across his cheeks, with a few dotted over one arm and one leg.
And it's pretty much gone now, a couple of weeks later, but he's still got a few bumps on his cheeks, but at least he's back to his usual happy, sunny self!
Bad news, we still have chicken pox to come!
Anyway, made more cakes... nothing special I could put on my '101 Things In 1001 Days' though, but it was fun to experiment with the icing and to make roses for the first time...
Yes, it pretty much WAS an excuse to use pink decorations and play with icing!
I tell you what though. Buttercream? The perfect one that pipes on perfectly? Kinda solid, but still gooey when you eat it?
I can't make it.
I tried the Pioneer Woman's buttercream recipe, and that failed massively. It didn't stiffen, and it tasted more sugary than the buttery-ness that I so craved... :( *sad face*
However, I have a new recipe to try, from the youngest of my three bridesmaids who made the most beautifully decorated cupcakes for Steve and I for the wedding. Will have to report back how it goes.
Maybe I'll try it next week when I make a whole heap of cupcakes for Stephen to take to work to sell to raise money for St Catherine's Hospice. (A post on this coming soon!)
Right, gonna do the other stuff in a seperate post, as they fulfill criteria for #'s 1 and 2 on my '101 Things' list!
Love love love,
Emi, x
Sunday, 15 August 2010
#1 and #2 - Cakes for Stephen's Work
So, Stephen's work clubbed together to give us some money as a wedding present, so I wondered what the perfect thankyou present would be...
And I deduced that cupcakes were the solution...
And that decision was nothign to do with the fact that I wanted to use my Wilton's gel colours and alphabet icing colours!
A short while later...
Green = white chocolate and fudge
Pink = strawberry and glace cherry
Yellow = lemon and mixed peel
Apparently they were a hit... and why not, when te look so darn cute
Emi, x
And I deduced that cupcakes were the solution...
And that decision was nothign to do with the fact that I wanted to use my Wilton's gel colours and alphabet icing colours!
A short while later...
 |
| Tilt your head to the right, and you'll see the 'Thank You' bit of the cakes! |
Green = white chocolate and fudge
Pink = strawberry and glace cherry
Yellow = lemon and mixed peel
Apparently they were a hit... and why not, when te look so darn cute
Emi, x
#1 - Skinny Chocolate and Orange Muffins
Total Failure.Not good. Bad recipe. Won't even bother passing it on. Very bland.
#1 Cheese Muffins
So, I made The Pioneer Woman's Cheese Muffins.
Good lord.
3 cups of cheese?!
So damn tasty.
Stephen has decreed them tasty!
Cheese Muffins -Makes 12 muffins
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups grated cheese
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter
Whisk together dry ingredients, then stir in cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, and butter together. Pour milk mixture into dry ingredients and stir with a spoon to combine.
Bake in greased muffin tins at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Good lord.
3 cups of cheese?!
So damn tasty.
Stephen has decreed them tasty!
 |
| Delicious cheesy cheesy muffins... |
Cheese Muffins -Makes 12 muffins
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups grated cheese
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter
Whisk together dry ingredients, then stir in cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, and butter together. Pour milk mixture into dry ingredients and stir with a spoon to combine.
Bake in greased muffin tins at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
More new beginnings... and very sad endings...
I know this post is late, but I now have no job. I felt that instead of having so many people asking me what happened with it, I'd explain.
I was maternity cover from September 2009 to July 2010 for my stepmother at a school, as Assistant Bar Manager for a bar that was for thesixthformers of the school.
And I loved it.
I mean, I have a good work ethic, and I've enjoyed every job I've ever had, but this one was special...
I poured my heart and soul into this job, for the sixthformers. UV and Neon themed club nights, complete with DJ's, lights, and UV body paint. Cross-dressing night (with some very convincing men-women). Live music, single artists and school bands.
I loved it, I loved the kids, gosh did I love those kids.
And then, my stepmother announced that she no longer wanted to come back after her maternity cover, and the school announced that it would be readvertising the role (as legally they had to), and with the full backing of several housemasters, ten months of hard work and great events behind me, and the love of the sixth form, I applied.
And for some reason, I was convinced I wouldn't get it. I don't know why, I just was. Stephen kept telling me not to be so pessimistic, and all thekid kept telln me that I'd get the job, no worries.
So imagine my surprise when I didn't even get an interview for the position.
Truly, I don't think I've been so heartbroken since a boy I used to date who went to Aberystwyth University told me he loved me, but didn't think he could be faithful to me whilst he was away at said university. I mean, *that* was heartbreaking enough, but this... Good gods.
And the worst part?
Feeling like I'd let my kids down... Not my own biological son, you see, but all the sixth formers whom I had watched grow over the past academic year... The ones who had brought shedloads of joy into my life...
I mean, fair enough, Toby O. peed in my garden... Patrick F. puked over the side of the decking... Martha C. pretty much passed out and fell asleep on the decking in the middle of winter after drowning her sorrows due to boy trouble... Jack M. coming to me and telling me "Emma, I am *comPLETELY* inebriated!"... Julian C. snotting on my clothes whilst drunk... A certain Mr Miller who just would NOT stop smoking!
And yet, I still continued to love my job. Even when they insisted on having awful music playing. For a bunch of upper class white kids, they sure do want to be from the ghetto! Having kids coming to confide in me was wonderful... Laughing with them... Watching them mature, even over the short amount of ten months...
So yes, finding out I wasn't staying broke my heart. I know Stephen was worried about me when I spent several hours after finding out not speaking, just sat there going "I just don't understand."
And I still don't.
And I'm still heartbroken.
But...
I'm going to be my usual sunny self and make the best of the whole thing. I will relish spending more time with my son and brand new husband... getting to focus on my baking and cooking
But I am going to miss Will... and Harry... and Paddy... and Nico... and Lara... and Oliver... and Toby... and Emma... and Piers... and Ross... and a whole bunch of others...
Thank you so much, guys... It was a pleasure... xXx
I was maternity cover from September 2009 to July 2010 for my stepmother at a school, as Assistant Bar Manager for a bar that was for thesixthformers of the school.
And I loved it.
I mean, I have a good work ethic, and I've enjoyed every job I've ever had, but this one was special...
I poured my heart and soul into this job, for the sixthformers. UV and Neon themed club nights, complete with DJ's, lights, and UV body paint. Cross-dressing night (with some very convincing men-women). Live music, single artists and school bands.
I loved it, I loved the kids, gosh did I love those kids.
And then, my stepmother announced that she no longer wanted to come back after her maternity cover, and the school announced that it would be readvertising the role (as legally they had to), and with the full backing of several housemasters, ten months of hard work and great events behind me, and the love of the sixth form, I applied.
And for some reason, I was convinced I wouldn't get it. I don't know why, I just was. Stephen kept telling me not to be so pessimistic, and all thekid kept telln me that I'd get the job, no worries.
So imagine my surprise when I didn't even get an interview for the position.
Truly, I don't think I've been so heartbroken since a boy I used to date who went to Aberystwyth University told me he loved me, but didn't think he could be faithful to me whilst he was away at said university. I mean, *that* was heartbreaking enough, but this... Good gods.
And the worst part?
Feeling like I'd let my kids down... Not my own biological son, you see, but all the sixth formers whom I had watched grow over the past academic year... The ones who had brought shedloads of joy into my life...
I mean, fair enough, Toby O. peed in my garden... Patrick F. puked over the side of the decking... Martha C. pretty much passed out and fell asleep on the decking in the middle of winter after drowning her sorrows due to boy trouble... Jack M. coming to me and telling me "Emma, I am *comPLETELY* inebriated!"... Julian C. snotting on my clothes whilst drunk... A certain Mr Miller who just would NOT stop smoking!
And yet, I still continued to love my job. Even when they insisted on having awful music playing. For a bunch of upper class white kids, they sure do want to be from the ghetto! Having kids coming to confide in me was wonderful... Laughing with them... Watching them mature, even over the short amount of ten months...
So yes, finding out I wasn't staying broke my heart. I know Stephen was worried about me when I spent several hours after finding out not speaking, just sat there going "I just don't understand."
And I still don't.
And I'm still heartbroken.
But...
I'm going to be my usual sunny self and make the best of the whole thing. I will relish spending more time with my son and brand new husband... getting to focus on my baking and cooking
But I am going to miss Will... and Harry... and Paddy... and Nico... and Lara... and Oliver... and Toby... and Emma... and Piers... and Ross... and a whole bunch of others...
Thank you so much, guys... It was a pleasure... xXx
Our Beautiful Pagan Wedding... July 10th 2010
Well, I thought I'd finally catch up with my blog, seeing as I've been promising to do so for a while!
So, here goes, first things first!
OUR WEDDING!
Stephen and I after just over 2 years finally got married! We had a beautiful pagan handfasting, which for those who don't know, is the pagan version of a wedding. Instead of making our vows to a Christian god that neither of us believe in, (which would make them pretty empty if we did that), in our ceremony we made our vows to one another, and sent that energy and love out into the world.
Anyway, thought I'd share some of the beautiful pictures from the day, taken by two *VERY* talented photographers, Stuart and Adam Glossop, a father and son team. It was wonderful to have two people who value and trust sharing our day with us, not just as photographers, but also as friends.
So, starting from the morning of the wedding...
:D
Love,
Emi, x
So, here goes, first things first!
OUR WEDDING!
Stephen and I after just over 2 years finally got married! We had a beautiful pagan handfasting, which for those who don't know, is the pagan version of a wedding. Instead of making our vows to a Christian god that neither of us believe in, (which would make them pretty empty if we did that), in our ceremony we made our vows to one another, and sent that energy and love out into the world.
Anyway, thought I'd share some of the beautiful pictures from the day, taken by two *VERY* talented photographers, Stuart and Adam Glossop, a father and son team. It was wonderful to have two people who value and trust sharing our day with us, not just as photographers, but also as friends.
So, starting from the morning of the wedding...
 |
| This is me and my head bridesmaid, Kate, after opening her gift of a beautiful, quirky teaset and tray, in the midst of me getting my hair and nails done! |
 |
| This is my lovely son, Ru, playing with some of the decorations in the reception venue, and yes, they are made of baubles, pretty pretty baubles! |
 |
| A surprise visit to the soon-to-be husband on the wedding morning... |
 |
| My Father and I... |
 | ||
| My stepmother, Sarah and my gorgeous baby brother, Josh... |
 |
| The utterly fabulous Adele and her lovely man, Luke... |
 | ||
| My bridesmaids, my father and I, just before entering the Secret Garden... |
 |
| Stephen and I during the reading of 'The Lovely Other Dinosaur' by Edward Monkton... |
 |
| Exchanging rings... |
 |
| Our hands are bound with a handfasting cord I made, that is a physical representation of the bond between us... |
 | |
| Our first kiss as a handfasted couple! |
 | ||
| Me and my girls, (l-r) Kate, Alice and Millie... and then me, obviously! |
 |
| How awesome is this shot, huh? |
 | ||
| Tom W., the White Rabbit... |
 |
| Dan B., looking very suave... |
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| The lovely Tom G. with Ru, his godson... |
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| Beautiful cakes, decorated by Sarah D. |
 |
| More cakes, this time by Alice, one of my bridesmaids... Cute or what? |
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| A poignant moment in Stephen's wedding speech... |
 |
| Stephen getting his present from me, a Vintage V100 electric guitar in Arctic White with gold hardware... |
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| Stephen and I... Note the Alice-roses! |
 | |
| One of our younger guests, lost in a moment... |
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| Me performing a song at the reception... |
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| Alex providing some awesome fire-based entertainment! |
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| One of my favourite shots of the whole day, everyone at the reception simply relaxing and enjoying themselves... |
:D
Love,
Emi, x
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