Tuesday 28 June 2011

CHOCOLATE CRACKLES RECIPE!!!



As promised the recipe for Chocolate Crackles!
Enjoy!




INGREDIENTS

8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp course salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup icing sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a pan of boiling water, simmering not boiling the chocolate.
Set aside and let cool.
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

2. With an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2-3 mins.
Mix in eggs and vanilla, and then the melted chocolate.
Reduce speed to low; mix in flour mixture in two batches, alternating with milk.
Divide dough into four equal pieces.
Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate until firm, about two hours.

3. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/ Gas 4.
Divide each piece into 16 one-inch balls.
Roll in granulated sugar to coat, then in confectioners sugar to coat.
Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets, lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake until surface cracks, about 14 mins, rotating sheets half way through.
Let cool on sheets on wire racks.
Cookies can be stored between layers of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 3 days!

Sunday 19 June 2011

tutorials - thebeautydepartment.com


I love this up do, and want to try it out on myself or Kyan next week. The webite is run by Lauren Conrad and is packed full of loads of other great ideas too! Just click on the link below if you fancy a look!



Saturday 4 June 2011

Las Pozas!



I love the surreal, almost Dr Seuss feel of Edward James's sculptures at
Las Pozas. Hidden away in a remote mountain village
called Xilita in the Mexican rainforest.

Definitely on my wish list of places to visit!










Sunday 13 February 2011

Kelly Rae Roberts & Mati Rose Painting Process


I really like the style of Kelly Rae Roberts artwork and I thought I'd share this video I found of her and her friend Mati Rose (what a great name) creating a piece of art together.
Can't wait till next week, when I'll get a little more time to be creative again!
Great song too!



Another video on Kelly's blog.