My Tarte Tatin Disaster

I was sent a Tarte Tatin dish from Mermaid to try out. I’ve always been a little scared of trying to make one and to be honest I was right to be so, I am useless at them!

I attempted a Apple Tarte Tatin  twice and both times it was a disaster. The first time I over cooked the pastry and it was really tough. The second time it was all soggy, I'm not sure where it went wrong.

I should have taken pictures but I was annoyed with myself I binned them. The dish however survived the disasters very well, washed up a dream both times and the tarte didn’t stick to it.

If you would like to attempt a Tarte Tatin you can purchase the Mermaid dish from Harts of Stur £21.60 and other retailers.

Mermaid Hard Anodised Bakeware is twice as hard as stainless steel and is not coated. The tough, easy release surface is the actual metal so it will never peel off or go rusty. All Mermaid Bakeware has an aluminium core for excellent heat distribution and is suitable for use on the hob in the oven and the grill. It is dependable and a sure investment. Mermaid Hard Anodised Bakeware is manufactured in the UK and has won the heart of many top TV chefs.

If you have some failsafe tips on how to make a successful Tarte Tatin please tell me.

Win a Greek Gods Hamper

Greek Gods Greek-style yogurts launched last week. 

Greek Gods yogurt boasts a rich and creamy taste, with fewer calories than traditional luxury dairy products. This makes it a perfect alternative to ice-cream or cream.

There are four delicious honey-infused flavours; Honey, Honey & Clementine, Honey & Strawberry and Honey & Vanilla, which are available in 680g tubs in Sainsbury’s.

To celebrate , if you ‘Like’ Greek Gods UK on Facebook there’s a coupon that you can can print off the page allowing you to save £2 on Greek Gods at Sainsbury’s.

I have a Greek Gods Hamper to giveaway to one lucky winner it includes:

1 x high-quality extra virgin olive oil

1 x jar of organic mixed olives

1 x jar of stuffed vine leaves

1 x organic Greek honey

1 x Greek Delight

1 x nifty garlic zoom

1 x stylish lemon squeezer

1 x set of two oil drizzlers

Doesn’t it look fab!

To enter just follow the instructions below in the widget a Rafflecopter giveaway

Halloween Baking

Halloween isn't far away. I love a good party and use excuse to have one including Halloween.

A party isn't a party without some cakes and home baking. I have found some great Halloween products that will make your baking stand out.

Halloween 3 Tier Cupcake Stand £4.99 and Halloween Cupcake Cases £1.99 from Delights.co.uk

Sugar Pumpkins £2.99 from Cakes, Cookies and Crafts. 

Cookie Cutter - Orange Pumpkin £1.78 from Funky Muffin

Witches Hat Silicone Mould £3.99 from Lakeland

Baking: Witches Fingers

I made these last year for our little Halloween lunch party and they went down well. I was inspired by a TV show that made similar ones though they used almonds for the finger nails and I used jam. I also added chocolate chips because I had some hanging round but you can miss out.

They are really easy to make and look great.

You start with a basic biscuit recipe feel free to use your own but this is mine:

• 110g Butter
• 110g Caster Sugar
• 1 Beaten Egg
• 220g of Plain Flour
• Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
• 50g Chocolate Chips

You will also need jam we used strawberry but choose your favourite. 

• Beat the butter and sugar until soft and fluffy
• Beat in the egg and vanilla
• Add the chocolate chips and flour and combine to make a dough
• Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 mins
• Once its chilled pre heat your oven to 180oc/160 fan
• Shape pieces of dough into long finger and make a little dip at one end
• Place a blob of jam in each dip 
• Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown
• Enjoy!

Review: Twinings Tea

Last week a lovely box of tea arrived from Twinings Tea Shop. As I am pregnant they kindly sent me decaf versions.

I was sent Early Grey, English Breakfast Tea, Green Tea and Lemongrass and Lavender.

It was a hard task trying them all out. I have had Earl Grey and English breakfast before I really like them. I find English Breakfast is a good all day tea. I like Earl Grey in the afternoon with a slice of cake or a biscuit.

I hadn’t had the other two before so it was nice trying the new teas. The Green Tea is a bit of an acquired taste but very refreshing I found.

The Lemongrass and Lavender has a very subtle taste and is perfect just before bed and the Lavender helps aid sleep, perfect for anyone that needs a little help at bed time.

I do love Twinings teas and Everyday tea is one of my favourites.  I think I am going to give Redbush tea a go next time as it’s naturally caffeine free.

Thank you very much Twinings *goes off to out the kettle on*

Homemade Pizza vs Dominos Gourmet Pizza

I was asked to take part in the Homemade Pizza vs Dominos Gourmet Pizza challenge which I accepted.

Domino's Pizza just launched their Gourmet Pizza Range as a limited edition. The four Gourmet Specials are Firenze, Florentine, Rustica and Four Seasons.

Firstly we made our own pizza, now it wasn’t really gourmet but it was homemade and very nice if I do say so myself.

We then had to order pizza online which is really simple to do and actually I prefer it as I am fussy so it’s easier to make amend online. I choose the Rustica which is chicken, bacon, spinach and roasted tomatoes with a tomato and garlic sauce.  

Now as I mentioned I am fussy so I swapped the sauce for standard sauce and removed the tomatoes.

It was very nice; I really liked the thin base. You don’t fill so bloated afterwards.  

We booked it to come at 7.30 and it came on time nice and hot.

But which was the best……

Sorry Dominos the homemade won!

*Disclaimer the cost of the Dominos pizza was credited back to me. 

Baking with Great British Bakeware and Aldi

I was very kindly sent some Great British Bakeware with GlideX which is amazing non-stick Bakeware. Aldi also sent me some baking goods so I decide to test them both at the same time.

Great British Bakeware sent me a 12 Cup Deep Muffin Tray, Loaf Tin 1lb and a Pie Plate.

Aldi sent me a large box which included Mixed Grain Bread Mix and Ginger Cake mix.

And this is what I made:

I use the mixed grain bread mix and made rolls using the muffin tray. The mix was really easy to make up.

I sprayed the tin with a little oil and floured it. The rolls came out so easily and they tasted really good. The tin washed up like a dream.

I made the ginger cake into a loaf and also cupcakes. 

Again the mix was easy to make up. The loaf took 50 mins to cook and the cupcake 20 mins. I sent to cupcakes to nana’s which they loved and we had the loaf at home, well I said we OH ate most of it.

Again the loaf came of the tin really easily and it washed up really well.

Lastly I used the pie dish (which I have wanted for ages) to make a chicken and mushroom pie.

Ingredients:

• 400g of Chicken Tighes Diced
• 4 Rashers of Bacon Diced
• 300g of Mushrooms Sliced
• 1 teapsoon of Dried Thyme
• 1 tablespoon of plain flour
• 400mls of Chicken Stock
• Oil of frying
• Pastry (I cheated with readymade)
• One beaten egg

To Make:

• Fry the bacon in a little oil unto brown and crispy and then add the chicken.
• Once the chicken is cooked add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the dried thyme and flour and stir.
• Add the stock bring to the boil and then simmer until thick.
• Leave to cool.
• Roll out pasty and cut out two circles using the pie dish as a guide.
• Line the dish with pastry and add the cooled filling.
• Place the 2^nd circle on top and seal the edges I use a fork to crimp them. Make a small hole in the top.
• Brush with beaten egg and cook for 25-30 mins until the pastry is golden brown.
• Enjoy.

The pie came out of the dish really easily.

I am really impressed with the Great British Bakeware equipment I was sent. They are super non-stick and wash up really well. They didn't buckle in the heat at all. I will be buying from them. They also come with a 15 year guarantee. Find your nearest stockist here.

The mixes from Aldi are great especially if you want to bake but aren't very good or just don’t have the time to go through all the steps. Find your local store here.

Big thumbs up to both of them.