penguinsandcupcakes

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My favourite carrot cake recipe

I’m back in Vancouver! Two years in Australia was fun, full of surprises and ups and downs. Living overseas alone, away from my family, friends and comfort zone taught me a lot of things. Overall, I’m very grateful for the experience and the people I’ve met along the way. 

I’m back which means I can finally bake as much as I can, especially now that I’m still unemployed. I made this carrot cake last Easter in Sydney. It’s my favourite and go-to recipe for any special occasions. I’ve been using this recipe for years and always a huge hit!

This carrot cake is moist, simple and delicious topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped pecans.  

Carrot Cake from The pioneer woman

Ingredients

For the cake

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 whole eggs

2 cups All-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups grated carrots

For cream cheese icing

1/2 cup butter, oftened

1 package (8 Oz) cream cheese

1 pound powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup pecans, chopped finely

Directions

Cake

Preheat oven to 350F

Mix together the sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl. In another bowl sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Add to first mixture and combine. Then add carrots and mix well. Pour into a greased and floured (Baker’s Joyed) pan (bundt, sheet cake, 9 x 13 pyrex) and bake at 350F until done, 25 (sheet cake) to 50 (Bundt pan) minutes, depending on the pan you use.

Cool completely.

Icing

In larger bowl, cream butter and cream cheese. Add sugar and vanilla and blend, then mix in the nuts. Spread on cooled carrot cake.

#Carrotcake #cake #dessert #recipe #easter #baking #easterbaking #carrot #homemadecake #blog #food

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10 reasons why I love India

Last December, I ventured my solo backpacking to India for a month. I couldn’t believe it’s already April! My trip felt like ages ago. I’ve always wanted to visit India, but it wasn’t until I moved to Australia to finally give it a go. I read so many blogs over the years, mostly about female travelling alone. I did get mixed  reactions from my family and friends when I told them about my trip. India is considered as the most dangerous country for women. I feel safe the whole time travelling mostly alone in ten cities and seven states. I have no words how incredible India is. It’s overwhelming with over one billion populations and each state is unique and different.The culture, colour, food, diversity, religion and people blew me away. It’s a wonderful country to visit. If you’re planning to go, do it!

1. It’s cheap! I stayed in hostels, spent less than $20-$25 a day for foods sometimes more if I feel like eating Western food, shopping and eating non stop even the hotel accommodation is affordable. I’m still dreaming of Amritsari kulcha and chole!

2. FOOD!!! 

Days before my trip my host family took me to an Indian restaurant. My first Indian food ever! I had no idea what thali or dhal were. I was clueless. I had my first thali in Amritsar. Before I know it, I’m stuffing myself with samosa, lassi, go to the nearest shop to get jalebi, licking my fingers clean from eating delicious curries. In less than 24 hours I was obsessed! 

3. Witnessing the Aarti ceremony, life, death and rebirth in Varanasi

Varanasi is such a unique and fascinating place. It’s the oldest city in India. A walk along the Ganges river will take you to a different world from the 24 hour cremation, religious ceremonies, animals and people bathing, washing clothes, scattering ashes, baptism in the holy river all at the same time. The scene was mind blowing. Monkeys and cows everywhere and many more. We rented a boat to watch the evening Aarti traditional spiritual ceremony. On my last day, I rented a boat in a very peaceful and misty morning happily taking it all in. It’s one of the highlights of my trip.

4. The majestic Taj Mahal

When my sister and I made it on the top of Huayna Picchu mountain, we couldn’t see the Machu Picchu because it was covered in fog. I had a similar experience with the Taj Mahal. Just like in the Machu Picchu, seeing the fog drifts away and finally seeing the beautiful marble mausoleum was everything I wanted it to be. It was magical and even more special because it was built for love. 

5. Wagah border ceremony

The border closing ceremony between India and Pakistan was unbelievable and bizarre at the same time. A great display of patriotism! I found a video on YouTube before and during the ceremony. It was so much fun! 

6. Rajasthan Forts and Kingdoms

Rajasthan is the land of maharajas, forts, tigers and kingdoms. I spent two weeks exploring the cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. 

Jaipur

My first stop was in Jaipur also known as the “pink city.” When I think of Jaipur, first thing comes to my mind was me being miserable and sick on my birthday. I was in Jaipur when I got hit with a very nasty “Delhi belly” a stomach flu suffered by visitors to India. I was in bed for two days. I still got the chance to see a little bit of the city, the famous Hawa Mahal and the Amber fort. 

Udaipur

Udaipur is also known as the “city of lakes,” “Venice of India,” and “romantic city.” It’s vibrant, laid back, walkable and picturesque. I couldn’t be happier to finally find a “real coffee” ever since arriving in India. My friend from Delhi joined me and we celebrated the new year watching fireworks in the rooftop. We spent our time browsing the market stalls, hanging out in the lake drinking chai tea, took a boat ride and admiring the architecture and street arts. It’s definitely one of my favourite cities!

Jaisalmer “golden city”

Jaisalmer wasn’t part of my itinerary. A lot of people recommended the dessert safari package. I didn’t like the idea of a camel ride, so I chose to walk with my friendly camel. Our tour guide made the most delicious dinner and we gathered around the fire listening to the stories about life in the village. Sleeping in the desert under the blanket of stars was breathtaking!

Jodhpur “blue city”

I enjoyed my early morning stroll in the narrow streets of the blue city, eating my way through the old city market and the clock tower. 

7. Golden Temple in Amritsar

Amritsar is the holy city of the Sikh religion. The stunning Harmandir Sahib or the golden temple is the number one place to visit. It’s open 24 hours a day.  Langar is a community kitchen open everyday serving free food to over 100,000 visitors per day. Hundreds of volunteers serve wholeheartedly day and night. Such a dedication and faith. I don’t know what it is, but with thousands of devotees visiting, it’s so calming and peaceful inside.  

8. Rail journeys

I fell in love with train journeys when I was backpacking in Europe. The bustle of Indian railways is one of a kind. It’s nerve wracking, chaotic, fun and exhausting. I booked all the classes from first to the cheapest class, second seating. It was interesting.. I love waking up in the chant of “chaiiiiiiii” If you are going on a long journey, avoid drinking a lot of water unless you’re brave enough to use the toilet. I also took the overnight bus a few times that was a different experience. Delhi to Varanasi took over 14 hours. There are many options to travel around India depends on your budget. Train journeys are my favourite. 

9. The art of Masala Chai tea

Chai tea is an integral part of Indian culture. Chai wallahs (tea vendors) are everywhere in the streets of India. I couldn’t help but stop and watch the tea vendors expertly pouring tea from cups to cups. I’m a coffee person, but I came to love masala tea and the aromatic spices. 

10. The people. The best part of my trip is hands down the people I’ve met along the way. I meet a family of twenty; cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts travelling together. They’re warm, friendly and they look after me the whole trip in my long train journeys. I will never forget the women in the village standing tall and beautiful in their colourful sarees carrying pots filled with water. They’re bold and self sufficient. People in the slums of Mumbai welcoming us to their homes, tea vendors sharing words of wisdom, bunch of 20 something guys talking about the past, present and future of India - their future and more. No photos just memories that I can go back to over and over again. There’s no way I could share that feeling. I had no idea I fell in love with the country so much!

#India #solobackpacking #Asia #visitindia #wanderlust #amazingindia

[penguinsandcupcakes]

Oats and Honey Granola Bars

I’m a snacker person. I like having a healthy morning or afternoon tea snack other than fruits, but I don’t deprive myself. I also made my all time favourite chocolate chip cookies just after making these bars. I’ve been enjoying these super easy, no fuss and healthy oats and honey granola bars that I made a few days ago. 

They’re so easy to make and I have most of the ingredients on hand! The only changes I made was I used rice puffs instead of rice cereal. I also exclude the vanilla and brown sugar. They came out great, delicious and chewy! This is a perfect nut-free and seedless recipe!

Oats and Honey Granola Bars from Five heart home

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 

3/4 cups crispy rice cereal (I used rice puffs)

2/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour 

3/4 teaspoon baking soda 

3/4 teaspoon salt 

2/3 cup honey 

1/3 cup melted coconut oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. 

In a large bowl, stir together oats, rice puffs, flour, baking soda, and salt. Measure honey, melted coconut oil, then drizzle over oat mixture and stir until all ingredients are completely combined. 

Transfer oat mixture into prepared pan and press down very firmly into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown on top. Remove from oven and use the flat bottom of a small pan or dish to press down granola bars again. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, and then use parchment paper sling to carefully lift granola bars out onto a cutting board (you can leave them sitting on top of the parchment paper). Cool for 5 more minutes and then cut into 12.

#healthybaking #healthycooking #nutfree #baking #oatbars #healthy snack #granola bars

[penguinsandcupcakes]

Sri Lanka: A day trip to Galle Fort

Galle or Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the bay of Galle, southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a historic beautiful cobbled-stone place filled with Portuguese and Dutch era buildings, quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a MUST when travelling in Sri Lanka

I stayed in Mirissa which was only an hour local bus ride to Galle. I was blown away with the scene. I wasn’t expecting a European atmosphere. It’s very different from all the places I visited in Sri Lanka. I spent the whole day exploring and relaxing on the beach by the lighthouse. The shops have unique souvenirs and home wares that you can only find in Galle Fort, make sure to check them out too. 

You can also check my post about awesome things to do in Ella.

#SriLanka #Gallefort #Dutchfort #Galle #Southasia #solobackpacking #wanderlust #Asia #travel/food adventures #Mirissa

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Sri Lanka: Awesome things to do in Ella

I had an amazing time backpacking in India for a month, but I knew I needed some time to relax before going back to Australia. Sri Lanka is like a breath of fresh air! I didn’t have any big plans and I only have two weeks left. I spent most of my time in Mirissa, a beach town located in the south coast; beach and lazy days every day!

I stayed for two days in Kandy then took a train ride to Ella. Ella is a natural beauty small town with stunning views, hikes and weather! Here are the things that you can do.

Take a train ride from Kandy to Ella (or Ella to Kandy)

One of the top things to do in Sri Lanka is to experience the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella known as one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s a 7 hour train ride with endless views of tea plantations, waterfalls, villages, mountains, and a quick glimpse of the local life. 

Sunrise hike at Little Adam’s Peak

It only takes an hour from Ella town. We made it just before the sunrise and the view was breathtaking!

Nine Arch Bridge

Another a must thing to do in Ella is to check out the famous Nine Arch bridge. We were lucky to be in time to see the train crossing. 

Visit a tea factory

Sir Thomas Lipton bought his first tea plantation in Sri Lanka and now known as the Lipton tea. Sri Lanka is one the top tea producer in the world. It’s interesting to see the whole process. We also got the chance to meet the hard working and very friendly women picking tea leaves. 

Swim at the Secret Waterfalls

A nice little gate away just outside the town. 

Eat local dishes

Colourful and delicious vegetable curries. 

Sri Lankan breakfast consists of coconut rotti, dahl curry and coconut sambal. 

#Srilanka #Southasia #Ella #Kandy #solobackpacking #Asia #wanderlust

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Espresso Chip Cookies

I couldn’t believe it’s December! My first Christmas in Australia was miserable and away from my family and friends. I missed the cold and snow, plus my place had a broken oven, so no baking for me. I always look forward to make different kinds of cookies and other treats for my family, colleagues and friends every Christmas. It killed me not to be able to do some baking not just cookies, but also homemade baked goods like muffins. Now that I have a working oven, I bake every chance I get!

I’m one of those people who needs a cup of coffee to function every single day. Coffee is life, can’t live without it. When I saw this recipe, I knew I needed to make it! I love coffee and all coffee based desserts. 

These cookies are amazing. They’re crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside! My kind of cookie! I wish I used dark roast ground coffee instead of a regular one. The coffee flavour wasn’t as strong. They still came out delicious! This will be my new go to chocolate cookies recipe.

Espresso Chip Cookies from World Market

Ingredients

3/4 cups unsalted butter, melted

1 tbsp Dark Roast Fine Ground Coffee

1 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp Vanilla Extract

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup  Unsweetened Cocoa

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, stir together the melted butter and coffee, let sit for a few minutes before adding the sugars and mixing together.

Add in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk and beat until light and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes on medium speed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two separate additions, mixing between each one and scraping down the sides as needed.

Fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, then cover the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Measure the dough into ¼ cup-sized balls and rolls them between your palms before placing them on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between each cookie.

Bake the cookies for 15 to 17 minutes, the centre will still look soft, this is normal since you will need to allow them to cool on the pan for 10 minutes after baking. Transfer to a cooling rack after 10 minutes to finish cooling or enjoy immediately.

#chocolate chip cookies #Christmas baking #Holiday baking #Christmas #cookies #chocolate #espresso cookies #chocolate cookies #baking #desserts

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Chia Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is one of my favourites to make on a lazy weekend. It’s super easy, delicious, plus my kitchen always smells amazing! It’s one of my favourite comfort food. It’s great for breakfast or dessert too!

I miss fall baking and eating a lot of pumpkin desserts. Making apple crisp reminds of the fall season in Canada. It’s not fall here in Australia, but I still want to experience fall season even just in the kitchen. 

I added  chia seeds, although it didn’t make a big difference, I’d like to think that this version is “healthier” ;) blanched and sliced almonds were a great addition to the crispness.

Easy Apple Crisp from Land O Lakes

Ingredients

6 medium (6 cups) tart cooking apples, peeled, cored, sliced

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup cold butter

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/4 cup blanched sliced almonds

Vanilla ice cream, if desired

Directions

Heat oven to 375°F

Place apples into ungreased 8-inch square baking dish or ramekins

Combine brown sugar, oats, flour, chia seeds, almonds and cinnamon in bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle sugar mixture over apples. Bake 25-35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.

#fall season #fall baking #apple crisp #fall dessert #apple #dessert #baking #autumn baking #autumn

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Things to do in Queenstown

Last May, my brother and I visited Queenstown. Queenstown is a town in South Island, New Zealand. It’s also known as the adrenaline capital of the world. Here you can both do extreme activities to relaxation. Check out my post on Tekapo and Wanaka. 

Here are some things to do in Queenstown.

1. Hiking in Hooker Valley Track we checked out in early in our Tekapo hostel to visit the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. You do not want to miss this short hike! It’s breathtakingly beautiful! 

2. Glenorchy on our first full day, we visited the charming small town of Glenorchy. 

3. Brunch or shopping in Arrowtown another charming place! It’s a historic gold mining town. The whole scenery and atmosphere will take you back to the old days. It’s an amazing place filled with restaurants and local shops. 

4. Pedro’s House of Lamb my brother found this place. If you are a big lamb meat lover, this place is perfect! 

5. Patagonia Ice Cream great ice cream selection in the heart of the city.

6. Fergburger you can’t miss this while in Queenstown. Apparently it’s the best burger in the world. The place is always busy and packed. The burger was tasty, huge and affordable, but it wasn’t mind blowing. 

7. Adventure Activities you’re in the adrenaline capital of the wold for a reason. The city centre is filled with endless activities including the famous bungy jump! 

8. Day trip to Milford Sound I’m a little bit disappointed of this cruise.There’s nothing much other than the falls and fortunately the dolphins! I did Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Milford Sound is nowhere close. 

9. Skyline Queenstown the best time to do this is at night!

10. Queenstown Hill easy hike with a wonderful view of the lake and the city! 

#Queenstown #New Zealand #South Island #NZ #travel #visit new zealand #food/travel adventures #milford sound #hooker valley

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Cookie Dough Energy Bites

I want to share these amazing, no bake, easy to make cookie dough energy bites. I have a sweet tooth, but also wants stick in eating healthy. The only changes I made was using maple syrup instead of honey. So simple and easy to make!

These energy bites are great sweet treats and they make a fantastic snack! 

Cookie Dough Energy Bites from Pinch of Yum

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

2 cups flaked unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup peanut butter (extra as needed)

1/2 cup maple syrup (extra as needed)

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

Pulse the oats and the coconut until coarsely ground.

Add peanut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, salt, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Pulse again until well-mixed and the chocolate chips are cut into smaller pieces.

Roll into balls. (If it’s too dry, just add a little more maple / peanut butter and mix again – I usually just eyeball the amounts until it gets sticky enough).

Freeze until solid. Store in freezer or refrigerator.

#energy bites #no bake energy bites #cookie dough #dessert #healthycooking #vegetarian #cookie dough bites

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Tekapo and Wanaka, New Zealand

Hi, it’s been a while! I’m still in the land down under exploring, working and living. I’m sharing some photos of my recent trip to the South Island in New Zealand with my brother.  

We flew to Christchurch from Melbourne, rented a car and drove all the way to Tekapo. I highly recommend renting a car. You can also stop on the way to do a big grocery shopping if you’re planning to stay in the hostel like we did. 

We stayed in YHA Lake Tekapo for one night. It’s a nice hostel just across lake tekapo. This was our morning view. It was only autumn, but already very cold! Pine trees, cold weather and clear blue water reminds me of Canada. Simply stunning! 

We left Tekapo for our next stop, Wanaka. Twizel is one of the most scenic roads on the south island. I can’t remember how many times we had to stop and take photos. The drive to Mt. Cook national park was picture perfect!

The famous Wanaka tree photo (source)

We also did the Hooker Valley track. I swear, I took thousands of photos! It’s an easy hike and I extremely recommend to check it out. It’s so beautiful and worth it!

Climbing Roys Peak nearly killed me, because I didn’t have proper shoes. NZ customs had to wash my hiking shoes. It was soaking wet I had to wear my Blundstone boots. The hike was tough and uphill. It was rewarding once you’re on top. I had sore and blisters after. I think it took us five hours, including lunch break.

Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of the world!! I will do a separate post about things to do in Queenstown. We spent three days here before flying to Sydney. Another day, another hiking and so much to do and see!

Queenstown from Bob’s Peak photo (source)

#new zealand #wanaka #tekapo #lake wanaka #lake tekapo #middle earth #oceania #wanderlust #south island #queenstown

[penguinsandcupcakes]

Hey I’m looking at your recipe of mini swirl cheesecakes and I’m confused as whether you put less sugar since your using 1 pkg less cream cheese and 1 less egg? Why not write the recipe exactly how you make it?

Hi, I followed the recipe except for the cream cheese and eggs part. I can’t remember why I used less cream cheese. For the eggs, I only had three on hand that time. I was a little nervous, but the result was delicious according to my colleagues. Sorry if it was confusing!

Cheers,

Cherie

[penguinsandcupcakes]

Sydney in 24 Hours

Greetings from Melbourne, Australia! Melbourne is going to be my new home for the next few months. Before flying here, I spent a full day exploring around Sydney and fight for jet lagged! I felt like a zombie, thank goodness for coffee, I managed to walk and stay awake! Sydney is such a vibrant, beautiful and very busy city packed with tourists. Travelling from Canada to Australia was like going to another planet! Long and exhausting journey!! I was up at 3am then head out at 7am to get coffee, another cup of coffee after 45 minutes and more cups of coffee. Phew. 

If you want a perfect place to see the Sydney opera house and Sydney Harbour (pic above) bridge head to Mrs Macquaries point. I went there to see the stunning sunset!

Here’s my little adventure in Sydney!

Wendy’s Secret Garden is a gem in the heart of Sydney. Secluded spot and a nice little getaway from the hustle and bustle. It has the great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Visiting a library has been always on my list when travelling. The Sate Library of New South Wales is beautiful, modern and a perfect place to write a journal or read.

I went to one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, the Bondi Beach. I enjoyed the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. I also spent an hour lying on the grass for some Australian sunshine.

“The grounds of Alexandria” Oh my gosh, it’s such a beautiful and dreamy place! I knew I wanted to go there when I saw pictures a few years ago. Pictures don’t do justice! It was pretty magical. They have different food stalls from delicious pastries to breakfast options.

#australia #landdownunder #sydney #travel #Wanderlust #sydneyoperahouse

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Blueberry Crumb Bars

It’s about time I get back to baking! For months, I didn’t attempt to make anything new. I never thought that cheap blueberries these days will get me back on track. Today, I bought two packages of blueberries, not the winter version package, but with almost four cups of blueberries. Isn’t amazing? 

I was looking for something to make with blueberries that I can bring to work. I have this recipe bookmarked for a while now, for some reason I didn’t get the chance to make it until now. I love blueberries and made blueberry desserts in the past. I wouldn’t think twice when it’s Smitten Kitchen’s recipe. I love her blog and cookbook!

I love how easy they are to put together. No soft butter needed! These bars are absolutely buttery, fruity, crumbly and delicious! So delicious! Even my dog is drooling just looking at them. They’re perfect for potlucks and BBQ. You really have to try making them before the blueberry season is over or next year!

Blueberry Crumb Bars from Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp baking powder

3 cups all purpose flour

1 cup cold unsalted butter

1 egg

¼ tsp salt

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

½ cup granulated sugar

4 tsp cornstarch

4 cups fresh berries

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9×13 pan well.

In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and baking powder. Add salt and lemon zest. Use a pastry cutter or fork to combine the butter and egg.

Pat half of the dough into prepared pan, set the rest aside.

In another bowl, combine lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Gently mix in the berries.

Sprinkle berry mixture over the crust and try to spread it out as evenly as possible.

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the berry layer.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until top is slightly brown. Cool completely before cutting squares.

#blueberry #blueberry bars #bars #crumb bars #summer #dessert #fruit dessert #summer dess #baking

[penguinsandcupcakes]

Hi my name is Christine and I love to bake as well do u happen to have a recipe for chocolate cheese cake

Hi, sorry I don’t have that recipe. I don’t think I’ve made chocolate cheesecake before. I made mocha cheesecake. It was really good. You can go over to annies-eats.com if she has the recipe. She’s one of my favourites food blog! All the best. Cherie

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Mango Sponge Cake

I’M STILL HERE AND BAKING! 

HAPPY SPRING! Things get so busy and crazy, I don’t always get the chance to bake just like before. I enjoy making cakes in general, but layer cakes usually require too much work. I’m a believer that practice makes perfect and since I rarely make a layer frosted cake, my kind of frosting is messy and all over the place. I stick to easy and no fuss like naked cake. I’ve seen a lot of naked layer cake from weddings to birthdays, they’re absolutely gorgeous! It’s one of those days where I daydream of making a beautiful cake.

One of the things that I look forward in the spring season are mangoes! We buy boxes of mangoes and eat them every single day. My Mom loves sponge cake and she used to make it all the time when I was younger. I quickly made this cake today for Mother’s Day. This cake is made of my Mom’s favourites; sponge cake, whipped cream and sweet mangoes! I used 3 6′ pan, they came out adorable!

Mango Sponge Cake 

For the spongecake

6 eggs, at room temperature 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp lemon zest 1 cup all purpose flour 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

for the sweetened whipped cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Fresh mangoes                                                                                                 

Directions

For the sponge cake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray 3, 6-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Beat for about 10 minutes on medium-high speed, until the mixture becomes pale in colour and has almost tripled in volume.

Slowly add the flour and use a rubber spatula to gently fold it in evenly. Then add the melted butter and also gently fold. Divide the batter evenly among the 3 cake pans and gently tap the pans on the counter to release any large air bubbles.

Bake the cakes for 15-20 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean and the edges start to separate from the pan. Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

for the sweetened whipped cream

Place whipping cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fit with the whisk attachment and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat again for another minute. Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag fit with a large star tip.

Place one layer of cake on your desired cake plate, then pipe a ring of whipped cream along the edge and fill it in with more whipped cream. Arrange a layer of sliced mangoes on top of the whipped cream and repeat with the next cake layer. 

#cake #mango cake #sponge cake #baking #dessert #fruit dessert #spring #spring baking

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Wandering around Cusco, Peru

Last month, my sister and I went to Peru! Wow, that trip felt like a long time ago! Our trip has come and gone, I still can’t believe I finally saw the breathtaking Machu Picchu. We just wanted to go somewhere and get away with the snow. Peru happened to be low season in February which also considered the rainy season. We were in Cusco and Aquas Calientes (base camp of Machu Picchu) for 6 days and it only rains at night. It’s chilly and sunny during the day. There’s still a lot of tourists, but the crowd was nothing compared to summer. We arrived in Lima first and spend a few days exploring. We also went sand boarding in Huacachina. It was extremely fun and a great experience! 

Cusco is a beautiful, vibrant city. The streets of Cusco are filled with colours from doors, windows to Peruvian fabric! The weather was gorgeous the whole time that we were there. We explored the cobblestoned streets, saw children and women wearing the traditional Andean clothing. Local markets are always the top of my list. We had a blast wandering, eating and shopping in San Pedro market. Plaza de Armas was is located in the heart of Cusco. It’s a lovely square surrounded with cathedrals and so many shops and restaurants. 

We had a wonderful time in Cusco, unfortunately we suffered from altitude sickness which is very common when visiting Cusco. Here is a helpful guide to avoid/cure altitude sickness. 

#Peru #Cusco #South America #Travel #travel/food adventures #wanderlust #machupicchu

[penguinsandcupcakes]

Chocolate Pudding Carrot Patch Cups

I’m back! It feels so good to bake again. I couldn’t be happier and thrilled baking all day! I work 5 days a week and I’m doing a book challenge again, so instead of baking on the weekend like before, I read as much as I can on my days off. It’s crazy to think that it’s March already! My trip to Peru last month feels like a long time ago. I don’t know if I get the chance to bake again next weekend, so here are some delicious chocolate pudding! 

How adorable are these? The original concept is from Your Cup of Cake’s  Garden Carrot Cupcakes, then I saw a chocolate pudding version over at Erica’s Sweet Tooth. Since I haven’t made chocolate pudding before, I decided to make chocolate pudding from the scratch for the first time. I’m not a big fan of puddings and I was surprised how easy/no bake it is to make! 

They’re too pretty to eat!

Book recommendations would be great! 

Chocolate Pudding from Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

1/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/8 tsp salt 3 cups whole milk 6 oz good quality semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For decoration

15 strawberries, rinsed and dried thoroughly 1, 12-oz bag of orange candy melts Crushed Oreos or Chocolate crumbs

Directions

While the pudding sets, line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 second intervals, mixing well between each interval, until completely smooth. Dip each strawberry in the candy melts as far up to the green part as you can get it. Place the dipped strawberry on the wax paper. Once they're all dipped, use a spoon to drizzle more orange candy for a striped look. Transfer the strawberries to the fridge for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.

When the pudding is ready, sprinkle each cup with a layer of Oreo crumbs. Place a dipped strawberry in each, submerging the strawberry about halfway down. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

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