Layer upon layer upon layer

Last Friday my Bofriend (Boss/Friend) Lesley and I popped into our favourite Bakeshop Sherbet for a morning delight. It's a habit we're trying to break.

On the menu for Lesley was the hard to resist Raspberry and Ricotta Crumble Cake (with cream of course) and for me, the larger than life Red Velvet Layer Cake (which was also accompanied by cream).

Even though it took 5 hours and three separate sittings to finish, that layer cake has been on my mind ever since. Not only was it unbelievably tasty, but it looked nothing short of amazing having been decorated with scattered coffee beans and fresh flowers.

Photo courtesy of the Sherbet facebook page

I have never attempted to bake a layer cake before but considering there's a girls night this weekend, there's no better excuse.

Here's the recipe I will be using. If anyone is game enough to give it a go before I do, I'd love to hear how you go! Otherwise, stay tuned for a few progress shots over the weekend!

Cake

2 1/2 cups plain flour
2 cups sugar
1 Tablespoon cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
60 mls red food coloring

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
• Grease and flour two 8 inch cake pans.
• Lightly stir eggs in a medium bowl with a wire whisk. Add remaining liquid ingredients and stir together with whisk until blended. Set aside.
• Place all the dry ingredients in your mixing bowl and stir together with another wire whisk.
• Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on medium-high for about a minute or until completely combined.
• Pour into cake pans and then drop the pans on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• After about ten minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack. Cover in plastic wrap while the cakes cool.
• Then make the frosting.

Frosting

225 grams cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 cups confectioners’ sugar

• Sift sugar and set aside.
• Beat cream cheese and butter on high until creamy. Add vanilla.
• Then, add the sugar in batches. Scrape down the sides in between each addition.
• And frost away.

Good Luck!

The Best Thing Since Sliced Beard

According to the holy grail of peer reviewed, undeniably reliable information; Wikipedia - men with facial hair have been ascribed various attributes such as wisdom, sexual virility, masculinity, and a higher status; although beards may also be perceived to be associated with a lack of general cleanliness and a loss of refinement. I happen to disagree with the latter.

Show me a Nanna who didn't want a bearded man to fetch her kindling in a pair of moleskin slacks, a chesty tee and suspenders - and I'll show you hirsutism (the female beard). Beards were all the rage in the 1920's, which may have had something to do with the lack of 10 pack bics on sale for $2.99, or because they were outrageously masculine. Either way, beards have made a comeback...and I likes me a beard!

Cuppa anyone??

My sweater says 'sensitive', my beard says 'testosterone'

No poor hygiene here..the pits smell just lovely thank you.

I love lamp

Bed time has arrived. You've brushed your teeth, applied your skin care and are ready to snuggle into your neatly made bed. Everything is done and you're feeling satisfied that you'll wake up tomorrow feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.

You don't turn off the light, as your darling partner is still explaining to the puppy why 'Mummy' won't let him sleep inside. You take your uggies off, pull down the corner of the sheets and daintily slip into bed, being careful not to un-tuck the sheets any more than necessary.

Perhaps you reach for your book, perhaps you switch into a seductive yet flattering position, or perhaps you think about the wonderful weekend you've had and drift off into day dream land; either way, you're relaxed.

You're suddenly startled by the sound of what seems to be a stampede of 10 thousand Woolly Mammoths and in a single moment of optimism you think to  yourself "But Woolly Mammoth's are extinct?". Then it dawns upon you... EMBRACE FOR IMPACT!

Before you know it, your once darling partner has used the blanket box at the end of your bed as a launch pad, attempted to flip onto the beautifully made bed, landed on your arm, double bounced himself and landed flat on the floorboards.

You're crippled with pain; he's winded but has somehow managed to make it back onto the bed; the dog's barking from the noise of the impact, but it's okay because you're in bed, you're safe. 

In this moment, there are no need for words, there's no need for movement. You're saved by the hope that your arm will feel better after a good sleep and he's saved by the fact you're in too much pain to yell.

Until you realise the light's still on.

Domayne $159

Corner Store $239

Freedom $99

Etsy $125 USD

Domayne $69.95

Target $29.99

Domayne $399

Tea + Scones + Cucumber Sandwiches

Mothers Day is almost upon us and what better way to spoil your Mumma is there than a High Tea?

Whether you are a DIY kinda gal (we love you!) or you'd prefer to take her out, options are a plenty.

Here are my top 5 high tea venues in Perth:

1. Rochelle Adonis in Northbridge

If you have ever been lucky enough to enter the magic world of Rochelle Adonis, you will know why she is number one on my list. Situated in Northbridge is Rochelle's gorgeous studio, where you'll be seated at a wooden banquet table and handed the most delightfully crafted cakes, nougat, tarts and treats. 

2. Little Stove Cafe in Bicton

One of the only venues in Perth to combine jazz and afternoon tea is The Little Stove. For $45 per person, you will be served a traditional English Afternoon tea while you relax and listen to some classic jazzy beats.

3. Hyatt Regency Perth in Perth City

The Hyatt was the first place I ever went to for High Tea and I feel this is the main reason it's earned a spot in my list. When you're in lovely company and have unlimited bites of deliciousness, why wouldn't you want it on your list?

It's increased in price since my first visit and at $99 per person including drinks) it is at the higher end of the scale, but you won't be disappointed with the atmosphere or the scrumptious food that awaits.

4. The George in Perth City

This year The George will be serving High Tea with a Chocolate Fountain! Need I say more?

5. The Dutchess in Claremont Quarter

Although only very new, Elegant Tea at The Dutchess is in high demand. It is one of the prettiest venues you'll see but what impressed me the most were the Jean Pierre Macaroons that were on the menu. My word.

But if you're a traditional lass and would like to do things yourself, then let the following act as inspiration as you bake your way into Mothers Day. Good Luck!

Images courtesy of Pinterest

Do the hippy hippy shake

Although we bang on about our love of baked goods (and anything else that starts with 'F' and ends in 'ood'), you will be surprised to know that we can, at times be rather conscious of the food we put into our bodies. So when we discovered the 'Kombi Cafe' inside Dunsborough's Yoga Centre 'Samudra', we were delighted to end our weekend of over indulgence sipping on a green smoothie and chatting about hugging trees.

Samudra is located in the heart of Dunsborough, nestled amongst native trees and one truly inspiring veggie patch. It's one of those places where you instantly feel healthy just stepping inside.  Inside you will find a gorgeous Eco Store full of cookbooks, yoga equipment and clothing as well as two yoga studios. They also run health retreats both in Dunsborough and in Bali (good excuse for a holiday I feel!). I am yet to try out the classes, but will be back down in a few weeks so will keep you posted!

Their Philosophy:

"Samudra’s philosophy is one of integral nourishment. Our goal is to provide you with the finest seasonal organic ingredients nature has to offer. The star in our Living Cuisine is the produce itself - prepared with love, passion and attention to detail.is to deliver the best seasonal food nature has to offer, celebrating natural flavours, textures and colours."

Once we sat down at our tree trunk table, we made ourselves comfortable and got ready to order our coffees while we pondered over the breakfast menu. At first, I found the wait staff rather intimidating. It is clear they know what they're talking about, but at times can seem almost patronising; what ever you do, don't ask for skim milk!

On to the breakfast menu... It's all well and good for something to be good for you, but if it doesn't taste good are we really going to suffer through it? So my first choice was the Breakfast Burrito. It consisted of organic re-fried black beans, avocado, leaves, tomato salsa and came wrapped in mountain bread. I am thrilled to say it was AMAZING. So amazing, that I had to stop myself from ordering it again on my second visit.

Also delivered to our table were the Buckwheat Pancakes (with seasonal fruit, honey and lemon syrup) and the Live Muesli. I've been told the pancakes were yummy, but a bit too dry and the Live Muesli was utterly delicious! 

On my second visit to the Kombi Cafe at Samudra, I ordered the Scrambled Tofu. Scrambled with pumpkin and served with soy balsamic mushrooms on sourdough, it was to die for!

We also tried out some of their juices and smoothies. The Banana Dharma was so very yummy, The Green Smoothie is perfect if you're a little under the weather but steer clear of the ABC if you're an amateur juice drinker.

All in all, the Kombi Cafe is certainly somewhere I will visit each time I'm in Dunsborough. The food is great and the service is great (once you realise  that they don't do skim milk "darling"). The Kombi Cafe is open for lunch and dinner and they also do live music on Friday nights! However, my biggest piece of advice to you all is to drop the boys at the bakery before you go. Although we all know they wouldn't even realise the lack of meat in their dish, apparently a pie is a more 'manly' breakfast.

Address: 226 Naturaliste Tce, Dunsborough.

Do not disturb

Last week, I found myself preparing for a weekend in the rare company of 'no one'.

The people I spend most of my time with had decided to take a leave of absence and were leaving me to fend for myself for the weekend. I could not have been happier.

It's not often one is faced with the opportunity to be completely and utterly selfish, slothful and indulgent with no judgement AND HENCE, one must embrace. And embrace I would.

I'd spend my Saturday aimlessly wandering through little boutiques and homewares stores, only to come home to recorded episodes of cheesy T.V series. Saturday night would be spent watching said episodes, a glass of red in hand and chocolate on my mind/thighs. Sunday, would begin with a lie in which would be followed by a morning run and a baking marathon.

My overwhelming feeling of excitement about spending the weekend in my own company got me thinking and as usual my thinking lead to a list:

Nicole's list of 6 things you might like to do if you can be bothered doing them.

Number 1 - Do nothing

This should be the first thing you do on your weekend alone. It sets the mood for the rest of the weekend. If you get it done first, it's out of the way.

Number 2 - Watch or read something mindless

There's nothing better than switching your mind off and entering into a world you'll never live in.

Number 3 - Cry about nothing

About not ever living in the Sex and the City world. It'll make you feel better.

Number 4 - Have a good stretch

This makes you feel like you've exercised. Once you're all nimble and excercisy, you won't feel so bad for all the nothing you've been doing.

Number 5 - Swing on some swings

Angela and I have spent many a picnic missing out on food while we get carried away on the swings. I don't think there's anything quite like it. Hence my birthday present this year - a homemade swing in the backyard. BEST!

Number 6 - Bake

I don't think this really needs an explanation. However, if you bake something at the beginning of your lone weekend, there will be no one around to judge when you've eaten all of your produce by the end.

By the end of your weekend alone, I can guarantee you will be relaxed, happy, fat and ready to interact with people again. You may even be excited to go to work on Monday.

Small Town Love

P.E.R.T.H I am growing to love you more each week. I refuse to be a Perth hater like many others of my generation. Sure Melbourne has laneways and liquor laden hangouts on every corner, Sydney has restaurants and riches but Perth has beaches, regular temps above 25 degrees in winter, the south west wine region and an ever growing array of great local foodie hot spots. This brings me to the subject of my post a little local that popped up on a corner not too far from home: Piccolo's Corner in West Leederville. 

I drive past it on my daily commute to work and have been waiting for it to open, and whilst i have not yet popped in - I plan on doing so tomorrow for my morning caffeine hit!

Check it out.....groceries, breakfast, five senses coffee, mismatched china....CUUUUUUUTE! Don't mind if I do.

Corner of Woolwich and St Leonard's Ave, West Leederville

Tue-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm, closed Mon

Oh and there is a cozy little courtyard! 

Will let you know how my coffee goes tomorrow!!!

Cheeky Mid-Weeky

With it's unassuming exterior and hidden location (granted it is pretty hard to navigate after 6 sangrias), the Cheeky Sparrow is a great watering hole any night of the week, but particularly Friday nights.

The Cheeky Sparrow is a cafe by day, bar by night and serves great food and drinks. The biggest shock (perhaps 'surprise' is a better term) of all, is the service by both security and bar staff - which are great by any standard, but particuarly Perth.

As soon as you step into the Sparrow you feel like you have been transported into a loft-style bar in NYC. The atmosphere is great, there is usually a DJ who plays just loud enough tat you can still comfortably sit at one of the booths and hear your best friend drunkenly rant from across the table.

As far as food goes, I recommend the Charcuterie boards (below are a choice, but they are also accommodating enough to let you create your own) 

board 1
warmed olives, dandaragan olive oil, dukkah, crusty bread 18

board 2
choice of two antipasti, proscuitto di parma, toscano, wagyu
bresaola, crusty bread 30

board 3
choice of two antipasti, jamon serrano, grilled chorizo,
handmade spanish salami, crusty bread 30

Spread your wings and check it out!

Mmmmm Anzac baking

What better excuse is there than Anzac Day to bake some chewy, buttery goodies?!

Here is an old family recipe that I hope you enjoy as much as we did this weekend...

Ingredients

1 cup of plain flour

1 cup of rolled oats

1 cup of desiccated coconut

3/4 cup of brown sugar

135g of butter

3 tbs golden syrup

1 tbs bicarb soda

2 tbs water

Half a packet of Chocolate Melts (optional)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 160 degrees (or about 200 degrees if you've got an ancient oven like us!). Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

2. Sift the flour into a large bowl and stir in the oats, coconut and brown sugar.

3. Place the butter, golden syrup and 2 tbs of water in a small saucepan and stir over medium heat until melted.

4. Stir in the bicarb soda

5. Pour the butter mixture into the flour mix and stir until combined. I usually do this bit with clean hands - that way you've got an excuse to eat half the mixture. 

6. Roll the mixture into balls using the palms of both hands to press down the balls. I usually find this an easier way than a fork as it leaves the biscuits a bit smoother.

7. Place about 3 cm apart on your baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden.

8. Once cooled slightly, place on a cooling rack where your biscuits will harden.

9. An optional extra for the chocolate lovers is to melt some chocolate and spread it over your warm biscuits (or drizzle if you're watching your figure). Place in the fridge to set and you've got yourself a damn good biscuit!!

The plain biscuits were the result of the palm

squish and the choc biscuits,

not so much....

10. Don't leave them cooling while you go out for coffee, leaving 3 boys at home watching the football or you'll end up with half as many as you first made.

Bedroom inspiration (G rated)

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary; but for many, it's the one room which is neglected in the decorating process.

Decorating your little slice of heaven needn’t be expensive or over the top, but it should reflect your style and make you feel warm and fuzzy every time you step inside.

Here are a few bedroom ideas that are currently providing me with some inspiration...

The Quilted Bedhead

Rustic Charm

Simple, with a hint of masculinity

Exposed brick feature

Natural beauty

White on white

All images courtesy of Pinterest