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Author Archive | Rasa Pelham

Searching for a perfect sponge cake…

By on March 27, 2014 in Blog, Sweet Treats

almond Victoria sponge cake recipe

I have recently been searching for a perfect sponge cake base for our wedding torte. Although there are many to still try out, here is one I really liked: almond Victoria sponge. I particularly like the added almonds! I have decided to go with cream cheese frosting as that would last much longer then whipped cream and it tastes better too. I also opted for fresh fruit layer (in this case strawberries) instead of jam. Yum! try it for yourself ;-).

almond Victoria sponge cake recipe

ALMOND VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE

  • 400g butter
  • 400g sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 90g yogurt
  • 360g flour
  • 100g ground almonds
  • 3tsp baking powder

(for the frosting)

  • 100 butter, softened
  • 100 cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 150g icing sugar
  • berries such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries

almond Victoria sponge cake recipe

1. Cream butter with sugar until its pail in colour.

2. Gradually add eggs and mix the dough well.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients and combine everything well.

4. Divide he cake mixture into two prepared cake tins and bake them in 180C preheated oven.

6. Meanwhile make the frosting by combining all the ingredients into smooth creamy paste.

7. When the sponge cakes are cooled, spread some cream cheese frosting on one of them and cover it with fresh berries. Place another cake on top and repeat the same again (if you want, I did slightly different for decorational purposes). Dust the top with icing sugar for an extra umf factor ;-)

almond Victoria sponge cake recipe

Enjoy!

Rasa xoxo

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Name the boat!

By on March 25, 2014 in Blog, Inspiration, Love London

Boat names

If I had to name anything I would love to name a boat… just because they are most fun and often sound silly. I often go for a walk by river Lea and love spotting new boat names. “Buzzy Lizzy” and “Stardust” are my favourite right now. How would you name yours if you owned a boat?

Boat names Boat names Boat names Boat names Boat names Boat names

Have an amazing week ahead!

Rasa oxo

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Eggs Benedict 101

By on March 22, 2014 in Blog, Break-the-fast

Eggs Benedict 101

Today I am going to talk about eggs Benedict. I mentioned couple of times before that this is my ultimate weekend breakfast. The only reason why I don’t do it as often, because it is so involved and often requires a team work. Luckily today Joni is visiting me so making this type of breakfast was a goal easier to achieve.

But don’t get put off by the work, it’s totally worth the effort! Here I have broken down the process in steps.

1. First we start with the toasted slice of bread. Traditionally it’s served with toasted English muffin, but today I thought I would serve it with something wholemeal. If English muffin is still your preference then you should definitely try baking it yourself. It’s simpler than you think! I usually use the English muffin recipe from River Cottage Bread Handbook.

Eggs Benedict 101

2. Second item is crisp bacon, but it can be roasted ham as well. The other things you can can add instead of bacon is either smoked salmon (eggs Royale) or wilted spinach (eggs Florentine) or both!

Eggs Benedict 101

3. Next you place poached eggs on top. There are many methods of poaching eggs such as doing it in a shallow pan and using a bit of vinegar or swirling the water while pouring egg into water. It’s important to find the method that suits you best and don’t put the egg in boiling water as that will explode the egg.

Eggs Benedict 101

4. Next is Hollandaise sauce. This taste best when it’s freshly made! here is a quick recipe for it:

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 70g melted butter
  • salt and pepper to taste

1. In the bowl over boiling water whisk the egg yolks with some lemon juice until it is pale in colour.

2. Gradually add melted butted while whisking. Remove the bowl from the heat as soon as the sauce gains the consistency of mayonnaise.

3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Egg Benedict 101

You can top the eggs Benedict with herbs such as dill, parsley or chives.

Eggs Benedict 101

Enjoy your weekend brunch!

Rasa xoxo

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Chocolate spoons

By on March 20, 2014 in Blog, Sweet Treats, Updates

Chocolate spoon DIY

Today I have been making chocolate spoons! Why? Because the Mums and Daughter’s tea party is on and it’s chocolate themed! Ahh…. and I love chocolate!

Chocolate Spoons DIY

I know I know, these chocolate spoons are not a brand new idea. this has been phenomenal for quite a while and now it is just classic. But these are still a really good idea for a party!

Chocolate Spoons DIY

Most importantly its easy and fun to make and it can work as just a party sweat treat or a hot chocolate drink.

IMG_8552

All you need to do is melt the chocolate which can be dark or milk or white hot chocolate. Then just dip the spoons and decorate them with drizzles, sprinkles or even marshmallows. The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy the sweetness ;-)

Rasa xoxo

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Rosemary milk

By on March 15, 2014 in Blog, Winter Warmers

Rosemary milk for colds recipie rosemary milk for colds recipie

Lately I felt poorly :-(. Caught the cold even if it was pretty warm outside! That must be because of weather change… Do you feel the same? If yes, than this flavoured steamed milk is for you ;-).

rosemary milk for colds recipie

When I was little, my mum would make me steamed milk with some honey, butter and garlic. You are probably thinking that it have tasted yucky. But actually, that was the main thing I was looking forward to when I got ill! I of course edited the recipe to more grown up version. I have added rosemary twist into it…. because I love it and it recently flowered in my garden ;-).

rosemary milk for colds recipie

ROSEMARY MILK

  • 1.5 cup milk (can be almond milk if you prefer)
  • handful of rosemary
  • 2 cloves of garlic (really worth it!)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey

1. Simmer or steam milk with rosemary, garlic and olive oil until hot. (don’t let it boil)

rosemary milk for colds recipie

2. Sieve the milk and pour it into the mug (serves one unfortunately). Swirl in the honey!

rosemary milk for colds recipie

Rosemary milk for colds recipieRosemary milk for colds recipieEnjoy and have a lovely weekend ;-)

Rasa

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Last knitting group meeting in Tottenham

By on March 13, 2014 in Blog, Knitting, Updates

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It’s have been really fun meeting everybody for knitting and cup of tea with a cake in our knitting get-togethers. This was quite an experience for me too! We have learned different methods of casting on, knitting and interesting new stitches. We shared tips and even books!

Sadly this is coming to the end as Friendly Nettle is on the move. But not for too long! In the new location there will be new faces and even more knitting and crafting fun! So watch this space for new events coming ;-).

 For now join us at our last knitting group meeting on 24th of March. For more details click here!

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Hopefully see you soon ;-)

Rasa xoxo

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24th of March – Mini Knitting Group Meeting – Tottenham – PAST

By on March 13, 2014 in Events
2WHEN: 24th of March, 7pm
WHERE: Northumberland Park, London (full address will be given upon request)
WHO IS IT FOR: anyone who likes knitting or would like to learn how to knit
WHAT TO BRING: your project you are working on or if you are a beginner bring 7mm or larger knitting needles and yarn (thick, bright coloured yarn is recommended)
HOW TO ATTEND: e-mail me rasa@friendlynettle.com
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3rd of February – Mini Knitting Group Meeting – Tottenham – PAST

By on March 13, 2014 in Events
2WHEN: 3rd of February, 7pm
WHERE: Northumberland Park, London (full address will be given upon request)
WHO IS IT FOR: anyone who likes knitting or would like to learn how to knit
WHAT TO BRING: your project you are working on or if you are a beginner bring 7mm or larger knitting needles and yarn (thick, bright coloured yarn is recommended)
HOW TO ATTEND: e-mail me rasa@friendlynettle.com
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6th of January – Mini Knitting Group Meeting – Tottenham – PAST

By on March 13, 2014 in Events
2WHEN: 6th of January, 7pm
WHERE: Northumberland Park, London (full address will be given upon request)
WHO IS IT FOR: anyone who likes knitting or would like to learn how to knit
WHAT TO BRING: your project you are working on or if you are a beginner bring 7mm or larger knitting needles and yarn (thick, bright coloured yarn is recommended)
HOW TO ATTEND: e-mail me rasa@friendlynettle.com
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9th of December – Mini Knitting Group Meeting – Tottenham – PAST

By on March 13, 2014 in Events
2WHEN: 9th of December, 7pm
WHERE: Northumberland Park, London (full address will be given upon request)
WHO IS IT FOR: anyone who likes knitting or would like to learn how to knit
WHAT TO BRING: your project you are working on or if you are a beginner bring 7mm or larger knitting needles and yarn (thick, bright coloured yarn is recommended)
HOW TO ATTEND: e-mail me rasa@friendlynettle.com
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Banoffee ice-cream sandwiches

By on March 11, 2014 in Blog, Sweet Treats

Banoffee Icecream Sandwiches recipie

Only few weeks ago I have posted a recipe for the digestives. I have already found many uses for these simple biscuits! I used them as banoffee cheesecake base in the past while today I have crafted banoffee ice-cream sandwiches. Ahh… there is never enough of banoffee pie ;-).

Banoffee Icecream Sandwiches recipie

BANOFFEE ICE-CREAM SANDWICHES                                                                                               Makes 6 sandwiches

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 150ml double cream
  • 100ml milk
  • 200g yogurt
  • 2 medium sized bananas, mashed
  • 12 chocolate covered digestives
  • 100g caramel

1. First make banana ice-cream (this can be done long time ahead). Prepare egg cream by mixing egg yolks with sugar and whisking until it becomes pale.

2. Put double cream and milk together into the sauce-pan and heat it up, but don’t let it to boil. Then reduce the heat and add egg yolk mixture into the pan. Cook it on the small heat (just in case as it is very important not to get it boiled as then you would get an omelet, not an ice-cream) and mix continuously until it becomes thick (about 10 min).

3. At this stage it is best to cool the mixture down by placing the pot in the cold water as when you get the right consistency it is best not to overcook it.

4. When the egg cream has cooled add yogurt and mashed bananas and combine everything well. Pour the mixture into the plastic container (or even baking tin lined with baking paper) and place it into freezer.

5. After two hours scrape off the sides of the container and mix it with the fork. Repeat this after three hours and after that you can let it stay there until it is completely frozen.

Banoffee Icecream Sandwiches recipie

6. Remove frozen ice-cream out of the container or tin and lay it onto the chopping board. Using cookie cutter cut out circles in the ice-cream block.

Banoffee Icecream Sandwiches recipie

7. Make the ice-cream sandwiches: spread some caramel on the digestive, stick ice-cream round on top and cover everything with another digestive.

Banoffee Icecream Sandwiches recipie

Enjoy!

Rasa xoxo

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Weekend breakfast

By on March 9, 2014 in Blog, Break-the-fast

Eggs in pots (oeufs en cocotte)

I love making (and eating) nicer breakfast in the mornings when I have more time. That mostly happens at the weekends. My favourite is egg Benedict of course! However couple of years ago I came across eggs in pots (oeufs en cocotte) that have a very similar taste minus the effort.

The other of my favourites are crepes that can be both savoury and sweet. I especially fond of these savouries: easy chickpea crepes!

Easy chickpea crepes

Apple and potato rosti is another one of my brunch favourites ;-).

Apple and potato rosti

And if you are still in the rush today today (like me actually), then this Bill’s rhubarb and Banana smoothie is a good one!

Bill's rhubarb and banana recipe

Enjoy your Sunday!

Rasa xoxo

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Bobotie

By on March 6, 2014 in Blog, Lunch or Dinner

Bobotie recipie

I have fallen in love with bobotie from the first time I tasted it! Thanks to Joni for introducing me to it ;-). Bobotie is curried South African dish that reminds me of coronation chicken, because of its sweet curry taste. What’s more, it is really easy to make! The recipe bellow is an edited version that I got from Joni’s mum.

bobotie recipie

BOBOTIE

  • 250ml Milk
  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 onions, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
  • cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder
  • 1tsp cumin
  • black pepper
  • 450g minced lamb
  • 60ml apricot jam
  • 60g dried apricots
  • 25g ground almonds
  • salt to taste
  • 2 eggs

1. Pour half the milk onto the bread and allow it to soak.

2. Fry the onion and garlic gently in a little oil until translucent.

3. Mash the bread and add it into the onion and garlic mixture, the spices, meat, jam, apricots, half the almonds, and the salt.

4. Mix together with your hands (thoroughly).

5. Pack the mixture into a baking dish to a depth of about 4cm.

6. Beat the eggs with the remaining milk and  pour this over the top, then add the remaining almonds.

7. Bake in a preheated medium oven (180C or Gas mark 4) for 45-50 mins until the meat is cooked through and the custard on top has turned golden.

7. You may need to cover the top for the last 15-20 mins with a piece of foil to prevent the custard burning before the meat has finished cooking.

bobotie recipie

Enjoy!

Rasa xoxo

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Unconventional Pancake Day

By on March 4, 2014 in Blog, Savoury Delights

Zemaiciu pancakes

First of all, happy Pancakes Day! You are probably looking for pancakes recipes right now… Although these pancakes are not the sweet ones, they offer more than an afternoon treat. They are great for dinner too! Žemaičių pancakes have originated from Lithuania, the region where my Grandma lives. They have meaty filling in the potato case. Basically, worth to try ;-).

Zemaiciu Pancakes

ŽEMAIČIŲ PANCAKES

  • 800g potatoes (cooked, mashed and cooled)
  • 1 egg
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 tbsp plain flour
  • oil for frying

(for filling)

  • 200g pork meat (cooked and minced)
  • 1 carrot (cooked and mashed)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter

1. Make the filling by frying an onion with butter and mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. Season everything well!

2. Make the pancake dough by combining the ingredients together.

3. Take a lump of pancake dough, flatten it in the hand and insert some filling in the middle. Fold the filling in by covering with another small lump of dough.

Zemaiciu pancakes

4. Fry the Pancakes on the medium heat flipping sides until both of them turns golden.

Zemaiciu Pancakes

Enjoy your pancakes today ;-)

Rasa xoxo

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