Saturday 12 April 2014

Banana, Coconut and Chocolate Chip Loaf

1 and 1/2 oz brown sugar
1 and 1/2 oz caster sugar
2oz butter
1 tbsp milk
2 ripe bananas
1 egg
3oz self raising flour
1/2 tsp bicarb of soda
1 and 1/2 oz coconut
2oz chocolate chips
 
Preheat the oven to 160C/gas 3. Cream the butter and sugars together, until fluffy. Add the milk, mashed bananas and the egg and whisk until frothy. Tip in the remaining ingredients and mix until combined. Pour into a lined loaf tin and bake for 40 minutes or until no longer wet.

Raindell's, Broadstairs, Kent

Really juicy and tasty burger at Raindell's diner. Friendly and polite staff, definitely eating there again.
Plus, used my Taste Card and got one of the main meals free.

Sunday 6 April 2014

Hot Cross Buns for Easter

625g strong white flour
2 tsp mixed spice
25g butter
85g sugar
zest of 1 orange
1 and 1/2 tsp yeast
1 egg
275g tepid milk
125g mixed fruit
100g marzipan
3 tbsp melted apricot jam
 
Add the flour and mixed spice to a mixing bowl then rub in the butter. Make a well and add the sugar, zest and  yeast. Pour in the egg and tepid milk and combine to a dough. Lightly knead for 5 minutes.
Cover and leave to rise for an hour.
Knock the dough back and leave to rise for a further 30 minutes.
Divide into 12 equal pieces. I added the pieces to a greased a mini loaf tin but you could roll the pieces into balls. Leave to rise again for 30 minutes.
Heat the oven to 240C/Gas 8.
Roll the marzipan into thin strips for the crosses on the buns. Add the strips onto the buns to make the cross.
Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown. When they come out the oven, brush the hot jam over.