Cookbookmaniac
  • Homemade Pop Tarts – AMAZING!!
    American Recipes

    Pop Tarts were my preferred choice of breakfast back in the days of high school. My mother was always concerned that I was not getting a healthy breakfast, but I was never an early riser and these were ready in a matter of minutes before I rushed out the door. After ten years, I no longer eat pop tarts, but I still rush out the door to head to work. Old habits die-hard. I was looking to make a sweet pastry pie, so I bought Bubby's Homemade Pies. (I will use any excuse to buy a beautiful cookbook). Sweet pastry pies are not very widespread in Australia like they are in the US. The only ones I find easily available are from Sara Lee in the frozen food section at the supermarket. Movies & TV Shows like Fried Green Tomatoes, Waitress and Pushing Daisies, have propelled my craving for this…

  • Fortune Cookies – Happy Chinese New Year!!
    Asian Recipes

    Gung Hei Fat Choi!! Happy Chinese New Year!! I absolutely love this time of year. It's my version of Christmas. The streets are decorated with red and gold signs, lanterns and flowers. They are also full of people lining up to watch the parade of lion dancing, firecrackers, and talented musicians smashing away on huge drums and gongs. Everyone is so happy and giving, wishing you good fortune for the new year to come. Isn't it wonderful! My huge family always gathers together for a feast and silent prayer. Don't get me wrong, I am not religious but I feel a quiet grace when I thank my ancestors and the deities that be, for the good fortune that I have presently and for the many that I will receive in the future. It is humbling and I feel very grateful. I decided to make fortune cookies for my Chinese New…

  • Red Velvet Cake – Irresistable charm
    American Recipes

    Recipe taken from Rose's Heavenly Cakes by Rose Levy Beranbaum 3 (90g) large egg whites 2 tablespoons red food colouring 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 cups (200g) cake flour or plain flour 1 cup (200g) caster sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup canola oil 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup buttermilk Special Equipment One 9 by 2-inch heart-shape or round cake pan (8 to 8²⁄³ cups), encircled with a cake strip, bottom coated with shortening, topped with parchment cut to shape, then coated with baking spray with flour Preheat the Oven Twenty minutes or more before baking, set an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C. Mix the Liquid Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites, red food color, and vanilla just until lightly combined. (Caution: Be careful…