Tip-sy Thursday

I here by declare every Thursday to be a "tip" day - a Tip-sy Thursday. And to start off...

How to make pancakes!


The weekend is almost here and what does that mean?!
Pancakes for breakfast - uha!

But even though these are like the most simple things to make, they can still be a little tricky.
Here are a few little tips that will make your pancake-making a whole lot easier (and tastier!)

1. In separate bowls mix the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients.
2. Wisk wets into the drys - do not over mix it will make the batter too tough. And some lumps are good to make the cakes soft and fluffy.
3. Add oil to a preheated pan by using a paper towel (get the towel wet with oil - not butter - and rub it on the pan).
4. Use a measuring cup to pour batter, 1/3 to 1/2 cup, then spread it out with a spoon. If you're going to add a filling like sliced bananas or chocolate chips, add it to the top of the circle.
5. Flip only when bubbles burst.


Hope these tips help you out and inspire you to make delicious pancakes this weekend. This chilly weather is quite perfect for it don't you think?! Stack of 3, butter and syrup... hum, that's the way I like it!

How do YOU like you pancakes?!

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ps: i'm really committed to being more faithful to this blog. Do you have any ideas, recipes or requests?! well, pull up a seat, grab a spoon and let me know!

Carrot Cake

In my family birthdays = carrot cake.
So naturally, for my son's first birthday I made carrot cake - Brazilian Style! Yes, it's orange, and yes it has a chocolate glaze... hummm SO GOOD!


Carrot Cake

1/2 c. oil
3 medium carrots shredded
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
3 c. flour
1 tbs baking powder

Put all wet ingredients and carrots in a blender and blend until carrots are chopped and shredded finely,and batter takes on an orange-ish tint.

Mix wet ingredients unto dry until everything if combined. It will look a little thick for a cake batter, but it's supposed to be like that. :o)

Bake on a greased/floured pan for 40 min at a preheated over (375F).

Glaze:
(you may think it's weird, but trust me, it's sooooo good!)

1 tbs butter
3 tbs chocolate nesquick (or something like it)
1 c. sugar

in a small sauce pan, melt butter and add remaining ingridients. Cook until everything is melted (about 5 min.). Pour over cake. (I recomment poking a few holes with a knife on the cake before pouring the glaze!).

Give it a try and let me know, I'm sure you will all love it!

Quindim (keen-djeen)

I'm back! As a way to redeem myself from my long absence I have a delicious recipe!

Those of you who know Brazilian pastry probably know (and love) Quindim, and also know that it's hard to make and takes a ridiculous amount of egg yolks.

Well, I'm here to tell you that there are faster, healthier and less-yolky ways to sink your teeth into these yellow delicacies!

Behold:

Quick Quindim

1 c. Sugar
200 ml Coconut milk (about half of a can)
10 egg yolks
1 1/2 c. Shredded Coconut

Mix everything well and pour unto a muffin pan that's been greased (with butter) and coated with sugar.

Bake in bain-marie at 375 F for 30-35 minutes.

Let is cool and then run a knife along the sides, then place the pan (0r bang it) upside down on a alumnim foil sheet. Place in fridge and enjoy it!

Give it a try, and let me know how you love it!

*** Bain Marie: What is bain-marie you ask?! aka water bath. It's simple - place the muffin pan in another pan (can be a cookie sheet) that's filled with water. The bottom of the muffin pan needs to be touching the water. This is done so that the cooking process occurs evenly. IT IS ESSENTIAL!