Flourless Chocolate Cake

Mmm flourless chocolate cake. This one was super rich because all of the chocolate I used was 80% coca or more. I found it was nice with the tart blueberries and some whipped cream to balance it out.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:
180g (6 oz) butter, chopped
220g (7 1/2 oz) quality dark cooking chocolate, chopped
1 1/4 cups caster sugar
3/4 cup almond meal
1 cup cocoa powder, sifted
5 eggs
Method:
Preheat the oven to 140 degrees C (280 degrees F). Place the butter, chocolate and sugar in a saucepan over low heat and stir until melted and smooth. Place the almond meal and cocoa in a bowl and whisk in the chocolate mixture. Add the eggs gradually, whisking until well combined. Grease 12 x 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) capacity non stick muffin tins. Spoon in the mixture and bake for 30 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool in the tins. Serve with thick double cream or chocolate glaze and fresh berries if desired.

From Donna Hay’s : "Modern Classics Book 2" The recipe is for mini cakes but I used a 22cm cake tin instead and it turned out great.

Flowers from my Valentine

Mos Lane

Mos Lane kiosk is hidden just of Military rd and in a beautiful sunlit courtyard I enjoyed afternoon tea of delicious berry cheese cake. The staff are so helpful and friendly I even got to try the freshly made chocolate cake. Ill have to come back to devour an entire piece. http://www.moslane.com.au/

The Shed _ Gold Coast

My flight was cancelled out of the Gold Coast, so because I had to stay another day I took myself out to  the beach and to coffee. I choose to go to "The Shed" a very arty cafe in Miami. The area is full of graffiti art and creative spaces. I could have sat in the plush red couch I chose to get lost in, reading my book for hours. The little details of rabbits and gnomes that scatter the place make it feel unique and quirky. Soo wish I would be around for the Miami marketta (http://www.miamimarketta.com/) that they hold once a month but alas I will eventually make it back to Sydney. 

Commune _ Gold Coast

While on the Gold Coast a friend of mine, Bec took me to a very cute cafe called commune. It had a funky retro set up with green chalk boards on the wall for random comments and the menu.  The food was simple and delicious, what you imagine to come out of a homely kitchen. I actually got half an avocado on my plate and my poached eggs were served on top of chilli beans. How could I not be impressed. The cafe's decor and people are exactly as the title describes, a commune. 

Tommy the Elephant

Tommy the elephant hand made by JK for billy's birthday. 

I found a pattern for this plush toy on http://www.etsy.com/listing/60056001/stuffed-animal-pattern-pdf-sewing but there are so many cute toys its hard to choose a pattern.

Arkive Vintage

I'm a big fan of vintage shopping. I adore that each item has its own history and that it is unique. Its a rare moment when you find the right vintage piece that suits your shape and personality. Arkive vintage is located in an obscure ally in Surfers Paradise, but up the when you find your way there you won't regret the effort made. As one of the only vintage stores in surfers I found all my shopping was done here while I was away. The owners of Arkive just moved back from living in England and have sourced some great items for the store. 

You can find them here http://www.vintageshops.com.au/shop/arkive-vintage/ and they promised to have an online store coming soon for people who live out of state like me.

Billy's first birthday

This little cutie turned ONE and I was fortunate enough to be there to celebrate the event. Congratulations Billy! You are so lucky to have such a beautiful family.

QT Gold Coast

Ok so a few weeks back I got to stay at the amazing QT on the Gold Coast. I never wanted to leave this modern, funky, quirky hotel in the middle of surfers paradise. You could even borrow retro bikes from reception to ride along the beach front. I enjoyed a few cocktails at stingrays and a buffet breakfast at the famous Bazzarr. I would recommend a stay at this hotel for anyone who is taking a trip to the Gold Coast. As you can tell by the over load of photos it was visually stunning and the beds are like sleeping on clouds.