Sunday, 31 March 2013

Coconut Layer Cake






A few weeks back I made a very large coconut layer cake for my friend. Turns out she shared it with the whole neighbourhood and I got complimented alot. 

COCONUT LAYER CAKE:

COCONUT CAKE:
2 1/2 cups (375 g) all purpose (plain) flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (250 g) butter, softened
2 cups (400 g) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
4 large eggs
1 cup (250 g) Milk
1/2 cup macadamia nuts or almonds, chopped

FILLING:
1 package (250 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups (300 g) confectioners' (icing) sugar
1 cup (150 g) shredded unsweetened coconut

Chantilly cream:
1 cup (250 ml) heavy (double) cream
1 tablespoon confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup (75 g) shredded (desiccated) coconut


- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees
- Butter two 9 inch (23 cm) round cake tins
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl
- Beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, and coconut extract in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium high speed until pale and creamy
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until just blended after each addition
- With the mixer at low speed, gradually beat in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir in the nuts by hand.
- Spoon half the batter into each of the prepared tins.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. 
- Cool the cakes in the tins for 10 minutes. Turn out onto racks and let cool completely.
- Filling: With the mixer at medium speed, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar and coconut.
- Split each cake in half horizontally. Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with one-third of the filling. Repeat with two more layers. Place the remaining layer on top. Spread with the topping and sprinkle with the coconut.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. 

Serves: 8-10
Preparation: 1 hour
Cooking 25 - 30 minutes

Recipe from: The Golden Book of Patisserie

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Me & You





After seeing this idea on Pintrest, I took on the simple process of re-creating it. The first thing I had to do for this project was find the right text. I searched the internet and found a free text that was close then changed it a little in photoshop. I created each letter in its own photoshop A4 document and then printed it onto sturdy cardboard (I used plain card but I think that a light texture would work really well). After the letters were printed and I was happy with it I stuck them to the wall using washi tape haphazardly. I really like the text statment art work that doesn't have to cost a lot or be too permanently. Happy DIY to you all.

Sunday, 24 March 2013

Peek-a-boo pop up shop

















Two lovely ladies have opened a pop up one stop shop on the beautiful tree lined Crown St Surry hills. For a short time Rachel Murray and Annie Lou's Closet have joined forces to bring you vibrant pop art style artworks and eclectic cute vintage wares to peek-a-boo (Blank_Space Gallery). I advise you hustle to 375 Crown St Surry Hills before 6pm Friday the 29th to acquire a few memorable pieces for either your wardrobe or home. If you miss out don't say you weren't warned, but lucky you can also find these ladies online (its so much nicer to stop in for a chat).

Monday, 18 March 2013

Lana Del Rey







I really admire the dream like quality of Lana Del Rey's film clips. They remind me of youthful summers running around in the sun and being foolish. The texture and burn marks that show up are all the imperfections that I love and make photography real. Images of classic beauty. I aim to capture this feeling in my images. 

Doug up on Bourke




























 If you are looking for long lost treasures the first place I suggest you look is Doug up on Bourke. They have old suit cases, wooden shoe moulds, flags, mounted animal heads, rustic chairs, kitchenalia and desks that make you want to sit down and write a novel. I spend hours wandering around this treasure trove and every time I'm there to take a look I always find something I've been dreaming of adding to my collection of ever growing vintage. This place is mind blowing!

http://www.douguponbourke.com.au/


Thursday, 14 March 2013

Australian Museum





Had a great time this afternoon exploring the Australian Museum. Made my way through the Alexander the great exhibition and found out about the great conqueror who had many fables told about his short life. I also wandered around the skeleton exhibit (my favourite). So many treasures.