mitzireddy

This is my very first blog – truly a virgin, my fellow bloggers, – being ruled by a passion for good food (has resulted in recent years in a constant battle with the ever increasing waistline – alas this also includes hubby and my cat!!!) – ah well , passion does not die easily. Recently becoming a “lady of leisure” I have more time – finally – and wish to share some of my favourite recipes. Have also become a food network addict.

I have been craving doughnuts recently but with only just myself and my hubby at home (empty nest syndrome – both children live overseas) – having to watch waistlines etc. I have been restraining myself from making some. Then watched a winning recipe on the food network for Apple and Date fritters – caved in – and made them. Scrumptious – quick and easy to make.

Apple-Date Fritters recipe

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 medium green apples (Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 3 teaspoons lemon juice
• Canola or vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and sugar; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg and milk on low speed. Stir in the dry ingredients.

Peel, core and chop apples. Toss the apples and dates with lemon juice and fold into the batter.

Fry in shallow oil at medium heat. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonful into skillet, patting each fritter down a bit. Fry until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towels (keep fritters warm) and repeat until all batter has been used.

Roll in castor sugar and serve warm. Yum!!!

Heartbreak Healers

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 2/3 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup golden syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons espresso granules
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chunks
• 1 1/2 cups walnut pieces
• milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C

In a mixing bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

In a larger mixing bowl combine brown sugar, butter, sugar, golden syrup and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add in espresso granules and eggs. Mix in dry ingredients until thoroughly combined. Stir in chocolate chunks and walnut pieces. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop cookie dough by rounded spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes. After baking, place cookies on a cooling rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Serve with milk. Delish!!!!