Too Much Chocolate? - Issue #61

Happy Easter!

Is there even such a thing as too much chocolate? Easter is undoubtedly a time when we indulge in chocolate, but once a year, does it really matter? ;)

In this newsletter, we've curated some delightful foodie ideas to add a dash of excitement to your weekend menu. If you find yourself with an abundance of hot cross buns, why not transform them into delectable French toast? We've also included some fun suggestions for the kids (or the kids at heart), such as creating bunny-shaped pancakes. And for those looking to elevate their baking game, we've got tips on how to make a delicious and beautiful brownie.

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter break! It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a long weekend - long enough to unwind and savour some well-deserved time away from the usual week-to-week routine.

In this issue:

• Too many Hot Cross Buns? - Try French Toast
• Easter fun - Simple Breakfast For The Kids
• Food presentation - Simple Ways To Elevate Your Food

Too Many Hot Cross Buns? - Try French Toast

Hot cross buns hold a special place in my heart - they're a treat I can enjoy any time of day! But let's face it, sometimes we get a bit carried away and end up with more than we can eat while they're still fresh. Or maybe we've just had our fill of the usual toasting routine and we're craving something different.

Here's a great idea you need to try if you haven't already. You can easily give those stale hot cross buns a delicious makeover! Slice them, then generously dip them in some whisked egg and milk/cream (soaking up as much liquid as possible), and fry them in a pan until they're golden and crispy on the outside, but still soft and fluffy inside. Trust me, they taste amazing!

Now, how do you serve these delicious French toast Hot Cross buns? There are so many different possibilities. Here are some of my favourites:

• Enjoy them as they are straight out of the pan.
• Top them with a generous helping of berries and a dollop of cream or yogurt.
• Drizzle them generously with maple syrup.
• Add crispy fried bacon and caramelised fried bananas for a sweet and savoury sensation.

Whether you're digging into these for breakfast or lunch, they're quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear. It's a sure way to elevate your hot cross buns that aren't at their best anymore into something that looks as good as it tastes.

Easter Fun - Simple Breakfast For The Kids

Easter is a time when the joy of having kids around and the excitement of a visit from the Easter bunny truly make the holiday special. It's all about those fun-filled family moments, isn't it? But even if you find yourself without little ones running around, there's still plenty of fun to be had, especially in the kitchen!

Picture this: a delightful breakfast spread featuring pancakes transformed into adorable bunnies. Yep, you read that right! With just a few simple tweaks, those ordinary pancakes can become the star of your Easter morning. And hey, who says kids get to have all the fun? Treat yourself to a bit of kitchen creativity and whip up a batch of these cute bunny pancakes for yourself!

Now, let's talk toppings. Sure, you can keep it classic with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. But why stop there? Get creative and add some bacon for a savory twist, or top your pancakes with a sunny-side-up egg for extra protein. Feeling fancy? Whip up a colourful fruit compote to add a burst of flavour and vibrant colours to your breakfast spread.

The beauty of these bunny pancakes is that you can let your imagination run wild. Add different toppings, experiment with shapes and sizes - whatever tickles your fancy! After all, Easter is a time to celebrate, so why not start the day off with a breakfast that's as fun to make as it is to eat?

Food Presentation - Simple Ways To Elevate Your Food

I recently prepared a batch of my favourite brownies for some guests. I cut it into squares, taking the extra time to trim the edges for the best visual effect so they were ready to plate. They look perfectly fine like this don't they?

However, what if we want to elevate the presentation? Is it too difficult or time-consuming? Not at all. It only took a few extra minutes to make these look so much more appealing.

I mixed a dollop of white chocolate ganache with cream cheese and piped a small rosette onto each brownie square using a star nozzle. A sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries was the finishing touch. This simple enhancement took hardly more than 5 minutes, yet the end result is significantly more appealing, wouldn't you agree?

This brownie recipe serves as a versatile base, allowing for various presentation enhancements. Whether it's decorating with crushed Easter eggs for an Easter-themed look, or adding cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch, the options are endless. I enjoy making this brownie because it's quick and easy, tastes delicious and stays fresh for days, making it an ideal make-ahead option. Plus, you can customise the decoration to suit any occasion, elevating its presentation effortlessly.

If you want to make the same brownie here's the recipe link. There are also photos of different ways you can serve this same brownie as a dessert.

I hope you have a lovely long weekend with some relaxation, delicious food and chocolate ;)

Happy cooking,
Taryn