Blueberry & Banana Loaf

Rain ran in go away come again another day!!


We have solid rain all this week, it is kind of scary considering it was only a year ago we had the big Brisbane floods! The water had managed to creep it way to the back door, lucky it did not make its way in.


I tell you what though, it has been perfect cooking weather!


This week has been very industrious, I had made a lot of goodies starting with this amazing, moist Blueberry & Banana Loaf. It is the perfect fruit combination and full of antioxidants! See that is why we are friends for life!


This is not a fancy pants desert....... it is simple which is why I call it a loaf. It doesn't need dressing up for!


This will become a favourite and will become that recipe you make time and time again....For real!!

Blueberry & Banana Bread

140g butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups of plain flour

3/4 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 almond meal

1/2 cup milk

2 banana's mashed

1 cup of blueberries

Preheat the oven to 180º line a loaf tin

In a large bowl sift the plain four and baking powder

Combine the alone meal into the mixture

Add the sugar and melted butter and stir in well

Add the eggs and milk and stir till well combined

Stir in the mashed banana and blueberries

Pour into the lined loaf tin and place in the middle of preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean

When cooked leave to cool for 15 minutes and turn onto a wide rack to cool.

Blueberry Sponge Cake

I have decided to ignore all the Christmas decorations in the stores, they have been out for over a month and it is way to soon! Maybe I should start baking for Christmas day? ...... no that is a ridiculous thought. I do love Christmas but before I start cooking all those delicious little goodies, I must show you a few more of my favourite spring recipes.


I have been inspired by all the gorgeous Jacaranda trees that are out in bloom this spring. Their amazing colour, a magnificent shade of light purple which is so vibrant you can see them from miles away. 

Hense the Blueberry Sponge Cake, this is a real favourite in our family. Trust me take a break and enjoy a warm piece of cake and a coffee....you deserve it!!

Blueberry Sponge Cake
3 eggs 
225g caster sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
150g butter,softened
100ml milk
210g plain flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 pinch of salt
120g frozen or fresh blueberries


Preheat the oven to 175 degrees
Beat together the eggs, caster sugar and vanilla extract till white and fluffy
Melt in butter and stir in milk. Mix into egg mixture
Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Carefully fold into egg mixture
Stir through blueberries
Pour mixture into a buttered ring pan make sure to line with flour
Bake in the middle of the oven for 40-45min or until cooked
Leave to cool and turn onto a wire rack.


Ella xx

Blueberry and White Chocolate New York Cheesecakes

I love catching up with friends specially when good food is involved. A gorgeous couple Vanessa and Corey had invited us for dinner. I had offered to make a desert for the occasion, I scanned my cookbooks looking for some inspiration and found the recipe for these individual blueberry and white chocolate New York cheesecakes. 
Cheesecake originated from Eastern Europe and has been adapted by many countries one of those being USA- New York. I adore the denseness of New York cheesecake and with its contrast of the fruit with the creamy white chocolate. They make a fantastic end to a dinner party.

Blueberry and White Chocolate New York Cheesecakes

Makes 24 individual or 1 large cake

Crust

300g digestive biscuits

150g butter, melted

Filling

750g cream cheese

90g caster sugar

50g cornflour

2 teaspoons vanilla sugar

3 eggs

100ml whipping cream

200g white chocolate

80g fresh or frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 180 degrees

Put biscuits and butter in food processor till combined

Place cup cake liners in cup cake tray

Press 1 tablespoon of mixture into each liner 

Bake in oven for 10 minutes

Beat together cream cheese,sugar, cornflour and vanilla sugar

Beat in eggs one at a time and fold in cream

Melt white chocolate then stir into cheesecake mixture

Pour filling over each crust and sprinkle blueberries on top

Bake for 40 minutes. To prevent cheesecake from browning, cover with foil when they become golden brown 

Turn the oven off and leave cheesecakes to continue cooking for 30 minutes

Perfect!