Everything went well, we were organised, the movers were really fast and all the utilities had been connected (except internet, that took a few more days). The house could have been cleaner, but it wasn't too bad, just lived in. Having just cleaned our old place though, I did not appreciate having one of the first tasks at the new place being cleaning too.
So, my new kitchen. There have been a couple of requests for pics, so here are the twins:
And the new induction cooktop. If you sneak a peak to the left of the picture you may get a clue about what I've made for the cookbook challenge this week.
And my baby (this was the best Christmas present I got last year - although it was topped this year by the house).
This picture is from the real estate website, so that's not my fridge, stools, etc. but is a much better shot of the kitchen than I could take. Although if anyone knows where I can get stools like that, please let me know!
I was unable to capture the sparkly nature of the bench, but here's my best attempt (I know it's out of focus, but the sparkles seem to show up better that way).
Pathetically, the first thing I used the oven for was a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich, and the second thing was garlic bread. However, the third thing....
(just because, not for the Challenge, despite their Christmassy overtones)
250g butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup icing sugar mixture (I use icing sugar, not mixture, but either is fine)
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups plain flour
75g craisins, coarsely chopped
100g white chocolate, finely chopped (I used Hershey's Cinnamon Chips - see my post on Chai Cupcakes)
Preheat oven to 160°C (or use the special Bake setting on your magic twin ovens). Line baking trays with non-stick baking paper (If you're using non-stick trays this is unnecessary - I've never had them stick). Use an electric beater to beat the butter, icing sugar and vanilla in a bowl until very pale and creamy.
Now this bit's important - DO NOT GET YOUR SPATULA CAUGHT IN THE BEATERS AND BREAK YOUR MIXER. Taste left that out, and unfortunately I didn't manage to work it out for myself. So, mixerless. Luckily, my mother lent me hers so I can complete the cookbook challenge this week.
Stir in the flour, craisins and chocolate. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and bring the dough together.
Roll tablespoonfuls (this is a bit too much, I prefer them smaller) of the dough into balls. Place, about 5cm apart, on the trays. Use a fork to flatten slightly. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill (I don't bother and it works fine).
Bake, swapping trays halfway through cooking, for 15-18 minutes or until golden. Set aside on the trays for 5 minutes to cool before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3/4 cup icing sugar mixture (I use icing sugar, not mixture, but either is fine)
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups plain flour
75g craisins, coarsely chopped
100g white chocolate, finely chopped (I used Hershey's Cinnamon Chips - see my post on Chai Cupcakes)
Preheat oven to 160°C (or use the special Bake setting on your magic twin ovens). Line baking trays with non-stick baking paper (If you're using non-stick trays this is unnecessary - I've never had them stick). Use an electric beater to beat the butter, icing sugar and vanilla in a bowl until very pale and creamy.
Now this bit's important - DO NOT GET YOUR SPATULA CAUGHT IN THE BEATERS AND BREAK YOUR MIXER. Taste left that out, and unfortunately I didn't manage to work it out for myself. So, mixerless. Luckily, my mother lent me hers so I can complete the cookbook challenge this week.
Stir in the flour, craisins and chocolate. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and bring the dough together.
Roll tablespoonfuls (this is a bit too much, I prefer them smaller) of the dough into balls. Place, about 5cm apart, on the trays. Use a fork to flatten slightly. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill (I don't bother and it works fine).
Bake, swapping trays halfway through cooking, for 15-18 minutes or until golden. Set aside on the trays for 5 minutes to cool before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
See you soon, with my cookbook challenge post!
Posts
Sigh. Your kitchen is a kitchen wet dream - it's lovely! All the drawers, twin ovens, space for a huge fridge. Ohmy!
ReplyDeleteBtw, hope your mixer wasn't a super expensive one! I broke my previous mixer by turning away as it walked itself off the bench. I replaced it with a Kitchenaid, so I wasn't too sad, hehe!
Ooooh you lucky thing! I really have to get sorted and get mine done this year, you've inspired me!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, the kitchen really is the best part of our new house, although I can't take credit for it, it looked that way when we got here!
ReplyDeleteWhat's for Tea, a cool thing you can't see are the spice racks screwed to the inside of the pantry doors. I have a free standing spice rack, but there's never enough space, so I'm appreciative, and may install more.
Agnes, I had an old Breville mixer with a plastic stand, nothing special, but did the job. My mum's left her vintage Kambrook one with me until I work out what to do. I'd LOVE a KitchenAid, but they're so expensive. I'd planned to ask for one for my 30th, but that's months away!
Yep, KAs are ridiculously expensive! I had to really think about spending that much money on a mixer, but in the end I justified it by saying that I'll be able to use it for the next 30 years. ;) And now that I have it, I love it, and love using it. It's really sturdy and doesn't move about, even when mixing stiff dough, unlike my old mixer. Maybe you could get one as an early birthday present? :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what an absolutely awesome kitchen! It looks massive and fabulously laid out! You are so lucky!
ReplyDeleteHope you have many happy cooking adventures in your wonderful kitchen! :)