As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Few weeks ago I had a 'bridal shower' - okay it was more like a just a party for my cousin, and made this cake!

Few reasons why I'm sharing it:
- I looks TOTALLY awesome inside, I mean LOOK at it - (excuse the not so good photography)
- You'll definitely impress all your guest - including yourself..haha
- It's really easy to make
- You can use other colors to match your theme
- It tastes pretty good
- Did I mention how cool it looks?


This is NOT my recipe, I've just copy and pasted it here for convenience. The YouTube clip shows how to make it. Makes 8" cake.

• 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cups vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine above in mixer, until mixed well.

• 4 eggs
Add eggs one at a time - mixing on low in between.

• 1 cup milk
Slowly add milk, mix until completely combined.

• white, pink, and black gel paste
• vanilla buttercream
• black fondant
• pink buttercream
• Wilton tip 1A

*white colouring is optional (I did not use it)

Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350F/170F.

Divide batter into three different bowls.
One bowl having half of the batter (white colour)
The other two have a quarter each (one black, one pink).

Spray two 8" pans and line bottom with parchment paper.

Place four tablespoons of white batter into the center of each pan. Then, directly into the middle of the white batter, place two tablespoons of black batter. Directly into the centre of the black batter, place two tablespoons of pink batter. Repeat cycle.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or toothpick test.
Once cake is cooled, cover in white buttercream, black fondant strips, and pink buttercream beads at base with Wilton 1A tip.

Labels: ideas, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I have SO many over due posts to share!! I'll start with this one.
I managed to get a group of mom's and children for a pottery painting event a few weeks ago and decided to take them some snacks.


Here are the lady bug cupcakes I took. There were pretty easy to make, and you can make them (the lady bugs) a few days ahead. You'll have to make the antenna's a week ahead so they dry.

The day of (once the cakes are cooled) just pipe green grass on each cupcake using this nozzle. It's a Wilton 233.

I more or less followed this ladies directions for making the lady bugs. You'll need fondant in both red and black. The antenna's are made with dyes rice noodles. Add the noodles to water/black color. Leave out to dry. Try and separate the noodles or they'll dry together.
The 'white' part of the eyes were flat candy sprinkles, and the dots in the center were mustard seeds.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I was busy experimenting today...with ice-cream!
I have ALWAYS wanted to try this out... making ice-cream with bananas. I think bananas are an awesome fruit and I dig ice-cream - I can't see where it could wrong.

Finally tried it out, and now realize I should have done this sooner.
My lab rats (familia - don't tell them I called them that) gave me mixed answers - from "this is the best ice-cream ever" to "I don't like the flavor". I personally liked it - but now am on a mission to try out new flavors.
Below is what I did today:




Serves 2
1 1/2 peeled medium bananas - sliced into coins and frozen until solid (2-3 hours)

3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons maple syrup
Walnuts - chopped



: : Blend bananas in food processor until they are the consistency of soft serve ice cream, scrap down the sides, and blend. You MUST use a food processor - otherwise you're on you own.
: : Blend in peanut butter, maple syrup and walnuts, and transfer to a freezer container and freeze until solid.




Variations I want to try:
- strawberries and vanilla (optional: cream)
- chocolate (cocoa) and chocolate (I don't even like chocolate - but I might get more votes) - I will be trying this today!

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Where do you find halal vanilla essence from? I get this question so often, it is about time I do a post about it. Sorry for not doing one sooner.

Before I start... let me state for the non-Muslims that visit my blog. Muslims are prohibited from consuming alcohol, this includes the amount you'll find in most vanilla essences. I'm sure you'll find someone who'll justify consuming it by saying it evaporates while baking, or the amount is not enough to intoxicate you - that's between them and God. I personally stay away from it.

This is mainly for Canadian readers, because it's much easier finding halal vanilla essence in the US.
You will need to read labels (even on the ones listed below - as some companies change things from time to time)


Brand: Guyanese Pride
Found: Most Caribbean stores
Price: $4 (approx.)
Note: Do not get "mixed essence" - the label is similar but it tastes different.
Taste: I like this one, it's one of my favorites.







Brand: Trader Joe's
Found: This is for the US people. You should find it at most Trader Joe's.
Price: ...not sure, someone bought it for me.
Taste: Pretty good.


PURE Vanilla - not the fake stuff listed above, for those special occasions
Brand: Pure Ground Vanilla beans Madagascar
Found: Canadian website: Vanilla Food Company
Price: listed on site
Taste: Like vanillaaaaaaaaaaaa....haha



I hope this helps some of you. If you have further questions or know of other brands in Canada please let me know, as yummy goodies are always being baked here!

Labels: help, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It's been a while since I've posted a recipe... erm.. I've had a kitchen allergy the last few months. But what to do when you run outta your cookie supply..haha

Anyway, I'm sure they are many versions of this recipe..but this is mine, tweaked to my liking.
It's a fairly easy recipe, doesn't use too many ingredients, and looks pretty enough to serve to guest. Oh..and of course it's tasty, I don't post any recipe disaster on my site.


Makes 32

1 cup butter
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp maple essence (or vanilla essence)

2 cups flour

: : Beat all the above ingredients.
: : Add in the flour to make a dough
: : Divide the dough in half. If it's too soft, put it in the refrigerator for 15 mins.
: : Roll each ball into a circle (about the size of a dinner plate)

1 cup walnuts chopped finely
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tblsp cinnamon powder

1 egg white

: : Mix the walnuts, sugar and cinnamon together
: : Brush the egg white on the dough rounds, and sprinkle with mix
: : Cut the dough in quarter, and then two more cuts in each quarter (i.e: so one round make 16)
: : Roll each piece - starting with the bigger side
: : Place on greased tray, egg tops of cookie and sprinkle with brown/white sugar (I used both)

: : Bake at 375 F .. for 15-20 minutes
: : Allow to cool and gobble them up - with some tea *swoon*

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

This recipe is long over due...and since summer is close, I figured it might come in handy. I pretty much spend the whole summer eating bbq'd food, and this one is on the menu at least twice in a week.


Serves 5 (or just me..haha)

10 pieces of chicken
1 lemon - juiced
1 tsp black pepper
5 cloves garlic - minced
1" ginger root - minced
1 tsp red chili powder (or to taste)
1/2 tsp paprika
optional: sea salt to taste


Directions:
:: Wash chicken pieces, dry with paper towel, and cut two slits into them (so the marinade will go in).
:: Mix all ingredients together in shallow bowl and place chicken pieces in, coat thoroughly.
:: Allow to marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours at minimum (over night is better).
:: Before grilling add in clarified butter (or any oil you prefer).
:: Grill chicken on medium hot coals until browned (and juices run clear), turning and basting with any marinade that may be left in the bowl.

Happy bbq'n!! - eat for me :)

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Today is the perfect day to post this.. with all the rain falling (in January!!)

The idea is not mine.. I saw it a while back some where, I don't know where... so I can't link back to it. They didn't say how to make it.. but this is how I made it - so you're stuck making it my way.

Everyone loved them - even if they are a little disturbing..haha

Recipe: is the same Roll-Out Cookie Dough I used for the butterflies.

Makes 26 (3" round cookies)

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (only if you used unsalted butter)

:: Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer.
:: Add the egg and vanilla - beat for another 2 mins.
:: Add the dry ingredients together - beat until dough is formed.
:: Do not refrigerate this dough!

:: Roll out to 1/8" thickness.
:: Cut out shapes, place on ungreased cookie tray.
:: Bake at 350F until edges are golden or 400F for 10-15 mins.
:: Once completely cool, decorate as desired.


Once your cookie is baked and cooled.. either place one large marshmellow towards one end, or a cluster or mini ones. I only had the mini ones for my hot chocolate. (You're on your own if they are not halaal).

Mix together some icing sugar and water. Don't add butter.. as you want it to dry harder. Pour over the marshmellow and cookie. Don't be neat about it either!



Time to decorate. I used whatever I had around the house. The eyes, mouth and arms are done with black frosting in an icing bag. Nose is a candy (Runts) cut in half. Buttons are flat sprinkles. Scarf is Fruit Roll-Up cut to size.

Voila.. enjoy.

Labels: recipes, tutorials

Everyone has their own version - I should know, I've tested four so far.. but the family still likes this one which is a combination of others - so that makes it MINE *grin*

You are welcome to share your recipe.. so I can try it out!!


Makes approx. 35 pieces.

3/4 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/2 tsp orange/lemon zest

3/4 cup white flour
1 1/2 cup semolina
4 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix the wet (top 6) ingredients together. Mix the dry ingredients together. Combine both, and pour batter into a greased 9"x13" pyrex dish. Place almonds spaced so they'd be in the center of each square once cut.

Bake at 350F until golden.
Pour hot syrup on hot basbousa - allow to absorb, then cut into squares.


Syrup
1 3/4 cup sugar
3 tblsp honey
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup water
Stir over medium heat for 15 minutes. Pour over basbousa as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

As most of my readers know, I usually share a cookie recipe a few days before Eid. And here it is!

I'm having a 'Princess Eid' this year.. and every castle needs some 'princess butterflies', I however couldn't find a cookie cutter (in my last minute baking) so I made one!



They are very easy to make (surprisingly), and sturdy enough to keep for future use (just make sure to only clean the foil part).. it's also GREAT to be able to make any shape you want.

What you'll need:
- Image/template of cookie you want to make
- Scissors
- Glue
- Sturdy cardboard
- Packaging tape (or any strong tape)
- Heavy duty Aluminum Foil (the kind for bbq's)
- A little patience


Print out the "Butterfly Template". I've put two images, one is a little simpler and is 3". This cookie is 4" - which is a pretty big cookie.

Also note: if you'd like a shape for making cookies, and can't find one online.. I'd be happy to draw it out for you - just give me a few days notice.


Stick the template on cardboard. Make sure it's thick cardboard, that wouldn't bend easily.


Cut the image out.


Cut out a 12cm piece of foil, and fold it 6 times - so you have a 2cm thick line.

Here is where a little patience is needed (depending on how complicated your cookie shape is). You need to wrap the foil around the cardboard, taping it in place as your go.


You are now ready to test out your cookie cutter.



Roll-Out Cookie Dough
This is my favourite dough for rolling-out and cutting. It's easy to make, tastes good, and soft enough to be able to use a home-made cookie cutter.

Makes 22 (4" butterfly cookies)

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (only if you used unsalted butter)

:: Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer.
:: Add the egg and vanilla - beat for another 2 mins.
:: Add the dry ingredients together - beat until dough is formed.
:: Do not refrigerate this dough!

:: Roll out to 1/8" thickness.
:: Cut out shapes, place on ungreased cookie tray.
:: Bake at 350F until edges are golden or 400F for 7 mins.
:: Once completely cool, decorate as desired. You can use a simple frosting - icing sugar and water - no butter so it dries faster, and coloured sugar.

Labels: recipes, tutorials

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

My dearest readers, here is a recipe definitely worth making, eating.. and not sharing..ha!



I like recipes that let you use your imagination a little.. and this is one of them. From what you put in, to what you want to do with it after.. the list is exhausting.

You can eat it as a cereal, with a cereal, with ice-cream, as trail-mix, with fruit (as shown in the image.. that's apples baked with some cinnamon, brown sugar and butter), and my favourite... with fruit bottom yogurt! yummy.


Makes approx. 5 cups

4 cups oats
1/2 cup pecans - chopped
1/2 cup almonds - chopped
3/4 cup dried cranberries

1 cup dates - chopped (I add this after it's done)

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 tsp salt

:: Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. (Optional: You may want to add the dates in after everything is cooked, if you want them to stay chewy - as I do)
:: Microwave the last four ingredients for approximately 1min, just to dissolve the sugar.
:: Add the wet to the dry, and mix enough to combine - don't separate the chunks so much.
:: Cover a tray with parchment paper, and add the mix.
:: Bake at 275F for 45mins, or until it's golden.
:: Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.


There are variety of granola recipes out there, but this one is mine. You can also add, coconut, sunflower seeds, honey, different types of nuts, different kinds of dried fruit, sesame seeds, oil, cinnamon. Once cooled you can add in, different cereals, chocolate chips, etc.

Enjoy! Let me know how it goes. Another recipe good for kids to help with. Allow them to brainstorm what to add!

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

I know I usually have a cookie recipe all ready for Eid for others to try. I'm sorry.. things this year are just beyond crazy.. more mentally than physically.. so no cookie recipe, but I have a cute, fun recipe.. which the kids will love. I'll be honest.. I like it too, and enjoy an ice-cream every time! They are a big hit at bake sales.


Real?
There is a recipe around where you fill the cone with batter and bake it. I personally do not like that method.. for the following reasons: filling it with batter and making sure they stand while carrying it to the oven is an art on its own!, the chances of batter overflowing while baking is great (reviews from others)..and this makes the cone look messy, and it doesn't keep that well..in that the cone gets soggy.

Here is how I make my Ice-Cream Cupcake. I use a mini cupcake pan. One and half cupcake per ice-cream. The cupcakes are a perfect fit, and just enough cake to balance everything off. Any cupcake recipe works fine, this is an easy one - very easy.


Makes 16 ice-creams

8 tblsp butter - softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup flour
Optional: pink food colouring

:: Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
:: Put all ingredients in a bowl, using an electrical mixer, beat together until smooth.
:: Fill all 24 mini cups (no liner needed) until batter is done.
:: Bake until golden.

Butter cream frosting (approx. 2 cups)
16 flat-bottom ice-cream cones
Sprinkles
16 red candies or cherries

:: Cut a cupcake in half, place half in the bottom of the cone.
:: put a little frosting (acts as glue) on and place a whole cupcake on top.
:: Pipe a swirl of frosting on, and decorate (be creative).

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

As some of you know I homeschool my nephew Abdullah who is 4 years old. AlhumduliLlah, so far everything is going well, and it's amazing to see his progress, tabarak'Allah. It is unbelievable how much time and dedication it takes.. even if it's just teaching a 4 year old! I truly admire those sisters (and brothers) who homeschool their children and pray Allah makes it easy for them, rewards them for their effort, and makes their offspring of the righteous. Ameen.

... I can't begin to imagine how much it takes to teach more than one child, at different levels!

Recently I did a unit on monkeys, what fun! I've added some baking time in our week, because he really enjoys it and it's a great way to get some math in, so I'd like to share an awesome Monkey Bread recipe we made. It really is great.. even the adults enjoyed it.

Serves: 8 -10 Monkeys

2 1/4 cup (18 oz) flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1 tblsp instant yeast
:: Place above in a bowl, mix together.

300 ml (10 fl oz) buttermilk
2 tblsp butter - melted
1 egg - beaten
:: Mix together, add to dry mix.

:: Knead dough.
:: Place in lightly oiled bowl, cover, allow to rise.
:: Cut dough into 1" pieces.

1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup sugar
1 tblsp cinnamon
:: Place pecans onto bottom of greased bundt pan.
:: Mix sugar and cinnamon together.
:: Roll dough pieces in sugar-mix, and place in pan.

1/2 cup butter - melted
2 tsp water
1 cup brown sugar
optional: 1 packet pudding mix - any flavour
:: Mix above together, pour over dough.

:: Bake at 350 F until golden brown.
:: Cool slightly before removing.
:: Enjoy!

Note: I made the dough ahead of time, Abdullah did the rest. Older children can make the dough themselves. I know some people just buy refrigerated biscuits (you'll need 30 ounces), I'm a 'from scratch' kind of person.. so it's up to you. As well, the dough itself makes lovely dinner rolls! (It makes approximately 25 rolls).



Additional Monkey Fun:

:: Sang to "Itsy Bitsy Spider tune" - Abdullah thinks the monkey version is great, and only sings this one now.

"The itsy bitsy monkey climbed up the coconut tree,
Down came a coconut and hit him on his knee - Oww!
Out came a lion a with his mighty mane - Annnnndddd
The itsy bitsy monkey climbed up the tree again."

:: Math: Connect The Dots (for older children: 1-60)
:: Craft: Monkey Puppet - print it out on card stock, have them paint/colour the images, and let them cut it out. When I taught kindergarten, I was surprised at how many children don't even know how to hold a scissors, let alone be able to cut something.. so provide them with the opportunity to learn, and explore. Children at age 3 can handle it, but make sure to never leave them alone with scissors.
:: Physical Activity: Monkey See Monkey Do (like Simon Says) - this is great outdoors, where you copy what the leader does.
:: Reading: Fortunately there are a lot of stories about monkeys!, like the famous Curious George, check out your local library.
:: Science: Curious George Clips - this is an excellent site!

That's a little of what we covered, use your imagination in making up other activities and have fun with it!

If you try out the recipe please let me know what you think, or your version of it.. I know there are many out there.

Labels: activities, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It's definitely time for a recipe.. don't you think! Nothing like some wonderful Maple Spice Cake on a cold, gloomy day.. that was yesterday. And today it's nice and sunny (gotta love Canadian weather, alhumduliLlah).. so I enjoyed it with some Chocolate Cookie Dough ice-cream. Oh it's soooo yummy!.. and who can resist anything with maple syrup in!!

And you don't need a mixer to make it.. how nice is that.


Serves: Me alone.. or 10 people (I suppose)

1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 pinch cayenne (yes.. you read right)
2 eggs - lightly beaten
2/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses

Glaze:
1/2 cup icing sugar - sifted
1 tblsp maple syrup
water

:: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
:: Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
:: Sift dry ingredients. Set aside.
:: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, oil, and molasses until well blended... because of the molasses, this may take a little longer.
:: Add egg-mixture to dry ingredients.. I used a whisk to get it all mixed in and smooth.
:: Pour batter into the prepared pan.
:: Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (approximately 30 minutes)
:: Cool in pan, remove and glaze.

:: For Glaze: Add maple syrup to icing sugar, and enough water to make a glaze.

Serve alone, with whipped cream, or with ice-cream.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It's been a while... busy Ramadaan, alhumduliLlah. But I didn't forget to get a Ramadaan cookie in for any of those avid Eid bakers. Hazelnut Squares is probably the easiest recipe I have posted. Generally bar cookies are easy, and this only uses four ingredients.

Tasty indeed! Butter makes everything taste good..hehe They taste even better with a mug of hot chocolate, hazelnut and chocolate..can't go wrong!!



Makes 24 (depends on size you cut it)

1 cup (8 oz/16 tblsp) butter
1/4 cup (2oz/4 tblsp/57g) sugar
1 1/4 cup (10oz/284g) flour
1/4 cup (2oz/4 tblsp/57g) rice flour (grind rice grains)
1/2 cup (4oz/8 tblsp/114g) hazelnuts - grounded
24 whole hazelnuts

:: Cream butter and sugar until just combined.
:: Stir in flours and ground hazelnuts.
:: Spread dough in 13"x9" pan (which is lined with foil).
:: Mark into 24 squares with knife.
:: Place whole hazelnuts in centre of each square.
:: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30-40 minutes (until light golden brown).
:: Cut square again while hot.
:: Remove from pan once cool.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I don't know if pictures are really necessary to explain how to make these cute little Butterfly Cupcakes, it's not very complicated but here they are. I made these to sell at our cupcake sale not very long ago, to raise funds for the school in Thailand. Not only were they a big hit with the children... adults loved them too, someone even asked if I'm a pastry chef! Ha.. ! (wouldn't that be nice) what a lovely compliment. AlhumduliLlah.



Insha'Allah I hope you have just as much fun making them as you would eating them.

I'm including a (very easy) recipe, although you can make these using any 'perfect' cupcake. What is a perfect cupcake you ask?... it has to have a rounded top! (above the paper liner)


Makes 12

1 3/4 cup (14oz/397.6g) flour
1 cup (8oz/16 tblsp/227g) sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup (8oz/237ml) milk
1/3 cup (3oz/79ml) oil
1 tsp vanilla essence
optional: pink food colour
Strawberry Jam

:: Pre-heat oven at 350°F (180°C) degrees.
:: Line 12 (regular size) muffin tin with paper liners.
:: Combine, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
:: In a separate bowl whisk together, egg, milk, oil, vanilla, colour.
:: Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix with wooden spoon so everything is combined well.
:: Fill liners 1/4 full, then drop a tsp of jam on, and top with more batter. (Divide batter evenly between liners.
:: Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of cupcake, if it comes out clean (free from batter) then they are done.
:: Cool.
:: Make frosting and get creating! (I have not provided a recipe for that).. any butter frosting would do, and depending on how you decorate you may need more or less.



Cut the top of your 'perfect' cupcake. Just above the cupcake liner.


Frost the top of the cupcake. Make sure you have a lot of frosting in the center, because you'll need to stick the wings in.


With the 'perfect' top, cut that in half. Frost as desired. These will be the wings.. so make it colourful and full of different candies.


Now you assemble it all. Push the wings into the center, lifting the edges up, you may need to add some frosting under to hold them up slightly. Then add your halal licorice antennas. And voila.. you are done! Ready to eat!

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

This is a little delayed, but I managed to find the picture and thought you could have fun with this. It works well as a craft for children, so those with little ones on summer break here is something to do.

I made this with my Sunday School children (4-7 yrs). I first taught them a lesson on kindness. One way of showing kindness is giving gifts. So the children thought about who they are going to give their magnets to, and then got creating! They had a blast, and did a wonderful job..masha'Allah.


There is a lot you can do with salt dough, but it is not like clay! The texture is different. I prefer clay for may reasons, but they are plus sides to salt dough..like it's cheap.

Over working the dough will make it sticky, so keep extra flour in a shaker close by.

In this dough I added Tempra paint to add colour. It needs a good amount of paint to turn out nice and bright. However, once it dries..it goes a dull colour. So to brighten it up, once they dried I coated them with decoupage (a mixture of white glue and some water should work too) glue. And glue-gunned a magnet at the back. (You can find magnets at a dollar store).

For yourself or older children it might be a better idea not to colour the dough and paint it once it's done.

Makes: a lot!

2 cups (16oz/455g) flour
1 cup (8oz/227g) salt
1/2 cup (4oz/118ml) water - at room tempreture
optional: 1 tblsp cooking oil (to make the dough smoother)

:: Knead together.
:: Divide dough into 3 parts (or as many colours as you want).
:: Add food colouring or paint to each part.

note:
1 tblsp oil - smoothness
1 tblsp vinegar - hardness
1 tblsp wallpaper paste - elasticity

It takes a good week to dry..and longer if the piece is thick. Or you can choose to oven dry it, but I just left them to air dry, to avoid any burning.

You can use cookie cutters to make some nice shapes.

note: they are very prone to cracking if they drop. It's still a craft to have fun with.

Labels: crafts, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

My dear sister Brooke, just informed me about a wonderful project! Insha'Allah our contributions will be of enormous help, as all the profits go to the Muslim Food Bank.

Linda "Widad" Delgado, author of Halal Food, Fun and Laughter is accepting original recipes and foodie stories for another book.


Send in recipes: should be original, never been published before. List ingredients and cooking method. If any unusual ingredient is used (something native to their country) explain below the recipe in a footnote and suggest something similar that could be used.

Send in a funny food story: a short funny story that is about eating, and/or preparing food. Maximum of 500 words. The only changes made to the story are spelling and/or punctuation.

Send in funny food poetry: light hearted poetry about food. A maximum of 32 lines. Any style acceptable.

The contributor should include their name, city/state and/or country. If they have a website and/or blog they can include this. This information will be included in the book crediting their contribution.

August 15th is the deadline for submissions. Sister Brooke will insha'Allah respond to each contributor and advise if his/her work have been chosen for inclusion.

All contributions should be emailed to: woodad@mindspring.com

Labels: help, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

.... this e-swap will only commence once we have 10 or more participants, insha'Allah.

AlhumduliLlah for all the gifts Allah Most High has showered upon us.

"It is He who produced gardens with trellises and without, and dates, and tilt with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety). Eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess. For God loves not the wasters" (6:142)

Insha'Allah this e-swap will be a means in honoring, appreciating and reflecting on just a small portion of the bounty Allah has provided us.

Ever wonder what all those 'interesting' and 'unusual' fruits we walk by in the grocery store are really like?? Well insha'Allah we are about to find out!

Details of e-swap: Create your own dish or follow a recipe (check the library or internet) using a fruit you have never eaten before. You may want to try 'ethnic' grocery stores if you want something totally different.

Then post the recipe, a picture (if possible), and your details of the whole adventure on your blog/website on the 'Post Date' (given below).

Note: You will need to email me a picture (if using one) and a link to where you have your recipe posted so I can put together a complete list for us to visit each others site.

Participants allowed: International - anyone who can post a recipe online (blog or website)

Ages allowed: All ages.

Cost Limit: Non.

Rules: Email me a picture and link to where you have your recipe posted by the due date.

Sign up due date: non yet
Recipe POST DATE (the day you post your recipe): participants will be informed.


If you would like to participate, I will need to know the following information.
Please email me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) *note: CA not COM* the answers below, even if you have participated in a previous swap.

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Creative Cuisine :: 1
Blog name/url: (if applies)
Email address:
Your real name:
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:

Number of participants to date: 1

Labels: recipes, swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barkatuhu

Sugar cookies and kids go hand-in-hand. They love to help make and decorate them just as much as they love to eat them. I made these for my nephew Abdullah, who at the age of three is already a big basketball fan.

The dough works best refrigerated for about two hours, so it's a dough you can make way ahead, and when the kids run out of things to do, you can bring it out and start creating!

I'd love to hear from anyone who gives this recipe a try; what shapes, or interesting decorating you did,... share, share, share your ideas.

Note: Black food colour generally (used here to outline the basketball) does not actually show up as black. It looks more like a very dark blue. But kids are forgiving (masha'Allah), they'll even tell you it's green if you so want it to be green.



Makes: approximately 30-35 cookies - depends on the shape and thickness of cookie

3 cups (24oz/681.6g) flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (8oz/16 tblsp) butter - softened
1 1/4 cups (10oz/284g) sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence

:: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together.
:: Beat butter and sugar with electric mixer, until light and fluffy.
:: Add in eggs and vanilla, beat together.
:: Stir in dry mixture.
:: Form dough into 3 balls, wrap in plastic wrap, chill in fridge.
:: Pre-heat oven at 375°F (190°C).
:: Line baking trays with parchment paper.
:: Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4" thickness.
:: Cut in desired shape.
:: Optional: sprinkle coloured sugar on or leave plain and decorate after it's baked.
:: Bake for 7-10 minutes (until lightly brown)
:: Cool on tray for 5 minutes before removing.
:: Once completely cooled, decorate!!

Frosting:
1 1/2 cup (12oz/341g) icing sugar
2 tblsp butter - softened
1-2 tblsp water
food colour

:: Mix together until spreadable consistency, you may need more milk.
:: For chocolate frosting, add cocoa, leave out food colour, and add more milk as needed.
:: Decoration ideas: colour sugar, candy pieces, chips, coconut, nuts, raisins and jam.
Note: I don't know if this is enough frosting for the above recipe, you may need more depending on how you are decorating the cookies.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I think it's about time for a new recipe. The Nanaimo Bar is a famous Canadian cookie/bar. It's extremely easy to make since it's a no-bake bar, I love how it tastes; rich and wonderfully chocolatey... but like most Canadian chocolates and cookies they are a little sweet. So you could either cut down the sugar or cut down your snacking time!




Makes 25

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup (4oz/8 tblsp) unsalted butter - room temperature
1/4 cup (2oz/4 tblsp) sugar
1/3 cup (3oz/5 tblsp) unsweetened cocoa
1 large egg - beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (16oz/455g) graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (8oz/227g) coconut
1/2 cup pecans (4oz/114g) (or walnuts) - coarsely chopped

Filling:
1/4 cup (2oz.4 tblsp) unsalted butter
2 - 3 tblsp milk
2 tsp vanilla custard powder (or vanilla pudding powder)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (16oz/455g) powdered sugar
optional: green food colour

Topping:
2 oz milk chocolate (or mint chocolate.. great if you use green food colour in filling)



:: Butter a 9" x 9" pan.

Bottom Layer:
:: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
:: Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder and then gradually whisk in the beaten egg.
:: Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (1 - 2 minutes).
:: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped nuts.
:: Press the mixture evenly into pan.
:: Cover and refrigerate until firm (about an hour).

Filling:
:: In your electric mixer cream the butter.
:: Beat in the remaining ingredients.
:: If the mixture is too thick to spread, add a little more milk.
:: Spread the filling over the bottom layer, cover, and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes).
:: Cut into 25 squares.

Top Layer:
:: Melt chocolate in double-boiler (ie: in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water).
:: Drizzle over each square.

Labels: recipes