Mine was busy and productive - just the way I like it when I have time off. I spent a few days at my parents' place, helping weed and water the vegie garden, feed the chooks, plant some new trees for wind-breaks, and generally tidy up around the property; dad's rabbit-proof fences have finally been replaced, and there was a bit of work cleaning up around the perimeter line. There was one day where drizzly on/off rain forced us inside, but mostly we were outside in the fresh autumnal air and sunshine.
I also ate lots of fish. Not caught by dad, which I usually enjoy whenever I visit, but from a neighbour whose horses were agisted on my parents' property in the weeks after the January fires (as their fences and paddocks were burnt out).
Mum and I also baked this lovely slice together, the flavour and texture and even the name of which was much analysed over the weekend (and, of course, eaten).
I don't often cook with mum - there's usually freshly-baked slice and cake and biscuits when I arrrive. So it was lovely being in the kitchen together, even if I did do most of the mixing and measuring and cooking.
Choc walnut slice
Adapted from Rhubarb and Radishes.
- Preheat your oven to 190 and prep a brownie tin.
- Cream 180 gms of softened butter with 1/2 cup dark brown sugar.
- Add 1 tbspn of brewed up strong black coffee, 1 large egg and 1 tspn vanilla.
- Fold thru 1 and 1/2 cups plain flour, 1/4 tspn salt and 1 tspn baking powder.
- Now fold thru 1/2 cup of walnuts broken into rough chunks, and 100 gms of dark cooking chocolate chopped into rough chunks.
- Spoon mixture into tin and bake for about 35 minutes or until done. If you can, leave to cool before removing from tin. Otherwise, eat it while warm and soft and delicious.
Wonderful flavors e! Definitely worth analyzing them, but after eating them!
ReplyDeletehey paula! i think we analyzed because the original was called a 'blondie' and that led us to ask just what is a blondie and is this one of them? (obviosuly we decided no, as i called this a slice).
Deletemy dad though was happy just to eat :-)
Sounds like a lovely Easter :) Your beautiful slice looks gorgeous too, love how you can see the chunks of chocolate and walnut.
ReplyDeletehi hannah! seeing the big chunks of melting chocolate and waxy walnuts is great - but eating them is even better!
DeleteSounds like an ideal Easter! One of these days I'm actually going to make one of the lovely recipes you post.
ReplyDeletehello edwina! maybe when you get all your wildlife under control?
DeleteOooh, this looks yum. I buy local walnuts in the shell, which are divinely sweet for baking. looks like I'm going to have to get those children busy with the nutcracker! Glad your mum and dad seem to be getting the garden back in order. I imagine it will be a long job, though.
ReplyDeletesome child labour, but with a sweet rewards at the end of it. i like your thinking, jo!
Deletethank you, yes - the fences being completed is a BIG accomplishment - i think mentally as well as physically mum and dad will be moving forward now.
Ah, walnuts are a favourite in my kitchen. Your slice sounds delicious!!!
ReplyDeletethanks lizzy! i'm on a real walnut kick at the moment, so this slice was delicious, pairing the nuts with chocolate.
DeleteLooks good. I love cooking in my mums kitchen, though I do most of the cooking too.
ReplyDeletei think i prefer cookign in my own though - just because i am more familar with my oven!
DeleteThe texture of this looks mouth watering...coffee, chocolate and walnuts. Yum! This would make a lovely treat to share with friends over a home brewed coffee. I really enjoyed reading about your time with your parents and your efforts and am sure they appreciated every moment.
ReplyDeleteThankyou SB. yes, this slice is a great 'morning tea' treat. with friends and parents!
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