Home-made Funnel Cakes

I saw this recipe on Pinterest and thought I would try to make them this evening. Now, I can't really say I've ever tasted Funnel Cakes -- I think here in Canada, Beaver Tails are a favorite when at the Fair. In any event, Jessica and I thought they weren't too difficult, so we got out our mixing bowls :-)

We decided NOT to go with the mini funnel cakes, opting instead for large frying-pan sized cakes. We weren't disappointed, though Jessica only managed to eat the one.

The boys, of course, ate more! Benjamin liked his with icing sugar and chocolate sauce. Timothy had rhubarb jam, raspberries and a sprinkle of icing sugar. I also had jam and icing sugar. I do think they'd be awesome with a cinnamon/sugar mixture!

We thought they tasted kinda like the honey crullers from Tim Hortons, but definitely a lot less greasy!

So, here's the recipe, but go ahead and check the first link, too! I saw another recipe there that's worth looking at -- Deep Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough :-)

FUNNEL CAKES

Mix these ingredients together:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup powdered sugar


In separate bowl mix the wet ingredients:

1 1/3 cup milk
1/4 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg

Combine the wet and dry ingredients. If you have a squeeze bottle, you can use that to make your funnel cakes. I didn't, so I used my cake decorating bag with a large tip. I think the squeeze bottle would make nicer shaped ones, though.

You'll need about 1/2 inch of oil in your frying pan. I used a mixture of coconut. and olive oils. Heat it on high then turn down to med-high.

 Squeeze your batter into the pan, making a circle first, then criss-crossed lines across. Let it cook for about 30 sec-1 min, then flip to cook the other side. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with icing sugar while still hot. Add toppings as desired.

If you make them, let me know what you think! I'll definitely be making them again!

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

I originally got this recipe from my sister, Jane, but she didn't include bananas in her recipe. We happen to love the banana/chocolate combination, though........ and it helps me use up those over ripe bananas :-)

CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA MUFFINS

3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
2 cups flour
2 cups coconut
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
approx 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Beat butter, sugar and egg together. Add vanilla and bananas. In separate bowl, mix dry ingredients (except for chocolate chips). Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Mix until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 deg for 15-18 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

DELICIOUS Potato Salad!

I've made potato salad before, but always guessed at what ingredients to add. Today, I decided to look for a recipe. Found this one at Gluesticks. It was delicious! Even my picky eater loved it :-) I'll definitely be making this again!

ORIGINAL Potato Salad

~ 5-6 potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks
~ 1 cup mayonnaise
~ 2 Tbsp vinegar
~ 1/2 tsp salt
~ 1 tsp sugar
~ 1/4 tsp black pepper
~ 1 cup sliced celery
~ 1/2 cup chopped onion (I used green onion)
~ 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

 Bring water to boil and cook potatoes for about 10 minutes (or until tender). In separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt/pepper, sugar, celery and onion. Drain potatoes and cool for a few minutes. Add to mixture. Stir in chopped egg. Serve chilled.

Tea Buns

Tea Buns are one of those traditional Newfoundland staples, especially from our grandmothers' generation. I remember eating these when visiting my grandparents. I never did like the raisins in them, so when I make them for my family, I omit the raisins :-)

I found this recipe in a small printed book from 1980, called Newfoundland Recipes. I was glad to see it didn't include raisins, though I'm sure you could add in a cup of raisins if you like.

TEA BUNS
3 cups flour
3 heaping tsp of baking powder
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
1 TBSP lard (I omit this)
1 egg
1 cup water

Mix dry ingredients and cut in butter with pastry blender. Mix egg and water, and add to dry ingredients. Do not over mix. Roll on lightly floured surface, try for 1-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutter (or use top of a small glass). Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 10-15 minutes at 450 deg.

more decorated cakes

Boy, it's been a long time since I posted anything here :-) Ooops! Life really gets in the way!

Anyway, here are a few decorated cakes tht I've done: