My daughter, who is a superb representation of her melting pot of ancestry, has long been thrilled with the idea of her Viking blood. Her father, who she inherited the blood of the Norsemen from, is to her a Viking personified. Strong, proud, laughing, passionate, independent, irreverent. He loves his family and [...]

45 Comments »

This marzipan is vastly improved by toasting and grinding almonds especially.

375g of ground almonds
375g of half caster sugar / half icing sugar
2 teaspoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3/4 of a teaspoon of orange flower water
2 egg yolks (you may not use them all)

Sift the icing sugar and then combine with the [...]

3 Comments »

This cake needs to be made at least two weeks in advance, and can be made a couple of months before you need it.
Cream

280g Caster Sugar
280 g unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

until fluffy
Beat in

5 large eggs, one by one

Add

finely grated zest of two unwaxed organic oranges
1/2 teaspoon salt

If your [...]

No Comments »

 
The first of this year’s mince pies, still warm from the oven and dusted with icing sugar snow. Customize your special Christmas message - my pies spell out ‘Noel’
 
Check out the Vanielje Kitchen Cook Book (vkcb) on the sidebar for recipes

or go straight to Homemade Christmas Mince Pies

7 Comments »

Make a batch of Rich Shortcrust Pastry , adding a little grated orange zest, or some ground cinnamon, or some ground allspice to give the pastry a festive kick. You could also replace a 1/4 - 1/2 a cup of the flour with ground almonds.
Put your pastry in the fridge to chill
Tip your mincemeat into [...]

3 Comments »