Friendship

Having true friends is something special. There are many quotes/sayings out there, this is just one of them:

“A friend is someone with whom you dare to be yourself.”

Frank Crane

We had our closest friends for dinner on the weekend, as it was my girlfriend Maddy's birthday. The sign was up, and the candles were lit.....

 We had smoked salmon and caper dressing, and I made steamed dumplings for starters...

 For main it was roast duck with an asian cherry sauce, chinese green vegetable, and rice...
Then for dessert we had steamed orange puddings, with orange and cardamon icecream, balsamic strawberries, chocolate macaroons (turned out perfect - these below are after they had picked them up and squished them!!!) and sambucca jellies (her request). Can you tell my focus is on the dessert!!!

There was lots of laughter, and a great night until the wee small hours. Another wonderful memory with our friends.. What memories do you have of times with your friends?
Hope you all have a lovely week.
x

Banana Cake

I love baking. Cooking for me is therapeutic, as well as an enjoyable treat when its done. The cake I am known for is my banana cake. I have sold these at our local farmers markets, taken to work for morning tea, made for friends on the mend, and always sharing with my kids and family. Heaps easy, and great with chocolate icing and coconut or lemon icing.

Recipe:

125g butter

3/4 cup castor sugar

1/2 tspn vanilla

2 eggs

3 bananas, mashed (the riper, the better)

1 tspn bicarb soda

2 tblspns milk

1 1/2 cups SRF

1/4 tspn salt

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and beat well. Beat in mashed bananas. Dissolve bicarb in milk. Add sifted flour and salt alternatively with the milk mixture. Turn into a well-greased, base lined square tin. Bake at 190 degrees celcius for 30-35 mins or until top springs back when lightly pressed. Ice as you wish. This lasts for quite a few days as its moist. Enjoy!!