How to make Brownies

Alright, I haven't posted for while. Been busy with other stuff. I nearly consigned this blog to the graveyard like many other blogs out there and then the girlfriend made 'Brownies' on a random spur of the moment. Inspired 100% by Nigella Lawson.

The brownie recipe starts in this clip about 8 minutes in...


and continues with this clip


It's well worth the hassle - they taste absolutely divine. Not one for the New Year's diet mind.

Ingredients
375g Milk Chocolate
300g Butter
225g Plain Flour
6 Large Eggs
1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Salt
500g Caster Sugar

Step 1
In a saucepan melt the butter and chocolate over relatively low heat stirring occasionally. Once it has all melted take off the heat.

Step 2
In a separate bowl beat the 6 eggs, vanilla, sugar and salt until well combined.

Step 3
Add the mixed ingredients from step 2 to the saucepan and mix well with the melted chocolate and butter (do not heat). Then add the flour and continue to stir until a smooth consistency.

Step 4
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. In a suitable baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper pour the mixture. Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Enjoy.

Fried Tomatoes with Egg

This is a very basic but delicious vegetarian recipe. Quick, sweet and often cooked as an accompanying dish with other servings.

Ingredients
4 tomatoes (each chopped into 8 segments)
4 large eggs (whisked together)
1 tsp of white granulated sugar
1/2 tsp of chicken powder
salt (to taste)
olive oil (splash of)

Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan until hot and add the tomatoes. Heat the tomatoes for 2 minutes then sprinkle over the sugar and continue to fry for a further 3 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2
Heat another splash of olive in the frying pan and add the whisked eggs. Keep turning the eggs until they start to solidify.

Step 3
Add the tomatoes set aside earlier to the eggs. Mix well. Add salt to taste. Add chicken powder. Stir well and serve.

Scrambled Eggs done properly

As a kid, eating wobbly, rubbery scrambled eggs was all I knew. As a grown-up I've learnt how to make them properly and now I'm telling the world! You too will want them cooked this divine way instead of fried or poached on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Ingredients
Free range eggs (1-2 per person)
Butter
Chives or spring onions, chopped
Salt and pepper

Method
Whisk your eggs in a bowl with a fork. Put a saucepan (not too small, you don't want the egg half-way up the sides) over a gentle heat and melt some butter. As soon as it's all melted add in the chives or spring onions and let them soften for a short while. Then add in the eggs. You will need stir the eggs regularly to ensure they don't stick and the uncooked egg gets the heat from the bottom of the pan.

Get your bread/crumpets/muffins in the toaster!

As the egg cooks and the mixture will become more solid make sure you stir it so the consistency is as even as possible. When you think it's nearly ready take it off the heat so it is still runny. Yes, before it's ready - this is necessary! You will see steam still coming off it and this means that the egg is continuing to cook in its own heat, which is what you want.

Add salt and pepper to taste. You should be able to 'pour' the eggs from the pan onto your toast. Serve with some lovely sausages from the butcher (or tomatos if you're a veggie).

I'm salivating just writing this. And it's only Tuesday - can i wait til the weekend?

P.S. This is dedicated to Chris who's been nagging me to do this for ages and since it's his 30th birthday I thought it would be an easier present to sort out than the stripper I know he really wanted. Happy birthday Chris.