LUNCHBOX IDEA: Sultana Squares

Found this recipe in the Bite mag from the herald AGES ago! So since I was having a laxed day at home, making minestrone soup, cleaning and decluttering and searching for a steamed banana pudding recipe, I mite as well give this ago. Very easy and very tasty! I did cut the sugar back and it is still yummy!

185g butter
1 c sugar
3 eggs
1 t vanilla extract
2 1/4 c flour
2 1/4 t baking powder
1 1/2 c sultanas

Heat oven to 180c and line a 20x30 slice tin with non stick baking paper
Melt the butter in a large bowl in microwave.  Stir in the sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time then add vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder then add sultanas.
Pour into prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
When cool, slice into squares and store in a jar or biscuit tin.

LUNCHBOX IDEA: DG Choc Chip Cookies

What is DG? Well, DG stands for Destitute Gourmet, I'm not sure if I've blogged about her before, pretty sure I would have, SHE is Sophie Gray, founder of the DG brand that has 8 books, 7 of which I have and are signed by her! She teaches how to "eat well and spend less", in the books are tips on how to shop smart and sample shopping lists. One book shows you how to preserve, make curry pastes and seasonings, make your own mascarpone and creme fraiche! She is honestly a genius! I always rely on my DG books for inspiration.

So when Miss A asked me to buy her a Cookie Time this afternoon I said I will make a whole heap of cookies for her. So here is the best recipe that made us 100!!!

1 cup (about 250g) butter or shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 T hot water
2 t vanilla essence
3 1/4 cups flour
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
1-2 cups choc chips

Preheat the oven to 180oC
Into the processor put the butter and brown and white sugar. Process until pale and creamy, then add the eggs, hot water and vanilla.  Process until fluffy and scrape into a large bowl.
Sift together and stir in the flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in the choc chips. Drop teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

YUM!

LUNCHBOX IDEAS: Pizza Muffins

I am trying to get back into baking for the lunchboxes. I usually go to KIDSPOT for ideas but last night flicked through my Donna Hay Kids' Magazines for ideas. Well I just have to share this with you, Pizza Muffins! I have changed the flour to Gluten Free so Dadda can take some for his lunch box too!

3 cups self-raising flour, sifted
1 t baking powder
1 1/2 c grated cheese
3 rashers bacon, chopped
2/3 c crushed pineapple, drained
2/3 c vege oil, I used Rice Bran oil
2 T tomato paste
2 eggs
1 c milk

Preheat oven to 180c.
Place the flour, baking powder, 1 cup of cheese, bacon and pineapple in a bowl and mix to combine.
Place the oil, tomato paste, egg and milk in a bowl and whisk to combine. Add to the flour and mix until just combined.
Spoon into 12 x 1/2 c capacity muffin tins and sprinkle with remaining cheese, I grinded salt and pepper on top before baking in oven for about 30 minutes or until cooked.

They came out nice and fluffy! Super yum!