July 28, 2014

It was one of those beautiful Autumn days back in March when Gillian, Nicole and I headed to Logan Brae Apple Orchard in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales to do this shoot for Sweet Magazine.  Armed with decadent desserts that Gillian had prepared, gorgeous florals by Thoughtful Petal and Nicole’s amazing props we had a blast creating this stunning set up in the clean fresh air between the apple trees!

Here are some of my favourite images from the day – you can find all the amazing recipes in the current issue of Sweet Magazine.

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Photography :: Leanne Ambrogio | Sweet Magazine Style Editor | Sweet Style
Food :: Gillian Brown | Sweet Magazine Food Editor | Crumbs of Comfort Cake Design
Styling & Props :: Nicole Bull | Penny Lane Studio
Flowers :: Thoughtful Petal
Cake Topers :: Grain & Co
Cake Stands :: Sweet Style
Wooden Cake Stands :: Rustic Valley Cake Stands

May 21, 2014

It is always fun when you get invited to test out something new, especially when it involves food and a celebrity chef!  Yesterday just happened to be one of those days and I got to go along to meet Heston Blumenthal at the launch of his new range of foods for Coles.

With the amazing autumn weather we are having here in Sydney at the moment Coles could not have picked a better location for the shindig with the city sparkling from the view in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

We were served delicious samples from Hestons new products which range from delicious sauches to burgers, sausages, meats and pies.

I got to sample the slow cooked asian pork sandwiches and I can tell you without doubt it was the best pork I have ever tasted.  Heston has used lots of interesting Aussie flavours in the food which was wonderful to see and taste.

One important question for me was when is the sweet range arriving!  Luckily for those of us in the dessert business and with a sweet tooth it is not long away with plans to further increase the range throughout the year.

You can find Heston’s new range of 15 different products in Coles stores nationally or visit the website hestonforcoles.com.au for more info!

January 24, 2014

It is Australia Day this weekend and Gillian from Crumbs of Comfort Cake Design has prepared for us the most delicious cupcake recipe that would work perfectly with any meal you have planned for your celebration!

Of course these ones are gluten free but if you want a non gluten free version just switch the flour that is listed!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

“These little gems are light and delicious.  For me they are a perfect dessert for Australia Day celebrations.  This is a super quick and easy recipe. I don’t usually get a chance to add the buttercream, as they tend to be eaten straight out of the oven with ice cream in our house!”  Gillian

Pineapple and Coconut Cupcakes

150g butter
150g caster sugar
2 eggs
175mls creme fraiche
225g gluten free SR flour
150g fresh or canned pineapple (I use crushed pineapple)

100g butter, softened
60 reserved coconut cream (the thick bit on the top)
660g icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
60 ml coconut milk

Makes 12
Preheat oven 160*c

Line muffin pan with papers

Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Slowly add eggs one at a time.

Gently fold in sifted flour, coconut and pineapple and spoon into cupcake papers.

Bake for 20 minutes or until skewer comes out clean.  These are a very light cupcake, so be careful not to over bake or they will dry out.

Coconut buttercream
beat the butter and coconut milk until creamy and well combined – about 2 mins. Add in half the icing sugar, and beat for about 3 mins, until it reaches a stiff texture.

Add in the vanilla and coconut essences. Turn the mixer back on and gradually add in the remaining icing sugar, until you get a firm frosting with a smooth finish.

If you find the frosting is too thin, add more icicing sugar. Too thick? Add a a little of the coconut milk.

Gillian Brown is the owner of Crumbs of Comfort Cake Design in Brisbane, Australia.  Gillian has spent many years working hard developing allergen aware baked goods after she was diagnosed with celiac disease and her daughter was diagnosed with anaphylaxis to peanuts.  Please visit Gillian’s facebook page to learn more about her wonderful business.