Christmas baking - Rum Balls

For a number of years now I've been making these yummy little balls for Christmas.  They are easy and quick, with just the right amount of sweetness.  Technically they aren't Rum balls though because I use Sherry instead of Rum, but Sherry Balls just doesn't sound right!   I think they would work with whatever alcohol you've got floating around.  The recipe comes from my good friend Bridget who I shared a house with almost 20 years ago.  She never measured out any of the ingredients, just added them by sight (incidentally she does this with her crocheting as well - she can't really read a pattern, but can look at something and whip it up.  Super clever eh?), but I managed to tie her down to writing this out for me.   OK, here's the recipe;


1 packet of Marie biscuits (any plain sweet biscuits would work if you can't get Marie)
2 tablespoons of Cocoa
1 can of condensed milk
1 cup of dessicated coconut
1/2 a cup of sherry 
1/3 cup of sultanas (optional)

1. Crush the biscuits and combine them with the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.

2.  Roll tablespoon sized balls in your hand and then roll in extra coconut.  It's as simple as that!!  Refrigerate and enjoy. 






Have a safe and Merry Christmas everyone!

Tina xxx

Five more sleeps...

This time of year is just crazy isn't it ??  The weather here has been ridiculously hot -  41 degrees Celsius today, there are crowds of people everywhere you go, baking to get done, wrapping of gifts; there is a long list of things to do before Christmas Day.   I'm really trying to slow down and enjoy it though.


The older two children finished school last Friday so in an effort to stay away from the crowds and out of the heat, we've been busy around our little house......

........Decorating our Christmas fruit cake with bright red stars.........

.......Making winter wonderlands in glass jars.......

......Baking lovely little Christmas pies.....

and painting rocks for our succulent garden......

Have a great weekend,


Tina xx

Banana choc chip muffins

These are really simple and delicious to make. I'm not sure where the recipe came from, passed on from another mum maybe, but it's just a basic muffin recipe and lunchbox friendly. I've also added a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds for extra goodness.  I'm going to try another combination with some frozen raspberries and white chocolate so I'll let you know how that goes.  Until then, enjoy these tasty little treats!!

Ingredients;
2 cups self raising flour, sifted
1/2 cup of desiccated coconut
2/3 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons of Chia seeds (optional)
2 medium overripe bananas (about a cup), mashed
100g butter (unsalted),  melted and cooled
1/2 cup milk
2/3 cup choc chips 

1. Preheat oven to 180C and line a 12 hole muffin tin with paper cases.

2. Place flour into a large mixing bowl and stir through the coconut, sugar and seeds.

3. Combine the mashed banana, melted butter and milk.  Add this to the dry ingredients and stir to combine - but don't over mix!  Gently fold the chocolate chips through.  I used milk chocolate chips, but dark choc bits would also be nice.

4. Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin cases and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool. 

They are really nice to eat just out of the oven when they're still warm and oozing chocolatey goodness.  Enjoy!

tina xx