How to Cut Your Laundry Time in Half

8/13/2019 How to Cut Your Laundry Time in Half

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How to cut yourlaundry time in half With piles and piles of clothes to sort, soak, wash, hang andiron, a mum's laundry is never done. Rather like paintingSydney Harbour Bridge, as soon as it's finished you need tostart again. So when Shannon Lush, co-author of Speed

Cleaning (ABC Books) promised to cut our laundry time inhalf, we let out an almighty cheer. Here are her top eightlaundry-busting tips:

Set up a washing basket system

Shannon advises keeping three to five baskets or plasticcrates in your laundry, marked with coloured ribbons, where

family members can drop different types of clothes whenthey're dirty. Mark each one as: 'whites,' 'colourfast items,''darks,' 'sheets,' and 'towels and hand- washing'. We keep ahamper in each bedroom and colour co-ordinated baskets inthe laundry, says Shannon. When one of the baskets in thelaundry is full, whoever is there puts a wash on. Then whoever is in there when it's finished hangs it on the line.

It's a simple way for other people to help. I'm particularabout my laundry, but anyone can do this.


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Turn socks the right way out

To save time re-washing socks that go into the machineinside out, train children and family members to turn themthe right way around when taking them off. If you don'tturn them the right way out, they get impregnated with dirt,as it gets stuck in the fibres. Not nice, says Shannon.

Fit laundry around your daily routine

Shannon explains that one of her friends puts the washingon as she's going to work and finishes the task when she walks back through the door. Put the washing machine onas you head out of the door, and transfer the clothes to thedryer when you get home, or hang outside.

Leave it in the machine

If you don't empty the washing machine first thing (yourtwo-year-old is decorating her face with lipstick and it's timeto exit) - don't panic. You have a full 12 hours before thatmusty smell takes hold.

Great hanging means no ironing

Shannon says properly hung clothes mean no ironing.When hanging your clothes, your mantra needs to be I hateironing', I hate ironing' and then you'll find you hang themmuch flatter. Peg clothes at the strongest part of the fabric -the waistband or seam - and never, ever hang shirts or jumpers by the shoulders.


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Spray and go

Try another Shannon speed cleaning tip with this amazingcrease release mixture. I never iron. I just mix a teaspoon oflavender oil - the cheapest kind available - in a litre of waterand mist it over the clothes before wearing them or hangingthem in the wardrobe. Lavender oil is a fibre relaxant, so thecreases drop out. I always take a spray on book tours and it'sa great one to do on stage - you see the creases disappear before your eyes.

Super-charge your iron

Another time-saving trick is to beef up your iron and halve your arm power. If you absolutely have to iron, put somealuminium foil underneath the ironing board cover, advisesShannon. You get twice the heat, as it's reflected back on tothe clothes, and you don't need the iron temperature sohigh, so you don't risk burning your clothes.

Beat dirty birds

If you're freshly laundered clothes get soiled on the line with- ahem - bird poo, try this speedy hint to stop them at thepass. This often affects people, depending on where theylive and the trees surrounding their washing line, explainsShannon. Tying coloured ribbons to the washing line stops birds from hovering above.


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10 simple storage

solutions for kidsroomsBy Alex Brooks

Storage often seems like the solution to the chaos that is achild's bedroom, but simply filling a room with more boxesand crates isn't the answer. Why? Because of the one otherthing the storage has to share the room with - kids.

If there is one thing kids know how to do best it is un-storeitems. They are mess makers.

Whatever your grand scheme is for keeping a tidy house,kids are sure to undo all the good work in seconds. But if you combine better storage solutions with chaos-inhibitingstrategies, then you'll maximise the space in the kids' room -and keep some of the mess at bay.

Storage solution #1: Involve your child

Once the kids are older than three, ask them to help youchoose the storage items and decide what will go where. Ifthe kids take ownership both of the mess and, more


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importantly, the tidiness then you have a fighting chance tokeep a room sorted. If they have helped find a place foreverything in the first place they are far more likely to keep

it up. You could even try asking the kids to paint pictures orsigns to stick on the crates, and make an activity out ofdecorating their storage, too

Storage solution #2: Make tidying fun

If you take a look at the way child care centres and schools

keep things tidy, it's all about incorporating packing up intoa game or routine. At home, we never seem to be assuccessful as teachers at getting kids to put things away, but with cute kid-friendly storage bins around, you can ask thekids to 'feed the toy box' rather than tidy up. You could eventry timing them every day to see if they get faster at it, orhave one child compete against another to see who does it

first.

Storage solution #3: Use the KISS principle -keep it simple, stupid

One box for one type of toy. Keep stuffed toys together, lego bricks in another box and paints and pencils in yet another

crate. This makes it easier when they decide to unpack it all! And more importantly easier for you when it comes topacking it all back up again as. You simply line up the boxesand throw everything back in again. This usually means lots


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of smaller boxes rather than one big one, but it's worth it inthe long run.

Storage solution #4: Use a child's eye viewGet down to your child's eye level to help him or her getorganised. Look at your child's space, storage, furniture andpossessions from their vantage point. Is the chest of drawerseasy for them to open, is the hanging space in the wardrobeout of their reach? To organise a child's room well, the

solutions need to fit the child - so young kids might be better without any doors on a wardrobe, lower-level clothing rods,open floor-level containers for toys and open plastic basketsto store socks and underwear.

Storage solution #5: Teach your childorganisation skills

Resist the urge to wade into the mess with gritted teeth andthreats of "You will keep this room clean!" Instead, look atthe organisation process as a learning activity and with theparent as a guide, ask them to survey what's working, what'snot, what's important to the child, what's causing theproblems, and what the benefits of being more organised

will be. At least you will construct a system that makes senseto him or her. If they're involved in the effort, children are better able to understand the logic and maintain the new,organised room.


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Storage solution #6: Sort, store and simplifyas you go

Before you invest in new storage systems, make sure youstreamline the room first. Begin with clothing: sort it out!Store out-of-season or outgrown clothing elsewhere. Finally,simplify. Does your son really wear all those t-shirtscrowding his drawer? Remove the extras so the remaindercan stay neat and orderly in the available space. For youngerchildren, a toy library is the answer to over-abundant toys.

Using a large lidded plastic storage container, large box oreven plastic garbage bag, entrust a selection of toys to the'toy library.' Store the container in an out-of-the way placefor several months. Some rainy day, bring out the toylibrary, swapping the stored toys for new stuff. The storedtoys will have regained their interest and freshness--andthey won't have been underfoot in the child's room. Olderkids can utilise shelves to 'store' some of their belongings.Clear plastic shoebox storage containers hold little piecesand identify the contents.

Storage solution #7: Contain, corral andcontrol

Toy boxes and open shelves are no place to store children'spossessions, particularly those involving many tiny parts. Toorganise toys, think "contain, corral and control." Containtoys and other belongings before you store. Use plasticshoebox containers for smaller toys, larger lidded bins for


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blocks, trucks and cars, light-weight cardboard records boxes for stuffed animals. Use specialty organisers to corralmagazines and comic books, video games, or DVDs. The

bonus of separate containers is that parents control thenumber of toys out at any one time: "You can play with thefarm set, just as soon as the barbie dolls go back into theirhome!"

Storage solution #8: Make it easier to putaway but tricky to get out

The premier rule for efficient children's storage? Make iteasier to put something away than it is to get it out. Forexample, store picture books as a flip-file, standing uprightin a plastic crate. The child flips through the books, makes aselection and tosses the book in the front of the crate whenhe's done. Compare a traditional bookcase, where little

fingers can pull down a whole shelf faster than they canreplace one book. Build the effort into the getting out, notthe putting away. Befitting a child's shorter stature, startorganising from the bottom of the room, and work to thetop. Most used toys and belongings should live on lowershelves, in lower drawers, or on the floor. Higher levels aredesignated for less-frequently-used possessions.

Storage solution #9: Label, label, label

When it comes to keeping kids' rooms organised, labelling will be your hero! Use a computer printer to make simple


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graphic labels for young children that can't read. Pictures ofsocks, shirts, dolls or blocks help remind the child wherethese items belong. Enhance reading skills for older children

by using large-type word labels. Slap labels everywhere:inside and outside of drawers, on shelf edges and on theplastic shoebox storage containers that belong there, on boxes and bookcases and filing cubes. Playing match thelabel can be fun - and turns toy pickup into a game.

Storage solution #10: Make maintenance a

mantraThe adult approach to room cleaning can vex and frustratechildren. Their room is clean, they play, and suddenly, theirroom is back to messy normal. Help children stop the cycle by building maintenance routines into the family's day, withtheir own Tidy Time to put toys away and clean up clothes.

Don't tidy without them seeing you do it - this gives theimpression that magic fairies are responsible for

2 ingredient chocolate cupcakesrecipeMake cupcakes with just 2 ingredients? Yes you can! Grab a box of chocolatecake mix and a can of Coke and off you go!

Category:

2 Ingredient recipes, Basic recipes, Cupcakes
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Prep Time:

3 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Ingredients:

1 pkt chocolate cake mix 1 can (375ml) Coke

Method:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan-forced).Lay out 12 patty pans on a baking tray.

Step 2. Gather your ingredients

Step 3. In a bowl, using a mixer combine the cakemix with the Coke. Beat for 1 minute.

Step 4. Fill patty pans to 3/4 full and bake for 26minutes or until a skewer placed into the centrecomes out clean.

Remove to cool.


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Notes:

I didn't use any gradual mixing method here. I just

grabbed the Coke and poured it over the cake mixand mixed it for a minute. It would be much better if you did not have your patty

pans close together on the tray like I did. It made it alot harder for the heat to penetrate into the centre.

This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung forKidspot, Australias best recipe finder.

Find related 2 ingredient recipes

ingredient ice cream recipeHave you ever made ice cream with your kids? Well this 2 ingredient ice cream isthe ideal recipe to cook with kids. You can get them to fold in their favouriteflavours and make it their own.

Category:

2 Ingredient recipes, Basic recipes, Frozen treats , Kids food Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Ingredients:

600ml (2 1/2 cups) pouring cream 1 tin (395g) sweetened condensed milk
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Method:

Step 1. Gather ingredients.

Step 2. In a bowl, using a mixer, whip the cream untilit is very stiff. Fold in the condensed milk.

Step 3. Add in preferred flavours or nuts. Place in anairtight container freezing for 6-8 hours beforeserving.


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Notes:

You can add 2 tbsp of vanilla extract to the cream as

it is whipping to give this a vanilla boost. There is so much that you can do to this recipe to

flavour this ice cream. Crush up some Oreo cookiesand fold through before freezing for cookies andcream flavour. Drizzle some chocolate toppingthrough to create a swirl. Fold in frozen berries oreven just beat a few tablespoons of sifted cocoapowder in to make chocolate ice cream.


2 ingredient macaroons recipeThese yummy macaroons are the perfect quick sweet treat that the kids will love

helping to make. They're also super speedy to whip up if you have unexpectedguests as they'll be done and dusted in 20 minutes!

Category:

2 Ingredient recipes, After school snacks, Basic recipes,Biscuits andcookies, Budget, Cake stall, Cakes & Baking,Kids cooking

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins
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Ingredients:

500g desiccated coconut 1 tin (395g) sweetened condensed milk

Method:Step 1. Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan-forced).Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.

Step 2 . In a bowl, combine the coconut andsweetened condensed milk.

Step 3 . Drop tablespoon-sized balls of the mixtureonto the baking tray.

Step 4. Place into the oven and bake for 10-12minutes or until lightly golden.


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Notes:

I used a tablespoon measure for these and then just

popped them out and onto the tray. You can use alittle spray oil to coat the measure and they'll slide outeasily.

I decorated these with halved glace cherries which istechnically a third (but non-essential) ingredient - they just looked so cute!


2 ingredient Nutella cake recipeYes, this cake has just 2 ingredients - Nutella and eggs. You have to give it a goso you know exactly how delicious and easy this is.

Category:2 Ingredient recipes, Basic recipes, Cakes & Baking,Chocolate, Dessert , Easycake recipes , Easy recipes ,Nutella recipes

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Ingredients:

4 large eggs (room temperature) 240g Nutella
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Method:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan-forced).Line a 20cm round spring-form cake pan with baking

paper and set aside.Step 2. Place eggs into mixing bowl and beat on highspeed until the mixture triples in volume. This will take5-7 minutes.

Step 3. Spoon Nutella into a medium glass bowl and

microwave for 15-20 seconds until it is soft.Step 4. Spoon one third of the egg mixture and foldusing a metal spoon to mix in Nutella until entirelycombined. Continue with another third of egg mixtureand then again until all the egg and Nutella iscombined.

Step 5. Spoon mixture into cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer placed into the centrecomes out clean.

Step 6. Cool cake in pan entirely, before removingfrom pan. Slice and serve.


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Notes:

You REALLY need to make sure those eggs triple in

volume or this recipe will not work. You can saveyourself a cake fail by completing this step correctly. Ifyou dont beat them wel l you will find that you end upwith an egg-y tasting mess.

Folding the eggs into the Nutella needs to be donewith a light hand so you avoid the eggs losing all theirvolume.

I used a metal spoon but some cooks may prefer aspatula for this job.


2 ingredient strawberry pie recipeThis delicious strawberry pie has just two ingredients and you will be able to whipthis up very quickly. Its a delicious treat that the kids will love.

Category:

2 Ingredient recipes, Dessert , Pie recipes Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

4 hours
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Ingredients:

6 cups (900g) Greek yoghurt 2 pkts (85g) strawberry jelly crystals

Method:Step 1. Spray a pie dish with cooking spray and setaside.

Step 2. Place yoghurt and jelly crystals into a bowl.

Step 2. Mix using a mixer until all crystals are

dissolved.Step 4. Pour into pie dish and freeze for 4-6 hours.Slice and top with cream if desired.


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Notes:

Alternatively, you could make a lime pie with lime jelly

instead of strawberry jelly. You really need to make sure those crystals are

dissolved for this recipe to work. This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung for

Kidspot, Australias best recipe finder.

2 ingredient white chocolatemousse recipeThis 2 ingredient white chocolate mousse is easy enough even for the most basiccook. Grab some cream and white chocolate and you're good to go!

Category:

2 Ingredient recipes, Basic recipes, Dessert Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Ingredients:

250g white chocolate melts 600ml cream
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Method:

Step 1. Place chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Add120ml (1/2 cup) cream and heat in the microwave for

2 minutes.Step 2. Stir until the chocolate is entirely melted. Cooluntil at room temperature (around 20 minutes).

Step 3. Using an electric mixer, beat the remainingcream until soft peaks form.

Step 4. Add half of the whipped cream to thechocolate mixture and fold through. Add theremaining whipped cream and fold again until themixture is completely combined. Place into servingdishes and chill for 2 hours. Garnish with fresh fruit orgrated chocolate and serve.


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Notes:

This recipe makes six serves. You can also make the chocolate mixture on thestovetop by heating half a cup of cream and then

adding the chocolate to the hot cream to melt. Garnish this with grated milk chocolate, white

chocolate or fresh berries. This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung for

Kidspot, Australias best recipe finder.

Choc chip oatmeal cookies recipeThese choc chip oatmeal cookies will please the kids and fill the biscuit barrelwith yummy treats. Pop one or two in the lunch box as a surprise.

Category:

After school snacks, Biscuits and cookies, Cake stall, Kids food Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Ingredients:

150g butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg 1 cup self-raising flour
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2 1/2 cups rolled oats 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 180C. Line 2 baking trays withbaking paper and set aside.

Using a mixer, cream the butter and brown sugartogether. Add the vanilla extract and egg and mixwell.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats and 1 cup of thechocolate chips.

Fold in the butter and sugar mixture until wellcombined.

Roll tablespoon-sized balls of mixture and use the flat

bottom of a glass to press them down a little. Sprinklea few of the remaining chocolate chips on eachcookie.

Bake for 20 minutes until pale golden. Leave to coolon the tray for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wirerack to cool.

Notes

This makes about 30-40 cookies.


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You need to keep and eye on these in the oven.Cooking to pale golden is the "just right" stage forthese cookies to have crunch.

This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung forKidspot, Australia's best recipe finder.

Chocolate biscuits recipeThese biscuits are so delicious, I have to hide them in the pantry or the kids willeat them all in one sitting. They are a little chocolate indulgence and great to

have with a cup of tea or coffee.

Category:

Budget, Cakes & Baking, Cake stall, Chocolate, Kids cooking, Lunch box, Easyrecipes, Snacks , Biscuits and cookies

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 cups plain flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1/2 cup cocoa, sifted

Method:

Preheat oven to 180C. Cover a baking tray withbaking paper and set aside.In a bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla untilwell combined.
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Stir in flour, baking powder and cocoa.

Roll spoonfulls into balls and press with a fork to

slightly flatten.Bake for 12-15 minutes. Leave to cool on the tray for5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

These biscuits beg for the addition of chocolate chips.If I don't have some I like to add some chopped nutsfor crunch.

If they are for a special occasion or I am giving themas a gift, I add macadamias.

This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung forKidspot, australia's best recipe finder.

Chocolate box birthday cakerecipeThis is a clever little birthday cake that has a secret inside - a word puzzle madeof fondant icing sealed inside the chocolate box. Now you can wow your birthday

child with a cake that looks ever so pretty and has something to keep them busyafter the party too!

Category:

Birthday cakes, Cakes & Baking, Party food
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Ingredients:

Chocolate cake:

This can be made up to a month in advance and kept in the freezer.

500ml water 660g sugar 250g butter 40g cocoa 2 tsp bi-carb soda 450g self-raising flour, sifted 4 eggs, lightly beaten

Ganache:Use a good quality dark chocolate to achieve a smooth and silky ganache.

200g thickened cream 200g chocolate, dark

Decorations:

700g readymade white icing (also called fondant icing, you can find Orchardwhite icing at all major supermarkets)

Icing sugar, extra to prevent white icing from sticking to the bench when rolling Food colouring black and blue 650g dark cooking chocolate 40cm square cake board 4m blue ribbon 1m Happy Birthday ribbon Pins to secure ribbon Tissue paper and cellophane to wrap letters in box Paper to print word game Candles

Equipment and other items needed:


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28 x 28 cm cake tin Greaseproof paper Pallet knife

Method:

1. Cover cake with ganache and then roll the fondanticing out and drape over the cake 2. Trim the edge ofthe icing around the cake and wrap with ribbon and fixin place 3. Roll out fondant icing and measure and cut

into tiles

4. Cut out letters with stamps and fix onto tiles with alittle water 5 Cut chocolate into even sized tiles and

glue together with melted chocolate 6. Prepare ribbonto wrap around chocolate box


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7. Add ribon and chocolate box to the top of the cake8. Place letters inside the box 9. Seal the top of the

box before tying the ribbon.

Chocolate cake

Preheat oven to 180C.

Line tin with greaseproof paper.

Place water and sugar in a saucepan, heat until sugardissolves.

Add butter and cocoa, bring to the boil and simmer for1 minute. Be careful not to boil too rapidly as the mixwill boil over.

Remove from heat and add bi-carb soda. Allow tocool for 5 minutes before adding flour and eggs. Mix

well.Bake in oven until the mix springs back when gentlypressed or when a skewer comes out clean approximately 40 minutes.


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Keep the cake in the tin for approx 5 minutes beforeturning onto a wire rack keep the bottom side up atall times to avoid making lines as this will be the

presentation side up. You can freeze your sponge atthis point, tightly in cling film.

When the cake is totally cooled (best if you can keepit in the fridge to chill right down before going anyfurther) you will need to flatten the bottom (which was the top.) of the sponge. Place a sheet ofgreaseproof paper on the presentation side and turnover. Use a serrated knife and cut the top of the cakeso its as flat as possible. I usually cut a little at a timeso that I dont accidently cut away too much cake!

Position on cooling rack to begin coating withganache.

Ganache

This layer of melted chocolate and cream will give thecake a smoother edge before putting on the fondanticing. You could also use butter cream the key is tomake it as smooth and straight as possible as eachbump will be highlighted once the fondant icing is puton.


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Place the cream and chocolate in a microwave bowl,heat for 1 minute, remove and stir until all is combinedand the mix is smooth

When the ganache is warm, sit the cake on a coolingrack and pour over until all is evenly covered. Smooththe edges and top if necessary with a flat knife (if youwarm the knife it will make it easier but make sure nowater comes in contact with the ganache)

Allow to set in fridge for 5 minutes before transferringonto the cake board.

Readymade white icing

This is also known as fondant icing and can be foundin larger quantities in cake specialty shops they alsosell them already coloured if you dont wish to do thatyourself. It will keep for a long time if stored in a coolplace and if its wrapped very well (I usually use a fewlayers of cling film before placing in an airtightcontainer in the freezer)

Usually the icing is quite firm to touch when you openthe packet. Break it into small pieces with your fingersand begin to work or massage it until you notice itbecomes smoother and softer. At this point, bring theicing together and knead as you would a dough until itis soft and smooth (the smoothness reminds me of


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my kids baby bottoms!) Once its smooth and soft youare ready to add the colour.

Flatten a little, press some creators into the doughand add a few drops of blue colour. Going slowly butsteady is better than adding too much at once untilyou have achieved the strength of colour you areafter. To work the colour into the icing, continuekneading as you would a dough. If the icing starts tostick to the bench use icing sugar, as you would flourto dough.Once the fondant icing is smooth and the colour eventhroughout it is ready to use.

Roll out the fondant icing in a square shape, usingyour baking tin as a guide, allowing enough to overlapthe edges. It should be around 1/2cm thick.

Using your rolling pin, and starting closest to yourbody, loosely roll the icing into the rolling pin.Unravel the icing over the cake, making sure youallow enough icing to fall over the edges. This is atricky part so the less kiddies around at this stage willprobably make things easier. Dont stress if it looks amess, icing can be smoothed over and the ribbon anddecorations will work their magic to hide the bits youdont want anyone to see. Also use the natural curvesof your hand and fingers to manipulate the icing so


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that it sits smoothly on the cake. Also try to touch theicing to the cake gently if you press to hard you willmake finger holes in the cake.

Use kitchen scissors or a pallet knife to trim away theexcess from the edges and gently tuck under to give astraight edge. Dont worry too much about the bottomedges as they will be covered with ribbon later, aslong as there is no icing sticking out, this job is done.

Word tiles These need to be made at least a week prior to allowthe fondant to dry and become hard.

Roll out 200g of the white fondant to approximately1/2cm thickness. It can be easier to roll it out ongreaseproof paper dont forget to use icing sugar if itstarts to stick. Using your rolling pin, gently turn theicing regularly so that the bottom wont stick.

Using a paper stencil cut out nine tiles and place on atray with greaseproof paper.

Colour 70g of fondant black and 10g blue, roll and cutout the letters. Using a little water, stick onto each tile.

Keep the tray in a dry place to allow the fondant icingto dry.


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Chocolate box

Place chocolate in a bowl and microwave on high for

one minute. Remove and stir until all chocolate ismelted. You may need to heat for a further 30seconds, just be careful not to overheat or thechocolate will burn.

Pour onto a large sheet of greaseproof paper andeither spread with a pallet knife or pick up an edgeand use the same method you use when you aretrying to flick the creases from your sheets when youare folding them up (but gentler with this!). Thechocolate shouldnt be any thicker than 1cm. If its notright, allow the chocolate to set before re-melting (notso much mess) and try again.

Just before it is fully set, use a sharp knife to cutblocks. You will need two blocks which are 13cm x13cm for the top and bottom and four blocks whichare 13cm x 10cm for the sides.

Melt 50g of chocolate and pour into a small pipingbag, using it to glue the walls together. Allow each join to set before starting on another side. Use booksor straight edges to prop the chocolate and keep itupright.

Finishing the cake


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Measure enough blue ribbon to wrap around base ofcake, cut and secure with pins.

Repeat this process with the Happy Birthday ribbon.Cut the remaining blue ribbon in half and lay eachpiece on the cake, in the centre, in a cross. Place thechocolate box on top of the ribbon so it is sitting in thecentre of the ribbon and cake.

Lay bottom of the box with tissue paper before fillingwith letter tiles. Lay a sheet of cellophane betweeneach tile.

Print off the word game and answers and lay in thebox before putting on the lid and tying up the ribbon.

Finish with candles.

Notes:

Make the letter tiles ahead of time to allow the fondanticing to dry so it is hard enough to sit in the chocolatebox.

You could use white chocolate for the box and pinkicing if blue does not suit.

If you have any leftover ganache, use it as a deliciouschocolate sauce!


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This recipe was created by Sonia Anthony. From Chef Sonia Although I am a qualified chef, Ive had no formalcake making training. What I have learned is throughtrial and many errors. I hope that by sharing myknowledge, you can become as confident and asexcited about cake making as I am! (without themistakes!) I think the most important thing is to give ita go, youll be producing amazing cakes before youknow it!

Please feel free to contact me for any questionsat [email protected] or at Chef Sonia &You .

Chocolate chip cookies recipeThese cookies are a simple tasty combination of milk and dark chocolatechips.They contain all the rich ingredients that good chocolate chip cookies reallyneed. I like to make large batches of these and roll them into balls to freeze. Thatway I can pull a dozen out to bake as gifts.

Category:

Biscuits and cookies, Cake stall, Cakes &

Baking,Chocolate, Christmas, Christmas cookies, Kids cooking Ingredients:

150g butter 1/2 cup castor sugar 1/2 brown sugar
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1 tsp vanilla 1 egg 13/4 cups plain flour 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 180C or 160C fan forced. Line 2baking trays with baking paper and set aside.

In a bowl, cream the butter, castor sugar and brownsugar until fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.

Stir in the flour a little at a time. Stir in chocolatechips.

Roll tablespoons of the mixture into balls and place onthe baking tray evenly spaced apart to allow for themix to spread.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden. Leave on thetray for 5 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Notes

These are perfect to make ahead and freeze forChristmas to give as gifts. I just increase the cookingtime when cooking frozen cookie dough by 3-5minutes.


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This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung forKidspot, Australia's best recipe finder.

Chocolate ice cream puddingrecipeThis delicious dessert combines a creamy ice-cream with dried and glaced fruits.With a dash of brandy, this recipe would make an easy festive season dessertthat will be popular with the whole family.

Serving Size:

20

Category:

Cakes & Baking, Dessert , Kids food, Nestl Kid's Bake Off , Chocolate Ingredients:

1/2 cup sultanas 1/2 cup chopped glac fruits (e.g. apricots, cherries, figs) 2 tbsp brandy 395 g NESTL Sweetened Condensed Milk 600 mL cream 200 g NESTL Rich & Dark Cooking Chocolate, melted 200 g NESTL Rich & Dark Cooking Chocolate, extra

Method:

Combine sultanas, glace fruits and brandy, stand 30minutes.
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Beat NESTL Sweetened Condensed Milk and creamuntil thick, add fruit mixture and PLAISTOWE RichDark Cooking Chocolate, and combine well.

Spoon mixture into 7 cups (1.75L) capacity bowl linedwith plastic wrap. Cover, freeze until set.

Spread extra PLAISTOWE Rich Dark CookingChocolate evenly over plastic wrap to a round of35cm in diameter. With chocolate side down, drapeover pudding, quickly pull edges of plastic wrap tostraighten pleats. Freeze until set, trim away excesschocolate with hot knife.

If desired decorate with strawberries just beforeserving.

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