Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Finally A New Post!


Well, in spite of a loooong absence, we do exist and we're back with some semi regular posts.   After some tinkering I've managed to get back into the blog.  I'm not sure if this is a problem that is restricted to me or if other people have the same difficulties.  I think I have a large black hole in my brain filled with passwords and user ids....and I am never quite sure which one I need to use at a given time.  I've tried using one or two for everything I need but somehow I still manage to lock myself out.  My husband tells me it is the peripheral unit....not the computer or the programme!  It took me a while to work out that I should have been offended by that remark.

The photo was taken at the December Handmade Expo which was another fantastic day for stallholders and visitors.  There was a competition for the Best Dressed stall and Cute as Buttons received a Highly Commended!  Our first award - of sorts!  The table was groaning with stock at the start of the day and that gives you a bit of an idea of what we were doing when we weren't posting on our blog.

Sharon and I have had a busy start to 2009.  We've been working on some new designs and products as well as getting back into the swing of school.  My eldest started Prep and Sharon's middle child has started Kindy.  It really is a big change to the whole family and I think sometimes we underestimate the impact of such a big change on little folk.  I am missing those Pyjama Days and days when we would head to the sandpit before breakfast and build and play for hours happy in the knowledge that our day could unfold just as we wanted it to.  It is a magical time!

We were planning on posting this recipe so you could use it for a sweet Valentine's treat but we missed that deadline.  I thought it might come in handy for an Easter treat or for one of the many Mothers Morning Teas that seem to be happening at the moment.  It is a sure fire, guaranteed hit and a NO FAIL recipe!

CHOCOLATE FUDGE
EMPTY one packet of Nestle DARK Chocolate Melts into a microwave bowl.
POUR one tin of Nestle condensed milk over the top
MICROWAVE for two minutes
STIR until combined
POUR into a container lined with Baking Paper (I use a Tupperware Slice Storer)
SPRINKLE with desired topping and firmly press into fudge (see below)
REFRIGERATE until set
CUT into squares and serve chilled 

TOPPING IDEAS - you could use anything but here are a few ideas to get you started:
Chop up dried apricots, raisins and banana chips for a fruit fudge
Peppermint Crisp bars finely chopped
Macadamia nuts stirred through fudge and Caramello chocolate chopped and sprinkled on top
Violet Crumble finely chopped
Pistachios stirred through and sprinkle with shaved white chocolate

This fudge is a hit every time I take it somewhere.  Hope you enjoy it.  Thanks to our blog followers - there will be something to follow from now on!  Check back next week to see photos of some of our new designs and to find out about some of the exciting things we have planned for this year.