Chocolate Buns to Die for

I was in a baking mood on Friday and decided after making the daily bread that I would investigate the sweet pages of Dough (Richard Bertinet) to see if there was anything I fancied and lo and behold I found Jack's Buns, a variation on a pain aux raisin but with chocolate. Mmmmmmmm. I'd made them a few years ago and remembered they were delicious so thought I would make them again. The only rub is that as they are filled with creme patissiere which for 500g's of dough (24 buns) is 6 egg yolks! Quite a few for a few buns so I decided to halve the recipe and make just 12 buns thus using 3 egg yolks in the creme patissiere.

My timings were a bit iffy as I was in and out on Friday but the resulting buns were a triumph, devoured by the children (and me). YUM YUM YUM. Think I'll make another batch right now, problem is, with all the egg whites I'm overrun with meringues!

Plum-licious

Its been a while....

But, I am back with more yummy enjoyments. I was lucky enough to get home and visit family recently. Whilst there, I had the good fortune to be at my Aunt and Uncle's when my Uncle arrived with a huge bucket of ripe golden plums. I was happy to relieve them of their heavy burden and drive them the 250 miles home the following day for a Plum-fest! So, I set to work and on day one I made 3 jars of spicy plum chutney, I took Mrs Beeton's advice and put some of the other plums in a large pan with sugar ready for day two and the jam making! I also had just enough to create a mouthwatering delicacy by the name of Sticky Plum flapjack (thanks to Nic for the recipe link) http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/12810/sticky-plum-flapjack-bars which was an instantaneous Plum-delight.

The Jam, I created at 7am today, lots to do and too little time to do it. The picture, I think you'll agree, is as plum-licious as it gets! Thanks Uncle Pete xx