Stocking Stuffers
Chocolate chip cookies
I have been baking these cookies for the last few years and they are always a sure way to make someone smile. This is adapted from the Jacques Torres recipe published in the NY Times in 2008. One of the best things is that the recipe makes a huge amount of cookie dough so you can always pop some into the freezer for another day too. Or if you’re like me you will make a batch a day over a few days and enjoy an ongoing supply of cookies.
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups plain flour
1 ¼ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp Maldon sea salt
1 ¼ cups unsalted butter
1 ¼ cups brown sugar
1 cup raw granulated/Demerara sugar (raw granulated sugar is fine.)
2 free-range eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
600g bitter chocolate chips/chunks (I use 1/3 milk 2/3 dark chocolate)
Maldon sea salt (for sprinkling)
Method:
Combine all dry ingredients and sift into a bowl.
Cream the butter and the sugar in a bowl for about five minutes so it is light and fluffy (I used the kitchen aid for this). Add eggs one at a time and the vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Lastly fold through the chocolate chunks so they are distributed evenly.
Now the original recipe calls for the dough to be chilled for 36 hours, but I usually can’t wait that long so I cook a small batch straight away and bake the rest up after the dough has chilled for at least 24 hours.
Once the dough is ready, mould the dough into small spoonfuls and place onto a greased baking tray. Flatten them ever so slightly and sprinkle them with some Maldon salt.
To bake, set your oven to 180℃ and cook for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown, but still soft. Depending on your oven this might be a little more, or a little less. Place on a wire rack to cool, and voilà!
My love affair with Monki
The perfect match
net-a-porter.com
net-a-porter.com
net-a-porter.com
$2,320 – net-a-porter.com
net-a-porter.com
net-a-porter.com
$48 – johnlewis.com
Nude classic
I fell in love with this Halston dress as soon as I laid eyes on it. The shape is amazing and the neutral colour would be flattering on anyone. The cap sleeves and the loose fit coupled with the belt are so complimentary that most girls will be able to pull this number off. This is an investment piece. Something you will never part with. I fell in love instantly. You will too.
You can find this frock on net-a-porter.
Bx
The perfect wedding frock
You know when you come to that point in your life when everyone decides to tie the knot? I have hit that point. One friend after the other are getting married so now I am in shopping mode to buy the perfect dresses for these occasions. Any excuse will do really!
I stumbled upon this lovely number from Tibi on net-a-porter and thought it was a perfect contender. I love the colours as well as the lovely floral print. Not too floral for me either. Perfect for a summer time wedding or any occasion that tickles your fancy really.
Bx