Stargate unleashed ........... in a cake

The latest cake challenge I decided to embark upon, was a Stargate cake for a 10 year old boy's birthday. I did contemplate saying no, but I do love my baking and decorating.

So where do you start when posed with such a challenge? Google research of course. That at least gave me some pictures of the actual gate by which I could design it.

The cake itself was a Vanilla Cake, made even better by drizzling with a vanilla syrup after cooking. If you want the recipe let me know as I will definately make this one again.

Part 1 : First cut

Part 2 : White chocolate ganache and then grey fondant

Part 3 : The fiddly decorations and royal icing come out

And this was the final result....

Lest we Forget

As it's now dawn in Australia (25th April), today's post is dedicated to ANZAC day. 

In honour of all the Australian and New Zealand soldiers past and present.

The lone pine

I will never forget my travel experience to Gallipoli to experience the ANZAC dawn service, so today I hope you will enjoy a little of that experience from way back in 2006.


When you wander down the beach at Anzac Cove it's not what you expect. I'm used to wide sandy beaches and this one is narrow, almost non-existent. Hugging the beach other than the ocean, are steep cliffs. As you look up at them, you can understand why so many lost their lives in those first few minutes as they disembarked from the boats.

Scattered randomly around the area are small grave yards, white head stones that glare beneath the sunlight offering the visitor a poignant reminder of why we are here. As you walk past them you can't help but become emotional as you see the young ages (some of these lads were only 15) of these men who died for us.

Wrapped up in my sleeping bag amongst the crowd of Aussies and Kiwis, it's freezing cold, dark, but sleep never comes. We sit, some silent, others talking and waiting for the hour closer to dawn. 

Movement up on stage is a trigger to roll up the sleeping bag and move closer to the stage and the upcoming remembrance ceremony. I stand among hundreds. 

As the first glimmer of dawn comes across the ocean and gently makes it's way toward us, and in the silence of the morning, the sole bugle player begins playing The Last Post. 

You cannot help but be caught up in the emotion. I hear sniffles of all those around me and find myself wiping away tears. 

As I look around I see them. The ANZACs. They're standing among us.  Young fresh faces, decked out in their dapper kharki uniforms and slouch hats, and all the while retaining that larrikin look, perhaps it's that cheeky grin, that we know so well. Faces that are proud that we still come here and will never never forget.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them." 

The Blighty Culture Shock Experience

Expats Blog is running a series of competitions over the coming weeks, the first of which is themed Culture Shock. 

And yes I've entered!... An excerpt from my entry is below;

From Vegemite to Marmite: The Blighty Culture Shock Experience

My initiation into the culture shock experience was my first trip out of Australia. Rather than ease my way into overseas travel like most normal people do, I jumped head first into Nepal and India starting with a 20 day trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It sounded good at the time and it actually was, but when I landed in the tiny airport in Kathmandu to be greeted by soldiers in camouflage greens holding machine guns I was a little scared. The alien like scenery I then saw through the bus window on the way to my hotel also left me wondering what the hell I was doing. Needless to say it was one of my top travel experiences and the catalyst to seek out more.

As I sit here admiring the scene of Tower Bridge on a rare sunny afternoon I realise I’m a world away from that first ever travel experience and the ones that followed. If I could list all the culture shock experiences I’ve had I’d need a book, but today we’re here for Blighty.

I’m lucky as I’ve been here before. I’ve done the working holiday visa that a lot of Aussies do and now I’m here for love. Yes I’m now a Mrs and not a Miss.

So what stands out for me in terms of Blighty culture shock that I’d share with you whether you’re new, old or never been?

1. That black liquid gold we Aussies know as Vegemite isn't a staple over here. Instead they have something known as Marmite. Don't expect it to have the same consistency or taste. And I will let you be the judge of whether you like it or not. Personally I'll stick to Vegemite.

2. Be careful if you're going shopping for a pair of thongs .Thongs actually are g-strings, so you may get an odd look or two when asking for them in a shoe shop. Instead ask for flip flops.

To read the full article please go to the Expats Bog website. If you want to support my entry either like it, share it or leave a comment on the website. There are also loads of other entries, so enjoy the read!

Cakes Galore

The Cake International show is an annual London event which showcases sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking. I was lucky enough to attend over the weekend and spent hours wandering the aisles. It certainly is an event for those avid cake decorators and I left inspired about some of the products and ideas for my cupcakes. 

Here are a few photo's from the London cake competition ;

The Mulberry Handbag - this is all cake and sugarpaste. By Sandra Mitchell it won best in show for 2013!

Now how can you not be inspired by looking at those!

With thunder and hail coming down outside today (yes good old Blighty weather again!), I thought I'd spend time practising some new flowers. Here's the results;

Vintage Ruffle Flower

With some flower buds, roses and calyx

Happy decorating!

A short trip to France

A few days in the area of Dordogne, South West France is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of London.  

The added bonus is you will not find McDonalds, Costa or Starbucks or any other chain store that frequents every street in London. Instead relax in unique french cafes with a café au lait and croissant then watch the world go by.

Having only ever been to Paris and Nice, I was quite excited to have the opportunity to not only visit the french countryside, but catch up with a familiar face, a friend from Oz in such a beautiful location.

Where I stayed...

The area of Dordogne could be described as untouched, pretty, quaint and like stepping back in time. It's almost like the modern world hasn't quite reached it, until you look closer and see that hidden amongst the buildings are modern shops sporting post offices, tourist information centres and alike.

A view of the Dordogne Valley from Domme

I flew direct to Brive from London City Airport. Having only ever travelled from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stanstead I can say I was pleasantly surprised by this quiet city airport. It certainly lacks the chaos that the other airports have and if you're heading off to relax somewhere it's a good starting point. Air France was another surprise with good customer service, much more than what British Airways would offer on an afternoon flight.

With only 4 days to see the area it was a bit of a whirlwind tour, however it gave me insight into where I'd go when I have more time. Travelling through towns such as Domme, Sarlat, Rocamadour I also had the opportunity to see the Gouffre de Padirac which is the biggest cave I've ever been to. It has a diameter of 35 metres and a depth of 75 metres and once you descend you can explore the base not only on foot but in small boats as they take you along the underground river. It was amazing!

Below are a few photos from the trip.

The market square in Sarlat

Montfort

A gorgeous old house... not far from where I stayed

Collonges la Rouge. Foie gras is the specialty in this region.

I'm now on a diet

au revoir!