No Bake Chocolate Cake - 4 Ingredients!

Some folks refer to this cake as Chocolate Ripple and others Chocolate Ice Box Cake, either way it's a super yummy, simple, no bake cake that will have your guests asking for the recipe!.

All you need to make this cake is whipped cream, caster sugar (confectioners), pre baked chocolate biscuits and vanilla extract - it's that simple!. In Australia most people set this cake into a log shape but I like to set the cake in a lined cake pan so it looks and cuts like a baked cake with horizontal layers.

Here's Magnolia Bakery's Peppermint Ice Box Cake - recipe here

This shows you how I set the biscuits within the cake pan, but as you can see I like to cover the entire cake with cream.

To make this cake you will need

1 round cake pan of your choice (preferably with a removable base)

cream - I use about 900 ml

2 packets Chocolate Ripple Biscuits (Magnolia Bakery suggests Nabisco Chocolate Wafers see recipe)

2 tbs caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Whip cream, sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks

2. Line your cake pan with grease proof paper on the base and sides

3. Smear cream over base of pan then place your first layer of biscuits (lying down as shown in the image above), then another cream layer and biscuit layer and so on until you have filled your pan.

4. Place grease proof paper or plastic wrap over the cake and then a plate on top with something to weigh it down slightly on top like a few potatoes etc... and leave the cake in the pan to set overnight in the fridge.

5. When you feel the biscuits have softened within the cream layers gently remove from the pan and peel away the paper. You may need to slide a knife around the sides of the cake to release it but it should remove easily by simply pushing the base through the pan.  

6. The last step is optional... I like to whip a bit more cream to "ice" the outside of the cake for presentation purposes and top with the garnish of your choice. 

xx

Enjoy!

Designer Doll House - Fit For A Fashionista!

When I was little my pride and joy was She-Ra's Crystal Castle, a pink plastic rock shaped creation filled with overpriced mass produced figurines void of style or grace... today it seems doll houses have taken marathon steps forward, resembling lust worthy interior designed town houses brimming with the likes of Eames, Knoll and Bentwood gorgeousness.

Here is an amazing example of a modern designer doll house created by the very talented Nicole Balch of Making It Lovely. 

Stunning!

images courtesy of Making It Lovely... to catch the full story see here

xx

You Make Me Wanna Soup!

Isn't veggie soup the best? I could eat it everyday, regardless of the season, and love that is makes delicious bulk meal while making use of all of those bottom of the fridge veggies in need of cooking.

As part of my new years resolution I've started eating organic vegetables and fruits, so each week our lovely box of seasonal produce arrives, on our doorstep, ready for the eating!.

Ok, so this pic may not look that inviting, but believe me it tastes yummy!

When I make soup I like to sautee onions, leeks and garlic in cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, then add legumes ie. lentils & beans (no salt at this point as the legumes will not soften). I don't eat many starchy veggies so at this point I then just fill with water and add my cut veggies and simmer for an hour at minimum then salt to taste and enjoy with crusty bread or simply on its own!.

and for the very occasional lil bit of something naughty - Mum's home made puris - pu-what, I hear you say! Puris are fried Indian flat breads along the Naan, Paratha line.... yummy for dipping!. 

xx

DIY Glass Terrarium - Candy Jar Succulent Fun!

Here's a simple way to bring the outdoors in with a fuss free three step candy jar glass terrarium. All you need is a lidded glass jar, potting mix and the succulent of your choice. I used the Echeveria Glauca, a simple fuss free plant that will reproduce and grow under the most hostile of conditions.

Once you've placed the roots into your soil add 4 tablespoons of water... continue to water lightly as needed 

xx 

so simple and will save you buying fresh cut flowers

Mysterious Vintage Senorita???

A few years ago my sister stumbled across this porcelain beauty at Chapel Bazaar... at first she assumed it was a old perfume lamp, which is basically like an oil burner only prettier, but there is no ventilation under her skirt for a candle to continue burning and her tamborine will only hold a small smear of perfume oils at a time... so the mystery continues as to what she is... there is a lip underneath her balloon skirt which make me think she once sat on a base but aside from that she remains a gorgeous vintage mystery!. 

any ideas??

xx

ibride - Purveyors Of Whimsical French Designer Goods

I adore ibride products... I have mentioned this before and I feel I need to mention it once more. I love that every product in their collection offers a talking point/ conversation starter for the buyer and no matter your interior style you can add just about any of their glorious pieces to your home.

Here is a small look at the stunning range by the well known French brand...

Maison & Objet 2006

Design my heart out

here

whats up trouvaille

space for inspiration

Space for Inspiration

What's Up Trouvailles Du Jour

The Whimsy Papers

Flickr

xx

Chanel Tote Bag Birthday Cake

A few years ago I made this Chanel Bag cake for my niece and I thought I'd share a pic... I don't have a collection of images taken while decorating but the design is super easy and the quilted effect is achieved by rolling a stitching tool over the fondant covered cake. The handles were created by rolling florist wire into fondant and bending to shape and the c's are simply two circles with the middle cut out using a smaller circular cookie cutter then cut away each side to create the c's.

Simple and effective!

xx

Flowering Cactus - 20 Years In The Making!

My siblings have all recently bought rescue dogs, my hubby Adam on the other hand has had rescue pet for the last 20 years only his/ours is a cactus that measures about 9ft tall and flowered for the first time this month!.

Here are the pics... the flower grew for about two weeks, bloomed for 24 hours and then died... many a joke is made about the appearance of the cactus, for obvious reasons, but overall I would have to say it is my husbands pride and joy - the cactus that is!.

Vintage Peacock Chairs - From Morticia To Must Have!

Haven't those glorious Peacock Chairs come a long way since Morticia Addams sat in one... Like most must have vintage items I've had the odd bid here and there on a variety of Peacock Chairs and I still don't have one - at one stage $80 would just about buy one, now triple or quadruple it and you are possibly in with a chance, but the thrifty vintage hunter within will await the day I find bargain at an opp shop, market or antique centre (btw, I hear you saying good luck lady, never going to happen!)

Recently my passion was reignited when Tania at Scandi Coast Home revealed her stunning collection... so we'll add this to the list of must have vintage items!.

now let's drool over their loveliness!

Food Fashion Friends - Fleur Wood

I Design Love

The Decorista via I Design Love

pinterest

Pinterest

Go Al love your work!

The Glam Lamb

pinterest

pinterest

pinterest

tumblr here

The Little Kidz Closet

The Little Kidz Closet