CHEATS CAKE POPS

Cake Pops are fun, and little kids love them, and whilst they are impressive to look at, for those who have tried making their own delicious balls of cakey goodness, they will tell you they're time consuming, fiddly little buggers (have you seen the cute ones Love Cake by Lauren Cahill makes!?)

So if you don't have a professional cake baker & creator on hand here are a couple of great short cuts that will see you whip up a plate of pops and wow your guests in no time at all!

RECIPE /
makes 24

1 x supermarket brand unfilled sponge (or plain chocolate cake for chocolate pops)
1 x can of Betty Crocker (or similar) pre made vanilla icing
1 x packet of white chocolate melts (white is great as it can be coloured to whatever your heart desires)
24 x cake pop sticks (available at most craft stores or $2 variety type stores)
Sprinkles or other edible embellishments

1. In a large bowl crumble the sponge with a fork until it resembles bread crumbs
2. Add the icing, a tablespoon at a time and combine well until the mix can be rolled into balls
3. Roll a tablespoon of mix into a ball and pop onto a tray lined with baking paper
4. Once you have made enough, pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes
5. Melt the chocolate according to packet instructions, add colouring should you desire
6. Take a pop stick and insert into the cake pop about half way down
7. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate so it is fully immersed and lift straight back up so the excess can run off. Place back onto the baking tray and immediately add sprinkles or whatever decoration you like before the chocolate sets
8. Repeat for all the cake pops
9. Allow the chocolate to set hard before serving.

We've also popped some Cake Pop decorating inspiration over on our Pinterest baking page for you.

Merry Christmas :)

EASY PEASY RUM BALLS

Christmas is upon us yet again and we know how hectic things can be. With so much to do and gifts to buy, keep things simple and heart felt with a home made gift. Rum Balls are a perrenial favourite- and we are going to let you in on a little secret... the tastiest ones are made with WeetBix! its true! This recipe was given to my Auntie by an old lady who lived next door to her. When we would visit my Auntie we would make these and devour the lot- even though we were only kids!

RECIPE / 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Makes: 15
INGREDIENTS / 
2 tbs rum (any type of the dark variety) 2 tbs cocoa 9 WeetBix 1/2 cup dessicated coconut, plus extra for rolling 1 cup sultanas 1 tin condensed milk
METHOD / 

1. Break up the WeetBix using the end of a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces
2. Add all the dry ingredients and mix well
3. Add the rum and the condensed milk. Mix with hands until well combined and place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to harden
4. Remove from fridge and roll the mixture into balls, toss the balls in coconut until well covered. Refrigerate.

NOTES / 
* Adjust the rum to taste. You can also leave it out all together for a kid friendly treat * If you make a double batch, its easier just to make two separate batches as its difficult to combine all the ingredients and the mixture tends to stick together when you need to roll it.