Mastering Macarons

For my birthday, I requested money to take a class at William Angliss Institute in Melbourne, and my parents, parents-in-law and brother and sister-in-law kindly complied. I didn't know at the time what class I wanted to take, only that I'd been drooling over their short courses for years, but when I saw the Simply Macaron class on offer, I knew that was the one for me.
Yesterday, I finally got to attend. The day was stinking hot, but the kitchen was air conditioned. The teacher was amazing, my fellow students lovely, and somehow, macaron making became easy.
My partner (whose name I can't remember how to spell) and I made Turkish Delight macarons. We used the Italian method (as opposed to the French which is what I have attempted previously), and the rosewater butter cream was from a French recipe (which involves sugar syrup and egg yolks). I couldn't be happier with how they turned out, and they taste even better today.
Plus, we got to bring home some of everyone's!

 The brown ones in the bottom right are choc-chilli. The mass of pink ones are the Turkish delight ones I made. Green is pistachio, red streak is raspberry cheesecake. The four in the top left are strawberry gum, as in gum tree, and are our teacher's signature flavour. The remaining pinkish ones are peach iced tea, some with dark chocolate and some with white.

 Turkish delight

Top tip: Don't use eggs that are too fresh! For best results, freeze your egg whites, then defrost 24 hours before. Preferably strain them too. All this helps make them more liquid and less gooey.

Sweets for my Sweet

Amongst my Christmas gifts was a book called Delicious Gifts, which I finally started reading on Monday. When I saw the recipe for Peanut Butter Meltaways, I knew it was the perfect Valentine's present for Andrew (even though we'd agreed not to exchange presents, I couldn't resist).
While I'd like to try making them again when it's not so hot, Andrew is certainly enjoying them.

High Five, Amy!

 You might remember this sweet little jacket from High Five, Alice! After much wear, Alice has grown out of it, and passed it down to her little sister, Amy, who looks just as gorgeous in it!

Pretty Poppet

I finally finished Miss Milla's Christmas present about 10 days ago, and we delivered it to her yesterday. She was asleep when we arrived, but woke up calmly, and acquiesced to trying it on.

The dress is Pretty Poppet from Australian Smocking and Embroidery magazine. The fabric is similar, but not quite the same as the original.

A bountiful harvest

 Carrots, zucchini and garlic from the garden, and Mum even made the stock!

And it all made delicious risotto