Day one of the challenge down & some tasty little rock cakes

I've been trying out some of one of my nan's baking recipe's for a project I'm thinking of undertaking.  She is the most beautiful baker, apple pies as light as a feather, shortbreads so buttery you'd cry, monkeyfaces with just the right amount of jam (homemade of course) and a host of other wonderful things.  She use to enter her goodies into the local show and win of course!  So as these have been her treasures she would bake for us, I've until now never made any, apart from the shortbread at christmas, but I have a long way to go.  I made these rock cakes with good success I'm quite chuffed to say, even nan was impressed.  She rang me to say, keep at it you are doing a wonderful job, don't doubt yourself, I was thrilled.  

Nan's Rock Cakes

125g softened butter

1/4 cup caster sugar

1/4 cup s.r flour

1/4 cup milk

1 beaten egg

3/4 cup sultanas

1/4 mixed peel

pinch of salt

dash of lemon essence or the zest of a lemon finely chopped

Preheat oven to 180c. Rub the butter and flour to form crumbs.  Add the sugar, fruit and give a mix with your hands.

Add in the liquids and mix gently to form a firm dough, don't over work it.

Drop dessertspoon sized balls onto a baking tray, line with baking paper if not non stick.  Sprinkle each cake with cinnamon sugar.

Bake for 20-25minutes, until golden and the kitchen smells amazing.  This recipe made 15 little cakes, perfect for morning tea or a lunchbox treat.  And they smell just like nan's.

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Breaking up with the supermarket big guys October challenge update....

So yesterday I headed out to do some shopping. I needed a few things and it happened to be member discount day (I'm a tight arse remember) at one of my local health food stores.  I arrived full of optimism and excitement. I knew I would be parting with some hard earned cash but I was willing to take the hit.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on some goodies with feelings of smugness filling me, I'll show those supermarket chains.  I left rather deflated and if I'm honest, I may not return.  It wasn't that the black organic chia seeds were $36 a kilo or that the American Walnuts didn't float my boat(I like to buy Australian thanks), it was the staff.  After a good 5 minutes of looking around (its a small store) I was still waiting for one of the 3 behind the counter to come and ask if I needed any help.  So I asked for help pouring the gold plated chia seeds into a bag, are there scales I asked so I know how much I'm getting from the self pourers, ah no you just guess. You what? I just have to guess that I'm up for $100 of chia seeds and just grin and bear it? 

I was left again to my own devices, the staff were having an interesting converstation, so I only got a few of the things that were floating around in my mentally prepared list.  If I had of had help and some mild persuasion, I would have brought like no tomorrow. Yep load me up with that organic coconut yoghurt, and the paleo caveman muesli for $27 a box  but no it wasn't to be. A shame really.  But there is opposition up the road so hopes not lost, will try them next week.  

Still I wouldn't be bullied, I came home and ordered my first haul of loo paper from who gives a crap, the wrapping looks pretty and its good for the environment, I'm just hoping its not like cardboard, I'm not totally hippy, my toosh likes some luxury.  Will keep you posted.

Ciao, Jan