Peppermint slice

Peppermint slice is again one of those treats we Aussies grew up with. Birthday parties, picnics, whatever the occasion you were sure to find this slice there. I'm sure every one's mum had their own version, this one I found on the net, not loving the green food coloring or the lack of chocolate topping in the pic but if you follow the recipe you end up with something that tastes a wee bit like an after8.

I made it recently for the family branding and it was received well and I even had a few requests for the recipe, hence this post. If you're not familiar with Marie biscuits head to the Superstore or any well stocked supermarket and look for plain tea biscuits.
So here it is, hope you enjoy it.

Base:
2 x 250 g packets Marie biscuits
1 x 395 g tin sweetened condensed milk
250 g melted butter
11/2 cups shredded coconut
2 tablespoon cocoa powder

Filling:
2 cups icing sugar
4 tablespoons softened butter
2 tablespoons of cream
4 teaspoons peppermint essence ( I know that sounds like a lot, you will just have to trust me!)

Top:
2 cups icing sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 - 2 tablespoons of water ( I think I used a bit more, use your judgement. You want it to set like a firm icing.

Method:
1. Mix together the crushed biscuits, coconut and cocoa.
2. Stir in the condensed milk and melted butter and press into a tray.
3. Set in fridge while making the filling.
4.Filling: In a bowl, mix the icing sugar, softened butter, cream and peppermint essence.
Add a couple of drops of food coloring if desired....or not!
5. Spread over the base evenly and very carefully with the back of a large spoon.Allow to set in the fridge for 20 - 30 minutes before adding the topping.
6. Topping: Mix the icing sugar and the cocoa.
7. Stir while gradually adding the water until mixture is firm but still thin enough to spread over the peppermint cream filling.
8. Spread over filling and refrigerate.

Jelly in your belly!

Just a couple of things to share with you today.
There is a great pic of Marley on my friend Kerry's blog Snickerdoodles, check it out, scroll to May 21st and there she will be. Marley was doing a little posing at the family May Day dance on Thursday night, boy oh boy did she sleep well that night.
And earlier that day I attended the traditional May Day tea with my lady friends, what a great town we live in. I promised Kerry's mom I would share my Jelly Slice recipe, so here it is, I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to use your imagination with this one, I added some shredded coconut to the base last time.
All you Aussie's can stop reading now, nothing you haven't seen before!!

Jelly Slice.

Crust:

1 pkt Marie biscuits crushed. ( Use any tea biscuits you can find, Superstore has a good selection. 1 pkt is usually 250g ).
185 g. butter melted
Combine together press into 8x8 pan.

Lemon Layer:
1 can condensed milk
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tsp gelatin dissolved in ¾ cup boiling water

Topping:
1 pkt red jelly (made up to instructions on packet), or for that matter, any flavour you like. I have made it with lemon jello and it is yummy.

Crush biscuits and combine with melted butter. Press into slice tray. Blend condensed milk with lemon juice and dissolved gelatin. Pour over base and set aside until it starts to set. Pour the cooled jelly carefully over slice. Chill until set then cut into squares.

Spring has sprung....

....it's here. SPRING. Although, the weather has been lovely for months now, it really doesn't feel like spring is her until you start to see some color. Granted, there's not much of it yet but as you can see the wait is worth it. This is what is bloomimg in my garden so far, tulips are yet to come and daffodils, but this should tide me over for a while.

So in honour of this lovely parade of colour, I made this fun treat. For those of you not familiar with this yummy treat for the eyes and tastebuds, this is Jelly slice. I can post the recipe if anyone wants it.

Every aussie child recognises this slice. Although, I'm sure I can almost hear the shrieks of disbelief at my use of lemon jello instead of strawberry or rasberry. All I have to say is...don't knock it until you've tried it. I ate three pieces for lunch today, and the only thing stopping me from eating the whole lot was my 4 year old watching me with disgust.

Zoe's crosscountry meet went well. I was cheering so loudly I am surprised I even have a voice today. It went so well that she decided to stick with it and try again next week. Way to go Zoe. I love that she stopped to pose for her pic.....always the poser.

P.S. She doesn't run like her mother....Phew!