Cookie Monster Cupcakes

I came up with this recipe to take to the baby shower for a very dear friend of mine. I always looked forward to my friends having babies so I could make them lovely little goodies like this. I have been missing here dearly of late, and thought it would be fun to revisit this recipe.

If you are super keen you can make the little cookies yourself, but I bought some. I adore Mrs Field’s cookies, so I bought a selection of hers. I found it a little hard to find blue sprinkles. Dollar Fives have a ‘monster’ five pack that includes a bag of blue sugar crystals and a bag of mixed blue and green sprinkles. I used both of those.

Makes approx. 30

Cupcakes

As we near the end of Ramadan, the buzz of Eid fills the air. Markets are full of people buying new cloths, decorations and sweets. Mosques are full of worshipers trying to make the best out of the precious final days of the month.  The effects of the long days of fasting and nights of worship are evident on everyone you meet, yet people are smiling. Asking you cheerfully about your preparations for Eid. Did you finish your shopping? did you start on the maamoul? Where will you go for the Eid prayer? Do you think Eid will be Friday or Thursday?

Kids are hyper excited, checking out their new cloths, sneaking into the kitchen to snatch some maamoul when mum isn’t looking, making long lists of places to go and things to do in Eid.

In many homes, it isn’t Eid if the house is not full of the…

Another two weeks of my $50 challenge gone, and another two weeks of managing it well.  The week before last I only spent $44.70, and last week I spent $32.50.

The summer months in Canberra are perfect for making the most of the great inexpensive outdoor eateries.

Here’s the best of the best for dinners for about $15 and under inclucing the BYO corkage.

Claypot Chef(BYO no corkage)

Taste of Bangladesh(BYO no corkage)

Brodburger(BYO $2.50 per person)

Snapper(BYO no corkage)

Mandalay Bus(BYO no corkage)

Pizza Gusto(BYO no corkage)

Broddogs ($7-11) & Frugii Dessert Factory($7)(BYO no corkage)

Turkish Banquet by the Lake

Global Ethiopian Cafe (BYO no corkage)

Pierogi special Wednesdaysat the White Eagle Club

Yogi’s Kitchen opened up in Barton in July and clearly it’s a popular spot for nearby workers on a weekday.

It was hard to pick from the range of great lunch options – but really, it’s a no brainer the $15 Lunch Thali is the best!

With a choice of two curries, it came with rice, naan, pickle, raita, pappadom and a gulab jaman – perfect on a wet rainy day.

But the real stand out for me was the service. Nothing was too much trouble. There were no free tables, but I still felt welcomed and like a special guest as I waited.

As tables became free, the best one was worked out for us. The best thali combo was offered with the flexibility to add in a (more expensive) cheese and garlic naan, and then finally…

…a whole selection of take home containers were provided to pack the…

Finding myself in Canberra’s far north for work last week, I consulted the Canberra Food Bloggers for any nearby ‘do not miss’ spots for lunch.

Unanimously they agreed that I must not miss this opportunity to experience Charnie’s Chinese, a favourite!

And indeed Charnie’s is a specialist in that heritage classic Aussie Chinese takeaway style.

Large serves of deliciousness are very affordable, rice is cheap at $2 per person and you can take along your bottle of wine  at no charge if you want to eat in.

All this service comes with the friendliness and welcome of Sophia and her team who love to see their customers happy.

A steady stream of regulars is a testimony to its popularity with locals.

A very kind man allowed my to photograph one of this favourites chicken fritters with plum sauce $13.80

Sophia apologised for the extra $2 price rise on lamb dishes…