October Recap: Beaut.ie to Go Book Launch

So, I decided that I’d try and make October a jam packed month and I think I’ve succeeded! Here’s the first of my October recaps.
         
The first weekend was the launch of Beaut.ie book ‘Gorgeous to Go’ by Aisling McDermott at Brown Thomas in Dublin. I managed to get a cheap hotel room and travelled up the night before with the boyfriend. There was a large crowd at the launch so we had to queue for while but luckily I made some new friends while queuing. Aisling and Kirstie were looking beautiful and were so welcoming and friendly, as per usual! And we got a lovely goodie bag too. I had a great time with old and new friends alike and a special shout out to CherrySue, Emz, Lisa from Bride & Joy and Claire, who I enjoyed some food and drinks with after along with Aoife, Judith and someone else who’s name I’ve regretfully forgotten (sorry!). I had to leave early to get back home,otherwise I’m sure I would have enjoyed the rest of my evening with these lovely ladies!

Back to the book! Dinky size, perfect for carrying around. Well laid out, gives price ranges from cheap-as-chips to mega pricey and also even has pages to write notes too. Perfect present for Christmas methinks!

Halloween Baking: Witches Fingers

I love Halloween. It’s hands down my favourite time of the year. Chilly weather that’s great for snuggling, costumes and an excuse for good foods and parties!

Despite this, I don’t usually bake much for Halloween, even though I’d love to have a big party and try out loads of different things. Last year though I made these for my brothers and sisters and they worked out great! I’m definitely going to make them again this year.

Witches Fingers

Adapted from BBC Good Food

Ingredients

100g caster sugar

100g butter

1 egg yolk

200g plain flour

½ tsp Vanilla essence

Salt

20 blanched almonds

red food colouring

Method

1. Mix the caster sugar, butter, egg yolk, flour, vanilla essence and a pinch of salt together until a bag of dough is formed (best done in a mixer but it can be done by hand, which is what I did).

2. Break off golf-ball sized pieces of dough and roll into finger shapes.

3. Line a baking sheet with grease proof paper and place fingers on, making sure to leave some gaps between them. With a knife, make cuts in the dough to form knuckles.

4. Place almonds at the end of each finger. Place the tray in a fridge for 30 minutes and then bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, until just firm.

5. Leave to cool to little and then if desired, paint the almond ‘fingernails’ with food colouring. You can be neat about it or else a bit sloppy like me to make it look like blood!

Happy Halloween everyone!

The Good and The Bad

It seems that recently, most my posts have been apologies about not posting that often. Sorry about that. I don’t know what it is, I’ve lost my mojo or something! I’ll try and try again to get back in the swing though.

This time of the year is probably my favourite and also least favourite months. I have the bad things:

-It was around this time that my Nana died. I was very close to her and it still upsets me.

-It’s also coming up to the anniversary of my friend Mags.

-The weather getting worse and the days shorter don’t help with my mood really, it really brings me down.

-All this is made worse by not having a job.

Though on the flip side, there’s generally lots of good too! Like:

-It’s my birthday soon!

-The weather is great snuggling and cosy weather.

-Halloween! (my favourite holiday but I’m not sure what my plans are this year *sadface*)

-Christmas is just around the corner.

-I love autumn and winter foods!

So I’ll try and buck up a bit more. I still have a backlog of stuff to right about. And please, if you have ANY Halloween costume ideas, let me know in a comment below!