Mars Bars Monkeys

Mars Bar Monkeys (modified from here)
120g butter
280g Mars Bars
1 1/2 tablespoons golden syrup
4 cups coco pops
white chocolate buttons (3 per monkey)
writing icings, black and red

Set out patty pan cases.

Place butter, Mars Bars and golden syrup in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly, using the spoon to break up the Mars Bars and squish any bits of nougat that are slow to melt. I usually melt the butter first, that way the chocolate melts partly from indirect heat, and has less chance of scorching.
When everything is melted and only little bits of nougat remain, up the heat (but not too high, or the chocolate will burn!), stirring constantly. It'll do that curdling, monkey brains thing you get when adding eggs to creamed butter and sugar. Do not be alarmed. This is not zombie food. Stick with it and keep stirring until it thickens slightly. Take it off the heat when it looks like ganache.

Put coco pops in a large bowl. Pour in your Mars Bar mixture and stir to combine. Place spoonfuls into patty cases and allow to cool slightly.
Put two white buttons in each case to serve as ears. Using melted chocolate or icing, 'glue' two m&ms in place for eyes, and then glue in another white button for the muzzle. It's easiest if you predecorate the muzzles. (as seen in the picture - two dots and a smile)

Honeyjoy Lions

As we draw closer to BabyK's first birthday, I find myself slowly coming up with more time for blogging. There is a half hour window while Daddy reads the bedtime story that I can get daily website things done, and when I am prepared, I can sneak a quick blog post in then. Provided of course, that I have cooked real food lately worth blogging about.

I'm very proud of this creation, I came up with it all by myself. Not the recipe, the recipe is an old Australian kids party staple. The idea of making faces in the middle and having lions, that I take credit for. Perfect for a 5yo's Go Diego, Go party, or a 1yo's jungle party.

Honeyjoys
90g butter or margarine
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon honey
4 cups Corn Flakes

Preheat oven to 150°C.
Line 24 hole patty pan with paper cases.
Melt butter, sugar and honey together in a saucepan until frothy.
Add Corn Flakes and mix well.
Working quickly spoon into paper patty cases.
Bake in a slow oven 150°C for 10 minutes.
Cool.

To make Lion Honeyjoys, take a white choc button, and draw a face with writing icing. Measure button against a teaspoon to find a similar sized teaspoon. After spooning cornflake mixture into patty cases, use the teaspoon to flatten a hollow in the centre of the mix. Bake as usual. Allow to cool slightly after baking, until slightly warm, then place chocolate in the centre of each honeyjoy. The chocolate will melt slightly to hold it in place. (So don't do it too early, or the chocolate will disintegrate.)

Honeyjoys will keep for a few weeks in an airtight container.

Stay tuned over this weekend for the Mars Bars Monkeys!

Flash Game Friday

Square Meal More addictive than you'd think.

My monthly reads - March

The Magicians of Caprona - Diana Wynne Jones
Black Maria - Diana Wynne Jones
The Secret Country - Jane Johnson
The Shadow World - Jane Johnson
Dragon's Fire - Jane Johnson
The Time of the Ghost - Diana Wynne Jones