Pillow talk

I recently had a horrific experience shopping for a dress for my cousins wedding. Long story short, it took about 4 hours, but we found an awesome dress right as I was loosing my sanity. I rewarded my relentlessness determination* after said purchase by heading to the closest home department to touch stuff and calm down a bit. And TK Maxx was my special place of choice.

I was blissfully browsing hat boxes I’ll never need, when just like that, our eyes met and I knew these were mine. This pair of monochromatic velvet geometric puppies were one of those moments where you are 400% in love with something and have 0% doubt in your mind this would make your life better. I know. They’re just pillows.

I have affectionately called these our ‘Magneto’ pillows {we may or may not have watched the trilogy that weekend}. But seriously, how awesome are these? They are incredibly comfortable and are an incredible quality considering they were only  €16.99 each. Hell to the yes.

Let’s also talk about the pillow chop. This is important. This is an art. This is also something I cunningly explained to fiance was “fun and you’d like it because you get to karate chop a pillow to make it look all good”. My subtle manipulation worked, as I have crept fiance prepping and chopping said pillows. Yes, yes.

* This is a complete lie. I was a nightmare. My poor mother dragged me from shop to shop where I relentlessly complained about my lack of developing an eating disorder in order to wear normal women’s sizes. I’m sure they’ll write a Berenstain Bears book about my episode.  

Everything in moderation, including moderation

These. Are Nanaimo bars. Rich crumbly chocolate coconut base, delicate smooth custard filling, topped with a crunchy layer of chocolate that when you bite into it, smooshes the creamy centre all over the shop. If you aren’t salivating there’s something wrong with you.

These remind me so much of Canada. Nothing can top Tim Hortons. Nanaimo bars are painfully good, and look way more difficult to make than they actually are. Trust me. I wouldn’t make them if they were difficult.

I’ve made these mothers twice in 10 days, that’s how good they are. I wanted to share this recipe on Canada day, but I was balls-to-the-wall sickly so here it is, over a week late. Prepare your waist line for the glory that are Nanaimo bars …


Ingredients
1/2 cup of butter, softened 
1/4 cup white sugar 
5 tablespoons of cocoa power 
1 egg 
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs {I used Digestive biscuits. Just smash ’em} 
1 cup flaked coconut 

1/2 cup butter 
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons of custard powder
2 cups confectioners sugar

1 ounce semisweet baking chocolate
2 teaspoons butter

Method
On the stove over very low heat, combine butter, sugar, and cocoa powder and stir until smooth and butter is melted. Take off the heat. Beat in the egg, stiring until thick. Mix in the biscuit crumbs and flaked coconut. Press into an ungreased tin {8x8inches} using the back of a spoon.

For the middle layer, cream together butter, cream and custard until fluffy. Mix in the confectioners sugar until smooth. Spread on top of bottom layer and allow to cool in the fridge. 

While the second layer is chilling, melt the chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Spread over the chilled layers. Allow to set in the fridge before cutting into bars. Prepare yourself to slip into a delicate sugar coma. 

Original recipe can be found here

Seal of approval

I’ve had an itch recently. I researched some {awesome and alternative} yarn and craft related tattoos, and this came up in my image search … Thanks, Ryan. I know you got my back.