Karaoke and Nibbles

Last night we had a Karaoke night. Tarn has a machine so Dons organised a wee get together. Dad-am came over along with Tarn, Jules and Dons friend Diane. Although we were both a bit tired to start with, we had a really good time as we always do with our families, friends and a singing machine (and a couple of wines and Margaritas). We had a bit of a competition which Dons won of course....even though she stole my song.....!

I made some nibbles to have and then promptly forgot to take photos except for one of the half eaten plate of chocolate brownies (the fact that I had had a Margarita really had nothing to do with the forgetfulness I promise!). I made some Pork and Chinese Cabbage spring rolls (taken from a couple of Annabel Langbein's books) served with sweet chilli sauce; some Pork, Prawn and Shitake Mushroom Dumplings (which were totally delicious and a definite make-again) from the September 2010 Taste magazine; some mini Quiche Lorraine's; as well a couple of packets of the ubiquitous potato chips (standard for all Kiwi get togethers). I also made these fantastic brownies from Julie Le Clerc's new book called 'Made By Hand' which suited Dons as they are gluten-free.

Individual Chocolate Brownie Cakes (Julie Le Clerc 'Made By Hand')

100 gm butter melted and cooled

1/2 c cocoa powder

1/4 tapioca flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 c firmly packed brown sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 c coarsely chopped dark chocolate

Option: 1/2 c chopped nuts or raisins (I used walnuts but pecans or macadamias would have good too)

Preheat the oven to 160 C.

Grease a 12 hole muffin or cake tin and line the bottom or each (not too laborious as the recipe is so easy).

Sift flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Stir in the sugar making sure to get rid of the lumps.Make a well and pour in the cooled melted butter, vanilla and eggs. Stir just to combine. Add in the chocolate and anything else you wanted to add.

Bake about 20-25 mins until a skewer comes out moist but clean.

Cool in the tin. before turning out.

Just in case you are wondering how to make a great Margarita here is my recipe.... and I will state clearly for the record that I make THE best ones ever but be careful as they are easy to make and even easier to drink and they pack a real punch!

Best Ever Frozen Margarita's

30 ml tequila

30 ml cointreau

15 ml lime juice

15 ml sugar syrup (made by dissolving 1 c sugar into 1 c water and bringing to the boil for a couple of minutes)

Put all ingredients into a blender with loads of ice and blend to make a slushy consistency. In the summer fresh strawberries are amazing in this too.

Here are some other photos from last night.....



Dad thinking about singing...not!



Jules and Tarn

Diane and Tarn

Being a good hostess making coffee

Dad-am still thinking about singing....

Archie in the midst of it all

Dons, Diane and Me

The old timer photo of us all

Jules and Diane trying to get out of the frame



The crooner Dons