Home Bakes: Peanut Butter Bites

If you like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups you are going to absolutely love this recipe!

When I was at a training day recently with work one of my colleagues had baked little these

 little treats for us all. After my first mouthful I was hooked and just had to find out the recipe. 

The recipe is actually one of Nigella's and is so quick and simple to do. 

These little peanut butter bites are perfect with a cup of tea, and even make a lovely gift for 

those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

For the base

50g muscovado sugar

200g icing sugar

50g unsalted butter

200g smooth organic peanut butter

For the topping

200g milk chocolate

100g plain chocolate

1 tbsp unsalted butter

Method:

- Stir all of the base ingredients together in a large mixing bowl either by hand or with an electric 

food mixer. I find this part a little messy as the icing sugar gets everywhere so prefer to

 do it by hand.

- Once the mixture has come together and has a very sandy consistency you can press it into

 a lined brownie tin. Nigella says 'it is quite satisfying seeing the gentle finger indentations in the

 soft, rich mixture' but I'm not sure I agree. What ever tickles your fancy Nigella.

- To make the topping I melt all of the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling

 water on a low heat. Stir this mixture regularly until there are no lumps left.

- Spread the chocolate mixture on to the base and then pop the tin in the fridge to set. 

When spreading on the chocolate mixture I like to leave it looking a little rough around the edges, 

but if you prefer a smooth finish just use the back of a spoon to spread evenly. 

- The chocolate mixture sets fairly quickly, and once completely hardened you can cut up into

 little squares and enjoy. I cut the squares pretty unevenly to give a rustic feel but you could be

 more precise if you prefer.

Will you be trying this recipe? I would love to know your thoughts!

Home Bakes: Banana Bread

Banana bread is such a nostalgic sweet treat for me. Both my Auntie and my 

Mum used to make it for me when I was a little girl, and now that I am older

 I enjoy baking it myself for other people. 

When it comes to baking I like to make the whole affair extra kitsch with lots 

of cute Cath Kidston bake wear. It just makes it all taste better, you know?

I've always been an avid baker, so I'm really excited to be able to share some of 

my favorite recipes on my blog.

This Banana Bread recipe is the same one my mum uses and it gives the same 

tasty results every time. Be sure to use over ripe bananas to get the best banana 

bread you have ever tasted.

Ingredients:

4 ripe mashed bananas
2 free range eggs
10oz of plain flour
4oz of butter - plus a little extra to grease the tin
8oz caster sugar
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp of salt
2 tsp vanilla extract

A 8 in x 5 in loaf tin is required.

Method:

- Preheat the oven to 180c / gas mark 4

- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the
consistency is light in colour and a soft fluffy texture.

- In a seperate bowl sift the flour, bicarb and salt. Leave this mixture to stand.

- Going back to the sugar and butter mixture, add the eggs, mashed
bananas and vanilla extract. Mix well.

- Slowly fold in the flour mixture and ensure it is all mixed.

- Pour the mixture into the greased loaf tin and bake in the oven for 60 mins.
The loaf should be well risen and golden brown on the outside, but still soft on the inside.

- Allow to cool in the tin for 5-10 mins before removing and leaving on a wire rack.
Once completely cooled you can enjoy your first slice of this delicious loaf.

If you want to you can add either chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the mixture
before baking to add even more flavour.

Will you be giving this Banana Bread recipe a try?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin