It's been 3 days since I left Australia and somehow it feels really weird being in Thailand. Don't get me wrong. It's very nice here but I do prefer Oz.
What can I tell you. The last 2 1/2 months have simply been awesome. I've seen so much and met so many wonderful people. Most certainly one of the best things I have ever done: packing and leaving. :)
In two weeks I will be in Europe, studying and living there for the first time in almost 15 years. It will be strange but I am looking forward to be creative and work again. I do love travelling, don't get me wrong here but I am no fool and I know it's time to get back to reality and work hard to make a name in the culinary world :)
Alright, lets try to update you on what happened since I left Magnetic Island.
I went up north to Mission Beach, where I spend some lovely days, kayaking, diving and walking Gilly the dog from the hostel.
From there I took the greyhound (for the last time) all the way up to Cairns. On the way to the hostel I met Dagmar from Germany and we decided to "travel" a bit together. We went on a 3 day on board diving trip with Pro-Dive. Yup, I finally saw my first shark when I was underwater and I've seen more when I wasn't in the water... go figure. lol
We became friends with Iain who was staying at the YHA as well and did the 3 day diving trip. :) Yes Iain, I still don't get the whole thing with the camera but I'm sure, when you visit me in Paris, you'll give it another try to explain ;) lol
After the diving tour, I ventured to Port Douglas and went on a tour to the daintree forest from there :) Pretty cool I have to say :)
Back in Cairns, I went on some more one day trips, met up with Dagmar and Iain and hope to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse (of course that didn't really happen as it was pretty cloudy lol, just my luck).
The day after the eclipse, Dagmar and I said cheerio to Iain and were flying out to Darwin. Had lovely dinner and said goodbye the next day, as Daggi was going on a tour and I was heading to Alice Springs by plane.
I decided to send a lot of luggage by greyhound to Melbourne and just take what I really need to the Outback.
The morning after arriving in Alice, I was picked up by Groovy Grape :) OMG what a cool troop we were. Which is lucky as we spend 6 days together in "no-where's-land" :) Waking up at 4AM and sleeping under the sky looking at the stars, sharing chocolate with Max and laughing at Cath running around looking for her moisturizer, just a few memories that will keep me smiling for a long time. ;)
Unfortunately, every trip comes to an end and we had to say goodbye once again. The good news was, there would be a "reunion" with some guys as they went on certain other trips at the same time.
Kangaroo Island was amazing and having some of the boys from the Outback tour on board made it even more fun. :) Same on the Great Ocean Road where some of the Outbackers and some Kangaroo'ers met up again.
It's pretty funny to think, Australia being such a small country, but when you travel, it really isn't. You always meet again. :)
In between Kangaroo Island trip and heading towards Melbourne, I took a flight to Port Lincoln (not Port Douglas - yes Dagmar haha you just laugh). I went on a one day diving trip to cage dive and see the Great White Shark. What can I tell you, the MOST AMAZING ANIMAL ON EARTH! It was super peaceful and they are just sooooo beautiful. Very tempting to touch them. But I behaved. (I guess there's a reason why they put the humans in the cage... simply to protect the sharks from being cuddled to death)
Finally I arrived in Melbourne and had one last trip to go to: Philipp Island. We went to see the baby penguins and believe it or not, I managed to cuddle with a dingo!!! woohooo :)
On my last day, I met up with some Groovy Grapers again and said goodbye to good old Australia.
Ok, you might wonder... all this time, Gali hasn't had one real BLONDE MOMENTS... you just wait.. it was bound to be happening sooner or later, wasn't it? And so it did... at the airport, when I was told, that I missed my flight.
I looked at the lady behind the counter and thought she must have gone mad. Here I am, on the 9th of December at 7pm when my flight won't leave until after midnight. Well... he did leave after midnight.. but ON THE 9th!!! (silly me).... How on EARTH could I not see that.
Lucky for me, they had ONE seat left in business (economy was fully booked) and as I wanted to upgrade anyway, it was not a problem to take the plane on the 10/12/12 at 00:00!!! (gosh I feel so blonde).
What an amazing feeling to fly business... I actually slept!!! The food was awesome and you honestly feel like a million dollar babe. :) Plus... Thai Airways upgrade isn't even that expensive. (Unlike Swiss where they ask for $5000 for an upgrade - no wonder Swissair got bust... geez.. I want to RENT a seat.. not BUY the whole plane!!!) Guess no sleep for me again when I leave Thailand.
Anyways, for now, I am here in Thailand, in Phuket. Going for early runs along the beach (7AM - 25C, 95% humidity) :) 4 pools to have fun in and a very nice spa. Yup I already got a full body wax. :) Smooth like a baby :)
Alright, I guess that's it for now. time to do something productive, like taking a nap. :) And then it's pool time :)
2 more weeks to enjoy before the cold hard reality hits me in the face.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
From Hervey Bay over Airlie Beach to Magentic Island
Ok, I am way behind my blog writing... I know... sorry :)
Anyways, I've been to Hervey Bay and went Whale Watching. It is sooo different when you do that from a boat than from the coast. Those humpback whales are so curious and come super close to the boat. Just wonderful. Mommies show off their little ones and you get awesome pictures. (they follow someday... on FB)
I decided to go on a 2 day Fraser Island tour. Of course I was curious about the Dingos, as I am a huuuuuge fan of them. And believe it or now... not ONE Dingo showed up.... oh buuhuu... but we had two awesome days with our tour- guide Steve. And I finally met 3 Swiss girls... yay my first Swiss (and I see Swiss girls all over since lol). Anyway, Fraser Island is most certainly a MUST if you are close by. It's simply stunning and pure nature. The lakes are wonderful to swim (don't forget your swim goggles) and the trees and plants are just wonderful to look at. I very much enjoyed it despite not seeing a Dingo.
From Hervey Bay, it was a loooong bus ride to Airlie Beach (14 hours!!!). And I promised myself before, not to do that anymore... ah well.
Once in Airlie Beach (meeting another Swiss Girl) I decided to take a small plane (well not taking it myself obviously as I don't know how to fly...) and fly out to the Great Barrier Reef. It is breath taking and if you have just a wee bit of spare money, worth going. (Do the one hour trip as this takes you all the way out). You see all the Whitsunday Islands and you see the Heart-Shaped Reef. Simply wonderful.
The next day I went with Evelyine, (a French traveler whom I met at the YHA) to the Crocodile Safary. I am not a fan of Kroc Farms, so we went to see them in the wild. It was pretty impressive to see them all out there... and the young ones (1-3 years) are sooo tiny. Super cute. You kinda want to cuddle them. Well I wanted to. (Guess that's just me).
On Sunday it was finally time to go on to the Summertime. A timber boat that took 15 silly tourists (one of them was obviously me) out to the Whitsundays for 3 days. I decided to buy a diving mask and not to freak out on board.
The trip was unbelievable. The first day we discovered the white sands of the Whitsunday Island and went for a little swim and saw small sharks and sting rays.
The food on board was wonderful and the whole crew really funny. In the evening we "had to" look at all the pics that were taken during our day and went early to bed.
Next morning was "dive day" and of course I was really worried about it. In the end... I went diving 3 times, twice through a cave and I got hooked on it. (Thanks Mickey and Adam!!!)
During our last day, we had a bit of a Kayak Tour and then sailed back. As the weather got a bit worse and the wind picked up, it was perfect to sail. And nope, I didn't get sea sick at all. :)
Tuesday evening we met up with the crew and the group and had a bit of a "eat and drink" thing going on.
Wednesday it was time to say goodbye. I took the bus to Townsville and went straight to Magnetic Island. The first morning, I decided to explore the Koala Sanctuary and cuddled with Koalas, Snakes, Crocodiles and other animals. :) So yup I was in heaven :)
I wanted to leave the next day and make my way up slowly to Cairns do get my OW PADI license but in the end, decided to stay on the island and do it here. My instructor Maria, from Sweden, was absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I honestly love her for being such a funny, bubbly person who makes everything look so easy. Yes of course I freaked when I had to fill my mask with water in the pool and almost died... (I must look sooo terrified hahahaha) but in the end... not only did I pass my OW license test but I went on to do my Advanced OW License and yup... I am now an advanced OW Diver :) Can't wait to get into the deep again :) (Already checked out some wrecks to dive to).
Today is my last day here on Maggie Island and I went horseback riding and swimming with the horses :) Super fun. :) Now I guess it's time to finish my laundry and go for a last time to Geoffrey Bay to feed the Wallabies. I am a bit sad to say goodbye. I honestly like it here... Well maybe once I retire I come back here and have some horses and go diving all the time.
Anyways, for anyone who wants to learn how to dive and doesn't have tons of money to spend, Pleasure Divers is the place to go. Maria, Rob, Simon and Matt are all wonderful people and take you out to dive and teach you all you need to know. :)
And yup, who ever told me "once you see a fish you simply follow and forget you're underwater" was most certainly right. :)
Anyways, I've been to Hervey Bay and went Whale Watching. It is sooo different when you do that from a boat than from the coast. Those humpback whales are so curious and come super close to the boat. Just wonderful. Mommies show off their little ones and you get awesome pictures. (they follow someday... on FB)
I decided to go on a 2 day Fraser Island tour. Of course I was curious about the Dingos, as I am a huuuuuge fan of them. And believe it or now... not ONE Dingo showed up.... oh buuhuu... but we had two awesome days with our tour- guide Steve. And I finally met 3 Swiss girls... yay my first Swiss (and I see Swiss girls all over since lol). Anyway, Fraser Island is most certainly a MUST if you are close by. It's simply stunning and pure nature. The lakes are wonderful to swim (don't forget your swim goggles) and the trees and plants are just wonderful to look at. I very much enjoyed it despite not seeing a Dingo.
From Hervey Bay, it was a loooong bus ride to Airlie Beach (14 hours!!!). And I promised myself before, not to do that anymore... ah well.
Once in Airlie Beach (meeting another Swiss Girl) I decided to take a small plane (well not taking it myself obviously as I don't know how to fly...) and fly out to the Great Barrier Reef. It is breath taking and if you have just a wee bit of spare money, worth going. (Do the one hour trip as this takes you all the way out). You see all the Whitsunday Islands and you see the Heart-Shaped Reef. Simply wonderful.
The next day I went with Evelyine, (a French traveler whom I met at the YHA) to the Crocodile Safary. I am not a fan of Kroc Farms, so we went to see them in the wild. It was pretty impressive to see them all out there... and the young ones (1-3 years) are sooo tiny. Super cute. You kinda want to cuddle them. Well I wanted to. (Guess that's just me).
On Sunday it was finally time to go on to the Summertime. A timber boat that took 15 silly tourists (one of them was obviously me) out to the Whitsundays for 3 days. I decided to buy a diving mask and not to freak out on board.
The trip was unbelievable. The first day we discovered the white sands of the Whitsunday Island and went for a little swim and saw small sharks and sting rays.
The food on board was wonderful and the whole crew really funny. In the evening we "had to" look at all the pics that were taken during our day and went early to bed.
Next morning was "dive day" and of course I was really worried about it. In the end... I went diving 3 times, twice through a cave and I got hooked on it. (Thanks Mickey and Adam!!!)
During our last day, we had a bit of a Kayak Tour and then sailed back. As the weather got a bit worse and the wind picked up, it was perfect to sail. And nope, I didn't get sea sick at all. :)
Tuesday evening we met up with the crew and the group and had a bit of a "eat and drink" thing going on.
Wednesday it was time to say goodbye. I took the bus to Townsville and went straight to Magnetic Island. The first morning, I decided to explore the Koala Sanctuary and cuddled with Koalas, Snakes, Crocodiles and other animals. :) So yup I was in heaven :)
I wanted to leave the next day and make my way up slowly to Cairns do get my OW PADI license but in the end, decided to stay on the island and do it here. My instructor Maria, from Sweden, was absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I honestly love her for being such a funny, bubbly person who makes everything look so easy. Yes of course I freaked when I had to fill my mask with water in the pool and almost died... (I must look sooo terrified hahahaha) but in the end... not only did I pass my OW license test but I went on to do my Advanced OW License and yup... I am now an advanced OW Diver :) Can't wait to get into the deep again :) (Already checked out some wrecks to dive to).
Today is my last day here on Maggie Island and I went horseback riding and swimming with the horses :) Super fun. :) Now I guess it's time to finish my laundry and go for a last time to Geoffrey Bay to feed the Wallabies. I am a bit sad to say goodbye. I honestly like it here... Well maybe once I retire I come back here and have some horses and go diving all the time.
Anyways, for anyone who wants to learn how to dive and doesn't have tons of money to spend, Pleasure Divers is the place to go. Maria, Rob, Simon and Matt are all wonderful people and take you out to dive and teach you all you need to know. :)
And yup, who ever told me "once you see a fish you simply follow and forget you're underwater" was most certainly right. :)
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Heading up North
So my journey goes on here in Down Under. After Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Noosa, I finally arrived at Hervey Bay.
I am honest here (and please Aussies no offense) but I do like Queensland better than NSW. I really liked Brisbane and I did enjoy Noosa. (I should buy a flat there for investment, honestly!)
Anyway, let me tell you a bit about my "trip into the wilderness". I booked an unguided tour to the Noosa Everglades (yes... there are two Everglades). So this "unguided" tour means, you are picked up, put on a boat, drive to the everglades, are given a kayak, a map, a tent and cooking stuff and then you are sent off for the next 2 1/2 days. On your own. (Well as a group obviously but no guide).
I was sharing my kayak with Joern from Germany and we soon got into the whole rowing thing and yup, we beat 'em all. haha... (no no.. we were NOT competitive at all... haha).
So here we were, paddling upwards Noosa River towards our campside. At some point we were sure, that we took the wrong turn, just, there was no other turn really, so we just kept going. Finally arriving at our destination, we set up our tents. The good thing was, being a small group of only 14, we had a lot of space. After the tents were up, it was time for a swim. (we didn't meet any sharks, but they say, Bullsharks are around here).
Dinner time came and we set up our cookers and made some food... then we just sat there, around one table, with two candles to give some kind of light and were wondering, if 7pm is an ok time to go to bed. We did laugh a lot and at around 7:30 quite a few went to bed. I guess by 8:30 everyone was tugged in their sleeping bags.
We all woke up real early. No wonder, those "mattresses" we got were worth nothing. It really felt like sleeping on the ground. Anyhow, breakfast and off we went up north. After about 1 1/2 hour paddling we got off our boats and started walking uphill for 6K to get to the Sandpatch. It really is impressive. All the green around and then this "desert" in the middle. (Pics will follow, I promise).
On our way back down, we felt some rain drops, so we decided to hurry back to our camp. Well of course, while we were paddling downstream, it really started to rain like crazy and 4 of us got back to camp and the other 3 went out of the water further up north. Tents were wet, sleeping bags were wet and we were wet. As you can imagine, it was a lovely sight. And a cold one for that matter.
We tried to dry up and change into something warmer. As this is in a nature reservoir, we had no shower or hot water. The actual plan was to go for a swim to get clean which, in this rain with lighting was impossible. Well, I guess that's part of the adventure.
After some time the rain got less and we found a place where we could sit down under a roof and at least try to have dinner without being soaked.
One of the tents was "lost" so Joern and I shared our tent with Tom. I will never look at a "3-some" the same way again!!!! hahaha
I couldn't sleep at all and my back was in so much pain that I was ready to go at 3am. At 5 am I gave up and just got out of the tent, watching the sunrise and warming up. 6AM came and we woke up the rest of the gang, had something to eat, packed up and paddled back downstream. Joern and I were the last ones to leave and even though the "flying Dutch" left 40 minutes before we finally took off, we got them before the end. (I think we should register as an international rowing team for the next Olympics). :)
The boat arrived with new "victims" and we were taken back to civilization. You have no idea how wonderful a hot shower and those cheap hostel beds feel. Heaven I tell you.
And now, I am venturing again into the "wild". Fraser Island it is. Going to see tons of Dingos hopefully.
Well, that's all from Down Under right now.
G'Day :)
I am honest here (and please Aussies no offense) but I do like Queensland better than NSW. I really liked Brisbane and I did enjoy Noosa. (I should buy a flat there for investment, honestly!)
Anyway, let me tell you a bit about my "trip into the wilderness". I booked an unguided tour to the Noosa Everglades (yes... there are two Everglades). So this "unguided" tour means, you are picked up, put on a boat, drive to the everglades, are given a kayak, a map, a tent and cooking stuff and then you are sent off for the next 2 1/2 days. On your own. (Well as a group obviously but no guide).
I was sharing my kayak with Joern from Germany and we soon got into the whole rowing thing and yup, we beat 'em all. haha... (no no.. we were NOT competitive at all... haha).
So here we were, paddling upwards Noosa River towards our campside. At some point we were sure, that we took the wrong turn, just, there was no other turn really, so we just kept going. Finally arriving at our destination, we set up our tents. The good thing was, being a small group of only 14, we had a lot of space. After the tents were up, it was time for a swim. (we didn't meet any sharks, but they say, Bullsharks are around here).
Dinner time came and we set up our cookers and made some food... then we just sat there, around one table, with two candles to give some kind of light and were wondering, if 7pm is an ok time to go to bed. We did laugh a lot and at around 7:30 quite a few went to bed. I guess by 8:30 everyone was tugged in their sleeping bags.
We all woke up real early. No wonder, those "mattresses" we got were worth nothing. It really felt like sleeping on the ground. Anyhow, breakfast and off we went up north. After about 1 1/2 hour paddling we got off our boats and started walking uphill for 6K to get to the Sandpatch. It really is impressive. All the green around and then this "desert" in the middle. (Pics will follow, I promise).
On our way back down, we felt some rain drops, so we decided to hurry back to our camp. Well of course, while we were paddling downstream, it really started to rain like crazy and 4 of us got back to camp and the other 3 went out of the water further up north. Tents were wet, sleeping bags were wet and we were wet. As you can imagine, it was a lovely sight. And a cold one for that matter.
We tried to dry up and change into something warmer. As this is in a nature reservoir, we had no shower or hot water. The actual plan was to go for a swim to get clean which, in this rain with lighting was impossible. Well, I guess that's part of the adventure.
After some time the rain got less and we found a place where we could sit down under a roof and at least try to have dinner without being soaked.
One of the tents was "lost" so Joern and I shared our tent with Tom. I will never look at a "3-some" the same way again!!!! hahaha
I couldn't sleep at all and my back was in so much pain that I was ready to go at 3am. At 5 am I gave up and just got out of the tent, watching the sunrise and warming up. 6AM came and we woke up the rest of the gang, had something to eat, packed up and paddled back downstream. Joern and I were the last ones to leave and even though the "flying Dutch" left 40 minutes before we finally took off, we got them before the end. (I think we should register as an international rowing team for the next Olympics). :)
The boat arrived with new "victims" and we were taken back to civilization. You have no idea how wonderful a hot shower and those cheap hostel beds feel. Heaven I tell you.
And now, I am venturing again into the "wild". Fraser Island it is. Going to see tons of Dingos hopefully.
Well, that's all from Down Under right now.
G'Day :)
Friday, September 28, 2012
First week in Down Under
It's honestly amazing how fast time passes when you're busy. It's already over a week since I left Switzerland. I've landed really early on Sunday morning in Sydney after 2 long flights (over Bangkok) all in all over 22 hours in the air.
Luckily I was able to check in to the hostel right away and decided to explore the city. It's dangerous when you have 8 hours time difference and you arrive tired in the morning. Do NOT go to bed. Try to get on track right away, less jet lag.
So I went to the harbor and explored the aquarium and the wild life center. Hopped on a boat to explore the city from the sea side and checked out the coffee shop next to the hostel. As I got back around 6pm, I was beat. There were quite a few girls in the room and one older lady (originally from Poland but claims to be living in Australia for 30 years) started talking to me. I wish she wouldn't. I usually try to be open minded and nice to people whom I share a room with but at some point I just wanted her to shut up. Of course I didn't tell her but she was just odd.
During my 4 days in Sydney, I met some nice people, saw quite a bit of the city and decided, this is NOT the place I would wanna live.
Thursday I said goodbye to the big city and went up to the Blue Mountains by train. First night was very stormy (so was the second one and the last morning). I went horseback riding and encountered not only a big group of oh so cute kangaroos but a big black poisonous snake. (I love snakes, so no worries, just don't pet them). We saw a lot of cows (unfortunately they end up on the plate sooner or later, yuck!).
It's now Saturday noon and I am leaving the Blue Mountains again towards Sydney (yes without a car, this is pretty much the only option you have) and then up the coast towards Byron Bay.
Slowly but surely I start to get the hang of the backpacker feeling again. It's been a few good years since I've been travelling like this.
Well, I keep you posted on my trip... up all the way to the Great Barrier Reef.
G'Day :)
Luckily I was able to check in to the hostel right away and decided to explore the city. It's dangerous when you have 8 hours time difference and you arrive tired in the morning. Do NOT go to bed. Try to get on track right away, less jet lag.
So I went to the harbor and explored the aquarium and the wild life center. Hopped on a boat to explore the city from the sea side and checked out the coffee shop next to the hostel. As I got back around 6pm, I was beat. There were quite a few girls in the room and one older lady (originally from Poland but claims to be living in Australia for 30 years) started talking to me. I wish she wouldn't. I usually try to be open minded and nice to people whom I share a room with but at some point I just wanted her to shut up. Of course I didn't tell her but she was just odd.
During my 4 days in Sydney, I met some nice people, saw quite a bit of the city and decided, this is NOT the place I would wanna live.
Thursday I said goodbye to the big city and went up to the Blue Mountains by train. First night was very stormy (so was the second one and the last morning). I went horseback riding and encountered not only a big group of oh so cute kangaroos but a big black poisonous snake. (I love snakes, so no worries, just don't pet them). We saw a lot of cows (unfortunately they end up on the plate sooner or later, yuck!).
It's now Saturday noon and I am leaving the Blue Mountains again towards Sydney (yes without a car, this is pretty much the only option you have) and then up the coast towards Byron Bay.
Slowly but surely I start to get the hang of the backpacker feeling again. It's been a few good years since I've been travelling like this.
Well, I keep you posted on my trip... up all the way to the Great Barrier Reef.
G'Day :)
Friday, June 22, 2012
Packing
One more week till I am finally leaving Israel. Well I won't be gone long.... as I have to take care of a few more things here.... hence, I'll be back end of July.
At the moment, I'm trying to get my travel schedule together which isn't so easy. I would love to fly with Swiss but somehow I am not able to use my "Miles & More" and no one can give me an answer on how to... it's pretty frustrating to know when you wanna fly and where but you can't book and the flights won't get cheaper...
I went to Jerusalem last week to say goodbye to my "adoptive family". Funny enough I'll be seeing them again in a month in Switzerland. :)
Need to start packing and inform my family and friends when I'm where in Switzerland.
Ah well, the stress is a bit annoying but in the end, it will be tons of fun :)
At the moment, I'm trying to get my travel schedule together which isn't so easy. I would love to fly with Swiss but somehow I am not able to use my "Miles & More" and no one can give me an answer on how to... it's pretty frustrating to know when you wanna fly and where but you can't book and the flights won't get cheaper...
I went to Jerusalem last week to say goodbye to my "adoptive family". Funny enough I'll be seeing them again in a month in Switzerland. :)
Need to start packing and inform my family and friends when I'm where in Switzerland.
Ah well, the stress is a bit annoying but in the end, it will be tons of fun :)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Blueberry Muffins
Now, first things first...
Question of the week: What's the difference between a Muffin and a Cupcake? Ahem.. nope.. it's not the frosting... try again..
Wiki has the Answer:
A muffin is any quickbread (mixed by muffin mixing method & does NOT contain yeast) that is in the shape of a cupcake. A cupcake is any cake batter mixed with the straight method or creaming method made into the shape of a cup. Cupcakes (traditionally) have frosting on top, while muffins have no frosting, but muffins can have a glaze on top. Many people think that the difference is either frosting or no frosting, or that it's "in a paper liner" or not, but that is a common mistake. Either one can be made with or without a paper liner; it's just the baker's preference. A quickbread (or muffin) CANNOT be baked like a sheet cake or round layered cake because it won't bake properly. The same goes for a cupcake batter- a cake batter (or cupcake) cannot be baked in a loaf or bundt pan because it will not bake properly. But, since both can be baked into a smaller shape, everyone seems to want to declare that they're the same. Well, I graduated from the art institutes pastry & baking program, so I can assure you that this is the correct deffinitions of cupcake & muffin. ;-)
Fun Fact:
If you threw a cupcake against the wall, you would hear something of a 'poof!' If you threw a muffin, you would hear a 'thud!' :)
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_a_muffin_and_a_cupcake
Blueberry Muffin Recipe a la Muus:
(I have to explain that I wasn't happy with any of the recipes I found online. One of my favorite ones, is of course Betty Bossi (well known in Switzerland) but even that recipe wasn't, what I was looking for.
So I started mixing up recipes and created my very own one. Enjoy
You need: (for about 24 muffins)
200 g butter
150 g sugar
300 g white chocolate chips
200 g dark chocolate chips
4 TS vanilla sugar
1 TS salt
4 eggs
400 ml milk
500g flour
5 TS baking powder
300 g blueberries
Melt the butter and half the white chocolate chips (you can also use regular chocolate) in a hot water bath.
Mix the eggs, sugar and vanilla sugar together and add the butter/chocolate to it. (Be careful that the butter's not too hot, it could "boil" the eggs. Add the milk and mix it all well.
Add the Flour, baking powder and salt to it. Mix it well again.
At the end add the chocolate chips (work them well into the dough) and last but not least add the blueberries.
Fill the dough into the muffin forms and bake for about 30 minutes on a temperature of 180.
Take 'em out, cool 'em down, eat 'em ;) hihi
Question of the week: What's the difference between a Muffin and a Cupcake? Ahem.. nope.. it's not the frosting... try again..
Wiki has the Answer:
A muffin is any quickbread (mixed by muffin mixing method & does NOT contain yeast) that is in the shape of a cupcake. A cupcake is any cake batter mixed with the straight method or creaming method made into the shape of a cup. Cupcakes (traditionally) have frosting on top, while muffins have no frosting, but muffins can have a glaze on top. Many people think that the difference is either frosting or no frosting, or that it's "in a paper liner" or not, but that is a common mistake. Either one can be made with or without a paper liner; it's just the baker's preference. A quickbread (or muffin) CANNOT be baked like a sheet cake or round layered cake because it won't bake properly. The same goes for a cupcake batter- a cake batter (or cupcake) cannot be baked in a loaf or bundt pan because it will not bake properly. But, since both can be baked into a smaller shape, everyone seems to want to declare that they're the same. Well, I graduated from the art institutes pastry & baking program, so I can assure you that this is the correct deffinitions of cupcake & muffin. ;-)
Fun Fact:
If you threw a cupcake against the wall, you would hear something of a 'poof!' If you threw a muffin, you would hear a 'thud!' :)
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_a_muffin_and_a_cupcake
Blueberry Muffin Recipe a la Muus:
(I have to explain that I wasn't happy with any of the recipes I found online. One of my favorite ones, is of course Betty Bossi (well known in Switzerland) but even that recipe wasn't, what I was looking for.
So I started mixing up recipes and created my very own one. Enjoy
You need: (for about 24 muffins)
200 g butter
150 g sugar
300 g white chocolate chips
200 g dark chocolate chips
4 TS vanilla sugar
1 TS salt
4 eggs
400 ml milk
500g flour
5 TS baking powder
300 g blueberries
Melt the butter and half the white chocolate chips (you can also use regular chocolate) in a hot water bath.
Mix the eggs, sugar and vanilla sugar together and add the butter/chocolate to it. (Be careful that the butter's not too hot, it could "boil" the eggs. Add the milk and mix it all well.
Add the Flour, baking powder and salt to it. Mix it well again.
At the end add the chocolate chips (work them well into the dough) and last but not least add the blueberries.
Fill the dough into the muffin forms and bake for about 30 minutes on a temperature of 180.
Take 'em out, cool 'em down, eat 'em ;) hihi
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Almond & Pear Bread
Ok, this is a funny recipe and you will have to be careful with the Pears, so they won't be too wet (as they were when I made the bread.. not that it wasn't tasty, but it needed more baking hence the "burning danger" is higher) lolz
The reason I made this bread is pretty simple. After seeing a Video of Garrett Weber-Gale explaining how healthy certain nuts are, I thought.. why not give Almonds a try? (Here's the Video of GWG athleticfoodie-nuts) (Thanks Garrett for the great tips, love your blog GWG)
Enjoy
You need:
450G (1 lb) Plain Flour
1 TBSP Fine Sea Salt
40G (1 1/2 OZ) Unsalted Butter, Softened & Diced
85G (3 OZ) Ground Almonds (you can buy whole Almonds and ground them yourself, that's what I did)
125G (4 1/2 OZ) Flaked Almonds
55G (2 OZ) Caster Sugar
2 Ripe Pears
300ML (10 FL OZ) Warm Milk
25G (1 OZ) Fresh Yeast
75G (2 1/2 OZ) Dark Chocolate (if you like)
Sieve the Flour into a large bowl. (Yes I always sieve the flour no matter what, first, that's the proper kosher way to do it.. you don't want to make the Rabbi angry now, do you? ;) lolz.. and second... and IMHO even more important, that's how I learned it from my daddy, who was a baker and pastry chef and he HAS to know... it's a good way to see, if the flour is ok, sometimes there are worms in the flour.. yup.. if you don't want those extra calcium ingredients in your bread, sieve the flour ;) )
Ok.. so .. Flour, Sugar, Salt and ground Almonds all in a bowl, rub the butter in until it's like bread crumbs. Make a well and pour the dissolved yeast into it and the remaining milk. Mix until you get a sticky dough.
Knead the dough for a few minutes on a lightly floured surface until it's elastic and smooth. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with damp tea towel and leave for an hour to rise.
Knock back the dough and knead for another 3 minutes. Press pears and half the almonds on top of the bread and chafe until they are evenly distributed.
Make a flat round shape of the dough, then make deep criss-cross cuts and scatter the remaining almonds on top. Cover the dough again and prove for one hour.
Preheat the oven to 180C/ 350F/ gas mark 4.
Bake loaf for about 25 to 30 minutes until it's golden and the base of the bread sounds hollow. Cool on a wire rack.
I not only drizzle with melted chocolate before I serve, but also with powdered sugar.
Enjoy :)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Basil Tomato Fougasse (Flattish Provence Bread)
I was so bored last week.... (did I mention just how much i HATE tendinitis... ufff...).. anyways... lets see the cup half full... being "sick" but other than feeling pain, I'm quite alright, I decided to test some bread recipes...
Here is one, that is suuuper yummie... (ask Eyal, he tasted it, fresh out of the oven.. still warm.. he loved it...)
Time it takes to make the bread:
Rising: 1 hour
Proving: 1 hour
Baking: 25 minutes
Makes: 2 Loafs
You need:
450 g (1 lb) strong white flour
1 tbs fine sea salt
20 g (3/4 OZ) fresh yeast or 2 1/2 tbs dried yeast
290 ml (9 FL OZ) water at body temp
some olive oil
115 g (4 OZ) small cherry tomatoes, chopped (into 1/2 and 1/4)
a handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
PS. you can make the Fougasse plain if you want instead of my "mix" you can use cheese or spices or herbs.
Enjoy ;)
Here is one, that is suuuper yummie... (ask Eyal, he tasted it, fresh out of the oven.. still warm.. he loved it...)
Time it takes to make the bread:
Rising: 1 hour
Proving: 1 hour
Baking: 25 minutes
Makes: 2 Loafs
You need:
450 g (1 lb) strong white flour
1 tbs fine sea salt
20 g (3/4 OZ) fresh yeast or 2 1/2 tbs dried yeast
290 ml (9 FL OZ) water at body temp
some olive oil
115 g (4 OZ) small cherry tomatoes, chopped (into 1/2 and 1/4)
a handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Put the flour and salt into large bowl, make a well in center. Cream yeast with 1 tbsp of water, add to well with 1 tbsp of olive and remaining water. Mix dough until it comes away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead dough for about 10 min on a lightly floured surface, place it back into bowl and cover with a damp kitchen towel, for to rise for 1 hour.
- Knock the dough back and knead for 5 min, then divide dough into 2 pieces and flatten them. Sprinkle "tomato/basil - mix" over them and fold each piece of dough several times to incorporate the "mix" evenly.
- Shape dough into an oblong about 28x15cm (11x6in). Use sharp knife to make about 4 diagonal cuts into the loaf and pull them apart slightly to give it a "ladder effect". Place on baking sheet, cover again with damp towel and leave for 1 hour to prove. (the dough should about double)
- Preheat the oven to 220C/ 425F/ gas mark 7
- Drizzle each loaf with olive oil and bake for 25 min
- Cool on a wire rake
PS. you can make the Fougasse plain if you want instead of my "mix" you can use cheese or spices or herbs.
Enjoy ;)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Oepfelchuechli mit Vanille Sauce
Alright, this is an easy and very tasty Swiss Desert.
Yes, it has tons of calories, but you wouldn't eat it more than maybe once a year anyways. The perfect fall/ winter desert. :)
Yes, it has tons of calories, but you wouldn't eat it more than maybe once a year anyways. The perfect fall/ winter desert. :)
150 g flour
Salt
1 dl Water
2 Egg Yolks
2 Egg Whites
1,5 kg Apples
Oil
Sugar & Cinnamon
Mix the flour, salt, water and egg yolk, stir until smooth. Gently mix it with the beaten egg whites.
Peel the apples and cut them into slices. Cut out the core. (this is how you get the "apple rings") Dip them into the dough and fry them in the hot oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve hot.
You can serve it either with hot vanilla sauce or you can use vanilla ice cream.
Vanilla Sauce:
1 Vanilla Bean
2 Spoons Sugar
2,5 dl cream
2 Egg Yolks
Cut the Vanilla Bean and scratch out the mark. Give the Vanilla Bean, the mark, sugar and the cream into a pot. Bring it to the boil and let it stand for 10 minutes. Whisk the 2 egg yolks and add them carefully. Heat it up again just to the point before it boils. Take it from the fire and whisk it until it starts to get thick.
Serve hot.
You can use milk instead of cream, but the cream makes the sauce very "fluffy"... kind of like mousse. :)
Enjoy
En Guete :)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Welcome to Muus' Cooking Blog
Alright, maybe first of all, I need to explain a bit, why I love to cook and bake.
My dad, my uncle (second grade but very close to the family) and my granduncle (bro of my grandmother) were all Chefs, Bakers and Pastry Chefs, so it kind of runs in the family.
Growing up in several hotels and having Hungarian/Swiss/Jewish Blood running through my veins did the rest to really make me enjoy good food and I love to try out new things.
In 2012 I decided to make my passion my calling.... so here we go... to Melbourne, Australia to study at the "Savour" and then going to Paris, France to study at "Le Cordon Blue" and getting my "Grand Diplome" in August 2013.
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