Ready, Set Cook: Make your own home-made Oreos

OREO COOKIES

Greetings aspiring little chefs! This blog is short and quick. I was reading up on some interesting articles when this fantastic recipe popped up. Give it a go if you dare! It's a small blog but I have been so busy with exams, the summer has a lot more creative blogs coming your way. Be prepared...

So... Let's begin our cooking!

INGREDIENTS: (Makes around 40) 

For the biscuits: 

• 285g butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 250g icing sugar
• 120g cocoa powder 
• pinch of salt
• 200g plain flour 

For the filling: 

• 115g butter
• 500g icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons water 

Instructions: First, you make a chocolate pastry using the cocoa, flour, butter and sugar. You then chill it, roll it out and cut out small rounds, using a cutter.Afterwards, bake, then cool, and fill with vanilla butter cream. In a nutshell, a lot of mixing...

HOW IT TURNED OUT: 

Review of the person who first made it: Originally American, the branded version of these biscuits is available in every British supermarket and is one of my children’s favourites. The homemade ones were biscuit perfection. The cocoa stopped the pastry being too sweet, the butter icing had just the right amount of vanilla, and the crunch/squidge texture was spot on. Better than the real thing. However, a packet of Oreos costs 72p, — mine worked out at double that. But they were more than twice as good!

My Disney Collection Part 1 #Disney

Toy Story 3: I wasn't entirely impressed by the first two films as I was with this one. It's probably because this film dealt with more teenage issues that I will be facing soon such as no longer playing with toys and that I will one day leave for university. This film is a reminder of every person's childhood innocence and how each toy is like a best friend. I love that this film is so adventurous and also portrays real emotions. My favourite character is Buzz Lightyear. I love the scene where he transforms into a Latin dancer trying to impress Jessie. 

Finding Nemo: Fish are friends not food! This has been one of my life quotes since the film was released. I am a serious Finding Nemo fan, I travelled to Sydney in 2006, been to millions of aquariums and have scuba dived and snorkelled. I practically accomplished most activities that have occurred in that film. The DVD was released on my 7th birthday and I also predicted the same year that a new Finding Nemo will be released. And it will! What I love most about Finding Nemo is the fact that Disney Pixar have designed a story based on the mysterious creatures of the underwater world and has educated me about different types of fish. It is an emotional story about a kid's father who wanders from afar to find him. Finding Nemo has a very heroic theme behind it and gives the sense that sea life act as a community, as a team.

The Lion King: Probably my favourite film of all time. I love the theatrical nature of this film which features heartbreak, triumph over evil and a singing meerkat and warthog! I even went to see the West End production of Lion King for my mum's birthday and it was phenomenal. The colours, the animals, the tribal dances, it was a dream come true. Also, in the Summer of 2013 I took up the opportunity to go to Kenya for a month and saw the majority of all the animals on safari. My favourite character is Simba because he got up the courage to take matters into his own hands and prove to people the extent of his power.

Aladdin: If I had 3 wishes on an Arabian night, that would be a very difficult situation. This exotic cartoon portrays a poor boy that falls in love with a princess.  When I went to Morocco, I could see the exact resemblance of the fictional town Agraba. My favourite character is Genie because he is fast, snappy, funny and caring. The most memorable scene for me is where Jasmine and Aladdin sit on the roof and watch the fireworks burst in the sky. So romantic!

Ratatouille: One adorable mouse that changes the face of French cuisine. This film beautifully captures one of the most jaw dropping cities in the world with an adorable mouse that is willing to push the boundaries of being one of the most detested species on earth into a chef/artist. My favourite character of course is Remy because he never gives up on his dream and his feisty attitude allows him to triumph all the challenges in his life. Like Chef Gusteau says 'Only the fearless cooks can be the greatest'.

Frozen: After seeing the magic of Tangled, I knew straight away that Frozen wouldn't disappoint. I first watched it during the end of the Christmas period at a family friend's house. The film is a dazzling work of art. I love the winter theme behind it and the fact that it draws inspiration from the fictional character, The White Witch. The plot is adorable and displays the power of love in so many different ways and that inner conflict can be eradicated. My favourite character is Olaf the Snowman, he is adorable and so very confused about the season of summer. I also downloaded the motion picture soundtrack for this film as I found myself humming 'Let It Go' one week later. This film has the potential to become a huge West End or Broadway theatrical phenomenon that I would watch over and over.

Miniature Dachshund, The #Dog TAG

Part of my life consists of looking after one of the cutest breeds of dog known to mankind, the Dachshund. Famously known as 'weiner' or 'hotdogs' because of their long spine. What's even better is that I have a miniature one, one big enough to cradle like a baby. Her name is Pippa and she is two years old. But don't let age deceive you, she still looks and acts like a little baby. Whilst having a nervous personality towards other dogs, she is not afraid to bark at strangers in our home like a Rottweiler. She was successful in scaring two German shepherd dogs away. Keep trying, buddy! 

She was born in Wales to a boy called Hugo and a girl called Trudy. Her pedigree name is Eskims Gaslight Girl! I should think so too! When she farts, its like a dynamite fuse has been burnt!

She loves to chew on bottles, toys (particularly a hamburger toy or a furry monkey), go on walks and likes to strut around whenever we dress her up in her Christmas dress or furry necked coat. On her birthday, we made her an amazing cake out of bread, liver patte, bone treats and smarties (purely for decoration).

My godparents have an old regular dachshund and I fell in love with it instantly. I always wanted another dog ever since we sold my cat's kittens and the time we had to sell my cocker spaniel, Nala. A connection between a man and dog is so intriguing. I love Pippa unconditionally and she always cheers me up whenever I am down. Those big, glossy and empty eyes just put a grin on my face.



 Here are a few facts about Dachshunds:

• They originate from Germany and are a cross breed between Toy Terriers and Pinschers

• Their name originates from dachs (badger) and hund (dog)

• They can suffer from spinal disc problems as they get older due to their long spines and short rib cages

• They live on an average of 13 years.

Cutest moments: 

1. When I played the piano, she would always come by and sing along to it like a werewolf howling at the moon.
2. When we adopted her, she quickly went to the toilet in a cage before she left. A pit stop before hitting the road!
3. I was rocking out to a tune when I accidentally kicked her in the face. She cried a little yelp and her eye kept shimmering as if I punched her like a gangster.
4. In the garden, a bumblebee stung her in the nose which caused her to look like a hippo. Her nose is long but it became wider. It was shockingly funny.
5. Whenever we give her slices of ham it looks like she vacuums it up in her mouth. Whenever we give her carrots, she lies on her belly and holds the carrot like a stick or a bar of chocolate
6. When she has her ears folded inside out, it looks as if she has become a bat or E.T.

The amount of memories I have had with this little furball has been so fulfilling in my teenage years. Since I am an only child, she is the one thing I can look after, call my own and play with.

International Women's Day: Madonna

Happy International Women's Day, Ladies! May this day be the one where you shine and show the world what you are made of! And who else is more perfect to write a blog about than the legend of music that is Madonna? She was one of the first musicians I ever listened to along with Britney Spears, ABBA, Michael Jackson and Bee Gees. However, she dominates over all of them. I've seen her live once on her record smashing Sticky and Sweet Tour at the O2 Arena, I have all her albums and I have watched many of her videos and motion pictures.

What I love most about her is that throughout 4 decades, she has been able to reinvent herself from the girl next door to a global megastar. How many people can master all genres of music and create a new a image and persona every year. She has been the face of controversy ever since she landed with her debut album, often criticised for being considered 'minnie mouse on helium' and 'a whore'. However, she has fought through the hatred of critics and jealous people alike to prove that she is hear to stay now and forever. She has branched out not only into films such as Evita and Swept Away but has been the icon of fashion. She was involved in several campaigns inlcluding Dolce and Gabbana, H and M and Versace. Now, at the age of 55 she has taken her career into her own hands and has produced a chain of gyms, skincare products and a clothing line whose name pays tribute to her hit single 'Material Girl'. What also makes her an outstanding woman is the fact that she has selflessly pumped millions of dollars into her charity 'Raising Malawi' in building schools for children who struggle to receive an education and have any sort of future. Moreover, in the 2006 and 2009, she adopted two children and gave them a home. 

Madonna's road to success has not been easy and has often admitted to have been the victim of abuse, rape and the difficulty of not having a motherly figure throughout her childhood. Having been through two unsuccessful marriages and a chain of highly publicised relationships, she has come back stronger than ever. She is able to be vulnerable as well as a powerful role model to women. Her music has the ability to relate to different situations such as Papa Don't Preach pays tribute to teenage pregnancies and the Like A Prayer video promotes the message of equality and putting a halt to racism once and for all.

Whilst her films have not been a major success on the box office, this does not necessarily mean they were not good. My favourite films by Madonna are: Evita where she plays the iconic Argentinian politician Eva Peron, Swept Away where she plays a snobby millionaire who gets stranded on a Greek Island and falls in love with a fisherman. W.E. is also a cinematic masterpiece that details the love between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII and adapting it to a woman's life in modern times. Having the ability to not only sing and act, but to also direct is definitely something to be taking seriously.

Madonna has written books targeted at young children which have peaked on the New York's best-seller and also the controversial SEX book that contains explicit pictures of her photoshoot during the promotion of her album Erotica. Whilst deemed as a tool of getting attention, it was in fact a book cleverly designed to promote the power and passion of women and how they should not be afraid to hide their perfections and to express themselves just like men do.

She has been an icon to so many modern artists such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Beyonce and of course Lady Gaga. Everyone remembers 2011 where a heated row occurred between the two ladies in relation to their songs 'Express Yourself' and 'Born This Way'. In addition to this, Madonna is also inspired by the many modern artists that walk this planet. This has been clear as she has collaborated with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Timbaland, LMFAO, Avicii, Nicki Minaj, MIA. The Glee Cast on TV have paid tribute to her by singing many of her classic tunes and releasing a tribute album that peaked number 1 in America and Canada.

Madonna has not been shy to liberate herself on stage and once again show the true power of her feminity. In 2003, she famously French kissed Britney and Christina Aguilera. In addition to this, on her MDNA tour she has given speeches about the freedom to be oneself, one clear example was her speech on releasing Pussy Riot, a Russian punk duo that caused a musical protest in a Moscow church.

What is my favourite song of Madonna? - Hung Up - a disco fused dance jam containing the sample of Gimme Gimme A Man After Midnight

What is my favourite Madonna album? - Confessions of the Dancefloor - jam packed disco album that could set a club ablaze.

What is my favourite Madonna video? - Vogue- a beautiful black and white video with a slice of elegance that pays tribute to many fashion icons and promotes the idea of liberation

What is my favourite Madonna costume? - the burlesque cone bras or the the Like A Virgin boy toy dress

She is the biggest selling female artist of all time and fourth best selling artist behind The Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson. 4 of her albums are in the category of the best selling albums of all time and her album You Can Dance is the second highest selling remix album. Her Sticky and Sweet Tour is the biggest tour by a female solo artist, and 3 of her other tours still remain to be one of the highest. She has more dance number ones, gold records than any other artist. In the UK she has got the most amount of number ones for a solo artist and second most albums for a woman in USA. Most Top 10's in both the UK and US. Is there stopping this woman? I think not...

A New Direction...

Having been nurtured in a Catholic School for so long it has been hard to get a better view of different cultures and religious ideas. It feels as if I have been fixated to follow a set of rules created from one of the branches of Christianity. Having moved out of my secondary school, its meant I have taken a new step and now I have the freedom in believing in what I feel will guide me through the rest of my life. After studying religion and philosophy, both practically and analytically, I have discovered that I disagree with many of the ideas and fundamental doctrines of the Church. We live in a new generation where science has taken the lead into discovering how we ended up here in the first place. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that science has the answer to everything. In my opinion, the key to finding the answer is combining the two and also having an open mind about everything. After the rush of these new feelings, I decided to look up to see if there is in existence a religion or group of people that feel the same way. The end result, I have found that Buddhism could be the answer to my views. Buddhism is a practice, not a religion and focuses on eradicating human suffering and promoting love in a passive way.

Foodies: Top Restaurants I've Eaten Part 1

Whilst I am a very fussy eater, I can't help but define it as 'good tastes'. Analysing food is what top critics do and that's what I intend to do every time I eat something. What scale would I put this meal 1 or 10? In my opinion, I have the similar traits of Anton Ego from the classic Disney film Ratatouille. It's only because I want to get that sudden silence and loud pencil dropping effect when I have my first bite! 

Do you have perspective? I'll make a deal, you provide the food, I'll provide the perspective

1. Nando's - I think everyone can agree with me that Nando's dominates the competition. You are able to choose your own scale of intense heat for your chicken and have some amazing sides such as fresh olives, nuts, chips and salad. It is a perfect place to go with friends and enjoy a Sunday dinner. The layout of the restaurant pays tribute to Africa as the restuarant originates from a Mozambique theme.  On my scale of 1 to 10 it has to peak at 8. My favourite meal is the 1/2 chicken with lemon and herb Peri Peri sauce and a side of chips and corn on the cob. The flavour is not spicy yet it has a zesty kick. Also, I like to add on the side a hotter alternative Wild Herb. The chicken is soft, the chips are fried to crispy perfection and the corn on the cob is the cherry on the top. Might I suggest a slap of butter on the corn and a side of refreshing olives?

2. Prezzo - having been raised in a Dolmio infested household, it is impossible to for me to not enjoy the delicious goods that the fine Italian chefs have to offer. This is why I love Prezzo so much, they have a very welcoming and sophisticated presence and their meals are piping hot and fresh. Unlike Nando's the structure of the building is quite simple and even has a small bar to give it that extra family atmosphere. On my scale of 1 to 10 it has to peak at 7. My favourite meal would be the spaghetti carbonara. I enjoy very cheesy platters so this is why carbonara is my favourite out of the entire catalogue. The sauce is very creamy and Prezzo use finely sliced Prosciutto ham. Top tip: always put Parmesan cheese and mix the spaghetti with your fork! It gives the flavour of the sauce an extra cheesy taste. Mamma Mia! 

3. The Real China - the buffet restaurant that allows yourself to drive out of your comfort zone and dive into trying new and mystical flavours. The beauty of this restaurant is that one plate is not enough! The buffet offers you are smorgasbord of platters such as dumplings, fishy surprises, sweet meats, soups, I could go on! On my scale of 1 to 10 it will have fall at 7 also! My favourite meal that I generally scoop on my plate are crab cakes, crunchy seaweed, egg fried rice, pork and shrimp dumplings, duck and squid! For desert, I snatch a shot glass of chocolate mousse and a deliciously rich slice of cheesecake. Despite this restaurant is limited in locations, it is worth experiencing the nature of the food! #orientallove