Weekend Cooking: April Bakes

April feels like it has been long right? Even as I just looked at this post I was like has it really been this month that I made the first thing on this list. It feels like it could have been 2 months ago, instead just this month.

This was my first full month of working from home. We definitely took advantage of that when it comes to baking, which inevitably leads to eating but we won't talk about that too much!

Even with some shortages in the shops, we have pretty much been able to get a least one pack of butter and one pack of flour when we need it so we have been able to make everything that we wanted to.

In this month I tried some simple new recipes, revisited some old favourites and challenged myself a little. I think the challenging myself is the one where I need to do some more work. Now that there is no longer the monthly Bake it Box arriving, I need to find somewhere that gives challenging bakes, with good instruction that are achievable. Anyone have any ideas?  Maybe I need to start doing some bakes from the people I follow on Youtube, but I do think I possible need to find some more inspiration.

In other news, one of the major biscuit (cookie) companies in Australia has started releasing their recipes for their most famous biscuits. Maybe I might try some of them next month. I guess we will have to wait and see.

So here's what I did make in April (with links where I have them).

Puff Pastry Cream Squares - I shared the recipe for these a few weeks ago. They are easy and delicious. I can definitely see myself making these again

Chocolate Brownies - Bill Granger's chocolate brownies have been my go to recipe for a number of years now, and this was as good as ever! I do still need to get used to cooking this in my current oven.. In the old one I had to leave it in the over for around 50% longer than the recipe states. In my current oven, I do not!

No Knead Bread - We thought we would join in with all the cool kids and make bread this month. We have been doing this no knead bread for a couple of years now. It is super easy, delicious and makes the house smell amazing. The only thing with this version is that you have to decide yesterday that you want to eat it today. There is a 2 hour version that we have tried too, but this recipe isn't too taxing either.

Lemon Coconut No Bake slice -If I am in a coffee shop and in the mood, I will often pick up one of these slices. I had no idea that it was no bake though. Melt some ingredients and then mix and set. Super easy and tasty. I think I would use real lemon juice in the icing next time though. (recipe)

Easter Egg Rocky Road slice -  This was  my challenge myself recipe this month. Even then you just have to follow the instructions really. You start with a shortbread base, then make marshmallow and top with a melted chocolate, mini easter eggs and turkish delight. The recipe I have linked to includes nuts but I always leave these out because we have an allergy in this house, not that my son the manboy ever tries what I cook but still! Better to be safe than sorry.

Very sweet but delicious and fun to make! (recipe)

Choc Banana Bread - This is my other go to Bill Granger recipe, and was the second ever post I shared for Weekend Cooking. I had a bit of an issue turning it out of the pan this time, but it still tasted as good as ever!

I went to take a photo of the quarter of this today, but the container has disappeared into the manboy's room and presumably been eaten!


Have you been baking up a storm this month?

I am sharing this post with In My Kitchen

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. For more information, see the welcome post.