my life is (too) sweet

There have been a number of sweet things in my life of late. Too many sweet things in fact which made it hard to refrain from tasting, savouring and tasting again....sigh... (guess what my New Year resolution action might be??). Yes last year was not a sugar free year for me although it was a lite-sugar version! Miss Bliss, 14, has discovered cake making and decorating as well as photo styling which, paired with Instagram have become a full time hobby! But we have had some delicious treats and a few very fancy birthday cakes! 

That cheery red poppy and pansy creation above, was a simple chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, 'wild' flowers from our very overgrown garden and some crumbled frozen raspberries. It looked smashing for a 19th birthday cake in November! 

Then came Chocolate Mint Power Balls and Raspberry Bliss Balls. Now these were naturally sweetened with medjool dates and other nutritious ingredients and I did manage to try one of each before they were inhaled by various loved ones who always seem to be visiting when there's something yummy to be had! And they were delicious!

This lovely pink confection was my birthday cake in December - a lemon butter cake with pink frosting and fresh roses. All I wanted for my birthday was a big bunch of homegrown roses (which were obligingly obtained from the park by one child and a backyard by another!) and Miss Bliss used some to decorate the cake so beautifully. Not a good photo but it did look impressive and I'm pleased that she's following my tradition of using flowers, seeds and homegrown bits rather than sugary, shop bought decorations.

In our home, its not Christmas without loads of traditional biscuits and while this time, there were only four varieties, there were still ALOT! These ones, called Spitzbuben (loose translation = "cheeky boys", don't ask me why!) are made the closest to Christmas as they are the hardest to keep for longer due to our summer weather as opposed to winter in Austria. We made three batches of these - which were finished first because they really are so very more-ish! Here is a recipe in English for you to try.....mine doesn't use lemon rind but the rest is similar. 

Miss Bliss received a gorgeous cookbook from lovely friends, 'Natural Harry' by Harriet Birrell and naturally (haha) she had to try a frozen sweet delight immediately! And oh my, it was divine! The recipes are all plant based - this one is Peppermint Crisp Slice. Once again there were medjool dates and nuts involved but the best part was the mint flavour from the peppermint oil and the smoothness of cashew cream centre and cacao topping......I'm drooling over my laptop just thinking about it!! 

Now its mid January and I'm firmly putting my New Year Actions into place - it only takes 21 days I'm told but if she keeps trying out new delights my willpower is going to be seriously depleted! 

Wish me luck.....Evi