Snowball {cocktail review}

When I think of the word “snowball” I immediately think of a snowball fight! Or of those Hostess cakes Sno Balls. 

When I came across this Snowball cocktail like drinks I was intrigued.

If you like me have never heard of a Snowball, they are an egg-based cocktail with lemon and lime flavoring. If you are making them from scratch they are usually made with an egg based alcohol called Advocaat, which is similar to egg nog and topped up with lemonade.

It’s popular here in the UK especially during the winter months, it’s commonly thought of as a winter warmer.

At first I wasn't sure what I thought of them, they have a very distinct flavor. After one I just had to have another.... and it's then I decided that when I think of snowballs I would not only think of snowball fights and Hostess cakes, but these cocktails! 

There is the refreshing side of the lemony-lime flavor and the slight eggy flavor gives it a warm comfy feeling.

They definitely fit this time of year perfectly! I dressed mine with a couple of cocktail cherries and a slice of lime. A slice of lemon would work just as well. 

These Sainsbury’s Smooth Snowballs are available in a package of four and would make a great addition to any winter party! 

notes: In association with Sainsbury’s only the product was provided for this review, all opinions are my own, please see my contact/policy tab for further information.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

I haven’t followed a TV series closely since Lost ended. I sometimes feel a bit left out because I really don’t watch a lot of TV.

My new co-workers are always talking about their favorite shows so, I've started to watch some more TV. You know so I don't feel so left out! 

One I have recently tried to get into is Made in Chelsea. Mainly because I have met Jamie Laing and I thought you know it’s a mix of reality TV and a sitcom.

I’m not so sure how much longer I will continue to watch; they are just so talky talk. The American guy makes me uncomfortable. Not sure why? Anyone else who watches think the same thing? Or have I just missed something in a previous season? 

Besides talking about TV shows I sometimes steer the conversation to cakes. It was one of these times that my co-worker exclaimed her love of pineapple upside down cake.

On Monday night (while watching Made in Chelsea) I made my first every Pineapple Upside Down Cake and took it to work with me Tuesday morning. 

I was a little worried about how it had turned out. I always worry about that when I make a cake for the first time and every time it's unnecessary.

Everyone enjoyed it, even the guy who doesn't like cake or pineapple said it was pretty good! Most importantly the lady who requested it absolutely loved it! So, I would say it was a success! 

I had found a few different recipes to try, but in the end I decided to adapt Nigella’s recipe from Nigella Express.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Square of butter

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

6-7 canned pineapple slices

3 tablespoons of pineapple juice

cocktail cherries

100g flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda

100g unsalted butter, softened

100g golden caster sugar

2 medium eggs, room temperature

3 tablespoons of pineapple juice

Heat the oven to 200C. With the square of butter thickly layer the bottom of a cake tin, it can’t be a loose bottom or springform tin, the juices would run every where. Then sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the bottom. Then layer the pineapple slice on the bottom shaking as much juice from them as possible. Then place the cherries in the circles and in the open areas between the pineapple circles.

Then place the remaining ingredients minus the pineapple juice into a bowl of a stand mixer or food processor or just a big bowl. Mix together until smooth and then add the pineapple juice.
Gently spoon the batter over the pineapple slices and cherries, it will just cover them, so spread carefully.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Once out of the oven run a butter knife around the cake, then place a plate or serving platter over the tin and flip! And just like that Pineapple Upside Down Cake!

notes: Nigella’s recipe is also found on her official site.