The Traveling Oreo Brownies

Summer finally arrived and then it went again just like that. Luckily before it went my friend and I made a trip to London to visit the Tate Modern when it was still sunny. It is my favorite museum in all of London, because to me modern art is the most expressive and interesting. Don't get me wrong, my university professor Kyle Crocker taught me to appreciate all art in all it's forms, but I like art that says something even if I don't agree with what it's saying.

I have been to the Tate Modern many times and there is always something new to see! There are always new exhibitions, but the art that has been there since it's opened is different every time I see it. It's like a book or a movie that speaks to you differently at different points in your life.

However, this time there was actually something new to see! The Switch House has been rebuilt with a 10 story tower and loads of more gallery space. As we were exploring this new space we must have looked a bit lost because a security guard stopped us and asked if she could help. She asked if we had been to the 10th floor yet, we hadn't. She instructed us to go up there right away and to come back and tell her what we thought after we'd seen the view.

Of course it was amazing, London always looks amazing from the sky. Here at the Tate the view is free and you can go whenever you want! The Shard and London Eye charge for the view and where the Sky Garden is gorgeous and free you have to plan the trip in advance and book tickets.

To make our trip even more cost effective we packed our own lunches. Neither of us were interested in playing the game of where to eat. It's a game we both despise. So, to accompany us on our day out I made my favorite brownie recipe and added some chocolate creme Oreos to them, because when you are going for chocolate you might as well go all out right?

They were great and added the sugar boost we needed after an an exhausting day of being cultured!

Chocolate Creme Oreo Brownies

100g dark chocolate, broken up
200g milk chocolate, broken up
250g salted butter
400g light muscovado sugar
4 large eggs
140g plain flour
50g cocoa powder
1 pkg (154g) chocolate creme Oreos

Preheat oven to 180C/gas4 and line a 9in square pan/tin with parchment paper. Line approximately 9 Oreos on the bottom. I didn't want mine touching so spaced them out a bit. But line them up however you want! Crush the remaining Oreos until they are crumbs of varying sizes.
Very gently melt both chocolates with the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan. Just before the chocolate is completely melted, take off the heat and gently stir until it’s completely melted.
Then add the eggs one at a time to the melted chocolate mixture. Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the pan and stir until just combined. Stir in about half of the Oreo crumbs.
Gently pour the mixture over the Oreos and sprinkle the rest of the crumbs over the top before baking in the pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes.
I suggest baking them until more firm if you are taking them on a picnic, less if you want a gooey brownie.

Oh, and we did see the security guard again in another gallery and we told her how very impressed we were with the view! The piece of art that spoke to me this visit: Ibrahim El-Salahi 'Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams I' 1961–5

Tate Modern: Bankside, London, SE, United Kingdom

notes: this post is not sponsored in anyway by either the Tate Modren nor Oreo people for more information please see my contact/policy page! Recipe is adapted from Bakes & Cakes Magazine Summer 2013 (BBC Good Food Mag).
Other brownies I made using variations of this recipe: Snicker Stuffed Brownies, Twix Brownies, and Chocolate Chip Brownies!

National Picnic Week with Udi's Gluten-Free range!

It’s National Picnic Week and I think that everyone should have a picnic! When I say everyone I mean everyone! Even those with different food intolerances. My husband cannot have any form of citrus and it can be difficult; you’d be surprised by how many things use lemon or lime juice as a preservative.

It's also that time of year when people are starting to line up their favourite festival's! Throw some of these ideas below into a bag and you're all set to enjoy your day out! 

So, when Udi asked me if I’d like to receive a box full of some of their new Gluten-Free products I said yes! I am always happy to spread the word of good products that are suitable for those who are looking for food alternatives! I know their pain. 

They sent me: (pictured: left to right)

Soft & Delicious Blueberry and Chocolate Muffins

Flaky & Delicious Pastry Mix 

Soft & Tasty Sundried Tomato Bagels 

Soft & Delicious Multiseed Bread

Crispy & Delicious Bagel Chips

Everything you need to make a picnic great! As an American I would tend to eat the muffins for breakfast, but since I’ve lived in England muffins are more of a treat. Therefore you just throw them in your picnic basket and wah-la instant picnic treat! ….Actually you may want to place them gently on the top somewhere so they don’t get squished. 

The pastry mix I honestly haven’t had an opportunity to try yet. I do intend to make something, most likely sweet and picnic friendly. I am very curious to see how it turns out and will update this post when I do make something! 

I used the sundried tomato bagels in place of bread; it is a great way to add flavor to the same old same old lunch! Just toast the bagel before adding on your favourite condiment, cold meats, and cheese! Yum! These possible don’t suit picnics very well, because they are best after being toasted. However, if like us you have a picnic in your backyard/garden then it works. I am going to apologise for not having a photo of this! I was a bad food blogger and just ate them, but I have no regrets they were good! 

Sandwiches are the ultimate picnic food. You need to have bread to have sandwiches and sandwiches to have picnics. A picnic without a sandwich is like rain on your wedding day, not ironic, but unfortunate. I like a good bit of Multiseeded Bread especially filled with pickle and cheese. There seems to be some debate on if pickles are gluten-free and some are and some aren’t so please check before eating! 

The Bagel Chips are indeed crispy and delicious! I loved snacking on these and dipping and topping them with various things like cream cheese (not all brands are gluten-free), hummus (try Udi’s recipe), and pate! My little people and I devoured a whole box and tub of hummus for lunch one sunny afternoon. Super easy to add to any great picnic! 

Be sure to check out the official Udi’s website for more information on their products! They also have a great section of recipes including one for a gluten-free hummus! 

notes: In association with Udi’s, please see my contact/policy page above for more information. Please check with any branded or store bought ingredient to be sure it’s gluten-free. All brands are not created equal. 

This isn’t my first post for Udi’s check out my other posts: 

Happiness in the form of Udi's Gluten Free Food

Ancient Grain Crisp(y) Chicken

Chocolate Cupcakes

Update February 2017 - Udi's are no longer available in the UK, but can still be found in the USA! 

What’s In Your Picnic Basket? #getsummerstarted

I don’t ever remember waiting for summer like I do since I moved to England. After all the grey skies and rainy days all I want is the sun! We were lucky last week to have a couple good days to get out and enjoy clear skies.

Sainsbury’s asked me to share with you how I get my summer started and we start our summer as we mean to continue; with a picnic and great company! The first three essential picnic things you need are a blanket, basket/bag, and someone to share it with.

We have had the same picnic blanket for 7 years it’s great because one side is plastic to keep it getting wet from the grass, it’s also machine washable. The picnic basket/bag we use I bought about 3 years ago and it’s been everywhere with us! Both were bought at my local Sainsbury’s, every year they come out with new designs and styles so keep our eye out if you are in the market for a good blanket and bag!

But on to what really makes a great picnic… the food!

Here’s what is in my picnic basket:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches cut in 4 triangles to share

Sausage Rolls

Cocktail Sausages

Sainsbury’s Spanish Tapas Selection

Babybels

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Tabolleoh

Bag of salad

Fruit Salad

Veggie Sticks

Hummus, Caramelized Onion is our favorite

Breadstick minis

Crackers/Pitas individual packages

Rice Krispie Treats (recipe below)

Juice Boxes

Bottle of Water

Don’t forget a plastic container or two for the salad and forks! A plastic bag for trash is also handy as most parks have trash bins. It makes the picnic bag lighter for the nice refreshing walk afterwards.

We are lucky enough to have a big park and canal near by where there are plenty of places to go and run and play. Our favorite stop on our walk is the bridge where we stop to play Pooh (as in Winnie-the-Pooh) Sticks. We collect different sticks on our way there just to throw them over the bridge on one side then racing over to the other to see whose comes out first.

We also like to feed the ducks, but on this occasion didn’t bring any bread. Although recently I read something saying you shouldn’t feed ducks bread. It’s not good for them apparently. Might need to invest in some duck friendly food sooner then later as the days get warmer.

So, I’m curious what’s in your picnic bag? Tweet me (@unitedcakedom) or tag me in on Instagram (@unitedcakedom) a picture of your picnic or share your favorite picnic food and I will be sure to like and re-tweet it with my readers!

Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats

75g butter

250g mini marshmallows, divided in two portions 200g/50g

150g smooth or crunchy Lotus Biscoff spread

130g Rice Krispies

Line a rectangle pan/tin/whatever with grease proof paper. Place the butter in a saucepan and once melted, but not burnt add 200g of the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Take off the heat and mix in the biscoff spread and stir until smooth. Add the Rice Krispies and the remaining 50g of marshmallows and mix until it’s all covered. Moving fast put in your lined tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Leave to sit for 2 hours or more on warm days. Cut into squares and enjoy! They keep up to 5 days in an airtight container.

notes: in association with Sainsbury's - FYI the sausage rolls and other snack bites are usually on offer 2 for 3GBP

Five on Friday: Five Fun things to do in the Twin Cities

As a way to get myself back into the swing of blogging, after taking a short break to go visit my family in Minnesota, I thought I would start five on Friday.

I have seen this on other blogs. So, it’s not an original idea but hey most things aren't these days!

My Five on Friday’s will mostly be about foodie things because yes this is a foodie blog. But I am not going to limit myself to only foodie things. This is going to be a way for you my readers to get a better idea of me! Sound fun?

Well, it does to me! If you are also taking part in a Five on Friday or Five for Friday or whatever else it can be called please leave a link below in the comments so I can have a look! Or Tweet me @unitedcakedom I do like to re-tweet! 

Here it goes my first Five on Friday (drum roll) and the topic is……..

Five Fun Things to do in Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota 

1. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (free)

1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55103

Go after you've had lunch so that you can spend any extra money on Sno-Cones and Cotton Candy or (Candy Floss if you are British). Also look online ahead of time for feeding times and seal shows! We managed to skip the ride parts by telling the girls that it was for big kids. You can always reverse that and tell your big kids it’s only for little kids, but they will probably be less gullible.

2. Science Museum of Minnesota (not free unless you know someone who works there)

120 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102 aka Planet Earth, Latitude: 44° 56' 34" N, Longitude: 93° 05' 54" W

Make sure you have a whole day to explore here! There is just so much to do and see. Check out the performance times for the stage on the lowest level as they have some short fun performances that are all about science! Like the picture below shows two very talented people teaching kids about the water cycle! 

3. Lakes: Lake Nokomis (free)

4955 West Lake Nokomis Pkwy. Minneapolis, MN 55417

Tip for swimming in lakes: Do Not Take your Phone swimming with you! As long as you keep that in mind it’s a lake with a sandy beach. Bring a picnic and let the kids go splash and play in the water! Best day ever according to my girls! They don’t care if it’s not a tropical beach somewhere in the Pacific! I did a little. But hey you take what you can get!

4. The Walker Art Center’s Sculpture Garden (free)

1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

The home of the iconic Cherry and Spoon sculpture it’s definitely a place to see and let the kids loose. The girls climbed on everything they could. We didn't visit the Walker, but I have been in the past and if you like Modern Art I would suggest going in (there is an admission charge). If you cross the bridge there is a big park for the kids to run around in too!

5. Midtown Global Market

920 E Lake St #G10, Minneapolis, MN 55407, United States

When you visit here go hungry! It’s like a massive food court with authentic global cuisines! Including a bakery called The Salty Tart. It had good bread! We took our baguette in our picnic to the beach! Plus it had other tasty looking treats and as I was in line a lady was ordering a massive amount of cupcakes, so I assume they do events too! There were other stalls/shops as well, but I was looking at the food! 

And that was my ... 

... next Friday there will be Five more fun things so until then! 

note: all opinions and pictures are my own!