Auckland Food Show 2012

Annabelle White cooking demonstration in the Electrolux Theatre

I had a great day yesterday at the Auckland Food Show.  I went with Simon’s Mum (Michelle, who blogs over at The Jamjar) and Brother (David) and we had heaps of fun watching cooking demonstrations, attending a High Tea ‘master class’, and perusing all the stalls.

David buying a Whoopie Pie (photo courtesy of Michelle)

Nici Wickes cooking demonstration in the Electrolux Theatre

Me with Annabelle White

We started off our day in the Electrolux Theatre where we watched a cooking demonstrations by Annabelle White and Nici Wickes.  We were shown how to cook the perfect roast chicken and use it in three different meals.  Nici demonstrated how to make a beautiful Tagine and a delicious banana, custard and meringue dessert – I know it was delicious because David had a go at making it :)

Our High Tea treats at our Masterclass

Our High Tea Masterclass beverages

Annabelle White at the High Tea Masterclass

After the cooking demonstrations in the theatre we headed off to a High Tea Masterclass.  This was run by Annabelle White.  While we were shown how to make some dainty high tea nibbles we were treated to wine, tea and a selection of high tea treats (including mini cupcakes courtesy of Little and Friday). 

Whoopie Pies (photo courtesy of Michelle)

The egg stand (photo courtesy of Michelle)

Atomic Coffee (photo courtesy of Michelle)

Once the class had ended and we had collected our goodie bags, we set off to check out the stalls at the food show.  Michelle bought some honey, David bought some beer and I bought some beautiful products from St Andrews Limes.

The Lewis Road Creamery Stand

Overall we had heaps of fun.  The Food Show runs in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch so if you are able to, I would recommend heading along to the one nearest you.  One of the best things about the Auckland show is the cooking demonstrations in the Theatre.  They are free to attend and showcase the talents of some awesome chefs.  The Masterclasses are worth going to as well – definitely worth the money.  If you want more information about The Food Show, you can head on over to their website or you can check out my posts on the the 2011 and 2010 events.

Me with Nici Wickes

Maple and Bacon ‘Breakfast’ Cupcakes

Bacon on a cupcake? Yup, and it is delicious! For those of you who are a little apprehensive there is no bacon in the actual cupcake so you could omit it for a maple buttermilk cupcake and then top with chopped pecans, however, I thoroughly encourage you to be brave and try it with bacon – you will thank me or curse me as you may find yourself having second and maybe third helpings!

Ingredients:
Cupcakes – Makes 18-20
2  ½ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
100 grams butter, softened*
½ cup light-brown sugar, packed tightly
2 large eggs
1 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
¾ cup buttermilk
* I used the new to the market butter from Lewis Road Creamery that Mel and I received via courier last week – divine!
Maple Buttercream Frosting
250 grams unsalted butter, softened
100 grams cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla essence or paste
2 cups icing sugar

Method:
Pre heat oven to 180°C and line muffin pans with 18-20 cupcake papers.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large bowl together.
In another large bowl or the bowl of your electric mixer beat butter until creamy then add brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, maple syrup and vanilla, beat until combined.
Mix in four in 3 batches, alternating with the buttermilk until everything is combined.
Fill cupcake cases just over half way with mixture and bake in your pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes, or until you can touch the centre of a cupcake and it bounces back/remove a skewer cleanly.
Remove from oven and leave to cool on racks.
Once cool cupcakes can be topped with buttercream frosting and crispy streaky bacon.
To make the buttercream beat your butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add first cup of icing sugar, maple syrup and vanilla, combine and then add second cup of icing sugar.
Decorate as you wish.

“Mmmmmmm bacon makes things better!”

These are the perfect thing to take along to a brunch as something different or maybe something you could whip up for your Dad for Father’s Day (coming up in September).