The Pencil Stove

Hej, my name is Katleen and my passion is cooking, especially baking. So this blog is to share my recipes and findings about food (home made or form a restaurant). I call it the Pencil Stove for the very reson that the stove I use, can only be closed by shuving a pencil on the side of the door. So I hope you will enjoy and if you were to have a question, asking is not a crime :D

[thepencilstove]

HAZELNUT LATTE CAKE

With autumn now well arrived in Belgium, I crave flavors that feel homey and comforting. Presenting this one, collected the nuts is the garden and added a decent splash of alcohol. The light Nutella frosting and the cream topping make up for a wonderful balanced cake. Perfect to enjoy with friend or family in these cold and dark days.

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/hazelnut-latte-cake)

[thepencilstove]

THE MEGA FERRERO CAKE

I made this cake to make saying goodbye easier. Goodbye to my wonderful colleague's whom I had to leave in quit a rush (2 weeks between knowing and leaving). Since I decided to go out with a bang, this cake came wondering in my brainbox. A moist yogurt based chocolate cake with Nutella-mascarpone frosting, topped with Brazilian nuts. In short the flavor profile of a giant "Ferrero rocher". I hope this gave them a not so bitter goodbye. Because even if they never read this, I hope they know I will miss them, that there is a moment when colleague's become friends.

[thepencilstove]

AFTERNOON TEA @ The Howard

It has been a while since my last post because of vacation time :D In Scotland I treated my mom to an afternoon tea (her mother day gift). Found the venue on line and so we entered the 18th century building in the centre of Edinburgh ,The Howard Hotel. After we got seated in some comfy armchair, the menu came. Picking one of the 20 varieties of tea was the only real task. Then this lovely tower was presented and all the sandwiches and cakes began to disappear; all flavors were well balanced. A perfect afternoon tea, I would go back if I would return to Edinburgh

[thepencilstove]

SUMMER SAUSAGE ROLLS

A savory one this time. Maybe I tried to push too much stuffing in them, but my friend ate all 40 pieces. Think that is a good singe.

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/11610/summer-sausage-rolls)

[thepencilstove]

SALMON AND DILL PUFFS

As summer is on its way the BBQ's are heating up. The perfect time for some small canapés while waiting for the sizzling meat. These make-ahead salmon-dill bites are just the thing. Try shaping them for an original look.

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/851649/mini-salmon-and-dill-puffs)

[thepencilstove]

NUTTELLA TART

A recipe from Nigella for all you chocolate lovers :D Not very difficult but Omg so good. Plus side that it is glutenfree and it is essentially Nuttella in the oven.

(https://www.nigella.com/recipes/nutella-cake)

[thepencilstove]

BLACK AND WHITE SHOEBUNS

It was my birthday last week, made this for the colleagues. Black and white, in and out. Meaning that I didn't just make vanilla crème pat, but also an eatable concrete (chocolate crème pat). Resulting in a flavor-explosion of four types of chocolate, lucky they are small enough so your mouth doesn't go instantly dry.  

[thepencilstove]

RICETART

Going very Belgian with this one and my favorite one growing up. I was super happy founding out that it isn't difficult to make. A simple yeast dough filled with an enriched rice pudding, put it in the oven and make everyone happy.

(https://dagelijksekost.een.be/gerechten/rijsttaartjes)

[thepencilstove]

POLKA-DOT STRAWBERRY CAKE

I made this for a family get-together last week. Perfect recipe because it is all make ahead so you can entertain your guests and spend every minute of their visit in the kitchen. I used frozen berries for the cake-dots and filling and fresh on top, just for the visual aspect of is all. It did take some effort, but so worth it. A fun bit of spring :D

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipe/polka-dot-strawberry-cake)

[thepencilstove]

CARROT CAKE

Help the bunnies find there carrots :D First time trying/making carrot cake, so I had no idea what to expect. It felt very wrong to put the grated carrots in the moist batter but it smelt good coming out of the oven. Decorated with cream cheese icing, marzipan carrots and sugar bunnies. Carrot cake-lovers tasted and said this was definitely a good one. An easy recipe for a Happy Easter.

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/how_to_make_carrot_cake_28928)

[thepencilstove]

ISLE FLOTTANT

If you are looking for an easy but elegant dessert that appears to be super difficult, this is the one for you. Translated from French "floating islands" are poached 'rocks' of egg whites. First you infuse milk with vanilla and ad some sugar. Poache the stiff egg whites for 2-3 minutes and let then drip out on a kitchen towel. Serve a layer of custard underneath (home-made in my case) and enjoy.

[thepencilstove]

BRETONS SEEFRUIT TORTE

I found this recipe in one of my many cookbooks: Eric Lanlard's "Tart it up" gave the make ahead torte. Blind baked the crust and mixed the filling in the morning and in the evening just 40 minutes in the oven. My dad was super hungry, he kept lingering in the kitchen asking when we could eat. He is most of the time not so keen on fish dishes, but he ended up eating half of the pie. The recipe is easy and the end result makes it look like you spend half the day in the kitchen instead of 20 minutes. I will make this again, definitely  

[thepencilstove]

OREO CAKE

Wanted to make a special cake this time, so this Oreo-cake recipe wandered into my thoughts. I found a recipe with an oil based chocolate cake (extra moist due to extra milk) and a cream cheese based frosting. Little did I know that by following the recipe, I would end up with this massive block of jummy'ness. Super delicious but way too much, half it (at least)  

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/cookies-cream-party-cake)

[thepencilstove]

BEST-EVER BROWNIES

Decided to bake a treat for my colleagues which had to be easy in transport and delicious at the same time. So found a fool-proof recipe for brownies. Quick to make (under the hour) and my personal quality control decided to give it top marks :D I would recommend a glass of milk after eating a piece though.

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1223/bestever-brownies)

[thepencilstove]

STUFFED CHICKEN

Today, spring was in the air :D Decided to please my parents and make something with a summer-vibe. Stuff chicken fillets with mozzarella and pop in the oven at 180°C for 30 minutes, serve with a simple tomato sauce and pasta (of your choice). Simple and delicious, it made my parents happy. Ha, the love for good food is inheritable :P

[thepencilstove]

SCONES

Everybody needs a recipe of their own. Mine is the simple version with self-rising flour and normal milk. These baby's are at their best fresh out of the oven. Just cut them in half and put a nice dollop of any jam or preserve you have on top. Pure haven :D  

[thepencilstove]

STICKY CHOCOLATE DROP CAKES

Made this when a friend came over to discuss travel plans. treating her to this; moist chocolate cake with a glaze. If you just cut the large cake in the right portion seize, you already have 80% of the perfect presentation. It is so easy and tastes so nice, minimum effort for maximum jummy'ness.  serve on a vintage plate for extra effect :D

(https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/11269/sticky-chocolate-drop-cakes)

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