What to do on Rainy Days

Its been raining so much the past two weeks. Even though summer is approaching, rain is an expected part of dutch weather. I've got to say though, I don't mind the rain so much. Rain to me represents a fresh start. new life. Its also the perfect kind of weather to stay in and drink tea and get cozy.

When its raining I love staying in. My perfect rainy day is filled with lots (and LOTS) of tea. My current favorite teas are the Dilmah teas!! Where have they been all my life?! They are so amazing! they smell just as good as they taste. I AM OBSESSED! My two favorite flavors are 'Rose with french Vanilla' and 'Berry Sensation'.

What I also love to do on rainy days is to light up rose scented candles, read books and watch series. Currently I'm reading "The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappear" by Jonas Jonasson. Haha yes I know, such a looong title; But really its an amazing book so far.

Okay so ofcourse I don't always get to stay in on rainy days. I have to go to school and run errands and live life outside my house. When its raining I like to dress really comfortable and cozy. My go to look is a soft comfortable sweater, a good pair of fitting jeans and some boots.

You can click here or down below to see a full description of my Rainy Day Look.

Its now Friday so that means the weekend is here! YAY! I'm hoping for beautiful sunny days. What are you doing this weekend?

Also what do you like wearing on rainy days?

Happy Weekend!

Xx

Rati :)

Chocolate Orange Brownies || Spring Treats

First, let me just begin with saying CHOCOLATE. That should be enough of a reason for you to make this recipe.

Second, just look at this picture.(Trust me, it tastes even better than it looks).

Third. The taste of chocolate and orange mix is incredible!


I found this recipe on Sorted Food's Youtube channel. (You can check them out here). I had to try it out! The recipe is on point and so yummy. It is a perfect treat for this beautiful spring weather.

When I was making this recipe, my original intention was to make a video of it. But silly me, I forgot to charge the camera and I had already started the baking process so I couldn't turn back. You can watch the video of my Failed attempt at filming this process by clicking here!

The marble effect of this brownie is made by the cheesecake filling on top. So in essence, this brownie recipes is a two-in-one master piece of cheesecake AND brownies. It will give you a taste-gasm. Yes, I said it, a Taste-gasm. Your mouths will thank me.

I have listed the ingredients and instructions below for you!. Enjoy this yummy treat :).

Ingredients: 12 Squares
The Brownie Goodness:

• butter (140g)
• dark chocolate (200g)
• caster sugar (225g)
• 1 tsp of vanilla essence
• 2 eggs
• plain flour (60g)
• cocoa (60g) 

The CheeseCake Toping:

• cream cheese (75g)
• caster sugar (50g)
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten
• plain flour (75g)
• 1 orange 

Instructions:
For the Brownie Layer:

1. Preheat the Oven to 170°C and line the baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Slowly the butter, and sugar together either in the microwave or over the stove. Be sure to continue stirring everything all together as it melts. Then leave to cool a little.
3. Mix the eggs and vanilla together. Then add to the melted chocolate mixture whilst stirring. miix until it is smooth and glossy.
4. Add the flour and cocoa to the mixture.
5. Pour into the lined baking pan.

For the Cheesecake Layer:

1. Mix the cream cheese, vanilla and sugar until smooth.
2. add the orange zest to the egg and mix into the cream cheese mixture
3. Add the flour to the mixture and stir until smooth
4. Put the mixture onto the brownie mixture in tablespoon blobs.
5. Using a knife, move the mixture around to create a marble effect.
6. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes

Let me know in the comments below if you´ve tried this recipe!

Please also check out my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/RatiZv . I post a video every Monday and sometimes twice a week on Thursdays. :)

Enjoy!

Xx

Rati

Irish Oat Soda Bread

I know that St. Patrick's Day has come and gone but, for some reason, I was just really really REALLY craving for a slice of freshly baked Irish Soda bread and some hot soup. The whole day yesterday I couldn't stop thinking about it. To add to my craving's anguish, I watched countless videos on Irish Soda bread and read far too many recipe blogs on it. This definitely did not help to subdue my cravings. In fact, I might have even had a dream about eating this bread.

Unfortunately, in The Netherlands, finding baking soda is not easy. For some reason it is just not sold in the main shopping centers. But my cravings were strong and my resolve to find baking soda became even stronger. So I woke up this morning with the intention to look high and low all over my town to find baking soda.

By some luck, I found this "glorious" powder in a small Turkish store not too far from my house. I was so happy to find it, I almost hugged the shop stewardess in joy. haha! I couldn't wait to get home and start baking. Lunch was going to be a nice hot vegetable soup with a slice... or two, of fresh warm Irish Soda Bread... mmmh!!

On my way home I stopped by the store to get some of the baking supplies I needed, then I took a short walk around my neighborhood to enjoy the beautiful warm spring weather and catch a bit of sun. By the time I got home it was way past noon and I was feeling really hungry and ready to start baking.

I had long decided I wanted a non-traditional Oatmeal Soda Bread with raisins and orange zest. I knew I wanted to use orange zest and raisins because they give the bread a wonderfully light and interesting flavor. The bread also has a subtle sweetness that allows it to be versatile to be used with tea, soup or just for the simple pleasure of eating fresh bread with butter and jam.

This recipe is a combination of inspirations mostly gathered from Laura Vitale's rendition of Irish Soda Bread  as well as Elise Bauer's Oatmeal Soda Bread on Simply Recipes.

Yields 9-10 slices
What you will need:

• 1 cup Rolled Oats 
• 1.5 cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tspn Salt
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup Raisins
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Honey (or Sugar)
• 1 tbsp Orange Zest
• 3/4 cup buttermilk*

*If you do not have buttermilk you can make it by mixing 1 cup of milk at room temperature with 1 tbsp of lemon. Leave it for at least 5 minutes. Your buttermilk is ready to use ;)

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven at 230°C/450°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Grind your rolled oats finely using a food processor or blender.
3. Mix the the ground oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
4. Using your hands or a mixer, mix the butter with the dry ingredients.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, honey and orange zest.
6. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix together. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky. (NOTE: Soda bread is supposed to have somewhat a sticky consistency so do not add too much flour).
7. Fold the raisins into the mixture.
8. On a floured surface very lightly knead the dough together into a round ball.
9. Cut an inch deep cross on the bread
10. Place the on the baking tray and bake at 230°C/450°F for 15 minutes.
11. Reduce the heat to 205°C/400°F and bake for a further 25-30 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when you tap it.
12. Let it cool on a rack and then dig in.

MMmmhh! Do you smell that yummy goodness! This bread has an amazing aroma and it tastes so good on its own. Or with some butter. Or jam. It is also perfect with soup.(That's how I had it). 

Fresh bread is the best! AND the whole process can be done in an approximately an hour.

I absolutely loved the orange zest addition. My Irish Soda Bread cravings were definitely satisfied :D!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Leave some comments below and let me know what you think.

What have you found yourself craving for lately?

Xx

Rati