Happy Easter Everyone! :)

Happy Easter to all my so, so special readers, wide and far <3

What are YOU doing this Easter Sunday? Well, I'm not up to that much ha :p but yes as you've probably guessed, I have been busy in the kitchen this morning, making my very own hot cross buns <3 hot cross buns are a special favourite of mine at any time of the year so of course I had to make some delicious homemade ones with glace cherries and sultanas in them!!! :) <3 I can't wait to have one later on, toasted and spread with butter alongside my usual Mammy hot choc! ;)

And when I got up this morning the Easter Bunny had come round in the night obviously as I had my very own package of little chocolate bunnies...yep, the mini Lindt ones which I LOVE !! I would say it's highly likely that I will be having a few of them throughout the day...and also maybe on top of my banana pud tonight <3 melted Lindt chocolate...well never mind the actualchoc itself,  my own heart melts at the very thought of that... ;)

Anyway I hope you all have a lovely day <3 And I completely understand that easter is something which might be a major cause of anxiety for anyone with an eating disorder. And it makes me so sad and angry, that this horrible, horrible disease has the power to destroy the happiness of so many wonderful people out there in this world, and has turned what should be a day of joy and celebration into nothing but a source of fear, apprehension, stress and misery. It shouldn't be like that, and my heart goes out to anyone out there who is suffering.

my advice to anyone who is struggling, is to know that you aren't alone. Talk to someone about how you are feeling. Don't spend your day in isolation, as this just lets the ED thoughts and anxietiesfester. Surround yourself with people who love and care about you. Take time out to do something special for yourself. Maybe that might be having an Easter egg hunt if you have any small kids in the house, maybe making Easter cupcakes and spending time decorating them, maybe going for a little walk in the spring sunshine and looking at the daffodils and the crocuses all in full bloom.  Be proud of any small achievements you make today. Maybe having that bit of chocolate, maybe making some Simnel Cake with your mam and then having a slice with a cup of tea, maybe sitting down to enjoy a lovely easter Sunday dinner with your family.

And don't forget you can always comment on my blog  - I would love to hear from you and help you in any way I possibly can <3 

Happy Easter everyone :) and check out my hot cross buns in the pics below - I guess it's a bit late now to post the recipe :(  maybe that's one for next year!! <3 

 

Nana's Mississippi Mud Pie! :)

A million apologies!!! I haven't posted a recipe in ages...so sorry about that ;)

I've been meaning to post this one for a gooo-d while, haha. It is my Granny's positively ancient recipe for Mississippi Mud Pie, and it goes without saying, it is just the best...that crunchy biscuit base, that sticky, gooey chocolaty filling, and then a scattering of divine little chocolate eggs on top...it's simply irresistible. It's a non-bake version - all it requires is a bit of mixing, a bit of smashing, a bit of melting - and then a bit of chilling in the fridge for it to set properly. Don't expect the filling to be very hard, though - it should be seductively squishy and soft. The marshmallows assist greatly in this. ;)

The choccie eggs are optional, of course, but I think they are just so adorable on top, and maybe you would even consider making this as a special Easter treat in about a month and a bit's time ;) haha...I know I'm a little premature, writing this, but hey, I saw a Christmas ad on the TV the other day so I don't think I need to feel too guilty. ;) Unless, of course, I have negatively impacted on anyone's intentions to give up chocolate for Lent.... ;)

Ingredients :)

• 280 g digestive biscuits
• 150 g butter, diced
• 400 g plain chocolate
• 200 g marshmallows
• 40 g soft light brown sugar
• 4 tbsp full-fat milk
• 375 ml whipping or double cream
• Sugar-coated eggs to decorate.. <3

Method:)

1. Grease a 22cm round springform tin and line the base with baking paper.
2. Crush the biscuits in a freezer bag to fine crumbs. Place the butter and 50g of the plain chocolate in a saucepan. Melt very gently over a very low heat. 
3. Coarsely grate up another 50 g of the plain chocolate. Let the melted butter and chocolate cool a little before adding the crushed biscuits and the grated chocolate.
4. Mix together well and then transfer to the prepared tin, pressing it up the sides slightly. Leave to chill while you make the filling.
5. Roughly chop the remaining 300g of the plain chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl placed over a pan of simmering water on the hob. Allow to melt, stirring now and again with a wooden spoon.
6. While the chocolate is melting, place the marshmallows in a separate saucepan and add the 4 tbsp milk. Place on a very low heat and allow to melt, stirring now and again with a wooden spoon.
7. Whip the cream until it just begins to hold its shape and soft peaks have formed. Fold in the light brown soft sugar. Sift through the sugar with your fingers before you add it to the cream, breaking up any clumps.
8. When both the chocolate and the marshmallow mixtures are melted, pour the melted marshmallows in the chocolate and mix together well.
9. Allow to cool for a few minutes, and then stir in the whipped cream. Mix in well.
10. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes in the fridge, and then transfer onto the biscuit base. Smooth out and then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
11. When the pie is ready, place it on a plate and remove the tin - I usually unclip the sides and leave it sitting on the tin base as it is often quite difficult to remove it from this without blemishing the mud pie's smooth surface. :)
12. Scatter over a few little chocolate eggs, and your muddy creation is complete. Serve on its own or with ice cream or cream. :) xxxxx