Vanilla Trifle

Vanilla Trifle

Usually I make everything from scratch, but recently I found a box of custard mix that I wanted to try. It was a vanilla custard made by National ( http://www.dmartsupermarket.com/dry-groceries/miscellinious/custard-powder-jelly/national-vanilla-custard-powder-300-grm.html) that turned out really well. I found it at my local No Frills Grocery store. I did however reduce the amount of sugar by half and it was perfect for my family. The ingredient quantities are for the brand that I used and should only be used as a guide. Quantities below are for a triple batch. 

Ingredients

1 vanilla cake, recipe found here:http://barbsplantbasedkitchen.blogspot.ca/p/vanilla-cake.html

Custard

You will need about 10-11 cups of custard, so you may need to double or triple the recipe on the package. Remember these quantities are for a triple batch as per the brand that I used.
 
6 Tblsp custard powder, I used National Brand
6 cups plant based milk, I used silk brand soy milk
6 Tblsp sugar, depending on how sweet you like your dessert and if your milk has any sugar added.
3 tsp vanilla extract, optional

1- 2 bananas thinly sliced

Directions

Make the vanilla cake as directed and set aside to cool.

Cut cake into small pieces and set aside.

Cook custard as per package directions adding additional vanilla if desired, adjusting sugar to personal taste. My soy milk was sweetened so I cut the sugar by half the recommendation on the package. Be sure to use a large pan as the custard will increase in volume as it cooks.

To assemble trifle,  layer cake, custard, banana, custard, cake and custard.

Enjoy!

Three Ingredient Fruit Cake

Recently my sister sent me a recipe for  a fruit cake recipe. It was delicious. The recipe called for self rising flour so I subbed in 3 tsp of baking powder, 3 cups all purpose flour and 1/2 tsp of salt for the 3 cups of self rising flour. The original recipe can be found here http://thewhoot.com.au/whoot-news/recipes/3-ingredient-fruit-cake. Here is my version.

Ingredients

3    cups white tea

1    kg dried fruit, I used papaya, pineapple, raisins and prunes, cut into a small dice

3    cups self rising flour or   3    cups all purpose flour

                                                  1/2  tsp  salt

                                                   3    tsp baking powder

Method

1.  Line a 8.5 x 4 inch round springform pan with parchment paper

2.  Soak fruit overnight in the tea.

3.  Stir in flour. If necessary add extra tea to make a stiff batter. Pour into lined pan. 

4.  Bake cake at 270 F for approximately 2.5 hours . Adjust baking time if 

      you are using a different sized pan .  

 

TIP

Substitute 1/4 cup of the tea for rum. My sister used 1/4 cup brandy for 1/4 cup tea and said it was really good too.

While I have yet to try this, I think substituting some of the dried fruit with your favourite nut, would be delicious.

 

Rice and Mushroom Stuffing

Rice and Mushroom Stuffing

The stuffing is my favourite part of the holiday meal. If you are a fan of mushrooms, you are going to love this stuffing. I used mushroom seasoning which can be found at your local Asian Grocery Store, but you could substitute a small amount of salt or vegetable stock powder. Here is a link to the mushroom seasoning that I use: https://www.amazon.com/PoLoKu-Trading-Mushroom-Seasoning-17-11oz/dp/B006NJJBWU/ref=pd_lpo_325_tr_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PXN8H1MVZ0AHCMJB672V

Ingredients

1 cup onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced

8 cups mushrooms, diced

3 Tblsp mushroom seasoning
8 cups stale bread, cubed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp poultry seasong
2 cups cooked rice, I used a brown basmati and wild rice blend
2 cups canned tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 flax eggs ( 2 Tblsp flax mixed with 6 Tblsp water and allowed to sit for 15 minutes)

Directions

Saute the onion and celery in as little water as possible.

Add in the mushrooms.  Saute until the mushrooms are cooked. The liquid should have evaporated.

Add the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Add in the black pepper, tomatoes, mushroom seasoning, poultry seasoning, flax egg, garlic powder and the cooked vegetables. Mix well.

Mix in the raisins.

Transfer to a casserole dish. Cover and bake for approximately 1 hour.

Enjoy!