Louise Cake (slice) Recipe

Louise Cake Recipe a New Zealand (kiwi) tradition of a shortbread base, with raspberry jam filling and coconut meringue topping.

Shining Stars parents enjoyed this as a morning tea treat for our Valentines Day celebrations.

Here's my version (that I bake in a large rectangle non-stick pyrex pan)






Louise Cake (slice)
125 g butter
1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups flour
1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favourite berry jam)
1/2 cup sugar (for meringue topping)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut

Method
Preheat oven to 180 C.
Cream together the butter and first measure of sugar.
Separate eggs and add the yolks only to your creamed butter mixture. Sift together the flour and baking powder, add to butter mixture and mix well.  Press well into a sponge roll pan - the warmth of your hands when pressing will help the mixture settle into the pan (I use a non stick oblong pyrex baking dish).  Put your dish into the refrigerator for 10 minutes (this helps to set the mixture a little before the next step).  Spread with jam. Beat egg whites until stiff, add sugar and salt and continue beating until it goes glossy.  Fold in coconut. Spread on top of jam. Bake for 30 minutes or until the meringue topping is golden.  Wait until the slice is very cool before cutting into squares.

Chocolate Brownie

It's a favourite and easy to make:

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
2 eggs (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence (if desired)
2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Your choice of: 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks or nuts (eg walnuts, pecans) or dried fruit eg cranberries, or dates (chopped and washed)

Method
Gently melt 1/2 cup butter and 2 ounces (2 squares) unsweetened baking chocolate in a large saucepan.
Cool then add 1 cup of white sugar and 2 eggs (slightly beaten).  Add vanilla.
Mix well.

In a separate bowl, mix 2/3 cup All Purpose or Unbleached Flour and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
Add a pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter).  Mix the dry and wet ingredients together in the saucepan (no need for a bowl).

To finish, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped dates (washed) or 1/2 cup of your favourite chocolate chips, chocolate bar, cranberries, walnuts or pecans (for texture).

Pour the batter into a 9" square baking pan (lined with baking paper).

Bake at 150 - 180 degrees celsius (depending on how hot your oven is, for 20 to 25 minutes).  The secret is not to over bake.  Cool and cut.

Looking for Playgroup Leaders ... Can you help?

Are you a stay-at-home parent looking for a challenge?  Do you love working with parents and children?  Have you got creative ideas, from your own home experience, on how to play and have fun with preschoolers? 

This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your leadership style, work outside the home and gain confidence in front of others.

Shining Stars Playgroup is looking for parents to volunteer for a season, and lead the sessions for the Autumn, Winter and Spring of 2012-13.  This will involve:

• Facilitating the music and movement session (with guidance from the Playgroup Facilitator)
• Story time (selecting a story and organising a Reader)
• Promoting activities in the community (to help families connect with each other)
• Setting up and packing away the toys
• Arranging the morning tea (including preparation and cleanup)
• Meeting and greeting families as they arrive and leave
• Handling finances (keeping track of donations)
• Clean up of facilities

The Playgroup Facilitator will be available to advise and guide Leaders throughout the year.

If you are interested in helping, please see me at Playgroup on May 17!

Sheryl Kampenhout

Shining Stars Playgroup - Facilitator