The most amazing cookie in the universe

For a cookie afficionado, declaring the most delicious cookie in the universe is a big call. However, having finally sampled Bill Granger's delicious recipe from his signature cookbook 'bills food', I leave it to the reader to concoct, sample, and verify this claim for yourself. Recipe as follows:

150g (5 1/2 oz) unsalted butter, softened
230g (1 cup) soft brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten (free-range - ideally from Dragon Creek Farm)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
125g (1 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
235g (2 1/3cups) rolled oats
175g (1 cup chocolate chips) Must be dark chocolate, 60-70% cacao

Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Line three large baking trays with baking paper.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until fluffy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and mix lightly. Add the oats and chocolate chips (loads) and stir to combine.

Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls and place on the baking trays. Flatten the balls with a fork dipped in flour. (Make sure the flattened cookies are really thick or else they will bake 'crispy' and not convey the wonderful texture that is the signature of this cookie). Bake the cookies for 20 minutes, or until pal golden. Remove from the oven and cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 30.

Enjoy!

Ethan's School Photos

Hey, having discovered the wonders of facebook, we've been much more active at keeping our friends up to date through social networking. If you haven't already, find us on Facebook and we'll bring you in to our latest updates. In the meantime, here are Ethan's first school photos for your enjoyment.

'Casual' pool party

Great fun with our neighbors and a whole passel of kids. The wine flowed as freely as the conversation, while the kids enjoyed the jumping castle (a.k.a. moon bounce), swimming, and puzzles. Milly made the day by quickly drumming a cake on request. Yay!

Golden Gate Run

On our celebratory weekend away in San Francsico, I opted to go for a late afternoon long-distance run after a lunch on Fisherman's Wharf and drinks at the Palace. Initially targeting the 11-mile increment of my summer running schedule, the gorgeous wheather and stunning views instead inspired an amazing 15-mile path along the bay foreshore from the W Hotel downtown South of Market across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. My feet and legs shared a few harsh words during dinner at the XYZ restaurant that evening, but I've since been forgiven.

Ethan goovin' to the tunes

Ethan was hanging out with his eurochick pals and grooving to his new tunes. Here, cruising the Little Gym in style with his coordinated apple-golden hair, apple juice and apple-colored shades

Press the 'Play' button below for Camilla in latest JibJab

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Visit to the Police Station

You can only imagine how excited Ella was to visit the police station with Daddy this morning. While Paul and Officer Grinnan worked on the Google Earth crime prevention decision support tool, Ella got the princess treatment with tootsie rolls, stickers, safety coloring books...the works. Ella loves the police and wanted to know when she can come back next.



This video shot with Camilla's new 'Flip' video recorder. You can see Ella enjoying a visit in the police cruiser.

July 4th 2008

We had another great July 4th. Lots of kids, and fireworks (set off by Paul) and enjoyed the day at our friends Chris and Karen's house.
The pictures say it all... i actually took a day off. Everyone I know out there, sorry for not emailing.. Until after July 23rd when i get this brand launch done i just dont have any time other than the occasional sleep and brief check in on my family!

Anyway, happy independence day... i even left my blackberry in my briefcase!!

Zoo-fest

Perhaps you won't be surprised to discover that both children were elated when I suggested a spontaneous trip to the zoo. This was truly an adventure for both, and it was Ethan's first time which made it really special.


We started with a ride to the train station in the van listening to the "They Might Be Giant's" album "NO!". Ella's favorite song goes "No means no. No is always no. When you hear no it means no, no, no...[guitar refrain]...No plus No equals No....." With this discovery of the latest TMBG album in the store, the band catapulted back to my (dad's) favorite all time group.



When we got to the Metro station, Ella was VERY excited and everything was cool with Ethan until the doors shut and the train started moving. He then proceded to wail unil we were about halfway to DC when he discovered that his imminent death appeared to be taking longer than he thought.
















The kids loved the zoo. We had a treat from Australia this time as the emu and the wallaby's were out feeding right next to their fence so we could see them up close. The best part was when Ethan saw his first elephant. Check out his astonishment in this photo here being held by daddy. A lioness was playful today and started tossing around a giant red rubber ball. Ella was delighted.















All in all, the journey was a success and of course the kids fell asleep as soon as we got home.

Metro ride: $3.40
National zoo admission: Free
Amazement of your two year old on seeing his first elephant: Priceless

Outer Banks 2008

Absolutely brilliant time, with sunny days and healthy kids the whole time (what a relief!) Best trip yet to OBX.

Dragon Fest

Yesterday was the annual school carnival and Ella had a fabulous time. Needless to say she has the horse bug so we will probably be looking at riding lessons this summer. How much happier can a girl get than having her face painted and riding a pony?

Getting Ready for Easter

We colored eggs and generally made a great mess getting ready for Easter. As always Ella loves getting into the entire project and we made some fabulous colored eggs for the easter bunny.

Ethan Partying on Saturday Night

Ethan was in fine form on Saturday night.. dressed for a dinner party and special guest arrival from Sweden (Emmy) Ethan put on his best outfit and cruised the kitchen, trying to pick up.

Ethan Formula 1 Training

Ethan seems to be taking to cars very early. He set a new lap time across the loungeroom this afternoon and will be working on his form in the coming season.

First Snow

The first snow came early this year! First week of December and we have already had 5 inches. They are predicting lots this year, and although Ella loves it, that driveway seems awfully long when you have to shovel it!

Crazy Kids

Ella and Ethan are constant source of amusement, and the funny thing now is how they interact with each other. One always trying to outdo what the other one did. Here are a few photos from this morning...

It's Fall

It's fall and there are leaves everywhere. Good thing about crinkly leaves is that they are an instant plaything. Ethan loves them and always makes a point of carrying a few around with him. I have had to draw the line at letting him take them to bed with him, but we have a few up on the wall where he can look at them.