wpc goodie trays 2021

nailed it! i felt so uninspired making the goodie plates this christmas and honestly was at the point where i wondered if i should even bother, but of course i was not going to miss a year. heck no. this tradition will be carried on proudly year after year. 

for those who came in late - each year my mother would do christmas baking and then send all the boys that worked at western power a goodie plate to enjoy with their families. when doug started there when madeline was a baby, i felt like it was a good idea too and i've been baking every christmas since.

this years boxes included:

milk chocolate rocky road

caramilk rocky road

santé choc chip cookies

caramel fudge

melting moments

chocolate truffles

brownies

rice krispy squares

white chocolate gingerbread rocky road

salted caramilk squares

i was obsessed with how these turned out - melting moments done with christmas sprinkles in the icing used for the middle. it looked so cute!

and it was rocky road central, with all these pretty looking trays set and ready to cut

i mean seriously, how nice does this look?

the caramilk rocky road was a clear winner, i have the recipe saved to use again next year

and i loooved how these rice krispy treats turned out once i had thrown some snowflake sprinkles on top to make them christmassy

time to pack - this year made the easiest it's ever been thanks to my best friend jen sending some of her cookie boxes my way. they have their own closure tabs and all i had to do was tie some festive curling ribbon around the boxes.

so, merry christmas to our wpc boys and thanks for another year of power. 

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recipes:

MILK CHOCOLATE ROCKY ROAD

 

2 x bags milk chocolate melts

1 x packet broken up oreos

1 x packet broken up plain sweet biscuits

Bag assorted jelly lollies

2 x bags marshmallows cut into pieces

1 cup desiccated coconut

 

Melt chocolate on medium high in microwave checking every 30 secs until runny. Mixed all chopped ingredients through then leave in fridge to set. Bring to room temperature then chop into chunks.

 

CARAMILK ROCKY ROAD

 

Ingredients

2 x 180g pkts Cadbury Caramilk chocolate, broken into small pieces

150g pkt jersey caramels, chopped

140g bag Caramel Popcorn

3 x 50g Mars Twix chocolate bars, coarsely chopped (I actually used another 150g of jersey caramels as I couldn’t get these when I went shopping)

100g white marshmallows, halved

1/3 cup (45g) unsalted roasted peanuts (I left these out – as we are dealing with a bunch of nut allergies around us)

 

Method

1.      Grease a 19cm x 29cm (base measurement) slice pan and line the base and sides with baking paper, allowing the sides to overhang. Place chocolate pieces in a heat safe bowl and microwave, checking every 30 secs until melted and runny.

2.      Combine other ingredients in a large bowl. Add the melted chocolate and gently fold until just combined. Spoon into the prepared pan. Set aside for 1 hour to set. Cut into pieces to serve.

 

SANTÉ CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

 

125g softened butter

¼ cup brown sugar

3 Tbsp condensed milk

Few drops vanilla essence

¾ cup plain flour

¾ cup desiccated coconut

1 tsp baking powder

250g bag coles dark compound choc chips

 

1.      Preheat oven to 160C (fan forced)

2.      Cream butter and sugar until soft and fluffy, then add milk and vanilla and beat until combined.

3.      Stir in the flour, coconut and baking powder until combined, then add choc chips and combine a final time.

4.      Roll teaspoons of mixture into balls then place on prepared tray, flattening with a fork.

5.      Bake for 12 minutes, or until slightly golden on top. Leave on trays for 1-2 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool

 

CARAMEL FUDGE

 

125g butter

395g can condensed milk

2 tbsp golden syrup

1 cup brown sugar

110g white chocolate

 

1.      Grease and line slice tray

2.      Combine butter, condensed milk, golden syrup and sugar together in a saucepan, then bring to a simmer. Raise heat a little for bigger bubbles and stir constantly for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and golden brown.

3.      Remove from heat, add white chocolate pieces and stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.

4.      Pour into prepared pan, then refrigerate until set (overnight is best). Use a hot knife to cut into squares.

 

MELTING MOMENTS

250 g butter (softened)
3/4 Cup Icing sugar
1/2 Cup Cornflour
3/4 Cup Custard powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 Cups plain flour
1 Cup of Icing sugar extra to join biscuits.

Pre-heat oven to 170 degrees celcius (fan forced)
Cream butter, icing sugar and cornflour until smooth and light.
Add custard powder and vanilla essence. Mix well. Add flour to make a soft dough .
If your mixture is too dry add a little water.
Line a baking tray with baking paper
Using a teaspoon roll teaspoon size balls of dough and place on the baking tray.
Press tops down with a fork.
Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Allow to cool on the tray.

To join together:
Mix icing sugar with a little water to form a thick paste.
Spoon a little onto the base of a biscuit the join to another.
Note: you can also join with jam

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

 

 

2 tbsp cocoa

395g can condensed milk

1 packet finely crushed milk arrowroot biscuits

2 cups desiccated coconut

 

1.      Combine biscuits, cocoa and condensed milk and mix well

2.      Roll small balls from mixture, then roll in coconut

3.      Place on a tray and refrigerate to firm up

 

BROWNIES

 

200g butter

2 cups packed brown sugar

½ cup cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 cup plain flour

2 eggs

 

1.      Grease and line a slice tin and preheat oven to 160C (fan forced)

2.      Melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan on low heat. DO NOT BOIL.

3.      Add cocoa and vanilla, stir well.

4.      Take off heat, stir in flour until completely combined.

5.      Add eggs and mix really well.

6.      Spread mixture evenly into prepared tin and bake for (20-25 mins – I find 22 is perfect!)

 

RICE KRISPIE TREATS

 

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

280g Marshmallows (standard Pascal pack size)

6 cups Rice Bubbles

 

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add Rice Bubbles cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into A greased and lined tray. Cool. Cut into squares.

(I topped mine with a layer of melted chocolate and snowflake sprinkles)

 

WHITE CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD ROCKY ROAD

 

2 x bags white chocolate melts

Pack broken gingernut biscuits

1 bag white marshmallows

Bag lolly bananas

Small bag jersey caramels

Melt chocolate on medium high in microwave checking every 30 secs until runny. Mixed all chopped ingredients through then leave in fridge to set. Bring to room temperature then chop into chunks.

 

SALED CARAMILK SQUARES

 

225g pkt plain savoury crackers (I used plain Jatz)

85g butter, melted

1 tbsp golden syrup

1/2 tsp cooking salt

 

CARAMEL FILLING

395g can condensed milk

2 tbsp golden syrup

60g butter, melted

 

CARAMILK TOPPING

180g block Caramilk chocolate, chopped

1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil

 

1.      Preheat oven to 160C fan forced. Grease and line a slice pan.

2.      Break the crackers into a food processor. Process until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a bowl. Add butter, golden syrup and salt. Stir to combine. Evenly press the mixture over the base of the prepared pan. Place in the fridge until required.

3.      To make the filling, combine the condensed milk, golden syrup and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking, for 8 minutes or until golden. Pour over base. Bake for 12 minutes or until firm. Cool completely. Place in the fridge for 4 hours or until set.

4.      To make the topping, place the Caramilk and oil in a heatproof bowl and melt in the microwave with 30 second bursts. Pour the chocolate mixture over the filling and smooth the surface. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes or until the chocolate mixture is set.

5.      Use a warmed knife to cut the slice into squares, to serve.

 

 

 

 

 

primary christmas gifts

i wanted something simple but effective for primary christmas gifts this year. but wouldn't you know, i didn't even take a photo of them when they were finished and ready to hand out, so all i have to show for it are the labels i made up.

for all the children above nursery age, we handed out glittery star decorations with this tag, one per child (so 2 of our primary families had a full set of six!) plus a light the world advent calendar printed onto a3 sized paper, perfect to put on the fridge.

and for the nursery children, a mini tub of playdough to make their own star to play with.

not bad for a last minute idea... i wanted to get them out at the beginning of december so they could decorate their trees and i love them!

 

christmas day 2020

there is absolutely nothing better than having children in the house on christmas morning. the excitement is so contagious and i love seeing their little faces come into my room asking if they "can just open one thing?!" the three of them were so happy this morning, especially when grandma arrived with favz and josh and it was finally time for presents!

as you can see, i was correct and there was presents everywhere. so much love to be had.

alex loved ripping into his presents this year and knew exactly what was going on, he then wanted to open everyone elses too. 

the kidlets were thrilled that santa and the reindeer ate the treats they left out too.

alex loves books and constantly empties his entire shelf onto the floor, so we bought him some more to do the same thing with.

joseph got all the lego he'd had his eye on... i am not kidding when i say their grandmother will get them anything they want. she is the actual worst for it. if mum says no, ask grandma. and whenever mum growls at grandma, grandma answers with, i won''t be around forever, i need to enjoy them and spoil them while i can.

i bought this for alex, it's a sprinkler attachment and spouts the water up from each rainbow piece for the kids to run about in.

maddie had a dressing gown on her christmas list - her old one had gotten too small and she desperately wanted a new one... only it was december and hot and no one had a thing... until with days to spare i located an adorable one in soft pink thin waffle fabric on the cotton on kids website and cause it's summer, it was even on clearance. woo.

and the only thing she really wanted - an ipod. this was an adventure in itself. i ordered this with weeks to spare, and the stupid courier the seller used delayed collection by almost a week then didn't know where it was. gah. so many emails later, they claimed it was still on schedule to arrive on time (which was december 28th now because of their delay in collecting...) and that they couldn't help me until it was late. no phone contact available, no offers to look into it. just absolutely shocking service, which i learned is normal from them. word to the wise, do not ever use sendle. they are bloody useless. 

anyway. at 3pm christmas eve, i receive a notification saying that my package has been delivered. just like that. lost to delivered. what the heck. but. she loves it. declared it her favourite gift ever and proceeded to dance about the house with her headphones on listening to the preloaded k-pop. mum win.

the kids favourite gift though, was the nintendo switch that grandma bought them. joseph nearly peed his pants with excitement and even more so when he realised there was five games on standby too. dad got plenty of love and cuddles once they finished screaming - while we waited for brunch to be ready

which was totally worth it. bacon, eggs, toast, croissants, fresh blueberry muffins and all the fresh fruits.

and christmas wouldn't be complete without these gorgeous cookies from my best friend at baked on benrua. her star puddings are my favourite thing in the world.

dinner was a scored and glazed ham from lite 'n easy, where oli works. each year the staff are given a ham or a fruit box, oli always goes for the ham and we enjoy it at christmas and for weeks after.

we also had lobster, which madeline was horrified about, but all our polynesian crew enjoyed immensely. 

then when we finally got around to dessert... we had banoffee, 

more fruit, mini pavlovas by oli's request (which i had to go to multiple shops to find at the last minute when she suddenly had a hankering for them hahah)

and mini treats from my goodie plates. that tim tam slice was to die for.

what a wonderful christmas. so grateful to have our family here with us. if for some reason this does end up being oli's last christmas here with us, we know it was a wonderful one, full of love. 

primary advent calendar jars

reusing an idea from last year in young womens, because they were such a huge hit, i decided to make the primary children an advent calendar jar as their christmas gift this year. 24 slips of paper, festively coloured in red and green, to draw one each day - bringing them closer to christ before we celebrate his birth. 

step one - spray paint jars in the backyard and try not to breathe in too many of the fumes...

step two - print, cut and fold pieces into jars

step three: print and attach labels and festive pieces (you can find some amazing used pieces at your local opshops/ jumble sales in the lead up to christmas and even in the middle of the year haha) then drive all over the place to hand them out before december begins.

again, amazing feedback from all our primary families and worth all the effort!

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3 Ne. 12:6. Jesus Christ taught that we will be blessed for seeking righteousness. Spend ten minutes reading your scriptures or scripture stories.

3 Ne. 12:16. Jesus asked us to be examples to those around us. Set an example of service by helping with the dishes or cleaning or other chores at home.

Matt. 6:3–4. Jesus Christ taught that we should quietly help other people. Write a kind note for someone in your family and hide it for them to find.

3 Ne. 12:9. Jesus Christ promised to bless peacemakers. Sing a reverent primary song to help bring greater peace to your home.

3 Ne. 17:21–24. Jesus Christ blessed little children because He loved them. Show your love for a sibling or friend by sharing or helping them in some way.

3 Ne. 18:6–7. Jesus asked His followers to always remember Him, especially when partaking of the sacrament. Write in your journal or tell your parents how you feel about the Saviour.

3 Ne. 18:21. Jesus Christ taught us to pray with our families. Help your family remember to have family prayer today.

3 Ne. 23:1. Jesus Christ commanded the Nephites to study the words of Isaiah. Ask a parent to read Isaiah 53:3–5 with you and talk about the Atonement.

3 Ne. 27:7. Jesus told His disciples to call the Church in His name. Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, page 77).

3 Ne. 27:29. Jesus Christ promised that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers. Write in your journal or tell your parents about a time when He answered one of your prayers.

D&C 89:10–11, 18–20. Jesus Christ revealed the Word of Wisdom to help us to be healthy. Today, choose only foods that will make your body strong and thank Heavenly Father for them.

Matt. 22:34–40. Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbours. Work with your family to do something nice for your neighbours.

3 Ne. 25:5–6. Jesus said that the hearts of children should turn to their parents. Ask your parents or grandparents to tell you about Christmases when they were young.

Mark 10:13–14. Jesus showed that children are very important to Him. In your personal prayer, tell Heavenly Father about your day and the things that made you happy.

D&C 1:37. Jesus counselled Latter-day Saints to study His commandments. Think of one commandment you keep and one blessing that you enjoy.

D&C 19:38–39. Jesus Christ asks us to pray always. Carry a prayer in your heart today, thanking Heavenly Father for your blessings.

John 13:34–35. We show that we want to follow Jesus Christ when we love other people. Show your love to your parents by helping without being asked.

Luke 17:11–19. Jesus Christ praised the leper who returned to thank Him. Write a note or draw a picture to thank someone who has helped you.

D&C 33:11–12. Jesus taught the principles of His gospel. Memorize and recite the fourth Article of Faith.

D&C 21:1, 4–5. Our prophet tells us what Jesus Christ wants us to do. Talk with a parent about President Nelson’s counsel from the last general conference.

D&C 25:12. With your family or friends, sing Christmas songs about Jesus. (See Hymns, numbers 201–214; Children’s Songbook, pages 34-55.)

D&C 35:26. Jesus Christ wants us to be happy. Make a list of blessings that make you happy and hang the list in your bedroom.

D&C 108:7. Jesus asks us to help each other be strong in the gospel. Share your testimony with someone you love.

D&C 76:22–24. Even though Jesus was born two thousand years ago, He has appeared to prophets of this dispensation. As a family, read and discuss today’s assigned scripture.

candle jars for christmas gifts

mum asked me last week if i had any cute ideas for them to give to the relief society sisters in her branch as a christmas gift... um of course! years ago i used this small story to give candles to my workmates and have kept it safe in case it would ever come in handy again. which it did this year.

this story is adapted from "the wise son", retold from an old persian story.

"A very rich man with two sons wanted to give his wealth to the son who would use it wisely. He thought of a test. He gave each son a coin, small in size and value. He told them to buy something with just that coin, which would fill the whole house. The oldest boy priced large bulky items, but his coin couldn't buy them. He finally thought of a large amount of straw, but as he spread it, he realised it wouldn't fill the entire house. Meanwhile, his brother came home with a small box. He went from room to room and placed a smaller item from the box in each room of the house. Candles! When he lit the candles, the whole house filled with light. Where there is light, there is warmth and where there is warmth there is love. May this candle bring warmth and love to your home this Christmas season."

to make these up, they cost just 80c each. the candles can be bought from kmart australia for 75c and two of the labels print to a 10c photo print ready to be trimmed and tied on. easy as! a cute and simple, but meaningful gift!

kendall christmas 2018

christmas with kids is the best thing ever, especially when you have a delicious new baby to cuddle. after showers and cuddles and watching the nativity video... we put some treats out for santa and the reindeer, then packed the older two off to bed.

they love their baby brother so much, it makes my heart sing.

baby alex stayed awake for a little while with us while we finished things off, and chilled under the christmas treat, before he nodded off too.

getting some zzzz's in before a hard day

finally we had everything ready to go for the morning (once doug finished putting together the bike his parents bought for joseph) and we went off to bed too.

the morning bought so much excitement from the kids, and much to my surprise, out of everything they opened, their favourite items were these cheap mario and luigi caps i got as a last minute idea from ebay. winning! they had them on all morning and were leaping all about the place pretending they were in the game. so funny and actually super adorable.

baby alex showed absolutely zero interest in christmas as expected, but looked around while we opened our gifts and had a cuddle with daddy and i. both madeline and joseph were a lot older (madeline 5 mo and joseph 10mo) at their first christmas so having a small baby that is sleepy and not doing much is new.

maddie with her christmas stocking. we all have handmade ones from nanna, even alex, yes, she delivered just in time!

doug with the playstation mini special edition that i pre-ordered for him months ago. i am so proud, i managed to keep it completely a secret, never mentioned it whatsoever and he had no idea it was coming.

dougs parents and their next door neighbours keryn and lyndon arrived for brunch and then keryn stayed for dinner as well once lyndon went to work, we had the most lovely relaxed afternoon. perfect for this mum of a small bub.

my gorgeous inlaws having a laugh. we are so lucky to have them living so close. we love seeing them with their grandkids and having them around all the time. 

what a beautiful christmas! it really is the most wonderful time of the year ♥