Christmas wreath...

Here's something for anyone who doesn't have the money to spend at the craft store, lacks the ability to sew and perhaps forgot to collect pine cones before the snow set in this year…

All you need is…

Some cardboard - just cut up an old box);

An old book you won't be reading anymore - or in my case can't read as it was written in french;

A large stapler;

A pair of scissors.

Cut the piece of cardboard into a donut shape, mine was about 20cm in diameter. Gently tear pages from the book and curl into a cone shape ready to staple.

Fan the cones around the outer edge of the cardboard, spacing evenly and stapling as you go. Always look back at your work to ensure you are maintaining a circular shape all the way round.

Continue creating rows of paper curls until the desired effect is reached. I went with 3. Then all you have to do is fold the excess paper in the centre through the middle hole and secure with some tape if needed.

H a p p y   H o l i d a y s !

Coconut frosting...

For whenever you want to get just a little bit fancy with an old favourite:)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of shredded coconut
2 cups of sifted icing sugar
1/2 tbl spoon of butter at room temperature
1 tbl spoon of thick coconut cream

Method:
1. Toast the shredded coconut in a non-stick pan on a medium heat until it is fragrant and golden (about 4-5mins). Set aside to cool.
2. Combine icing sugar, soft butter and coconut cream in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. It should be a nice thick consistency.

Note: I find the consistency of coconut cream varies greatly changing the outcome of your frostings consistency each time. If you find it is too runny, add more sifted icing sugar or alternatively if it is too think and lumpy, add a tiny dash of milk to thin it out.

3. Ice your chosen treat with a spatula or the back of a large spoon. Once the toasted coconut has cooled, sprinkle it over the top for a crunchy coconut hit.

This was the only photo I managed to take of the finished product, it was devoured that quickly!