Calling All Nutella Addicts!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jo1xtQL4H5Q/UFdY6TdLM_I/AAAAAAAALew/vj7Acm_iHKQ/s1600/nutella.jpg

Hi. My name is Nyasha and I am addicted to Nutella. I say that with no shame whatsoever however my bank account may say otherwise. This amazing substance of joy that’s been captivating chocolate lovers for decades is not the cheapest of items. Nutella can be an expensive addiction for students; we all know that every penny helps.

So if you’ve been so wise as to use up most of your loan but still wish to have the little luxuries of Nutella, here’s how to make it yourself!

Ingredients

  • 275g Hazelnuts
  • 6 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
  • 150g Icing Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 175ml Rapeseed Oil/Vegetable Oil

 

Instructions

  1. Roast the hazelnuts in the oven on 200C for about 10 minutes until slightly browning.
  2. Add the hazelnuts to a food processor and puree until they are very smooth.
  3. Add the sugar, salt, vanilla and cocoa powder and then puree for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the canola oil and puree for 30 seconds more.
  5. If you have a sieve then strain the mixture to get the last bit out, if not then you can enjoy it a little lumpy.
  6. Enjoy!

 

There, easy steps on how to make your own stash of the gorgeous Nutella. Pop down to Tesco, Morrisons and the like, you can usually find all the ingredients at the local supermarkets.

 

http://leitesculinaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/diy-nutella.jpg

Classic Sponge Cake recipe

It’s often difficult thinking of gift ideas and with Mother’s Day fast approaching, how about doing something different and baking.  It’s different, lost cost and delicious! Once you’ve mastered this simple recipe they will be no stopping you

You will need:

  • 115g self raising flour
  • 1 level teaspoon baking powder
  • 115g spreadable butter
  • 115g golden castor sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Two 18cm by 4cm sponge tins, lightly buttered and bases lined plus two wire cooling trays

1. Pre heat the oven to 170 degrees, gas mark 3

2. Sift the flour and baking powder into a roomy mixing bowl lifting the sieve quite high to give the flour a good airing as it goes down, add all the other ingredients.

3. Using an electric hand whisk combine the ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy consistency.

4.  Divide the mixture between the two prepared tins, level off using the back of a tablespoon and bake near the centre of the oven for about 25 minutes. The cakes are cooked when you press lightly and the centre springs back.

5. Remove them from the oven and after about 40 seconds loosen the edges by sliding a palette all round, then turn them out onto a wire cooling tray.

6. Carefully peel back the lining by gently pulling it back. Lightly place the other cooling tray on top and just flip them both over so that the tops are facing upwards to prevent them from sticking to the cooling tray.

7. When cool sandwich them together with any sort of preserve like lemon curd, fresh whipped cream.

8. Dust the whole cake generously with icing sugar. Store in a tin to keep fresh.

And enjoy!

SOURCE: DELIA’S CAKES BOOK

How to survive Freshers’ week

Freshers’ Week is the most daunting week of any student’s life; moving in to a new city, meeting new people and having to look after yourself for probably the first time in your life. Do it right and Freshers’ Week can be the best experience you will ever have. Here’s how:

1.       Be approachable

Remember that everyone is in the same position as you; everyone will be nervous so try to initiate conversation. Think of unusual first questions such as “what is your favourite film?” or “what do you prefer pizza or pasta?” Asking something different will make you stick in people’s minds.

2.       Buy a door stop

Propping your door open whilst you’re in your halls means that people can come talk to you and there isn’t a door to hide behind. If you do it then the others in the flat will follow meaning that everyone can talk while they unpack. Most of the halls don’t mind you doing this as long as you shut the door when you leave as it is a fire hazard.

3.       Move in early

It can be daunting to be the first one at your new flat/home but it gives you chance to unpack and relax before your new flatmates arrive. If you do have to move in late at least make your bed so that you have a comfy bed on the first night.

4.       Bring some goodies!

The best way to make friends is to bring something you can all share. A tin of sweets or even some homemade cakes can be a really good icebreaker and will bring you all together.

5.       Stock up on food

If you have room left in the car after all your belongings, try to bring some essential food, beans, pasta, noodles, ready meals etc. During Freshers’ Week you may not have chance to eat properly so make sure you have food in your cupboard and save on the walk to the shop every time you want food.

6.       Get your music prepared

Freshers’ Week involves a lot of going out and therefore music is a must. Making a playlist that you can play whilst you are getting ready or pre-drinking can get everyone in the party mood and also helps to show off your music taste and personality.

7.       Be ready for the night out

It’s always a good idea to get an idea of where the main clubs are so that you can make your way back home in the dark. Familiarise yourself with where cash machines are near your flat/house and in town and taxi numbers if you need to get a taxi if you live further away.

8.       Find out what’s happening in advanced

Facebook and the university website are normally full of information about the events during Freshers’ Week. Once you are at the university, take a trip over the rail crossing towards Tower Bar – there are always promoters who will be giving out leaflets on the nights.

9.       Don’t go mental

Pacing yourself is definitely a must. You do not want to end up throwing up over your new friends/flatmates on the first day. Have fun but remember these people are still strangers. It may be a funny story to tell in the morning but this will be their memory of you forever.

10.   Remember to go to university

During Freshers’ Week there will be important induction lectures for your course. This will give you an insight into who is going to be teaching you, what books you may need but also your fellow course mates. Some of your best friends at university will be from your course so go along and make new friends there too.

Feel free to share your own tips and advice below.

 

1 2 3 4