CELEBRATE LIFE

So, with the love of my Sister I have been somewhat nudged into the direction of graphic design. Having always had a creative mind... yep, that was the reason I created this blog to begin with... A way to vent my creative thoughts, share the designs that inspire me and my love of cooking!

Recently, my sister who is a personal trainer has required some elements of design to help establish her growing business on the glorious South Coast of NSW. At which point, I took over and created her branding, logo and website. Although my ideas are still evolving, it sure has been an interesting couple of months, as my sissy helps nudge me into a fun new direction! So for the moment, I'm not quite sure where my blog will go, I'll just keep sharing things that inspire me, my love of design (in all forms) and hopefully, you will enjoy a few of my newest creations - all of which I now have for sale on ETSY.

These designs, which I intend on adding to, day by day are completely customisable and, to make life easy on my new customers - all you need to do is; Pay, download & print and you will have your personalised O+O Designs creation in your hot little hands!

So... Here are a few which I have created over this past week including: Cake Topper Bunting (minis), Bridal Shower Invitations, Party Bunting (full size) and Baby Announcements!

Enjoy & Celebrate Life!
O&O x

Full range of customisable printables available at: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/OandODesigns

LEMON MERINGUE CAKE

I've made a lemon meringue pie once or twice, and they are such a pain when making the entire pie from scratch... curd & all! I heard a rumour that the ever beautiful, Nigella had an easy-peasy recipe for a lemon meringue cake that I just have to try. Think caramelized meringue sitting atop some perfect spongey layers with gooey lemon curd dripping down the sides. I'm drooling already! 

This is one recipe I had to share and, cannot wait to create! 

Happy baking, 

- O&O

1 ¼ sticks very soft unsalted butter

4 large eggs (separated)

1 ½ cups superfine sugar (plus 1 teaspoon)

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

zest of 1 lemon

4 teaspoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons milk

½ teaspoon cream of tartar

⅔ cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)

5 ¼ oz good quality lemon curd

+ Preheat the oven to gas mark 6/200°C/400ºF. Line and butter two 21cm / 8 inch sandwich tins.

+ Mix the egg yolks, 100g / ½ cup of the sugar, the butter, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, bicarb, and lemon zest in a processor. Add the lemon juice and milk and process again.

+ Divide the mixture between the prepared tins. You will think you don't even have enough to cover the bottom of the tins, but don't panic. Spread calmly with a rubber spatula until smooth.

+ Whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until peaks form and then slowly whisk in 200g / 1 cup of sugar. 

+ Divide the whisked whites between the two sponge-filled tins, pouring or, more accurately, spreading the meringue straight on top of the cake batter.

+ Smooth one flat with a metal spatula, and with the back of a spoon, peak the other and sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over the peaks. Put the tins into the oven for 20-25 minutes.

+ With a cake-tester, pierce the cake that has the flat meringue topping to check it's cooked all through. (It will have risen now but will fall back flattish later.) No sponge mixture should stick to the tester. Remove both cakes to a wire rack and let cool completely in the tins.

+ Unmould the flat-topped one on to a cake stand or plate, meringue side down.

+ Whisk the heavy cream until thick but not stiff and set aside. Spread the flat sponge surface of the first, waiting, cake with the lemon curd and than spatula over the cream and top with the remaining cake, bronze-peaked meringue uppermost.

DELIGHTS

Bohemian dreaming continues with yet another inspiration board, heavily featuring Boho-chic Queen,

 Kate Moss. Style in general is all about working out who you are and at some stage in life, I think we all go through a little bohemian faze. And, with so many beautiful things to be found... Why not experiment a little?!

O&O

Dream Catcher Leather Bag

Stackable Chevron Rings

Crochet Dress

Crystal & Gemstone Magnets

Bohemian Silk Knit Babydoll Handmade 

22k Gold Body Chain