Adriano Zumbo Packet Mix Macaron and Brownie Review

Adriano Zumbo Salted Caramel and Passionfruit Macaron mixes, plus chocolate brownie mix

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We love Adriano Zumbo here in Australia, the Sydney based patissier has been proclaimed the king of macarons by those far and wide that have tasted his perfectly pretty, often exciting macarons and pastry creations. 

Now we can have a little bit of Zumbo at home with the release of Adriano Zumbo packet baking mixes. 

I usually bake from scratch and I don't have that much experience using packet mixes so I called in a "non baking friend" to try out the macaron mixes.

First a look at in what's in the box:

 

In the Salted Caramel Macaron box (pictured) there is Caramel meringue mix, Almond meal mix, and Caramel filling sachet. Two piping bags are included, one for the macaron and one for the filling. Ditto the Passionfruit but passionfruit flavoured and the brownies contain the batter mix and choc chunks.

There is a template ring so you can mark out your circles on your baking paper. You can also go to the website and download a template sheet if you, ummm "can't find a pencil??" Seriously, a lot of thought and time has gone into developing these products, from the funky packaging to video web links to help you along the way and as for the macarons lets see what a self professed non-baker can do.

I was surprised how quickly my friend was able to use an electric hand mixer make the meringue (with cold water), sift/fold and pulse in the almond meal and then piped perfect macaron circles (I did ask about their piping technique and they said "I do watch MasterChef") and baked the following...

Goodness, how perfect are these shells!!

Here they are Passionfruit complete with filling and the caramel....

I know you will be tempted to eat them straight away (and they do taste great), but do try saving them overnight to end up with the squidgy authentic macaron experience.

Still not feeling confident baking macs... you always scan the side of the macaron mix box to watch videos.

Alternatively head over to Zumbo Baking where you will find helpful videos to assist you in your baking.

More of a chocolate fan? The Adriano Zumbo range includes, chocolate brownie and choc mud mirror cake (couldn't get this one for the review). 

A quick look at the brownies... you will have this mix together in a couple of minutes... hand mix with a spoon, pour into a lined tray and viola see what you get! Served warm with ice-cream for your next family get together.

Dark and delicious chocolate brownies from the Adriano Zumbo Chocolate Brownie Mix

Happy Baking :) 

You might also be interested in liquorice ice-cream

or Bundy Banana cupcakes with toffee toppers

Chocolate Chilli Focaccia

                                    chocolate chilli focaccia

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My Step son Daniel is in a world of pain at the moment as he remains sleepless and stuck in front of his Mac editing his end of year movie for film school. 

Though he could always swap career paths and become a chef... one of Daniel's fab recipes today. A chocolate studded focaccia with a little warmth from chilli and cinnamon. Enjoy :) 

Oh, and don't forget if you have a spare minute go push that "like" button on facebook to support a young film maker. You do want to see the promised trailer for a romantic comedy featuring beards don't you!!

Daniel getting some love from one of his actors in A Bearded Tale

Foccia Dolce (sweet focaccia) - Chocolate Chilli  Focaccia

Preparation Time 30 minutes 

Rising Time 30 minutes

Cooking Time 30 minutes

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

310ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water

2 tsp (7g/1 sachet) dried yeast

2 tablespooons caster sugar

3 1/2 tbs olive oil

450g (3 cups) plain flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes

1 tsp of salt

200g (7oz) dark chocolate cut into chunks

coarse sugar to sprinkle

Plus icing sugar (confectioners sugar) to dust on top of finished focaccia

Method

Combine the water, yeast, sugar and 2 tablespoons of oil in a small bowl. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 5 minutes or until frothy.

Place flour and  the sea salt, chili and cinnamon in a bowl… whisk with a wire whisk. Make a well in the centre and pour in yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir until combined, then use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Brush a bowl with oil to grease. Place dough in bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 200°C. Brush a 20 x 30cm (7.87x11.81 inches approx) Swiss roll pan with 2 teaspoons of remaining oil. Punch down centre of the dough with your fist. Press into the prepared pan. Cover with a damp tea towel and set aside in a warm, draught-free place to prove for 20 minutes or until doubled in height. Use your finger to press dimples into the dough. Brush with remaining oil. Press the chocolate chunks into the dough. Sprinkle with a little coarse sugar.

Bake in oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden and focaccia sounds hollow when tapped on base. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with icing sugar.

Donna Hay Magazine ipad App

donna hay 10th anniversary edition for ipad

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Extra! Extra! Out now the Donna Hay ipad app!

Last week saw the launch of the Donna Hay magazine App and it is absolutely fabulous!!

Not only it is the 10th Anniversary edition with it's 100+ sweet and savoury recipes, there is also "how to" videos, animations, cook mode (oh, I love the giant print) but wait, I'll show you... 

Lets say you want to make the 'Little Black Forest Cakes', on the bottom left of the page just touch "recipe" with your finger.

Ready to bake? Then touch cook mode, this gives you giant easy to read print.

 Need extra help with those chocolate shards? Watch the Donna Hay video demonstration.

Or get a few extra tips-tricks.

Use the easy and intuitive navigation system to get around the magazine.

Use the table of contents or page viewer to find your recipes. Touch the bookmark icon to bookmark your page.

There is a table of contents too, so you'll never be flicking, and flicking and flicking through pages trying to find "that recipe" again.

Oh, there is a handy measurement conversion chart too.

The first edition is free! Go on, what are you waiting for? Download the Donna Hay app from Donna Hay or search Donna Hay in the iTunes store. 

Happy Baking :)

You might also be interested in the  Super Food Ideas ipad app