An Easy Way To Make A Difference!

10 Mar 2014 4 Comments

by Nikki in Caring Compassion Tags: , , , ,

Every time I answer the phone or open the letter box, there is always another charity looking for help.

Even though they are all very worthy it is just not possible for me to help them all.

I do have a soft spot for charities that help children. I am blessed with two perfect daughters and I really feel for parents who are not so lucky.

The Cerebral Palsy League has come up with a novel way to support them, without having to find a big wad of cash in one go.

cp

Spare change adds up!

Every few months my tin is picked up and a new one dropped off in it’s place. They mail me out a receipt that I can then use at tax time. Emptying my wallet of coins and putting them in this tin is easy to do and I am always amazed how much actually went in there each time.

Every 14 hours, a child in Australia is born with cerebral palsy, and affects the way the brain controls the body’s muscles. It results in speech, movement and posture difficulties. Cerebral palsy is not hereditory and all the causes are not yet known. At some stage in development injury to the brain occurs and it simply does not function normally. Research and support needs funding and with a ‘Friendship Tin’ you can help provide the Cerebral Palsy League with cash.

This is a great way to teach kids the concept of helping others less fortunate, by having them deposit the coins in to the tin and explaining to them why you are helping out.

You can have a tin at your home too! Just CLICK HERE  (This post is not sponsored) 🙂

Sharing for #IBOT with Essentially Jess

BIG CAKE BAKE, A Very Yummy Way To Make A Difference

29 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment

by Nikki in Caring Compassion, Fabulous Food Tags: , , , , , , ,

October is BIG CAKE BAKE time, and this has got to be the yummiest way to make a huge difference to helping the Red Cross, to continue to do the awesome work they do every day.

Baking is something I love to do, I am always trying new recipies and filling the house with sweet treats, not so good for the waistline, but yummy none the less.

BIG CAKE BAKE is your chance to bake up a storm, so whip out the apron, wooden spoon and bowl and start mixing it with the best. You just have to go to the Red Cross site  www.bigcakebake.org.au and you can set up your own fund raising page, how cool! Get your family and friends in on the fun and why not host a lovely afternoon tea for your group, so they can all enjoy your efforts.

For those of you who are not dab hands around the kitchen, and don’t know where to start, below is the MOST amazing Chocolate Cake recipe, that has graced just about every birthday party table that I have ever had, everyone loves it, easy to make, tastes just like a mud cake, but no blocks of chocolate required, so much kinder in the fat department. This recipe was given to me many years ago by my ‘Aunty’ Audy and has pride of place in my recipe collection………add it to yours and share the joy!

TEXAN MUD CAKE

PART 1

  • 250 gm Butter
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 4 Tablespoons Cocoa

Combine ingredients into a small saucepan, when the butter has melted, bring to the boil, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.

PART 2

  • 2 Eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Vinegar
  • 1 Teaspoon Bicarb Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence

Combine these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

PART 3

  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 2 Cups Plain Flour
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Sieve these ingredients into another bowl.

Add Part 1, into the large bowl that you put Part 2 ingredients in. Add Part 3 and mix with a whisk to combine and help break up any lumps that might form.

Line a 30cm x 20cm pan with cooking spray and baking paper (if you don’t have that size pan, use a round one at least 22cm), I just prefer to make the rectangular shape and cut the cake into fingers instead of slices as it is very rich, but I have made it round before and it works just as well.

Place the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes in an oven that has been pre-heated to 190C, turning a couple of times.

Allow to cool before turning out onto a cake rack. When completely cold, slather with Chocolate Icing or Ganache if you prefer.

This cake actually tastes better when it is a day or two old, so it is a great recipe that you can make in advance and it won’t be dry and yucky when it’s time to enjoy it. Store it in the fridge when you have iced it.

So no excuses, you have got the perfect recipe, now get baking and make a difference from the comfort of your kitchen.