Krispy Kreme has just opened a new location in the CBD, in Chancery Square. It’s the first of its kind in the world, unlike any Krispy Kreme you’ve seen before.
auckland
Preview Party at Krispy Kreme NZ
In case you didn’t know, Krispy Kreme is opening its first store in Auckland next Wednesday, February 28th. I was lucky to get to attend the preview VIP party yesterday, and I couldn’t have been more excited. I’ve been a fan of Krispy Kreme doughnuts for years now, ever since I had my first bite of one many years ago when I first visited the USA. I also ate them when I visited Melbourne & Sydney, and wondered why New Zealand didn’t have them but Australia did. Well it’s officially happening Aucklanders!
I spent a fun and informative two hours at the preview event, and got to do a range of things, including behind the scenes. Upon arrival we had the choice of a milkshake or coffee. Of course, I took the milkshake. (Well, ok, I ended up getting two). I started with a classic strawberry milkshake, which was divine, then I got one of the new Kreme Shakes, known as ‘The Doughnut you Can Drink’. I got the choc honeycomb, which was topped with Crunchie bar pieces and was absoultely delicious.
Rockabilly Bakes Cupcakes
Next time you’re at Clevedon Village Famers Market, make sure you grab a cupcake (or several) from Rockabilly Bakes. Owner Alyssa Sanders created Rockabilly Bakes when she moved to Auckland from Canada, and the company recently celebrated its first birthday. The cupcakes all have pin-up girl names, in keeping with the rockabilly theme. We chose 3…
Italian Almond Cake
Ahh Italian Almond Cake! If you’ve had the pleasure of eating it, then you will know just how aromatic it smells. I once made it for my boss who served it at his dinner party. The next day he told me that before being eaten, the cake was passed around the table for everybody to inhale the intoxicating almond scent. It’s like almond heaven! I didn’t have too much trouble buying almond paste when I was in New York. But here in Auckland, it was a different story. I called every specialty store close to home and nobody had it. I tried looking online but the shipping made it far too expensive. In the end, the easiest (and also cheapest) way was to make it myself with a food processor. I have attached a link with the recipe I used. Keep in mind that almond paste is not marzipan. Marzipan has twice as much sugar as almond paste and is not as delicate. So to get the best bang for your buck, I definitely recommend making your own. Almond paste gets better after sitting in the fridge, so I suggest making it at least a day or two before you want to make the cake. Then let it come to room temperature before using it. Another thing to note is the sliced almonds that go on top of the cake: the first time I made this, most of the almonds sunk inside the cake while baking and very few were left on top. I rectified this by only placing half of the almonds on before putting it in the oven, then sprinkling the rest of them on in the last 10 minutes of baking. Best enjoyed with a hot cuppa. Enjoy!
Bethells Beach
We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in New Zealand. I can count 6 that are all within a 10 minute drive from my home in East Auckland. I don’t often make it to the Western beaches as it takes around an hour to get to one, but they sure are worth…
Flavour is key at Tae Hwa Ru
Being a local, I had driven past Tae Hwa Ru restaurant on Botany Road countless times but had never stopped to try it. Until the other night. And man, am I mad that I didn’t try it earlier. My Mum & I were warmly greeted by the owner and he took the time to explain…
Caramel Hazelnut Slice from Cake & C
You really can’t beat a chocolate caramel slice for that afternoon sugar fix. Well, at least not until you’ve tried the Caramel Hazelnut slice ($5) from Cake & Co. I asked the girl behind the counter what she suggested from the mouth-watering display cabinet, and she hurriedly declared this slice to be her hands-down favourite….
Cheesecake & Turmeric Cinnamon Milk from Little Bird
If you’re familiar with Little Bird Organics, you’ll know that each and every item on their menu is delicious. I’ve been making a point of trying something new from their dessert cabinet each time I go, and this time it was the Strawberry Cheesecake & the Passionfruit Cheesecake (both $9/slice). One of the best things…
Strawberry Float from Wild Wheat
You know Summer is on its way when the strawberries start making an appearance, and I couldn’t be happier! Strawberries have always been a favourite fruit of mine and strawberry shortcake is one of my favourite desserts. Wild Wheat is now offering the ‘Strawberry Float’ ($4), which consists of a handmade pastry case topped with chocolate,…
Cake & Co in Ponsonby
After having lunch in Ponsonby the other day, I was on the hunt for something sweet and came across Cake & Co on Ponsonby Road. Since opening in December last year, Cake & Co has been making a name for themselves by only using fresh, natural ingredients and catering to many dietary restrictions. Here you…