Coconut and White Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

50 grams Raw Sugar

40 grams Shredded Coconut

85 grams White Chocolate Melts

65 grams Butter, softened

250 grams Plain Flour

1 x Egg

1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence 

1 teaspoon baking powder

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees and line a baking tray with paper 

2. Place Shredded Coconut into the Thermomix - Press the turbo button seven times to break into smaller pieces. Place Coconut into a bowl for later. 

3.Place White Chocolate melts into the Thermomix. Press the turbo button seven times to break into small pieces. Place White Chocolate into the bowl with the coconut for later. 

4.  Place Raw Sugar in the Thermomix and place on Speed 10 for 3 seconds. 

5. Add butter to the mixture and blitz on Speed 2 or 25 seconds

6. Add Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vanilla and the Egg to the mixture and mix for 1 minute on speed 3

7. Add Chocolate and Coconut to the mixture and select the stir button for 15 seconds 

8. Roll mixture into small balls, about the size of a 20 cent piece and place on the baking tray and flatten slightly

 9. Place cookies into the oven and bake for 15-20 minute or until golden

10. Place cookies on a wire rack to cool then enjoy

Makes 18 cookies

Book Discussion - The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Choosing novels to read for Book Club is one of my greatest joys! I literally have multiple books I think will be great to read together and sometimes need to sideline a book I am dying to read so I can share the experience with our Book Club. 

The Collected works of A.J. Fikry is one of those novels I have been dying to read, and if you haven't read it add it to your list as it is even better than you anticipate

Here is a little insight into the questions from this months Book Club Discussion

Discussion Point One - 'Lamb to the Slaughter' Successful opening for the novel The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry?

Discussion Point Two - Amelia asks her unsuccessful date the book that had the greatest influence on his life. What book would that be for you?

Discussion Point Three - 'Her mother likes to say that novels have ruined Amelia for real men' Do you agree to some extent and who would be your ultimate character from a novel? 

Discussion Point Four - Island Books sounds like a great place to relax and read especially with the slogan 'No Man is an Island, Every book is a World' Discuss what this means to you as an avid reader

Discussion Point Five - A.J. Fikry shares what he dislikes in books rather than what he likes after he is asked about his tastes by Amelia. Do you agree with his beliefs in some f the genres available? Was it easier for Fikry to share his list of dislikes or was this the start to knowing his true character a bit more?

Discussion Point Six - Mr. Fikry wanted a task that was physical but not strenuous while his vindaloo is in the microwave. He ended up folding book boxes. From what we know about Mr. Fikry how do you find him as a main character?

Discussion Point Seven - 'They had only ever discussed books but what, in this life, is more personal than books? Discuss 

Discussion Point Eight - Tragedy had hit Fikry when his wife died suddenly. 'If this were a novel, I'd stop reading right now. I'd throw it across the room. Discuss this power statement from a dedicated booklover especially the fact the cop (a 'non-reader) tried to bring the conversation back to 'reality'

Discussion Point Nine - Despite owning a book store and having a passion for books Mr. Fikry does not like writers. Why do you think Mr. Fikry is the way he is? 

Discussion Point Ten - A rare copy of Tamerlane has been 'stolen' from A.J.'s apartment. When he realises he ran to the police station. Why do you think he ran to the police station rather than ringing? 

If you would love to join the Sweet Little Pretties Book Club please email me at sweetlittlepretties@gmail.com August Book Club selection is The Secret Garden by Francis 

Book Blast - Have you seen my tail? by Kathryn Harper

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the adorable picture book "Have You Seen My Tail?" by Kathryn Harper.

About the Book

Title: Have You Seen My Tail? (Katie-Jane, Book #2) | Author & Illustrator: Kathryn Harper | Publication Date: July, 2014 | Publisher: Green Cup Publishing | Pages: 36 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Summary: Anyone who has ever struggled to accept - or longed to experience - change of any kind will be able to relate to Katie-Jane's second story, "Have You Seen My Tail?" Using rhyming verse, and laugh-out-loud moments, Katie-Jane begins this story feeling bored. She is surprised and shocked as she meets a butterfly, a frog and a snake; who are all struggling to accept the recent big changes in their lives. Different perspectives help all four characters to accept their own situations, and embrace change in the way life offers it to them. "Have You Seen My Tail?" is the second book in the six-part Katie-Jane series, designed to encourage the reader to 'be the very best version of you.'  

Sneak Peek

 

Purchase

Amazon | Book Website

You can also purchase the first book in the Katie-Jane Series, "Am I a Chameleon?" by clicking the book cover below:

 

Early Buzz About the Book

"Author Kathryn Harper offers insightful questions and answers at the end of the book explaining how she feels about change. I love how these insightful thoughts give the reader a chance to verbalize their own feelings. Like her other books, the illustrations are beautiful and vivid. Each of the animals has a wonderfully rich texture, color, and personality. The Katie-Jane books continue to not disappoint, I look forward to seeing the next books in the series." ~ 5 Star Review, Katherine R., Amazon

"Katie-Jane is a very sweet character in "Have You Seen My Tail?" She helps to explain change in a gentle and unsuspecting way. This is the second book in the series for Author, Kathryn Harper. She writes a relatable story that children all over the world can grasp and understand. " ~ 5 Star Review, Mary Jo P., Amazon

 

About the Author: Kathryn Harper

I have always loved to write, draw and create, but my books are inspired by more than my love for their medium. As a child I was selective mute. Both my struggles and my breakthroughs are a source of inspiration toward creating Katie-Jane and her stories. I grew up in the UK, after living in Johannesburg between the ages of two and five. Today I live in Wanaka, New Zealand, with my two gorgeous children and partner, Simon. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to call this place home, where an adventure can begin every time we step outside.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

 

  Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 21, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Kathryn Harper and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Organise your Kitchenaid Accessories

One thing I have been looking forward to is organising my kitchen - it is my happy place and I knew exactly how I wanted it.

With a recent move I am lucky enough to have a cupboard dedicated to Pearl the KitchenAid and Poppy the Thermomix with their second bowls, attachments and accessories, but this cupboard needs to be organised. 

I am currently working on a pantry printable and organisation cheat sheet but at today I was to share How to Organise your KitchenAid accessories. 

I have 4 attachments for Pearl

 - Dough Hook

- Flat Beater

- Flex Edge Beater 

and Whisk

Easiest way to keep your attachments organised and also accessible and neat all the time? 

Attach them to the door directly where all your accessories live, also with the machine located directly above this cupboard it is easier

I brought 4 x 3M Hooks and measured my door compared to the ensure and room once the door has been shut

Clever Storage and extra space on the kitchen bench and within in cupboard is always better so why not adapt this to create more room in your kitchen

Book Blast - Flight of the Mite by Grayson Smith

Title: Flight of the Mite | Author: Grayson Smith | Illustrator: Alana Kyle | Publication Date: 2013 | Publisher: Peppermint Toast Publishing: Independent | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 | Reviewed by: Renee and Dominic (Mother and Son) Information About The Book: A tale of wonder and imagination, Flight of the Mite is a children's read-aloud picture book, written by Grayson Smith and illustrated by Alana Kyle. As a tiny mite stares in wonder at the nighttime stars, she becomes certain that if she were only able to travel to them, she would meet a world of wondrous creatures. She determines to build a flying contraption, and through persistence, ingenuity, and wise counsel, journeys to the nearest star. There she encounters the Others of her dreams and finds herself on an adventure where she learns that her imagination is her most important tool! This story of imagination, courage, and determination is perfect for the little mite in your life! Flight of the Mite is the first book published by the independent small press, Peppermint Toast Publishing, out of New Westminster, British Columbia. Peppermint Toast Publishing strives to work with emerging authors and artists towards the high-quality and environmentally-friendly publication of children's picture books and literature, in profit-sharing partnership with local charitable organizations.  

Purchase

Peppermint Toast Publishing is happy to be contributing $3 from the sales for each copy of Flight of the Mite sold, going to help sick kids get better at BC Children’s Hospital. Visit their Online Store to purchase your copy!

Peppermint Toast Publishing | Amazon (Canada)

The Buzz About the Book

Mother and Son Review by MDBR: "Flight of the Mite is a delightful, rhyming picture book featuring an adorable little mite who dreams big as the main character; a magical story underscoring the importance of imagination in children's development; and absolutely gorgeous and whimsical illustrations. I highly recommend this book to children ages 3 to 8 and I think it would be a great choice for reading aloud to children in a classroom or library setting."

"This is our new favourite story to read and will be a book that we will be keeping to pass down to future member of our family." ~ Raincity Parent

"This wonderful piece of children’s literature is well crafted and appropriate for children and adults, the message is clear, embrace diversity, ones weakness may actually be strength. The most interesting and entertaining part is that there is a consistent rhythm and rhyme to the story, keeping the powerful message light and playful." ~ Active Lee Dadding

" I have read the sweetest story!...The combination of these two talents [i.e., the author and illustrator] working together has left us with a sweet rhyming story about a little mites big imagination." ~ Moments in Mommyland

"I recently received a new children’s book to review called Flight of the Mite. So of course I went to the best critic in the house – my 4 year old son[...]. We sat down to read the story together and discovered a delightful tale about imagination and discovery... The illustrations are delightful and [my son] insisted that we stop to discuss some of them along the way. There was more than one “wow!” over a picture of the mite climbing a dandelion." ~ Prenatal to Parenting

 

About the Author: Grayson Smith

Grayson Smith was born in Alberta, but attended a boarding school in Germany for 11 years. After high school, he attended SFU, where he obtained a degree in Criminology and met his beautiful wife, Linda. Throughout university, Grayson wrote stories when he should have been paying attention in class. After completing his degree, he became a police officer, and still enjoys that job thoroughly. As of 2012, Grayson gets to re-envision the world through the eyes of his baby son, Josiah. Writing is a wonderful way for Grayson to express the silliness and vagary that simmers beneath his well-practiced outer layer of respectability and professionalism.    

About the Illustrator: Alana Kyle

Alana Kyle was born and raised in the Lower Mainland. As a small child, she was sweet, quiet, and frequently lost inside her own head. Ever since she was young, she was motivated by her love of artistic creativity and attention to detail, and remains captivated by storybooks and imagination. Alana attended and graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and also obtained a three-year diploma of Illustration and Design from Capilano University. She works as an illustrator and graphic designer, and lives in Coquitlam.  

Links to More Information

Peppermint Toast Publishing | Twitter | Goodreads

Facebook (Peppermint Toast Publishing) | Facebook (Flight of the Mite)

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

 

  Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: August 19, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Grayson Smith and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway