What Laura Made: October 2013

I use to love going to the cinema. My friends and I back in Australia use to go for a girls night about every two weeks as it was a cheap night out for us and a good way to catch up frequently.

Now that I live in London, going to the cinema is definitely a 'pay day' activity (though most things in London are pay day activities), so I don't tend to go nearly as much as I use too.

At the weekend, I was lucky enough to catch two films, The Fifth Estate and Captain Phillips.

I enjoyed both films, however Captain Phillips really stood out for me and I thought was brilliant. Though the film struck me on another level, as I work in Marine Underwriting, it was really confronting to see what the crew of these ships can actually be confronted with in in their everyday job. Its very easy to remove yourself from what we do in the London office from the reality of what can happen at seas everyday. It is definitely a must see, and Tom Hanks is fantastic (as always).

Anyway, I thought I would just share my little tip for making going to the cinema a little bit more enjoyable and that is making your own popcorn. Seriously so much better than the stale stuff they serve for way over the top prices.

Sweet and Salty Popcorn

60ml Vegetable Oil

120g Popcorn kernels

60g sugar

1 tsp sea salt

Heat oil over medium heat in a large saucepan and add the popcorn kernels.
Cover the pan with a well fitting lid and shake to coat the kernels with oil.

When the oil starts to sizzle, sprinkle the sugar over the kernels.

Replace the lid and continue to shake the pan occasionally until the popping stops.

Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 30 seconds.

Toss the popcorn and salt together.

And so a special treat, maybe mix some sweets into the bag!

Happy Baking x

I would like to say thank you to some of my readers for pestering me to write. I have actually been surprised at the number of people who I did not even know read my blog and noticed my absence over the last few months. Most of the time when I write an entry, I just assume no one will actually read it. I have always blogged for myself, but it is nice to know people actually like to see what I have been up too baking wise. So thank you!

It has been awhile since my last entry and a lot has changed in my life since then. I have had an amazing summer and had many new experiences (the good and the not so good), but such is life and these experiences are what it’s all about right?

Anyway, today I wanted to dedicate my first entry back to the new Mr & Mrs Wheeler. I had the pleasure of being involved in their big day and loved every minute of it and want to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck with their life together.

My lovely friend Mel (the beautiful bride) asked me if I could assist Simon's (the handsome groom) mum with the Afternoon Tea. I provided ten dozen cupcakes, alongside the numerous loaf cakes his mum would be baking and as well as proper fruit wedding cake (which I was very excited for, as I love fruitcake). I was more than happy to provide my services and had the well-equipped kitchen down on the farm in Kent all to myself on the Friday to get on with the baking.

On the big day, there was a lot to be done including many meters of bunting to be hung. We did get there in the end, though I was still running around in wellies as guests started to arrive and only my make up done.

I took a few photos on the day to share, starting with the cupcakes...