Thursday 26 January 2012

Cookie Pops

Cookie Pops!  


I have had a bit of a love affair with these delicious morsels that my husband, Tom calls 'a little taste of heaven' for a while now.  


You could almost describe them as the perfect treat - they are so beautiful to look at on the outside and oh so delicious to eat on the inside! They have certainly been very popular on Sooti & Sweet dessert tables.


My favourite recipe is for Tim Tam cookie pops and is courtesy of Bubble and Sweet (www.bubbleandsweet.blogspot.com).  Here it is:


1 packet of Tim Tams
80g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
375g choc melts (I like Nestle white melts best)
Lollipop sticks


1.  Crush Tim Tams finely in a food processor.
2.  Add cream cheese and pulse until mixture is smooth and forms a ball.
3.  Shape mixture into balls, using the palms of your hands to roll into shape.  I measure the mixture first to ensure all balls are even in size (15grams).  If the mixture is too soft to shape into balls, refrigerate for a short time until the mixture firms up a little.
4.  Refrigerate balls of mixture until firm.
5.  Melt some of the chocolate melts.  To secure the lollipop sticks, dip the end of the lollipop stick into the chocolate and push firmly into the chocolate ball.  Refrigerate until chocolate sets.
6.  Melt the remaining chocolate melts until smooth.  Dip the chocolate balls into the chocolate and coat evenly.  Allow excess to drip off before placing in a holder to set (you can use a styrofoam block covered in cling wrap).  I often place mine down directly onto a metal tray, lined with baking paper.  
7.  Refrigerate and then decorate if you wish using coloured sugar, fondant shapes, sprinkles, ribbon, etc.


Over the past few weeks, I have been practising my cookie pop making and decorating skills.  Here are a few photos of my creations!




Tim Tam cookie pops, coated in white  chocolate (Nestle melts) and decorated with yellow sugar and white ribbon




Tim Tam cookie pops coated in white chocolate (Nestle melts) and decorated with white and silver ribbon






Tim Tam cookie pops coated in white chocolate (Nestle melts) and pink candy melts (Wilton's) with pink and white ribbon


I hope you enjoy the recipe and creating your own cookie pops at home.  I'd love to see some photos and hear your decorating ideas.

Happy baking!

Much love,

Nicole x

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Welcome to Sooti & Sweet!

Hi there!


My name is Nicole and I am the founder of Sooti & Sweet.  
Growing up, my mum and dad loved to entertain at home. My family is known amongst our friends and extended family for 'throwing a good party' with food and drink aplenty!  It is from this, that my love of entertaining and organising and styling events has grown.


Sooti & Sweet was established in November 2011.  I had always wanted to start my own event design and styling business but never quite had the courage.  


At our son Ollie's Christening, I designed a colourful lolly table and styled our venue.  I received so many wonderful compliments from friends and family!  So with this encouragement as well as the support from my gorgeous husband, Tom, I decided to fulfil my dream and Sooti & Sweet was born.


It has been such an exciting adventure so far and I have learnt a lot!  I have been thrilled to work with several clients, helping to achieve a memorable event for them and their guests.  It's an honour to be involved in such special days!


I hope you enjoy reading my blog and viewing some of my work and designs and the inspiration behind them.


Much love,


Nicole x