Honeycomb for holiday fun

 

I'm back!!
It is January 14th, 2011 and I am FINALLY sitting down to blog once again. I do apologise for my absence since, dare I say it, early December!
  It was out of my control because I found out the hard way; I'm NOT superwoman, nor am I a super mum.
I always knew December was going to be busy, however, I didn't anticipate working 10-15 hour days, seven days a week plus trying to keep my family life in tack. Those rare days I finished work after a ten hour day and I didn't have to do a Christmas party, I would plonk myself on the couch with my family and veg out. Hopping onto a computer was the last thing I could ask of myself.

Anyway, after a fabulous holiday with my sister and the boys (hubby off in Italy 'working')  I feel rested, relaxed and ready for the new year.

I wasn't to sure what to blog first. I have been doing some great things in the kitchen, and I even managed to photograph a few of the dishes prepared. However, my timing is all up the creek so I am going to back date for a while, I really loved the recipes so bare with me!

It was the night before Max's last day of school and I was flat out with functions all week. It wasn't until I arrived home from picking them up from school the previous day that he reminds me at around 5 o'clock, "Mum, you PROMISED to make honeycomb for my end of year party"
Where I reply- "yes,yes, no worries......when is it?"
Max- "TOMORROW!!!" (as you can see, my kids were kind of over the fact that I was only at home for snippets of their life in December!)

A promise is a promise, so I dragged my sorry butt from the couch and began the process. Actually I have to admit is was fun. I got the boys into help with the chocolate dipping and then they put their own spin on it with sprinkles. In the end, I think they had more chocolate on them, then on the actual honeycomb but it was worth it. They looked so good I made another batch and gave it away to my clients as gifts and the response was fantastic.

If your stuck inside due to wintery conditions or like us, in the middle of the summer school holidays, honeycomb is a great activity to do with the kids. I advise an adult makes the actual honeycomb due to the sugar being extremely hot, but everything else the kids can manage....just don't expect your kitchen to remain chocolate free for a few days!

Honeycomb recipe

400grams castor sugar
100grams light honey
250grams liquid glucose
100ml water
1tablespoon bicarb soda

Put sugar, honey, glucose and water in a pot and bring to the boil.
Cook over a high heat until golden brown (150 degree on sugar thermometer)
Add bicarb and whisk quickly
Pour onto silicon paper and let set for 15-20 min or until cold
Once cool, snap by breaking with your hands, it will break into shards, so break into as many pieces as you like.

Once broken, melt down white chocolate and dip one side of the honeycomb in until covered. Wipe off excess chocolate and place on a rack to dry completely before dipping the other side in dark chocolate.
Note: Honeycomb HAS to be completely covered for it to last- air is it's enemy!
Store in an air tight container, DO NOT PUT IN FRIDGE.
Should last for two weeks but it usually gets eaten well before then.

  I think this was their favourite part!