Natalie Bakes... Cupcakes and strawberry parcels

Hi all,
This week has been a busy one though sadly not for baking. We took the boys swimming on Sunday morning so there was not enough time for a big bake however we did take over some cupcakes decorated with help from Frankie and George. This week we have already made strawberry parcels which are Frankie's favourite. He asks me every week if we can make them or ginger bread men. So I've added a picture of both the cupcakes and the parcels.
We had a great dinner on Saturday, it was a new recipe, Cajun pork with green beans. The chops were rubbed in chilli powder, sage, cumin, paprika and pepper then fried on a high heat. The were delicious and surprising filling. Tonight I am trying something new again we are having beef stroganoff. I have only ever tried my Dad's so it will be interesting to see if I like my own version. I don't think I have made a meal yet that it nicer than my Dad's. Cakes and sweet treats I can make but dinner has never been my strong point. When it comes to dinners I did not get off to the best start. The first example of this was the Chilli cook off that my family did. We all made a chilli and took it over to my Uncles, he laid them out on the table so we could all taste them and rate them. Mine obviously came last! I was devestated! And have since always bought jars.
The second example was the first and last curry I ever made my Hubby. I have been measuring out the ingredients for my Dad's curry since I knew the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon. I loved making them with my Dad and figured how hard could the actual cooking be. I made Chicken Chat for us when we were house sitting for my parents. I served it to Andy, finished the washing up and sat down to eat mine but saw Andy's face. He was disgusted but clearly trying to hide it lol. He asked me how much salt I had put in. I said a tablespoon and tried mine. Too much salt. I checked the cookbook and realised that I had put a tablespoon instead of a teaspoon! It was then thrown in the bin and we had omelettes (I've always been good at making those). I also use jars for currys now too. One day I will attempt them both again as it seems slightly ridicluous that I use jars for dinner but won't even contemplate using shop bought puff pastry.

Strawberry Parcels 

Cupcakes

Well until next week!