Choc-nut slice

Base:
1c self raising flour
2tbsp cocoa
1/2c castor sugar
2/3c shredded coconut
125g melted butter
1tsp vanilla
125g chopped nuts (I used walnuts)

- Preheat oven to 180 deg C
- Sift flour and cocoa into a large bowl. Stir in sugar and coconut.
- Add butter, vanilla and nuts and stir until well combined.
- Press mixture into a lined tin, approx 28x18cm, and take for 20 mins or until golden brown.
- Allow slice to cool thoroughly before removing from the tin and icing.

Icing:
1c icing sugar
1tbsp cocoa
15g melted butter
1.5-2tbsp milk
60g chopped nuts (I used hazelnuts)

- Sift icing sugar and cocoa into a mixing bowl and add melted butter and enough milk to make a smooth, spreadable icing.
- Spread evenly over the base (make sure it's cool!) and sprinkly the nuts over the top.
- Leave to set for approx 1 hour before serving.

This was delicious! This was possible my favourite thing that I have ever made (except banana cake, my eternal favourite). I LOVE hazelnuts, and walnuts, and peanuts.... you get the picture! Would definitely make this again!

Maple walnut muffins

2c flour
1tbsp baking powder
1tsp salt
1/2c (125g) butter
1/2c packed tightly brown sugar
1/2c maple syrup
2 eggs
3/4c milk
1/2c walnuts

- Preheat oven to 180deg C
- Sift four, baking powder and salt
- Cream butter and sugar, stir in maple syrup and beat in eggs.
- Add flour mixture alternately with milk until well combined
- Spoon batter into muffin cups about 3/4 full (this recipe made 15 muffins for me)
- Bake for 20 mins or until toothpick comes out clean.

These turned out rather well, even though I'm not a huge muffin fan. I'll admit, I ate a couple, and I rarely eat any of my own baking (go figure!) Boyfriend particularly loved them, it makes a nice change from chocolate or banana muffins, that's for sure!