New favourite cookie recipe

I got a new book a while ago which looked to have lots of great recipes for lovely treats such as cookies, cupcakes and brownies in it. I tried a couple out and was quite dissappointed with the results.

So it was back to the internet to find something yummy that actually works. I found these chocolate cookies!
They are quite soft and chewy, like a brownie-cookie. I love brownies so thats a great combo for me!

Also no eggs in these, but they do have yogurt. I suppose they are low fat, still plenty of sugar though.

This recipe makes 12 good size cookies.

Ingredients:
1 cup Self-raising flour (or plain with 1/4tsp bicarb)
good pinch of salt
4 tbsp butter/marg
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
7 tbsp cocoa powder
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Method:
- Preheat oven to about 180°c (350°f). Line two trays with baking paper or whatever you normally use.
- Measure out the flour and salt and chocolate chips into a mixing bowl.
- Melt the butter in the microwave or over a pan of hot water.
- Add the sugars, cocoa and vanilla to the butter and mix up to form a sandy goo. Add the yogurt and mix it in.
- Add the chocolate gloop into the flour and mix until combined.
- Use a spoon to make six blobs of mixture on each tray, make sure they are quite far apart.
- Pop them in the oven for about 10-12mins (depending on your oven)
- After 8 minutes mine looked really puffed up so I squished them down a bit with a fork them left them for another 2 minutes.
- Let them cool for a bit on the tray.
- Even better the next day, just like brownies.
- nom nom nom

I found this recipe over here The Little Chef   (no, not that Little Chef another one) who in turn found them here Orangette.
Wherever they came from orignally they officially rock!

Costumes from The Duchess

Last weekend I went to a big sewing show. There were lots of stalls selling beautiful materials from hand dyed silks to plastic buttons but possibly the best part was the exhibition space. Many talented textile artists had their work on display. I enjoyed seeing what people could do with fabrics not involving clothing - especially the 3d forms.

However I thought you guys might be intersted in this bit - there was an exhibition of dresses from the film The Duchess. They were freaking amazing. The fabrics were so detailed and rich. They looked pretty heavy though, check out those bustles.