Merry Christmas

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends, family and followers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe 2011. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can in the New Year to create amazing photography that will be enjoyed forever.

I hope you continue to check out my blog and see what I'm up to. See you in 2011!!

Vintage Garden Handmade Jewellery

Today I got to photograph this beautiful handmade jewellery. Aren't the colours gorgeous? Make sure you have a look at the Vintage Garden blog - vintagegardenjewellery.blogspot.com or you can find them on Facebook.

Summer fruit

What's your favourite summer fruit? Our garden has a bumper crop of figs this year and my 3 year old can't get enough. I have so many favourites I can't choose.

Passionfruit Cheesecake

Thanks to my sister for this yummy cheesecake recipe. Hope you enjoy!


200g butternut cookies
1 egg white, beaten lightly
40g margarine, melted
1 tablespoon gelatine
1/4 cup water
250g light cream cheese
1/2 cup caster sugar
300ml light thickened cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh or canned passionfruit pulp
2 egg whites, extra
extra passionfruit for serving

Preheat oven to moderate (180C/160C fan forced)

Blend or process biscuits until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Transfer into a bowl, stir in egg white and margarine. Press mixture evenly over the base of a 22cm springform tin with wet hands. Bake in a moderate oven for about 10 minutes or until browned lightly.

Sprinkle gelatine over water in a small heatproof jug. Stand jug in a small saucepan of simmering water. Stir until gelatine dissolves. Cool 5 minutes. Beat cream cheese and half the sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add cream, beat until thickened. Stir in juice, passionfruit and gelatine.

Beat extra egg whites in a clean small bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar, beating until dissolved between each addition. Fold into the passionfruit mixture. Pour mixture over biscuit base and smooth top. Cover cheesecake. Refrigerate for 6 hours or until firm.

Central Coast Family and Childrens' Photographer

I met Heather through an online forum when we were both pregnant with our now 2 year old girls and have since become 'virtual' friends. I was so excited when she asked me to take her family photos and when we finally met in person, it felt like I'd known her for years. We had to reschedule once and because we live a long way apart, decided to meet up at Olympic Park. Her 2 daughters are absolutely gorgeous and I had so much fun with the family. Poor two year old Jane was tired and had a minor meltdown and we had to dodge some light rain, but I think we got some great shots in the end.

Florentines

We love florentines in this house so I decided to try and make them myself. Thankfully this recipe is really easy and they turned out great even if I do say so myself. We took them to a family gathering on the weekend and they were snapped up very quickly.

1 1/4 cups sultanas
1 1/4 cups peanuts (I used flaked almonds for mine)
3 cups cornflakes
1 tin condensed milk
125g chocolate

Combine all ingredients except chocolate in a large bowl.
Line baking trays with paper.
Drop mixture into small heaps on trays.
Bake in moderately slow oven for 15-20 mins.
Allow to cool before lifting off the trays.
Chop chocolate and melt over a saucepan of hot water.
Spread melted chocolate over base of biscuit and allow to set.

Enjoy!

Christmas is on its way

Only 7 weeks until Christmas so I thought I'd start thinking about getting a photo of my daughters to use on our Christmas cards this year. I make and sell greeting cards from photos I take so thought I should definitely make my own personal Christmas cards this year. The girls were tired, the ground was muddy and in hindsight I probably should have waited for a better time. But here is what I came home with. Some very funny grumpy shots of my eldest daughter but there may be a winner in amongst them. Hope you enjoy them.

New Beginnings

My sister found this nest with 2 tiny bird's eggs in her garden. The poor little nest had fallen out of it's tree and the eggs had gone cold. She brough it around to show my girls and I couldn't resist taking some photographs as I loved the shape and colours. I've called it 'New Beginnings' which is good timing since my part time photography business has really just started out in the past couple of weeks. I've had flyers printed and a website launched. So why not check out www.kathrynjewkes.com.au and if you know of anyone wanting some portraits taken in time for Christmas, let them know about me too.

Newborn Photographer - Hayley

I had such fun playing with teeny Hayley. Isn't she adorable?

Sundried Tomato and Herb Muffins

Thanks to one of my mothers group friends for this great recipes. They were a big hit at my daughter's birthday party and so easy to make. They freeze well too so can be cooked well ahead of time.

1 cup plain flour
1/3 tsp salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
1 1/2 cups grated tasty cheese
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped

Preheat oven to 200C, grease muffin tin.

Sift together flour, salt and baking powder.

Make egg up to 1 cup with water and mix with flour and remaining ingredients until just combined.

3/4 fill prepared muffin tins and bake until golden brown.

Lucy turns 2

Happy 2nd birthday to my youngest daughter. We had a fun morning tea with family to celebrate.

Pettiskirt Pretties