As promised, here is a great quick recipe for cupcakes that EVERYONE will love. They are a bit expensive to make because of the Nutella, but since when did decadence not come at a price? You could substitute the good stuff with that cheap imitation stuff – but you know it won't be the same. So go on – spoil yourself! You need:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
140 g butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
3 medium eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup Nutella

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Next, line 12 muffin tins with cupcake or muffin liners. Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder in a medium bowl and leave aside. Cream together the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl till texture is light. Add in the eggs, one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add in the dry ingredients into the wet and mix till well-mixed. Fill up each liner with batter till about 3/4 full. Finally top up each cupcake with approximately 1 tbsp of Nutella. Use a toothpick to swirl the Nutella into the batter. Pop in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Had a bad day? Well here is my answer to all your problems. It requires very little effort and will guarantee to lift your spirits. From great sports cars, beautiful women and pasta, the Italians have made a wonderful contribution to this planet. However, there is one item that tops them all. Nutella – or simply put, heaven in a jar.


Grab yourself a freshly backed ciabatta loaf, slice two 15mm cuts and toast lightly in a panini press. Generously spread the Nutella between the two slices, make yourself a cup of coffee and that's it. My perfect end to a crap day at the office. Stay tuned for some great Nutella inspired recipes...