In my mind no picnic is complete without some sweet treats.  Inspired by the fabulous Mars Bar Crackle I recently ate at Captains of Industry, I decided to recreate my own version to bring along to the birthday picnic. The entire double batch of Crackles (48 in total) disappeared very quickly and were given the ‘thumbs up’ by all.

Mars Bar Crackles

These Mars Bars Crackles literally only take 15 minutes to make (plus refrigeration time) – so are a quick and easy option next time you are on picnic or BBQ dessert duty.

Mars Bars Crackles
(Makes 24)

Ingredients

• ‘Fun Size’ Bag of 12 Mars Bars (or 4 regular sized Mars Bars, quartered)
• 120g unsalted butter
• 120g Rice Bubbles
• Small packet of Malteasers

Method

1. Place the Mars Bars and butter in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat, until the butter has melted. Whisk together until well combined.
2. Add the Rice Bubbles to the saucepan and stir until well combined, ensuring that all of the Rice Bubbles are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Working quickly before the mixture sets, place a Tablespoon of the mixture into each patty case. Stick a Malteaser on top of each Crackle.
4. Refrigerate until firm (minimum of two hours).

The finished product

To take a break from the chaos that is the pre-Christmas rush David Jones, we had lunch at Captains of Industry, a gorgeous cafe located on Level 1 of 2 Somerset Place – a little laneway just off Little Bourke Street.

Entrance from Somerset Place

Despite only being a few blocks from my office – and eating at +39 Pizza which is just across the road frequently – I never even knew Captains of Industry was there. I have to give The Brooding Architect credit for spotting this place.  As soon as we walked in and I spotted the empty Hendricks Gin bottles lining the walls, I knew that he had picked a winner.

Captains of Industry fittingly describe themselves as a ‘Gentlemans Outfitter and Cafe’. In addition to serving great coffee and top shelf cafe fare, you or the man (men?) in your life can also source:

The fit-out reflects the multipurpose nature and use of the space. There are old Singer Sewing Machines and leather over lockers incorporated onto some of the tables. You can also peak into the working barber shop and leather work rooms.

To make it through the second half of the ‘power shop’ we ordered 2 coffees ($3.50) each – a flat white pre-lunch and an espresso post-lunch. Try and sit on the window street overlooking Elizabeth Street – the perfect spot to peacefully enjoy your coffee while you watch the world (or frenzied Christmas shoppers streaming out of the GPO Building on Elizabeth Street) pass by.

Enjoying a flat white at the window seat

We ordered the B.L.AT ($9) and the Knuckle Sandwich ($10) to share.

The B.L.AT is a bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato sandwich on fresh, crusty bread roll, served with lots of HP sauce and a zesty herb mayonnaise. The B.L.AT is the perfect gentlemens sandwich – it is substantial, has crispy bacon, plus some obligatory greens (in the form of the peppery rocket).

B.L.A.T - Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado & Tomato Sandwich

The Knuckle Sandwich combines all of my absolute favourite things – smoked ham hock, sweet pickles, cauliflower, tangy, sharp cheddar cheese and mustard - and puts them between two thick slices of sourdough bread.

Knuckle Sandwich - Smoked ham hock, sweet pickles, cauliflower, tangy, sharp cheddar cheese and mustard.

Without even tasting the Knuckle Sandwich I knew that it would be incredible. It was. There is just something magical about the combination of sweet smoky pork, pickles and cheese. Here it is again – up close for your viewing pleasure.

Knuckle Sandwich Up Close

For my “lunch dessert” (not to be confused with “breakfast dessert” which I have spoken about previously), I ordered a Mars Bar Crackle - a mouthful of chewy, choclatey, rice bubbly goodness. At a mere $1, too cheap not to buy at least one – also definitely far too good and too small to share. The perfect sweet treat with a strong espresso.

Mars Bar Crackle

After a much needed caffeine and food break, we managed to get through the rest of the Christmas shopping and thankfully only have one present left to buy. The Brooding Architect still has to pick something up for his office Secret Santa though. I suggested this T-Shirt or the usual Architect friendly Pantone Mug (in Process Black C of course), however suspect they may not be taken up. Gift suggestions under $20 most welcome.