And in the blink of an eye, another week has gone and we're approaching the end of September! I'm not entirely sure how that happened... Grab yourself a cuppa (or a beer) and strap in, this is a long one. Surprise Trip to Cheltenham This week saw a surprise and impromptu visit to one of… Continue reading Five things that made me smile this week
Category: Recipes
Hello autumn, I’ve been waiting for you (and an excuse to cook a blackberry loaf)
"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face." John Done. The nights are drawing in, the sunsets are turning the sky on fire, the mornings are becoming crisp, blackberries are plump and ripe for picking, and the sloes are turning purple, ready for picking after the first… Continue reading Hello autumn, I’ve been waiting for you (and an excuse to cook a blackberry loaf)
National Vegetarian Week
Even though I'm not a huge meat eater, the thought of going vegetarian for a week feels a bit daunting, but I'm going to give it a go! I'm totally behind this and the awareness it raises is really positive, especially with people's diets changing. It's almost impossible to avoid knowing that veganism is on… Continue reading National Vegetarian Week
A sloe weekend
How glorious have the sunrises been this week? We've had a few freak weather days with glorious hot weather and I know I shouldn't complain, but I just want the cool, autumnal weather and an excuse to put the fire on. Its been a busy few weeks, so it's nice to spend some time at… Continue reading A sloe weekend
Life-Changing, No-Knead Bread
Yes, it is life-changing. Well as long as you don't have a wheat allergy and as long as you eat bread, but who doesn't eat bread? I buy a loaf of bread most weeks and I love a multi-seeded or granary loaf but nothing beats a crunchy-topped white loaf or a sourdough with salted butter.… Continue reading Life-Changing, No-Knead Bread
Homemade Pizza Dough for Two Bases
I love pizza. I love everything about it. The thin crispy base, the cheesy, ozzy toppings, the smell, the chewy centre and the crisp edges - what's not to love? Since I met the Handsome One we have been making our own pizza bases, but most recipes are for at least half a dozen bases… Continue reading Homemade Pizza Dough for Two Bases
Homemade Rhubarb Vodka
You can probably sense a bit of a rhubarb theme at the moment... The neighbours have a crown of rhubarb that is such a prolific grower and they are constantly telling us to help ourselves, so we wouldn't be very good neighbours if we didn't. A few weeks we made rhubarb & ginger jam (and the… Continue reading Homemade Rhubarb Vodka
Pickled Onions – Two Ways
I love pickled onions, they are one of the best condiments and homemade ones are the absolute best. When the Handsome One and I moved in together in July 2017, I started pretty much straight away started planning Christmas and making pickled onions, along with chutney, jam and mincemeat was high up on the to-do… Continue reading Pickled Onions – Two Ways
Elderberry Jam Recipe
T'is the time of year to pick those gorgeous, dark fruits and transform them into something even more tasty. You'll probably know this, but elderberries are what happens when you don't pick the elderflowers to make cordial (or gin). They're slightly tart, little berries of joy - I absolutely love them but this is the… Continue reading Elderberry Jam Recipe
Five Things Friday
Hello Friday, you little beauty you. This week has felt incredibly long, so I'm exceptionally pleased Friday has arrived. Aretha Franklin I still can't believe Aretha Franklin has passed away. I grew up with her music; her songs are in some of my favourite films (My Best Friend's Wedding being one of them), her music… Continue reading Five Things Friday
Abi in the Garden 