Baby Steps

As our imminent to move to a countryside village draws closer, I have spent the past few weeks preparing for the rural life. Louie and I have spent days driving around the local area, getting to grips with the local shops and visiting places we can spend time in the future.

This weekend however, we have concentrated on the rural tradition of preserving. I can't wait until we will have produce from our own garden to make goodies from, but as we don't have the resources this year, we have sourced ingredients from the local area. On todays menu was Damson Jam, Tomato Relish and Malted Bread, all of which were made with local ingredients. The feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming!

It is a very exciting time for us at present, with Louie starting school and us moving in to our first home. You may need to bear with us at times, but we will be back, and bigger than ever by the looks of it, with lots  and lots more treats like these!

Valentines Weekend

Dan and I celebrated St Valentines day in a gorgeous country pub out near Bosworth Field. A four course meal followed by cocktails and a stay in a very comfy four poster bed was lovely. And I was even surprised with a pair of beautiful pearl earrings. The view from the window was a lovely quiet field, being battered by the rain!

I baked a fruit loaf for our Sunday breakfast, jeweled with cranberries, sultanas and blueberries, it was delightful with a cup of tea.

Four mini quiches ready for this weeks lunchboxes. Ham hock, leek and mustard with a lovely strong cheddar, I can't wait to scoff them! Yum! 

As the boys were playing quietly upstairs, I thought I would get my watercolours out for a little while, until this monster decided to come and say hello. Note the back paw resting on the tipped over water.... Well done Sonny! Luckily his usually muddy paws didn't make a mess, but he was rather in the way. (And doesn't he look pleased with himself about it...)

Foodie Weekend

 

This weekend started off with a woodland walk and mainly revolved around food.

Homemade Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
With a risotto stuffed flat mushroom, topped with herby breadcrumbs and a salad.
Focaccia turned grilled deli sandwich with tomato, salami, mozzarella and pesto.

Lemon and Thyme Roasted Chicken
A traditional Sunday roast. Chicken, roasties, sweet potato, parsnips, stuffing, steamed vegetables. A feast. Followed by a delicious chocolate rice pudding, skin on.
Wholemeal seeded loaf baked for tomorrows left over chicken and stuffing sandwiches. 

Back into the Swing

After three weeks holiday over Christmas, then a week of extra at work I am so glad to be back to normal. A little peace and normality has been resumed. This morning I took Mr Bee for his annual pottery painting, making a birthday party piece for his party. This years theme is still under wraps, a big surprise for our little chap.
Then an afternoon in the kitchen (making as much mess as possible...). A home baked bloomer, a delicious Carrot and Coriander soup, a first in our kitchen, certainly not the last and a deliciously moist Chocolate Guinness Cake which I haven't made since I was a teenager.

Routine never felt so good.

Fougasse

First bread of the year and a new recipe, a french Fougasse. I was so pleased with how they turned out for a first attempt. It accompanied our Tomato, Chorizo and Chickpea soup wonderfully. Mr Bee particularly liked the poppy seeds! 

This Week

It has been a funny old week. Last week of work before the holidays (just one day to go!), baking bread, enjoying hearty soup and making christmassy treats, even though the Christmas spirit is just not sinking in this year.
Friday I finally had my first physio appointment which has crippled me for the weekend! Today we had a hobble around Calke Abbey for a visit to Father Christmas. Mr Bee was stricken by shyness and wouldn't look at Santa, let alone talk to him :(, aside from that, he has been a little angel all weekend.

Yesterday
Pancakes for breakfast, bread making Wednesday ritual, beautiful skies and homemade barm cakes (on National Lancashire day apparently!) to have with our favourite yummy veggie burgers. 

Our Weekend

As told by food...

 Homemade Garlic Baguettes

 Papa's Bolognese Al Forno

Bruschetta

Chunky tomato soup with mixed beans and orzo, with a malted cottage loaf and home made croutons.

Mocha Cake

Snippets

Baking, cleaning, listening to music, whoopie pies, funny faces, books, jigsaw puzzles and cheese topped malt rolls.

Catching up

A misty trip to Lancashire

An amazing savory brioche couronne

 Fungi in the garden

 Malted Cob

 A birthday tea party with lots of cake!

 The annual fireworks party.

So sorry that we have dropped off the edge of the earth, we will be back as usual very soon!