VANILLEKIPFERL

These little biscuits are traditionally given for Valentines day in Germany, although I'm a little belated in my efforts, they are known as Vanillekipferl which translates as ' Vanilla mountain tops'.

I found this recipe in my new Bible, Rachel Allen's 'Bake'. Although this recipe was very very easy her book is actually a tad more challenging than most of my recipe books - which I love!! If any one would like this recipe please let me know...

These little moons go so well with fresh coffee, which is exactly what I did this afternoon, yum!

It is now so spring like in small subtle ways, I just love it when things start to come back to life. I even saw my first primroses and daffodils today. So inspired by spring and potential daffodils that I surprised myself and bought a bright buttercup yellow dress. If you see a blonde lady in bright yellow frolicking by you any time soon it can be no other than my spring-self!

This one's for Jen

Ever so sorry I have been hibernating this winter and as such have done very little in the way of artistic adventures.

However, having had such a relaxing and generous festive period/birthday I thought a small thank you card to my nearest and dearest was in order. I made this inspired by a baking book photograph, a little different from my usual people pictures I actually really enjoyed doing this one :)

My next challenge is a patchwork...Dum dum dum! My mama bought me a sewing machine for christmas which I am thrilled with and terrified of in equal measure. I'm trying to make a spring based one, in time for spring!? I'll keep you updated on my no doubt sloooooow progress.

It's all in the wrist

Recently I was victim to a knitting injury-yes, knitting induced! These mittens were harmless enough but when I enthusiastically began the next purple pair I sprained my dear right wrist. So I will just have to wait until part two of the mitten ensemble and make do with mittens-one, a lovely autumn sky blue colour. And they really do keep your paws toasty.

Has anyone noticed the sky recently? I havn't been out in the afternoons as much as I would like, which is everyday :) but I have been out and about often enough to see a few good skies. The Sidlaws is a secret hilly haven for walkers. I discovered them last Sunday where I found this:

A wispy, mitten blue sky with a bit of fire thown in. It sounds like a bad wine, or a dulux gloss...? Nevertheless you should try and stumble across one, good for the soul no doubt...

Gone Boating

We LOVE Autumn!!

I'm a bit of an autumn geek, I love the food and colours this time of year. Chris and I went to Faskally woods yesterday near Pitlochry and took it upon ourselves to have a 'boat-out', which I won :)

He who builds the best boat wins and it must be from natural materials. Here is Chris' 'Majesty'. His re-fashioned and more successful version. You may note that he copied my vertical sail idea!

My little boat was christened Chopper, after the rabbit we met later that day. It was such a relaxing way to spend a sunday, although our peaceful but competitive walk was followed by pretty mangy food from Pitlochry, those chips were ming! And the fudge was even worse!

However, this morning I baked a cobbler for a friend at work who has never lived (having never tasted let alone heard of a cobbler). It's similar to apple crumble but instead of the crumble topping you make simple scone like dollops with ground almonds, resembling a cobbled path. Apples are used mainly but brambles, blaeberries, rhubarb and plums would taste yum in this too. As soon as this photo was shot the whole plate had been devoured! I love stewed apples, mmm.

It's another of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's recipes so if anyone wants it let me know and I'll send it on...

Never ever use elderberries! I was so excited about baking with them as there heaps of them around about my flat but my word they are bitter. I was so dissappointed as they looked so pretty with their little garnet coloured berries. I later read somewhere that they are best used for jams and cordials etc, typical!

Go Forth and Make Jam!

Tis the season of the harvest, so I have made an enormous batch of plum and cinnamon jam. I had no idea it would make such a ridiculous amount, be warned!

But look at the colour-Mmm! This time of year is my absolute favourite, the colours of late summer/autumn are too beautiful. In the countryside the fields are maturing to a deep, relaxed ochre and the trees are beginning to turn their annual ambers and crimsons. It's enough to turn a girl romantic!

I am certainly mostly looking forward to the stodgy food of autumn, and the excuse to make plenty of fruit pies. Chutney is next on my list, a first timer to making it I hold no high expectations :)

Before I go, here is an image to remind us of the fading summer days before Autumn is completely upon us...Aaah Harris. This is Horgabost where we spent a few days camping on the dunes. This view is sorely missed as it was so refreshing to wake up to. Go to Harris!

Delia Sucks!

At last I have returned. Never again will praise for Delia's 'cheaty ways' be promoted on this blog. Chris (and most males his age) don't need any encouragement from a lazy old cook on how not to use any fresh ingredients.


So I have rebelled completely and created a freshness monster, a cake so large I had to cradle it between a large bowl and plate all the way home on the train. Now ladies, if ever you were needing a compliment pick me up try outdoor cake carrying. It's a bit like walking a dog, so many people (men) stop to compliment your prop and yourself :) I smiled all the way to Montrose.


This cake was taken from the far too mourish Divine Chocolate book that dear old Eliza gave me for christmas. It's a fresh strawberry (marinaded in orange and sugar), whipped cream, white chocolate cake. Strangely the white chocolate and butter were melted then added to the sponge, mmm. It was so generous and yummy I managed to sneak a corner home with me this morning. If anyone wants the recipe for this one just ask and I'll e-mail it to you. Well worth it.

Delia's dirty little cheat

Today was always planned as a quickie, as I had to nip off to play football in the eve. And so to one of my favourite quickies - tortillini filled with something (pesto on this occassion, it was meant to be spinich but I picked it up by mistake. Realised it doesn't matter though as this one tastes just the same). This was then mixed up with some kindly pre made tomato & mascarpone sauce. True to Delia's word the whole experience was over in under 10 minutes, including the eating part.

Some thought was put into the presentation however, you'll note the cheekily placed parsley (I think, could be some other herb) nestled on the side. Again, as with the butter yesterday this was merely a pose for the cameras.