Picnics with Feet

This rather sad looking tart was originally a Date, Cardamom and Orange tart for my wonderful friend Emma's birthday...however it was destined for disaster.

Choosing to have a picnic with fragile food stuffs is probably a silly thing to do at the best of times, especially when there is a little one around but it was just too beautiful an evening to pass up eating outside. Two minutes was all it took for devastation on a mass scale - Lily, Emma's unsuspecting one year old trampled in my hours of hard work. Noooooo!

It was salvagable and so later when about to slice up the remainder of the tart there was not one, but two little Lily footprints in our tart! And that's not all, low and behold I stood in the bloody thing when taking pictures.

I havn't even mentioned the houmous...if you enjoy your food messy stylee picnics in a park, on a sunny eve with Lily are the way to go. It was such a great evening. So much so that our nest door neighbour (houmous victim) wrote a funny poem about it that night. Alls well that ends well.

The Cloud Maker and Joe

Joe had finally found the cloud maker...it was Edgar the man of old blowing his brass horn.

"The surest way to create a cloud is to imagine the lightest, fluffiest, yummiest food...what are you thinking of?", replied Old Edgar.

"Pavlova!"

I met a chap in Vancouver who told me a tale about Joe and his obsessive search for the clouds and how best he could be among them. I won't ruin the ending but he finds that he just needed a little imagination instead of straining so hard to see them.

It was a good story so I have been trying to capture it in a picture but it never seems to quite hit the spot. This is the closest I have got to it so far. I have to say that Edgar seems like quite a chap,I bet he's seen a few things in his line of work!

KALE BOY

Unfortunately for me and possibly more for you, my drawings are normally done using delicate pencil marks, which means it's tricky to see when you scan but you can see it in real life I promise!

I found an exellent book at work which I sneakily stole from my old unsuspecting ladies called 'To see Oursels' which made me laugh :) it's absolutely full of old black and white photo's (my favourite) of scottish people with plenty to draw from...

I particularly liked Kale boy which I intended to do in ink but I found his face too addictive and before I knew it I'd done it in pencil and to use a pen all over it would be a shame. He would look quite funky with a fair isle background, or stars....hmm?

GRANNY

This doesn't quite pick up all the detail being a pencil drawing - the scanner doesn't like them so much. You can just make out the little eyes staring at you I think...

This is a commissioned piece from my friend Robyn of her granny (centre back), which was surprisingly difficult to capture. Because they are all looking at the camera the lines aren't strong and fiddly to get right! But here it is anyway. I hope her granny likes it.....

EASTER TART - not me!

Baking can make you look like a crazy lady. Although you can't see much of this chocolate tart you can see how delighted I am that I am about to share this with my hungry friends and get very fat on cake in the sun.

It's (again) a Rachel Allen inspired tart, she probably has it on her website but if not I can send you the recipe. It's sweet-shortcrust pastry filled with a mixed milk and dark chocolate fondant centre and silly but delicous mini eggs on the top. I had enough left over to make a little heart shaped tart which would actually make a lovely present if you weren't greedy like me and wanted to keep at least a wedge of it for yourself....

The hot cross buns were less of a hit and more like hot cross rocks so they don't feature on the blog this time, but I won't be beaten! Any recipes for these anyone?

QUILT!

A fine day to finish a fine quilt, my first ever. It was surprisingly straight forward and that includes a sewing machine initiation!

The colours and textiles I chose were inspired by Spring and I beavered away so it could be ready in time for this spring which we are now in the throws of, and isn't it brilliant to see things grow again?! Although really I am being rather hen like and making myself more of a nest than a practical bed cover - it's too warm for a damn padded quilt! A bed just doesn't look the same without a patchwork however...

Not put off by the year long process (think how expensive that would be if I charged for time), I've been thoroughly inspired to make another one, but this time I think I may try and do something more like a wall hanging, hmm....Does anyone else make quilty things? Perhaps this is absoloutely the wrong season to be asking this?!

New Adventures

There seem to be a lot of my friends who are moving house at le moment so I made this little card to wish them all luck in their new homes :)

I'm sure they're gald they're not moving to a ridiculously tall ligthouse with a door no man could fit a decent sofa through, however it's pretty to look at!

I went for my first cycle of the year today, I love cycling! I was warm enough, there were a couple of highland coo's and the Tay river was still and silvery. It did mean I had less time to doodle but life's too short when the sun is out in Scotland!

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.

A week and a day - Day 1

Hi, my name is Chris, and in Fe's absence I am hijacking this blog (it's ok, Fe knows) with my own tales of success and woes in the culinary world. From the content of this blog you would be right in assuming I don't have much influence on what goes on in the kitchen - but alas, with Fe away in London for a week I've been left to my own devices with full decision making authority.

So it is to Day 1 of my adventure. With little ingredients available until I went shopping later I was left with just the basics. I was however able to source an important item from the cupboard - potato, which was later to be mashed. Accompanying this was a hooped version of tinned spaghetti which I've been keeping spare for this very situation, and some peas. Please note the wedge of butter resting upon the peas - this was done purely for its photographic qualities.

Had I had fish fingers and gravy available, my all time favourite meal would have been before me (another time perhaps).

Flowers Please!

Hurray for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall! You know I have never had a recipe of his turn out anything short of fantastic. Maybe it's down to my impeccable recipe choice, but probably it's because he is the best cook in the world!

This Thursday I have been inspired to conjure up some elderflower fritters which I thankfully shared with Chris and Alyssa (they're delicous but very filling). They are quite easy to make really. Once you have, like me become obsessed with noticing and memorising every local elderflower bush, you then need to make a batter:

125g Plain Flour

25g Caster Sugar

Pinch of Salt

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Rum or Kirsch

150ml water

2 egg whites

8 Large, fresh and fragrant sprays of elderflowers

5cm groundnut or sunflower oil for frying

mix the flour with the salt, sugar, olive oil, rum/kirsch. Whisk in water stopping when it looks like very thick paint and thick enough to hold 2 egg whites. Cover and leave in a cool place for at least 30 mins.

Give your flowers a quick bug check but be careful not to lose too much pollen as this is the tasty bit. In a large, high sided pan or deep fat fryer. Heat until small cube of bread goes brown within a minute when thrown in. Lower heat to a simmer.

Meanwhile whisk 2 egg whites until they form soft peaks and gently fold them in to the batter. Dip your flowers in to the batter and lower them gently in to the pan. Turn them once or twice until puffed up and golden brown. Keep in low oven to keep warm.

Serve with sprinkled sugar and lemon-honestly they are sooo yum!

Strawberries for Celebration

As you can tell from our Harry Potter/ Wiccan gowns it was our graduation yesterday afternoon. And ofcourse how could an alchemist celebrate without ones champagne and strawberries?!

Viv Westwood herself was even in attendance looking more like a High Preistess than any body else there. What hair that woman has, I'd love to be able to carry off 'carrot' in my old age.

There was even a spot of general course reunion in the garden party (below). I cannot quite belive just how quickly four years has gone, warning to all those still at uni! I've been very lucky however and made some fantastic and often truly peculiar (in a good way) friends. Who I hope to bake for on a regular occasion. Speaking of which I really havn't been very creative this past month following the degree show. I must be all arted out...one more day of realxation can't hurt!

Spring is Fun!

Degree Show night has been and gone, as you can see from my two amigas here they had a thoroughly brilliant time. The stress of fourth year has now thankfully surpassed, hence the huge grins of glee, but I will miss my girls.

The week itself was a success with all my comrades having a gallery support them and selling the odd bit or two. It was a great excuse not to have one of us bake weekly, but daily!! This accounts for not losing any weight to stress throughout fourth year, a good nutritional tip to potential graduates. Eat home baked cake as much as your stomach will allow, it's good for you!

After all the glamour of degree show week I thought it best to take some time out in nature. This Spring has been exceptionally kind in terms of its sunshine. So generous infact I have been able to dine alfresco three days in a row, for Scotland this is a rarity. One of these occasions took me to Dunkeld where I found these happy scenes:

I had no idea Dunkeld had a bluebell wood! Incase you want to find it, it's behind the cathedral next to Papa Larch, the daddy of all perthshire larch trees. The wee chap on the left was a keen duck feeder despite them being a bit rough and beaky.

I hope spring is inspiring you all!

Saving Grace

At long last! I've been meaning to make this great weight of a tea bread for weeks. This is a Welsh tea bread called amusingly Bara Brith, what a gorgeous name! It means 'speckled bread'.

I dizzily didn't realise I had to soak the raisins and sultanas for over six hours in strong tea-honestly! So I had to make it the following week when I was fully briefed on the recipe, which is actually very simple. It makes a lovely heavy, elasticy loaf which should be left for 2 days to mature, but I couldn't help have a sliver today with some Chai...


Recipe time:


500g mixed dried fruit and peel

300ml strong hot tea

250g self raising flour

1 teaspoon mixed spice

1 egg forked to blend


1. Soak the fruit and peel in a large bowl in the tea for at least six hours (don't forget this bit), or overnight.


2. Sieve the flour and spice in to the soaked fruit, don't drain, stir in the sugar and egg. Beat altogether until smooth.


3. Heat the oven to 150 C or gas mark 2. Tip the mix in to a prepared loaf tin and bake for 1 1/2 hours when it should be well risen, firm and brown. Cool and store for two days (if you can) until rich and gluey (Mmm). Use salty butter to spread on to thin slices with a hot cup of tea.






NEVER think you can get away with baking cookies with Flora omega 3 marge, just because it was buy one get one free at Tesco! Utterly Butterly marge works very well actually, but that's not the point.

I thought it may be okay to try making some chocolate pecan goodies without decent ingrediants, what a mistake. Hence why this jar is remaining empty and the blackbirds shall have a feast today. They were tasteless and cakey. They were even described as 'offensive' by a budding cookie fan who tried them warm from the oven! Alas.

Busy Busy Bee

Cream and Brown are two colours that I love to mingle together. I actually had been trying to make pieces that could use both these colours but didn't see it happening for this project. So this was a very happy accident. This piece is a neckpiece (not completely finished), and if I had time I think i would have enjoyed making a few more pieces in this style, oh well!

The list just keeps getting longer and longer (degree show must do's) however I'm going to reward my hard work(?) with some baking come sunday as I have the whole place to myself, and therefore all the baking results must too be all for myself, mmm. That thought presses me on to get in to uni this morning and make some stuff! Must go...