As our oven gradually stopped being able to reliably heat things (it’s one and only role in life) I as slowly stopped baking. I’ve been surprised by how much I missed it. But now we have a strange new oven. I’m not friends with it yet, but I think we’ll get along just fine in [...]

I made blueberry pancakes for breakfast. We ate them with bananas and too much maple syrup. So far they’ve been the highlight of a rather unexceptional and lazy Sunday. But tonight I’m watching Anna Karenina. So the question is- will it be better than blueberry pancakes?  

I have three new loves this weekend- it’s been a good one! 1. Tom Ford’s Cafe Rose perfume. I haven’t the words to describe a scent, but it’s beautiful. A lovely and un-expected gift from Tony (thank you duty free airport shopping!) 2. Laura Mvula. I will be playing her album non-stop when it arrives. [...]

Really good and really cheap too. Although, I only ever eat the red, black and white ones. These are all waiting to be eaten by a boy.

Did you know that B &Q have free woodworking classes? The boys made bird boxes at the weekend with proper power tools. They were both pretty proud of themselves. I’ve taken to eating my porridge with a sprinkling of cinnamon (and a lot of brown sugar). Very daring of me, don’t you think!

entrance: to fill with wonder and delight according to Toast in 1823 the world was entranced by gin twists. So much so that poems were written. As I’m something of a gin lover I decided to give it a go and let me tell you it is lovely and lemony and warming and soothing. And [...]

Henry had a pyjama day on Friday and so did I because I had to look after him. And yes, that is my excuse and I’m sticking to it. We did manage to bake some chocolate chip cookies though. They were good but not for dunking.  

made with a top secret- don’t tell the boys ’til they’ve eaten them all- ingredient… prunes! These brownies are smokey and fudge-y and rich. And almost good for you. I found the recipe on the back of the Whitworth’s prune packet and gave it a whirl. Typically the only recipe I want isn’t listed on [...]

Good, old fashioned rock cakes are a wholesome after- school treat. The boys like them still warm and dunked in milk. Unfortunately rock cakes don’t keep at all well- so you’ll just have to eat the whole batch in one sitting! Here’s the recipe from my ‘family favourites’ cook book.

Now, I know that this is not the healthiest meal but if it’s quickly fed and happy boys you’re after Blackbirds are just the ticket. I’ve been making them since my Guide camp days. You will need: white processed bread butter jam eggs and a splash or two of milk (you can sweeten these, or [...]