Pitmedden Gardens

I was invited for a cup of tea at Pitmedden Gardens by Mother Hubbard and Monster in Law.

It was lovely.  Although it was a sunny day, it was not really pleasant enough to go for a walk in the gardens, especially at a cost of £6.50 each, as it was quite windy.

We enjoyed our tea though, although in my case, it was a hot chocolate...

The Victoria sponge I had was delicious, definitely homemade.  The Mothers has scones and seemed to enjoy them.

The cafe itself was smaller than I expected and full of ladies of a certain age who 'do tea'.  The staff were friendly and I couldn't have faulted the service.  It was quite expensive, but this was to be expected of a National Trust Cafe.

I'd happily go back.

Freeloaders

Today we were given a kind gift from my father in law, Phil, and his wife, Sarah.  They grow much of their own (award winning) fruit and veg and we were lucky enough to have received a bundle of goodies from them as we visited. 

My cooking skills are limited although I do love to make up recipes on a trial and error basis.  

I used up some veg in a stir fry as suggested by Phil as he messaged me to let me know that the peas that Sarah had included in our bundle were of the sugar snap variety and so didn't need podded.

I included beetroot in the stir fry, however, I wouldn't do this again.  Although the stir fry tasted great, it's a shame the other vegetable colours were masked by the pink hue.  I like a colourful supper. 

I had been wanting to try to make fruit liqueurs for some time - and this was my opportunity!  Perhaps not the most nutritious way to use up fruit but definitely the easiest way as far as i was concerned.  I had previously made limoncello as wedding favours so I figured it would be similar.

So, I have attempted blackcurrant gin and pineapple chilli vodka.

 Looks good so far!

Slutty Brownies

I have been fortunate enough to have had these made by a work colleague, otherwise I may have never known that such an exquisite delicacy existed!  

They were delicious and, like many other tasty treats, I had no idea what they were or how to make them.  They looked complicated, so I didn't ask, assuming it would be too much faffing around for my liking.

As much as I enjoy baking, I have a teeny weeny kitchen and no dishwasher, so the small space rapidly becomes really untidy and messy very quickly, making me grumpy.  Also, I'm not a very good baker so when recipes don't turn out like the picture in the book it makes me grumpy.

I am a grumpy baker.

A bittersweet moment occurred recently, the lovely colleague who introduced me to this culinary delight reached the end of her time with us, going on to higher climbs, before returning to us in a year's time.  A sad day.  But...she had baked.

As it turns out, they were made with packet mixes!  Hallelujah! Maybe I could even manage these?  I gave it my best shot.

So, on the bottom there is cookie dough, followed by a layer of Oreos (*other white cream filled chocolate biscuits may be available for purchase*) and then brownie mix on top.  It is then baked in the oven for however long you think is right.  I left mine for half an hourish.  Also, I added some extra chocolate chips because chocolate makes everything better.

Here is my photo timeline of events...

Yet another disaster.

They actually taste good, maybe a little bit crunchy around the edges, but I'd score myself an eight for taste, but clearly I'm a really terrible baker.

Stag Do

Alan's away on a stag do so this is what my daily intake was:

Poached eggs on crumpets.

I love how the yolks fill the wee holes in the crumpets.

Cheese, biscuits, homemade bread with lots of butter and port.

As you can also see in this last photo I also subsidised my very healthy diet with strawberries and Cava.

I have no guilt.