Oooh potty!

Would you look at this lovely teapot!

I found it on Etsy. I love that site!

Losing my marbles...or, gaining them.

Today I made a vanilla and chocolate marble loaf cake, with a thick layer of chocolate on top. My loaf tin is too small for regular loaf cake recipes, so I also get some cupcakes out of the mixture too.

Quite enjoyed plopping the mixture into the tin and swirling it, not knowing what it's going to look like until you cut into it.

However, I'm not sold on the particular recipe. I think the butter ratio must be higher than I'm used too, as it seemed everso greasy. I have to admit it was a Mary Berry recipe! Seems like sacrilege to say I didn't like it! I'll try the marbling with a different recipe in future though as I think the overall effect is lovely.

The topping, which was just melted dark chocolate with a splash of water and a knob of butter, was yummy. Not too much, just enough, and perfect for a chocoholic.

Greeny baby quilt done

I've finished my colour-themed baby quilt. It's to go with the Next Ziggy nursery set and I'm really pleased with how well the colours go together.

I used a turquoise flowery fabric for the binding and I think it goes with the apple green backing really well.

There were a few 'deliberate mistakes' but then it wouldn't be a handmade quilt if it was completely perfect - you have to know it's home-made.

I love it and hope new mum and baby do too!

Won't be buying this

Here's something that no one needs in their kitchen! A cake slicer (that costs a ridiculous amount of money), for people who can't slice a cake properly. Or perhaps use two cake tins. 

I think one of the most endearing things about home cooking is that it looks home cooked, not bought from a shop. Yes, you might need one of these if you make cakes professionally, but I'll stick to my wonky layers thank you.

Oh pears!

So, it doesn't look exactly like it's supposed to... And, it didn't taste that great either. Too soggy, and the ground up hazelnuts made the texture odd. Not a complete disaster (like the plum pudding), but not a recipe I'll be making again any time soon.


Off to eat cheese, biscuits, grapes, and chutney, and drink wine. That can't go wrong!