Mid Winter

Both December and January have been reasonably mild for the time of year, but also rather damp, and gloomy. However, there have been some lovely sunny, blue sky days, which really do lift the spirits. During the whole of the winter so far, this corner of the world, has received just two early morning frosts - both of which completely disappeared before there was time for me to venture outside with the camera.
In the garden the snowdrops and hellebores are flowering, and happily the hours of daylight grow noticeably longer as each week passes.

In the fridge some Stilton blue cheese was still hanging around from Christmas along with a large handful of shelled walnuts. I then remembered that I had a sheet of puff pastry in the freezer so decided to make a tart. I covered the base of the pastry with some caramelised red onions which I made by gently cooking the finely chopped onions in a little olive oil, and then adding balsamic vinegar along with some sugar until it turned into a 'jam' like consistency. However, I wanted something else to add to the mix and couldn't think what else to use. Luckily inspiration came along in the form of Lorrie's blog where I saw that she had used grapes on top of her blue cheese and flat bread recipe, thank you Lorrie. 

I cooked the tart for 20mins in a fan oven at 180ᵒC - it smells delicious - can't wait to try it later.

Let's Make Cakes

Quick, simple, easy cakes

When it comes to cooking I tend to be an improviser depending on whatever happens to be at hand. In Austria they make a cake called Zwetschkenkuche which uses fresh plums so naturally I substituted a persimmon instead! - also known as sharon fruit or kaki - I can't believe that it is now over 30 years since I first saw them growing in China.

Make any light sponge mixture you favour but sufficient to make a sandwich cake, the mixture is going to be divided into two for separate cakes. 

On top of the first half thinly slice and layer a persimmon - then add a small dab of jam. If using plums or apples a sprinke of brown sugar would be in order.

For the second half of the mixture add a generous spoonful of pure cocoa powder, sultanas and glacé cherries then top the mixture with flaked almonds. The permutations that can be used here are endless, two quick and easy cakes - coffee with cake anyone?

Elsewhere I am very happy as our garden is once again giving us a host of Spring colours♡