TARRAGON & THYME

However it needs doing on a regular basis especially with six cats and a Jack Russell that's 30 odd paws a day going through as well as the human foot fall. So even though cleaning is done every week I do do a deep clean every month to really get to the nitty gritty.  This time round with the hot weather the cats have been shedding (they get groomed every day) but still shed so despite being careful you always come across bits that come out of the woodwork.  With that and spiders (this is an old house and OH is terrified of them) it gets a bit of an itchy job but at least everything will be disinfected, washed, dried and polished for the beginning of the month.   I want the dining room to look nice as I hope to start a garland and lantern project for popping out at the beginning of September for the autumn months. Using the fabric leaves that I purchased from The Works.  I have two 6 foot welsh dressers a corner dresser, a dresser top large pine table a...

Is now out the way just consisted of some toast and butter and a glass of the peach nectar. Which was lovely cool and refreshing.  Just nice and simple. Often on a Sunday morning we have croissants and fresh fruit or pancakes and fruit filling with fresh cream but its just too hot and to tell the truth I needed something to eat but not a lot of.    I should have tried the coddled eggs but that is something I can do in the week before I go to work. Demetri would not come in last night there was no way he was coming in - he was too hot so he has been out all night.  I don't normally leave them out overnight because I have lost so many that way and I do not sleep if they are not in very well so its easier to round them up and get them in for their supper. Right I must continue with the dining room and carry on from where I left off last night. Catch you all later on. Pattypan x

Well there are four Peach Nectar ice lollies residing in the freezer and four trays of Ice cubes.  I have had to be a bit creative on squeezing them in but at least it will help cool things down.  I shall pop some more in once those have gone. The Lemon Sorbet is in the process of being made.  Once the ice cubes are made I will decant them from the trays and pop them into bags and keep them in the freezer to help cool down the animals drinking bowls and also for use by ourselves with cold drinks.  The next batch I shall pop some slices of lemon into the ice cubes to make it look more interesting and may be put some of the flowers from my Rose Geranium into some as well.  It all helps pretty up your drinks.  I am really in the mood to play in the kitchen but I have other things that need sorting first so for now it is a no go.  Next week I will go to the veg shop and stock up and then really have a play next week.  I really...

I have been meaning to share these little finds for a while but my memory being what it is I kept forgetting and at a time when I was struggling with writers block to actually post anything.  But hey better late then never and it actually fits in with a lot of the posts this week which have been drink related. I chanced upon this punchbowl set  - it is a really large one with matching cups and hooks and a ladle and had a floral impressed design on the bowl and the cups.  I must say I am very chuffed with it.  I already have one but thought that it would be good to have a second so that when we get to the stage with the garden where it is more or less sorted I can have a "garden party" and have alcoholic as well as soft drink libations to hand.  So potentially that is 24 people to cater for.  Can't wait - I love entertaining especially when it is good weather. Not bad for wait for it I also found these Egg coddlers one large...

As I am typing this I have a bottle of peach nectar chilling in the fridge to have with our tea later on.   I buy this from my Asian food shop when it is on offer and keep it under the stairs and as I managed to collect about eight bottles I thought its about time I used some of this.  It will soon be on offer at the shop again and I always keep this in for Christmas.  Makes a lovely Bellini.  Its been another hot day and I am craving cold cool things.  I have plans later on to do a bit of messing around in the kitchen nothing too complicated but might actually help with my craving for cool things. I have some ice cream/lolly moulds.  I tend to collect them when I see them more for the different shapes and patterns than anything else.  But the peach nectar is going into some of these moulds to make simple peach lollies.  We both like Solero style lollies but mine on this occasion are just going to be plain peach.  I also have so...

Also in the same basket as the recipe for Autumn Berry Bircher Muesli. Its a Woman's Weekly recipe for a light carrot cake - I love how lovely and light the colour of this cake is and that is why I must have kept the recipe.  What I had not appreciated when I chopped it out is that it is Gluten free.  I am very interested in Organic and Vegan cooking  but so far have not tried Gluten free.  I am very interested in the alternative more natural ingredients that are used as substitutes.  I hope to make it this weekend but where the heck am I going to get Xanthum gum - any ideas?  Might have to pay a visit to Asda.  Apparently this is a good one to freeze (can be stored for one month)  however needs to be defrosted fully - you freeze it without the topping and add that once fully defrosted.  Might be good to batch bake when you have not had time to bake and visitors come calling. For the cake: 250g/8ox gluten free oat fl...

Domestic goddess duties to see to  - i.e. housework  - hopefully will be back later Can think of so many more lovely things to do but needs must. Beautiful sunny and warm here. Catch you later Pattypan x