Herb Scones

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1 cup milk

2 cups sifted self raising flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup chopped mixed herbs of choice

Mix egg, butter and milk in a small bowl. Place flour, salt and herbs in a larger bowl. Mix liquid into dry ingredients and mix to a dough with a knife.

Spoon into well greased muffin tins, top with seeds of choice or Parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Cool in tin for 5 minutes.

Great served with soup or a plough mans lunch.

Makes about 8.

Courtyard Faffing!

Beautiful spring weather is indusive to cleaning and reorganising. I decided to do just that in the courtyard. It may not stay this way due to my love of titivating!!

Clematis season

Auricular Magic

I have recently taken up growing the beautiful Auricular plant. There are dozens of varieties in many colours and tones. I am fascinated with them and spend a lot of time tending to their needs. I seek out new varieties mostly on line.

Day old goslings

Gem Scones.

These little "gems" are delicious as a sweet  treat for afternoon tea served with a cup of beautiful tea.

60g sift butter

1/4 cup caster sugar

I egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

2 cups self raising flour

1 cup milk

Extra butter for greasing gem scone irons.

Pre heat oven to 200degC. Place the gem irons in to heat while preparing the batter. Cream the butter and sugar then add the egg and vanilla essence. Sift the flour and add three tablespoons at a time

alternatively with the milk into the creamed mixture. Remove gem irons and place a small dob of butter in each mould then two thirds fill with batter and bake in the oven for about 10minutes. Either serve hot with butter or cool a little and fill with jam and clotted cream. Makes 12.

Beer Bread.

This bread is so easy and quick, which makes it perfect to whip up to accompany hot soup on a winter's day. You can double the recipe for a bigger loaf.

2 cups self raising flour

Good pinch salt

I can beer

150grams melted butter

Seeds for topping (optional)...sesame, poppyseeds, sunflower seeds

Preheat oven to 190degC. Grease a loaf tin ( approx.18x8cm base).

Place flour and salt in a bowl and mix in the beer to make a sticky dough. Add half the melted butter and mix well. Place into prepared tin , sprinkle with any seeds if you wish and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and pour over remaining melted butter. Place back in the oven and cook for a further 30 minutes or until cooked. Test with a skewer. Cool a little before slicing.