Thursday 26 September 2013

Tried and Tested: Lemon Drizzle Cake

 
 
I have been so spoilt this summer with friends constantly bringing me food and cakes to help out whilst I was in recovery. One day, this cake arrived. It was divine and I asked for the recipe. As I was clearing out old papers today, I thought I would share this recipe on the blog and then I also have it for future needs.
 
You need for the cake:
75 gram softened butter
125 gram caster sugar
150 gram self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 tbsp lemon curd (optional, but it will intensify the flavour)
2 1/2 tbsp milk
 
Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix till they are thoroughly combined.
Pour the mixture into a 1kg greased loaf tin and make at 180 degrees for 40-45 minutes (or until a skewer inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean)
 
You need for the drizzle:
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp granulated sugar
 
Mix the lemon zest, juice and sugar. Pour the mixture over the hot cake in the tin. Leave to cool completely.
 
mmm....!
 


Tuesday 10 September 2013

A Blanket of Roses...

 
My blog is turning into a craft blog!
Well, I am enjoying it and I know my current state won't last forever :-)
 
A couple of weeks ago this baby blanket was handed over to the expecting mother. Something so pink is obviously for a little girl who will be making her entrance into the world later this month (unless we are all in for a big surprise...!)
 
 The pattern can be found on Garnstudio in several languages (click on the link). I used as suggested Drops Muskat Soft yarn and needle no 5. The yarn is a mix of colors and I enjoyed not having to change color and yarn as I went along making up the squares and then crocheting them together.
 
Very girly and a fun blanket to make. Not sure it is the best blanket for a baby with its big holes that little hands and feet might get tangled in. But then again - it might just be used it for decoration.


Monday 9 September 2013

Felted Slippers/Socks

Yes, I am still here. 
A long silence from my end, but I am still here!
 
Despite my own health concerns, we have had the most amazing summer ever. Glorious weather, day after day. It really lifts the spirit and in my case, helps with recovery. Talking of recovery, I started back in July at the gym and am now completely hooked. Although I feel my recovery after surgery has been slower than I thought, I so feel the benefit from going to the gym.
Scared straight, I think...
But we are now getting back in to normal routine as Our Boy has started school again - last year before uni! A lot of pressure and so many things that need to happen in the right order. The summer has been filled with him and The Professor travelling around to some of the universities for their open days to help us assess which university he will be applying for. Grades is not the only criteria for acceptance, so a lot of strategic thinking to ensure the right things are done is needed.
 
Good friends have been over to visit and other good friends have moved back home. Unfortunately, that is often the case of many people we meet and form strong bonds with here. A very transient community. On the bright side - people leaving are good in staying in touch and coming back.
 
So, what have I been doing in addition to going to the gym?
 
A lot of various craft projects and some reading. My latest craft project is a pair of felted slippers/socks put together with granny squares.  
 
For some reason I can't upload the pictures I took, so I suggest you check out the pattern and picture found at Drops/Garnstudio
 
I got the yarn from a little local yarn shop called Sheep Shop . The yarn is called Lima and is particularly useful for felting. I only had a needle 7 (forgot to check this on the pattern before going to the shop...) so I ensured the final squares were the recommended size by adding another round. I admit it was a little fiddly to figure out how to sew the granny squares together, but just follow the pattern. It was very exciting to pop the socks in the washing machine (40 degrees and no detergent) to see if it would felt up and work!
 
And it did!

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