Honey Cake for Tea

Despite the rain, we’ve been out and about today, taking a leisurely lunch with my Mum and her partner then, after dropping them back home, browsing the shops for half an hour or so. Back home it was dark and dreary with more rain threatening; perfect cake-baking weather. But what type of cake to bake? Out came the cook books for inspiration. Carrot Cake, Lemon Drizzle Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake? Maybe the chocolate cake….no, wait, what’s this…Honey Cake? Now that is just right for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

As it happens, I didn’t use the recipe in my book for this as the cake was covered in thick icing which I wasn’t in the mood for. I wanted a simple cake, with nothing but honey, so I searched on the internet and found this from James Martin. Not only is this a lovely, comforting cake to eat on a rainy Sunday afternoon, but it’s comforting to make too. Standing at the pan slowly stirring the honey, sugar and butter as it gently melts together is immensely pleasurable, especially when the warm scent rises to envelop you. As the cake bakes the honey scent intensifies and wafts through the house. I lie back on the sofa, close my eyes and inhale deeply. Gone are my adult cares, now my mind is filled with fluffy clouds, children’s tea parties and Winnie the Pooh.

What's Cooking?

Don't forget this month sees the first ever 'In the Bag' event, run by myself, Cherry from Cherry's English Kitchen and Scott at Real Epicurean.

The idea is that we select three seasonal ingredients for you to whip up something spectacular with. This month we've chosen asparagus, sea trout and spring onions.

The entries are coming in fast and we're seeing some fantastic creations. Don't miss out, join the fun! Get your entries to me by Saturday 26th May.

See more on this event here.

Parma Ham Wrapped Avocado Slices

Following my 'Nibbles' post just now, here's what I've quickly put together to satisfy my craving for picky food.



Simply peeled slices of avocado wrapped in smoky, salty, parma ham and nothing more. I think these would make very elegant dinner party canapes, but for now, they're all mine, mine, MINE!

Nibbles

Why is it that no matter how large my lunch, I still end up feeling peckish in the evenings? Perhaps it’s the routine of having 3 meals - no matter how large the previous one, skipping a meal would completely throw me out and I’d feel like I was missing out. Despite the huge pub lunch Rob and I had today my mind keeps wandering to the kitchen as I sit here on the sofa. I don’t want a meal as such, but I do want picky food. The champagne I’m sipping as I type is accelerating my need to eat. I find that I usually want picky food when I’m drinking alcohol; drinks and nibbles go hand in hand, don’t they? Hell, who am I kidding, alcohol or not I can’t go long without nibbling on something. And on that note, I’m off to the kitchen.