Scone recipe

This is the recipe I use for plain, fruit or cheese scones. I'm not sure where it originates but it was given to me by a friend. They're simple to make and you can whip up a batch in no time! I've made the cheese version many many times!

Makes about 8

Cheese (2 big handfuls of grated cheddar or red leicester)
or Fruit (eg 2 handfuls of sultanas)

8oz self raising flour
Pinch of salt
1 heaped tsp baking powder
1.5oz butter (easiest if it's at room temperature)
About a quarter of a pint of milk (I have used oat milk too and it's turned out fine)

Mix sifted flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add cheese or fruit (leaving a bit of cheese to put on top of the scones if making the cheese version).

Stir in enough milk to make a soft dough.

Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into rounds with a 2.5inch cutter.

Place on a greased baking sheet and brush tops with milk. If making the cheese version sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake at 220C (gas mark 7) for approximately 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack or eat while still warm...

Fruit scones and afternoon tea

On Wednesday afternoon I made fruit scones for the first time. They're so quick and easy to make I can't believe I haven't made them sooner! Served with butter, damson jam and a mug of chamomile tea (in the Charles and Di mug for an extra touch of Englishness!).

Out and about despite the clouds

This week we have been out walking a few times with friends despite the grey and miserable weather. Yesterday we were supposed to meet up with friends locally and go for a walk on the hills but Matilda was not really up for going in the sling and wanted to walk herself so my friends kindly agreed to a slow-paced walk to the playground. Matilda walked pretty much the whole way there and back and even went on the zipwire with Mummy. Today we went on our weekly walk on the hills with the local mums walking group, and afterwards Matilda had a great time splashing through muddy puddles. I was planning to stay home in the afternoon but shortly before tea Matilda wanted to put her rucksack, gloves and wellies on and then started saying "walk". I couldn't really argue with that so we went for a walk round the block, bumping into some of our lovely neighbourhood friends on the way. It's been fun!

On the way back from the playground yesterday

Getting ready for our walk on the hills today

Walking round the block later in the day

Birthday books

This week I turned 31. I had a great birthday - mostly spent in the pub with ten or so other mums and their babies/toddlers and a couple of dads too (including Sam, who had the day off). This followed a lovely chatty walk on the hills. I received two great books for my birthday - a book on making children's clothes from my sister in New Zealand and the Radical Homemakers book from a relatively new friend. It's great when people expertly judge exactly what kind of thing you'll love! I can't wait to get reading...

An Ergo strap protector

Babywearing in our village is on the rise! While there are always lots of framed hiking baby carriers in use due to the proximity of the hills, there are now also two other sling-using mums. Both started off with Baby Bjorn type carriers but both have since bought an Ergo. Neither mum uses a buggy much either so they are definitely in the babywearing mindset. It's great to have like-minded people so close! We have started going for regular walks exploring the many many footpaths around the area. I made one of the mums (who lives a few doors down from us) a strap protector for her new carrier as her little one was sucking the straps. She likes elephants so this scrap of cotton fabric was perfect. I sandwiched a layer of old towel between the cotton and a piece of fleece backing, then used a strip of velcro for the fastening. My friend was very chuffed with it. I just have to find another spare 15 mins to make another one for the other strap now!

A felted bee for a first birthday

This weekend I made a little felt wall hanging for my friend's baby's first birthday. I did a background of marbled green and white, purple/blue letters spelling out her name and two little bees (with sequins sewn in afterwards for the eyes). I followed the instructions for these from my book and they came out really nicely. We spent yesterday afternoon hanging out at the birthday girl's house, chatting and eating cake. Here are the before and after shots: