The banana bread was a new recipe and is amazing. Here it is in the cake box that I inherited from my grandmother. When I was a child it was always full of homemade goodies, something to really look forward when we visited. My Nan was renowned for her fruit cakes, both light and dark ones, they were delicious. I asked for the recipe once and was given a cutting from a 1930s Woman's magazine. I made it and it didn't taste the same at all. I questioned Nan and she said 'did I remember to tell you I soak the fruit in tea?', no she hadn't, so I tried again, still not the same. Again 'oh, did I remember to tell you about the glug of brandy' tried again, still wrong. And so the story goes on and I still didn't get the full recipe! My Nan didn't use scales, everything was done by eye. I miss those cakes (and her pease pudding).
I have also been looking after grandchildren this week. I gave Lucie a break with the new baby by taking Scarlett out for the day to a small local wildlife centre. She is now two and a half and is such good fun to spend time with. She has an absolutely wicked sense of humour! We got absolutely soaked but it didn't put a dampener on the day. Here she is feeding the fish.
Yesterday I found this little guy sunning himself by the boat. He didn't even scurry off when I took his picture. The weather is set to improve this week, typical when we go back to work. However that is the joy of working part time, I get to enjoy the sun. I need to get to the allotment this week. The weather has put me so behind with planting, and the weeds obviously like the rain :(. Take care xxx
Hello Fran goodness what weather you have suffered all of that rain and cold.
ReplyDeleteLooking at that photo of your granddaughter, reminds me of the time when my daughter was that age and of the happy times we had together.
You will have to explain to me what a Pease pudding is for I haven't a clue as to whether it is a savoury or a dessert ?
That little chap too is it a harmless grass snake ?
Morning Mel, that is a little green lizard. Pease pudding is made with yellow split pease, water and spices. My Nan used to put it in a muslin cloth and boil it with beef or ham. It was then served with boiled carrots and onions. Even though I now don't eat meat, I can still taste that dinner. You can buy tinned pease pudding in the supermarkets but it is not anything lie homemade xxx
ReplyDeleteA certain artist when asked this morning what Pease Pudding was,
ReplyDeletesaid that it was probably fruit and spices cooked in batter. I did not believe that at the time and am very glad to be able to tell them what it actually is :-)
Your Banana loaf looks wonderful, Fran. We have also had rotten weather here and my poor daughter's house was flooded for the second time in less than a year. Miserable. Anyway, your Gran's secret was in her, not in the recipe. I fully believe that! Everything creative has the artist's touch in it that cannot be replicated. However, I am sure yours are just as good, just different! Your little sweetie looks adorable, and I'm amazed you had a lizard there! The weather hasn't put him off then :) xxxx
ReplyDeleteI make a banana loaf too. I like the sound of a spelt loaf. I've never tried one - yet.
ReplyDeleteSince it was half term we didn't get our youngest granddaughter to look after and I missed the fun we have.
Hope going back to work this week goes well for you.
It was horrible weather last week. We lit the log burner, too and I never thought to do this in June. Thank goodness the sun is back now!
ReplyDeleteI have recipes from my Gran as well. I always bake her Christmas cake recipe, for example. It is lovely to have such memories.
Your granddaughter looks a delight!
Rain or Shine, it looks like you made the most of it. Lucie is adorable and I'll just bet Pete is enjoying all the yummy baking that you are doing.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy week.
Connie :)
Mel - happy to have enlightened you :) xxx
ReplyDeleteVal - I will bake one just for you. I am sure you are right about my Nan's recipe. She made all the wedding cakes, christening cakes, Christmas cakes etc for all the family and they can't be replicated xxx
Jo - the spelt loaf is more like the constituency of a rye loaf, I like it but Pete's not so keen. He likes good old fashioned white bread xxx
Wendy - at least you got the recipe! And you are right, it is the lovely memories that count xxx
Connie - Pete is enjoying the cakes and other loaves of bread, but I'm not sure it's doing his waistline much good! Xxx