autumn weekending

Autumn week-ending here invariably means a visit to the woods. Saturday was a busy day, with the inevitable birthday party for a school friend. As an aside, I always seem to wind up exhausted after these parties. Though I'm not really sure why, as it mainly involves sitting around watching children run riot. Anyway, I digress.

Today we were more than happy to switch things down a level, get outside and commune with nature. We took advantage of the time change and set off early to Florence Court. We searched for horse chestnuts, collected leaves and played pooh sticks. We had a paddle in the stream and made it rain leaves. We had a pitstop for warm apple juice and biscuits and made friends with two springer spaniels.

Back home after our adventure, we cosied up, lit the stove and enjoyed roast chicken for dinner. These autumn days are my favourite. How about you? How do you like to spend autumn days?

simple pleasures

A record of the simple things bringing pleasure to my life lately. Life's little happenings that are making me smile.

: :    Our eldest's love of nature. It's infectious.

: :    Blue skies and feathery fronds.

: :    Soup season and warming bowls of goodness.

The small tortoiseshell butterfly was rescued from a spiders web by our biggest boy. Its wing was damaged, so he carefully carried it around the garden for over an hour until it recovered and flew off. He really respects all living things and seems to instinctively know how the natural world functions. I wonder sometimes where his interest will lead him. Good places, I expect.

These photos are taken from my Instagram account. IG is a great way to record moments from the everyday, so the pictures seem to suit my simple pleasures posts. Apologies for the repetition if you've seen them before. If not, you can find me there at thelinencloud, should you fancy a peep. 

So, for now, happy hump day, the weekend is in sight.

eight

Happy birthday to our little man. Eight years ago, he arrived into the world right on cue. He has bounced around since. Bringing fun and happiness to our everyday.

The mischeivous sparkle in his eye and his comic timing, have us in stitches. He is full of kindness. A really great friend. 

And in the quiet still moments, I can see the big boy he's becoming. And I'm so proud.

Tonight we are going out for pizza. And on the weekend, there will be a birthday party with cake and treats.

Happy birthday to our lovely boy. We love you very much.

apple butterscotch pudding

A little over a month ago, I baked Apple Butterscotch Pudding. Today, for the third time, the little ones requested it for dessert. It is definitely a winner. The kind of pudding childhood memories are made of.

I have no doubt it will become an autumn staple over the coming years. Warming, sticky and sweet. An easy favourite.

apple butterscotch pudding

ingredients

2 large cooking apples, peeled and chopped into cubes

125g self-raising flour

1/4 tsp salt

200g brown sugar

100g butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

200ml milk

2 tbsp golden syrup

150ml boiling water

method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.
Spread the chopped apples in an even layer on the bottom of a medium sized oven proof dish.
Melt the butter gently and leave aside to cool.
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and stir in half of the sugar.
In a jug, mix the milk, egg, vanilla extract and melted butter.
Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and whisk to bring together into a loose batter.
Pour the batter evenly over the apples.
Make a syrup by placing the remaining sugar, golden syrup and boiling water in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and dissolve the sugar.
Pour the syrup over the batter mixture in the dish. The syrup will gradually sink into the apples and batter, creating a butterscotch sauce beneath the sponge.
Bake for 40 minutes in the oven until the top is browned and slightly springy.

This pudding is best served warm with your preference of custard, fresh cream or ice cream. Although thinking about it now, there's no reason you couldn't have all three. I won't tell.

The recipe is adapted from Rachel Allen's Everyday Kitchen cookbook, a collection of delicious recipes for family mealtimes.

Wishing you all a lovely week. I hope you enjoy the pudding if you find time to give it a go.

hello october

October. Morning fog gave way to a beautiful, bright day. Washing dried on the line, billowing in the light breeze. I enjoyed my lunch on the patio, soaking up the sunshine. The little ones played in the golden evening light. We watched the sunset setting the sky alight. A precious day savoured.

My beloved autumn, in full swing. I'm relishing this change of season. The promise of falling leaves, cosy jumpers, happy hours curled up by the fire, cup of tea in hand, enjoying a good book. And those beautiful first frosts. Just perfect.

I'm delighted to be back here in my little corner of blogland after an impromptu break. Two months is a long time. Life has been busy and I felt like I lost my way for a bit. But I love this space, and so I will be rambling here for the foreseeable future. Hopefully you'll come along for the ride.

And to the lovely Annie at Fable & Folk, a big thank you for the kick up the proverbial I needed. Pay her a visit, if you haven't already. She's all kinds of wonderful.