Changes

My shiny, brand-spanking new website is currently being created - by me, so this could take anything from a few weeks to a few decades, given that my knowledge of website building is mainly based on "lets see what happens if I mash all these buttons with my palm" - and so you probably shan't see much here for a little while. Do keep checking back & keep an eye out on Twitter for all the changes!

The new website will incorporate my current personal blog - Our Pea Green Pod, the Pea Green Pantry food blog as well as some reviews & my personal art portfolio.

I'm so excited I could wee!

Hope to see you there, soon!

How Do You Like Your Eggs?

Lunchtime:

Eggs on toast?

Nope! Goats cheese & yellow tomatoes. Though I love eggs, this is so simple, tastes great & looks cute too!

Flash in the Pan Friday

Today we've been baking for the neighbours who have been putting up with my Eldest daughter making a huge mess in their garden this glorious afternoon.

I used the Carrot & Honey Cake recipe from the River Cottage Everyday cookbook. I added some sultanas & cinnamon (yes! I do love cinnamon!). The cases are from Sainsbury's - aren't they fab?!

When Life Gives You Lemons...

 Rumour has it that despite life having lobbed a few lemons this way, the Pantry is back in business..

All I know is this: when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

When life doesn't give you lemons & ruins your plans for a desirable drizzle cake, you say "Sod* the Lemons!" & grab the nearest Orange. 

 

 For Cinnamon & Orange Drizzle Cake you will need:

• 4oz/115g Butter
• 4oz/115g Caster Sugar
• 2 x Medium Eggs
• 4 oz/115g Self Raising Flour
• 1 x heaped tsp of Cinnamon
• Zest of 1 large Orange
• Juice of half large Orange
• 3 or 4[ish] x heaped tbsp Icing Sugar

 For a Cinnamon & Orange Drizzle Cake you must:

1. Cream together the Butter & the Caster Sugar until pale.
2. Beat in the Eggs, one at a time, adding a little Flour (to stop them separating).
3. Gradually stir in the Flour, Cinnamon & Zest. I like lots of flavour, so tend to whack in a load of cinnamon - you could also try putting half a tsp of Nutmeg in there too if you fancied. You know what, I bet this would be cracking with a handful of sultanas or mixed fruit in too.
4. Put in a greased & lined cake tin or loaf tin - 20/25cm round or similar - & bake in a preheated oven for 20-30mins - or until nicely golden brown on outside, I love to have a crispy outer! & you can insert a skewer into the middle & pull it out clean. You know the drill!
5. Meanwhile, at the Bat Cave... Mix together the Juice & the Icing Sugar. You can make it as runny or as solid as you desire. I like mine to be fairly runny so it gets in all the nooks.
6. When cooked & still hot (& in the tin, otherwise it's messy!) make deep holes in the cake with a skewer - or if you are like me then scissors will do! - then pour your icing on top, ensuring it all runs into the holes & makes your cake lovely & moist.

et voila! - Cinnamon & Orange Drizzle cake, with not a Lemon in sight! Enjoy with a well deserved Cuppa ...and relax!

 

*words other than 'sod' may be used in this instance. Please feel free to improvise.

Long Time, No See

Hello all,

Just a quick one to send my apologies for having not been here for a while. You know how life gets from time to time.

I'll be back soon, & I may even be raring to go too!

Hope you've been well.

Chloe.

Holiday

Hello all, just a quick message to say that this week I am celebrating my birthday & simultaneously going thru a bit of a dry blogging patch so I shall be taking a week off the old blogging & will be back in time to do a Food as Therapy post next week! Apologies for any inconvenience & all that - have a lovely week all!

Food as Therapy #3

Firstly, apologies all for the delay in this week's post. Yesterday saw the funeral of my Great Aunty Joy. It was a sad day for us all, but particularly for my Grandmother, her sister, who was very close to her & had cared for her until the end. In the latter years of her life she had sadly suffered from severe dementure & so was not herself as we all knew her, but in tales I have heard lately of her life it's even clearer to me that she was an inspiring woman.

Stories ranged from those that included wild motorbike rides to London with her sister to working with the elderly & teaching disabled children to ride horses.

Now, I know you may be thinking what has this to do with food or therapy but let me get to it.

My memories of Aunty Joy are skipping in through the porch of her bungalow, shoes trip-trapping on the cold concrete floor & through into the kitchen - pale blue cupboards, small gas hob, folding leaf table - & inevitably the request to be given a task, more often than not, making small terracotta plant pots into fully furnished houses for tiny clay mice, but whatever the task before it was undertaken she would stoop into one particular blue cupboard & pluck from it a jar of jelly babies. We would each take one & then on with the matter in hand.

Sometimes, the task would be baking rather than making. One particular occassion, I remember coating macaroons in chocolate & coconut. To this day, every time I partake in the odd macaroon, that'll be my first thought. Another foodstuff that never fails to evoke childhood memories of both Aunty Joy & my Granny is the wonderful thing that is jelly, but not any ordinary jelly - jelly with appropriate fruit suspended in animation. As a child this was the pinnacle of desserts, not only delicious but I remain mystified as to how the fruit found it's way into it's place! I now make this for my daughter too!

So food does not only serve the one purpose - to nourish us. Because it is something we partake in so often, food relates to so much more, including associations with people, places & memories.

These are some of my foody memories, & this week I ask, what are yours? What dishes, recipes or anything else do you assosciate with good times, beautiful places or loved ones? What food brings not just nourishment or fulfillment to your body, but warmth & happiness to your soul?

I look forward to hearing from you all. Please link up below, comment or drop me a line on Twitter (@PeaGreenPantry).

 

 

Fruitiness & Exoticism...

My challenge to you this week was to branch out...

Following my lack of green-grocing adventurousness of course I was going to join in too.

We plumped for a papaya, some kumkwats (LOVE that word!) & asian pears.

Though papaya isn't that adventurous but I've never actually tried one, except from massaging it into my locks as part of my shampoo. Turns out I think I'll be leaving that one for the bathroom! It was a taste like nothing else really, with a soapy aftertaste - though I loved to eat soap during my first pregnancy this was not measuring up! Secondly KUMQUAT (still LOVE that word!) tiny little citrus fruit which I assumed you ate whole. They tasted sour but deliciously so. Yum yum yumquat. Thirdly Asian pears,the taste can be described only as a cross between an apple & a pear with a texture more like an apple that has gone all pear-shaped with juiciness. Delectable!

How did you get on? Have you been eating-happy this week? GOOD LORD I sound like some sort of patronising heath-professional.

I take that 'eating-happy' bit back? I'll just ask 'are you all okay?!'.


Don't forget, you have until the end of the day to link up here

PS. KUMQUAT.

Food as Therapy - Week #2

Last week saw the beginning of our little blog hop which is intended to help us all feel a little bit better about ourselves by being a little more thoughtful about what we put into our bodies & supporting each other on the journey to eating ourselves well. If you'd like to know a little more then please click on the Food as Therapy top tab & have a little read.

Otherwise, let's get cracking. This week for me has been all about fruit. I love fruit but no way do I eat enough, which is ridiculous when I think about it! It's cheaper than chocolate & crisps & a million times better for us!

This week, we did our first 'proper shop' in absolutely ages. Whenever we go to the supermarket I enjoy browsing the 'Exotic Fruit' section & though I'm always tempted to buy something I know that I'll inevitably leave it to disintergrate in the fruit bowl, not knowing how to or with what to eat it.

All this considered, I come to wonder, when the sodding hell did I become so DULL? I'm afraid of fruit. What a square! So you know what, I'm going to go & buy some bizarre fruit & what is more I am going to scoff them down!


I call for you to join me, living on the very brink, driving in the fast lane & go & buy & et some sort of CRAZY fruit that you wouldn't usually buy. Okay, it doesn't have to be crazy, but just something you wouldn't usually purchase or eat, or even better, go all out & grab yourself some random fruits & make a risiculous fruit salad! 

I prefer the green-grocers, but supermarkets often have quite a selection too. Either way, put a little sunshine in your day!

You can link up your images & blog posts using the linky below. Alternatively, why not use #FoodasTherapy on Twitter or tweet at me- @PeaGreenPantry! Remember, you can link up whatever you like, on the subject of Food as Therapy, the challenge is only optional! You have until Wednesday evening to link up & then next Thursday I'll do a little showcase! You see, getting very organised now! Ahem...

Good luck on your quest & I hope to see lots of linkies!

 
 

Daughter Loves...

Pasta, pesto, goats cheese, roasted peppers & onions, fresh spinach or basil & fresh cherry tomatoes.

Anything with pasta in has got Eldest's vote but this simple dish is one of my favourites too. Ready in less than 20 mins makes it even better!

We often use feta instead of goats cheese & I like to add mushrooms too when we've got them in.

Just shove anything you fancy in there & see how it tastes. Simple things are the best!

Running for Mind

Just a quick post to say that this year I shall be taking part in the Bupa Great North Run in order to raise money for the charity Mind.

You can donate & help me reach my target of £300 here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChloeSkinnerMind 

or by clicking on the picture of me looking like a smug runner to the right!

You can read more about why I'm running here: http://ourpeagreenpod.blogspot.com/2012/03/running-for-mind.html

Please help spread the word! Every last penny is hugely appreciated!

Picnic on a Plate

How difficult do you find it to coerce the wee ones into eating vegetabley goodness? Whatever happened to the days of pureeing everything up & cunningly disguising the good stuff in a mush of rice or porridge?

Sometimes I find it incredibly taxing - "Eurrgghh, I don't liiiiiike iiiit!" YOU HAVEN'T EVEN TRIED IT! - but I've found an incredibly simple trick that works for us.

We call it our Picnic on a Plate & sometimes we even eat it with our legs crossed on the floor! It consists of whatever veg is to hand, some fruit too, maybe a sandwich or some breadsticks with dips, a yoghurt or jelly on the side if we are really lucky & a hard boiled egg always goes down a treat too!

The trick works better if we are sharing (she tries to eat more up before I scoff the lot) & we try different combinations, build carrot stick castles (okay so playing with your food only works if supervised!) & take our time, but inevitably it all goes down the right way!I can't wait 'til baby girl is old enough to join in with us too, the beauty being that as soon as they're on proper solids it can be a part of their diet!

Yum yum! Happy Monday all!

Food as Therapy

Here we go...

This is... (drumroll, fanfare, huge anticipation) ...the first official post for the Food as Therapy blog-hop, linky thingamy! (More concise, witty name pending). If you haven't heard about it yet then check out the 'Food as Therapy' top tab & see what you think.

I'm sure this whole idea will grow & take on a little more structure as the weeks go by, but for now lets say, the first rule of Food [as Therapy] Club is that you MUST talk about Food Club! It's all about the sharing of ideas & good stuff. We can share:

• recipes that make us feel good
• pictures of meals we enjoy
• our plans for the week ahead
• ideas for others to try
• stories of what we are doing right & wrong
• our personal stories
• professional advice we've come across
• anything that relates to food & our wellbeing, be that mental, physical or emotional.

So this week I ask you all to make your introductions, in whatever way you see fit! Just link up using the linky below, leave a comment or follow us on twitter at @PeaGreenPantry

What will you do to make a start to the food as therapy journey?

I'd also love to see just a picture or even recipe of a favourite meal. Who are your favourite chefs & cooks (famous, infamous or completely unknown to anyone else)?

It's all very well me asking you all this, but what about me?

Well, I'm Chloe, I'm a mum to two girls (all ready!) & I'm very pleased to make your accquaintance! I do a lot of tearing my hair out & the such, not only with the tribulations of family life but battling mental illness & whatever else life throws at me. If you'd like to read my personal blog (lots of swearing & stuff) then you can find it here!

For a starter I am going to show you how I have begun to plan my weeks. During the darker days I find it terribly difficult to pull myself out of my pit & have a little structure so at home we have invested in a chalkboard (good ol' TK Maxx) & we now plan our week ahead - meals, appointments, birthdays, shopping lists, work hours & lots of doodles from me. No obscene ones this week though!

It has helped me hugely so far. I am a scatter brain, but when I can consult the board more stuff gets done. It's colourful too, which always makes me smile.

My favourite chef, well it's got to be Hugh, oh, Hugh. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. I have a little food related crush on dear old Hugh. I know, don't say anything!

& a favourite meal? I actually have scuppered myselff here as I don't think I could choose, but I'll say I'm a huge breakfast fan & recently fat blueberry pancakes have been a favourite with maple syrup & perhaps even some crispy bacon! Nom!

Late Night Crumbling

After a day of horrendous suffering that lethal agony that is the Man Flu (yes ladies, I do let the side down, a thousand apologies!) come the evening I was feeling a little perkier & a little peckish.. Okay, more like ravenous (what?! I had been suffering & can't go for more than a few hours without at least a snack!) & so, foraging thru the sparse supplies in the fridge I happened across some blueberries which were in desperate need of consumption ("EAT US, EAT US!!") however blueberries alone weren't going to cut it for a girl who hadn't eaten in oohh, what...4 hours?!

My immediate thought was "Get your muffin on!"
A quick rummage later & alas, no muffin cases.
There was only one thing for it: EMERGENCY CRUMBLE

3 x Dessert Apples - check
2 x Handfuls Blueberries - check
Little Knob (Steady!) of Butter - check
1 x tbsp Sugar - check
1 x tbsp Muscovado Sugar - check
1/2 x tsp Cinnamon - check
Dash of Nutmeg - check
Looking good! & the crumble topping?
4oz Flour - check
2oz Oats - check
3oz Butter - check
3oz Sugar - check

STOP! Crumble time...

Firstly, I heated the sugars & butter until all the sugar was dissolved & then wapped in my apples (chopped into smallish sized chunks) & the spices, cooking until evenly coated in the sticky stuff & ever so slightly tender. It's best if you do it in a frying pan but for the purposes of making as little washing up as possible (but ultimately just being a massive faff) I did mine in a tiny saucepan.

 

Then I just chucked them in a bowl with the uncooked blueberries on top & a bit more sugar for good measure.

Then the topping. You can easily make plain with 4oz (100g) flour & 2oz (50g) butter & 2oz (50g) sugar but I like the extra wholesomeness of oats in there too. Either way rub in the butter & flour until it looks like a crumble topping, then stir in the sugar & oats, if using.

Wang it on top, stick it in the oven, medium heat, for 25 mins, until nice & golden brown.

Take out when done & eat with whatever you fancy. In my case, straight from the bowl! Wait until the hubby [or wife] gets home (or if you are lucky enough not to have an other half then scoff it all yourself) & see the suspicious look on their face when they see the crumble waiting for them!

 

Easy as Pie...er...no, Easier than Pie!

~ * ~

Foody Memories

As you may have guessed, food is something that I LOVE! For me, some dishes aren't just about tasting good here & now, but they hold lovely memories too.

One thing that I used to love as a child was coming home to my Grandfather's house from school on a chilly winter evening, skipping through the front door into the kitchen & being swathed in the rich aroma of lamb or beef & an array of vegetables which had been gently stewing all day long. After my half-hour piano practice in the study I would race up the hallway (ignoring the square patterns on the carpet which I would usually delight in hop-scotching on) & tear into the kitchen, knowing that he would have the ancient Pyrex bowl, an old battered tablespoon & some flour, suet & salt waiting so that we could prepare the dumplings. Simple food, for simple times. Perfect.

Stew is so simple & versatile, but so wholly satisfying & comforting to devour of an evening (complete with dumplings, naturally!) that I don't think I could ever tire of it, even if I didn't associate it with such warm childhood memories.

What are your foody memories? I would be delighted to hear, or even see a picture & would love for you to comment or even link up below!

Happy Valentines Day!

We all know what day it is!

Did you all get anything? I hope so! If not, why not treat yourself? Go on...

For me, today was the first ever year I've had a proper Valentine's day & I must say, it was a bit good! In the past I've been one for treating myself to a tub of posh ice cream & getting drunk with friends & this is always great (no sarcasm there - didn't you hear I said ice cream & alcohol!) but it's nice to have a bit of a change! I do miss the drunken bit, though I suppose there is still time!


As we all know, Valentine's day is all about the love but it also seems to be increasingly about the food...
Chocolates, dining out, dining in, breakfast in bed, champagne...
In our house it was no exception. I got the conventional box of choccies from the Mr. (which are being guarded from my Eldest girly with my life!) as well as some potted roses (which I will kill, it can't be avoided, but I'm hoping this isn't any reflection on the longevity of our love!) & because the Mr. is working this evening I made him a yummy fry up this morning, with toasty hearts & hearty eggs ~

After today my heart is feeling a bit toasty too so I wish you all a lot of love & a tip:
There is no end to the uses for a heart shaped cookie-cutter on Valentines day, so if you haven't all ready, spread a little love & get cut-cut-cutting!

Have a wonderful one folks!

Peas & love :)

Here's one I made earlier!

I told you earlier that today I would be doing a spot of easy baking with Eldest. Alas, dear readers, I am dying. I think I have the man flu or some other such ailment, but whatever it is, baking is not on the cards - lying around moaning & possibly eating some baked goods, however, is totally on.

Though this was never meant to be the first official PGP post, rather a little something to whet your appetite, before we really get stuck in, I still feel I've let you down & so here is a post I made earlier instead. Originally made for my personal blog Our Pea Green Pod.

~   *   ~

We like to bake. We love to bake! However...finding a spare half an hour when you have a 3 year old child who spends most of her time on the naughty step & a ten week old baby who spends most of her time eating, crying or soiling herself can be a little bit tricky.

So, if you are in a similar predicament to me, then you may appreciate my step by step guide to cupcakes.

1. Preparation is key. Firstly get all your ingredients together: remember: 4:4:4:2 or in this case 2:2:2:1 - this is 4oz SRFlour, 4oz caster sugar, 4oz butter to two medium free range eggs. Place them on a tea towel so as to disguise your mingin' work tops from anyone who may be watching you, for whatever reason.

2. Check that baby is sleeping soundly. Yes? Good.

3. Find child & place in apron (may be trickier than it seems).

4. Make child smile & banish from sucking thumb until finished. Crop out mop in background.

 5. Remove gross child-germs from child's hands.

6. Now, at last, baking. Cream together butter & sugar using electric mixer, unless your child, like mine, is scared of electric mixers, hoovers, hand dryers etc. in which case either do this by hand or tell child it's safe to enter when you're done.

7. Beat in egg & vanilla essence. ("Awwww I wanted to crack the egg, Mummyyyy...")

8. After ensuing egg-related sulk, gradually stir in the flour.

9. Scoop into cases, taking extra care to avoid child saliva & other bodily fluids contaminating mixture.

10. Bugger, too late.

11. Place on tray & bake in oven for 10 minutes.

 

12. Meanwhile, have a cuppa, relax & contemplate why you ever thought it was a good idea to let your child in a room that houses sharp knives & dangerous electrical equipment, especially when all they ever do is ask "What's this?!" whilst wielding a meat cleaver or other such dangerous object the moment your back is turned. Perhaps I should add, in the name of safety & common sense - put all the sharp things tightly away!

13. Check buns, realise you are crap at timing & return to oven for a further five minutes.

14. Remove from oven. Perfect buns every time. 

If not, blame child.

#1

We will be up & running soon...

Keep checking back ~