Persimmon Loaf Cake for our Virtual Tea Party

We have a Fruit & Veg Fairy Godfather. When the pandemic first hit, my parents received large quantities of slightly bruised fruit & veg from a Neighbour Friend – his brother imports these and had excess. We were happy recipients and made apple crumble, lemon drizzle cake, along with many stir fries with our bounty.

Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies for Our Virtual Tea Party

I haven’t had cornflakes in years. But since I have been obsessing over Christina Tosi’s Momofuku Milk Bar cookbook, we have devoured Cereal Milk, Cornflake Crunch, Panna Cotta using said Cereal Milk & Cornflake Crunch.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars for our Virtual Tea Party

Flavour-fiend Younger Daughter decided she had to create a new tray bake: she settled on a Gingerbread Cheesecake.

Apple-Blueberry crumble with Almond Paste for our Virtual Tea Party

I first had apple crumble in London when we visited Artist in the Kitchen Aunt. She effortlessly throws together fruity, cinnamon-y, nutty, more-ish crumbles to be eaten warm with thick, creamy custard (or cold for breakfast was great as well).

Cheddar & Scallion Scones for a Virtual Tea Party

With the abundance of rain our scallion crop is flourishing. We have been making all manner of scallioned goodies to use up these yummies.

Chanced upon this recipe last week on KingArthurFlour and all four of us love it (a cause for celebration in our quirky household)! Sharing it with you for our Virtual Tea Party, deliciously hosted by Su at zimmerbitch.

Ingredients

• 240g flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (original recipe asked for 1/2 tsp)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 85g cold butter, cut into pieces
• 113g grated or chopped sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 stalks scallions, cleaned, trimmed, and chopped (both white and green parts)
• 2 large eggs
• 74g milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional, for flavour
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional, for zing

1. Preheat the oven to 190°FC Lightly grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment.
2. Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Work in the butter with your fingers to make an unevenly crumbly mixture.
4. Toss in the cheese and scallions.
5. Mix together the eggs and milk, and the mustard and hot sauce (if you’re using them).
6. Add to the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is evenly moistened; the dough will be very sticky.
7. Liberally flour the counter and your hands. Pat the dough into a 10″ x 2″ rectangle. For larger, flatter scones, pat into a 15″ x 3″ rectangle.
8. Cut the rectangle into 5 squares; then cut each square in half diagonally, to make a total of 10 triangular scones.
9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1″ between them.
10. Bake the scones for 20 to 23 minutes, until they’re nicely browned.
11. Remove them from the oven, and serve warm or at room temperature. Store, well-wrapped, at room temperature, for several days; freeze for longer storage.

Cinnamon Rolls for Our Virtual Tea Party

It’s funny how after more than 20 years with my little family, there are still things I learn about them. One of these being we all four love cinnamon rolls.

in search of Apple Pie for our Virtual Tea Party

One of my fondest memories of living in Texas in the 1980s is dessert Pie. I took to this quintessential American dessert like a duck to water. Pumpkin, pecan, apple, rhubarb, key-lime, black bottom, peach, peanut butter … the list goes on. I abashedly claim that in my heyday, I polished off most of a full-size pumpkin pie! I paid for it shortly – I don’t think I touched another pumpkin pie for months after that.

Lemon Drizzle Cake for a Virtual Tea Party

There are some recipes which have been passed from person to person until its origin is lost. This lemon drizzle cake is one of these. It found its way to me after I had a slice at my Favourite London Aunt’s kitchen table. A burst of lemony freshness, moist buttery fluffy goodness melting in mouth.

when lemons come my way

Dropped my phone on the pavement – cracked my screen. Stubbed my toe on the sofa leg – dislocated it (my toe, unfortunately, not the sofa). Flipped a spoon out of the sink while washing it – bruised my ankle.

Did I mention that I had a klutzy day?

Wholemeal & Oat Soda Bread for a Tea Party

My first (and I feared, last) attempt ended in the bin – very seldom have I faced culinary defeat so complete that no one could/would eat it. But when I spied Del’s delicious bake on CurlsnSkirls, my soda bread fire reignited.