Come smell the cake

I love the smell of a Jewish kitchen in action. The Friday night chicken soup, the New Years baking of honey cake and freshly picked flowers.

The honey cake was delicious and moist, my usual recipe. But, it was my honey cluster cookies that were the talking point. Everyone loved them. They're a cross between a scone and a cookie.

Here's the recipe, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Ingredients:

125g butter
80g caster sugar
80ml sunflower oil
300g plain flour
150g self raising flour
25g chopped walnuts
160ml orange juice
250ml honey

1. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually beat n the oil.

2. Stir in the flours, nuts and juice and mix to a stiff dough.

3. Place dollops of mixture onto baking sheets and bake in oven 180C for 15-20 mins.

4. Heat honey and dip the warm cooked cookies into he honey to coat. Allow to dry over a wire rack. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

What September brings

As summer closes with the windy wet weather, it brings so much celebration and joy ahead. Hubby and I have just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. Whoop!!!! 10 years! My heart warms as I reminisce what 10 years has brought us. From the joys of passion and young love to the romantic trips abroad and wonderful family holidays. We are forever thankful for our two wonderful children, our happy family and a perfect unit for them to grow up in.

Happy ten years my sweet beau.

Next month we will be celebrating our birthdays, The Bubela turning 8 and the Nosh, 3. Hubby and I will fall into our late thirties, just tipping over the 35 mark. Oy Vey! Parties, cakes and other surprises ahead - keep tuned!

However, the first baking for this quarter of the year starts with Honey cake for the Jewish new year. Always well received alongside the honey clustered cookies. I'll be baking those tomorrow, so I'll be sure and show off some photos in posts to come. Whilst I am here, may I take this opportunity to wish my Jewish friends a happy and healthy new year.

There is something about this time of year that makes me bring out my yarn. I've been crocheting granny squares again. I'm making a blanket to cosy up to over the Christmas period. Yes, I'm already thinking Christmas. Nothing like cosying up with a cup of hot chocolate and watching a good old musical under a granny square blanket, or having a handy blanket to cover up those snoozing bodies after a big Christmas lunch.

So, whilst my hook is out and my stash in use, I thought it would be a great idea to put the old vintage sewing machine in for a service. Apparently its never had a service in its 40-something years. Oy vey. Once it comes back, I'll be able to sew together some childrenswear for the shop. No more skipped stitches!

Along with the falling conkers and crisping of leaves, September also brought the start of school. As you know, the Bubela started a new school and he has settled in well. He looks a treat in his smart uniform, smart kid. The Nosh, bless him, bounced straight back into his school regime too. Turning 3, is it too much pressure to tell him to put his own shoes on?

I love September with all it brings. What does September bring for you?