Emergency Strawberry Tarts

Ok, I know my life must sound incredibly twee that I would need such a thing as "emergency strawberry tarts". But...well, yes sometimes people show up and I want to give them something sweet. I like to give people cake when they come my house. Sometimes I even wear a pinny. That's just how it is.

Anyway I trust you guys enough to make this confession...sometimes I buy ready-made sweet pastry cases and keep them in the cupboard. Now, reader, you might be the type of person to spot such a thing in another person's shopping basket and briefly judge them. But hear me out! Would you not also be super pleased to arrive at someone's house, pretty much unannounced, to be greeted with a plate of these beauties?

Make a strawberry coulis by simmering some chopped strawberries and a handful of caster sugar, for approximately 8 minutes until soft. "Mush" (technical term there) with a fork until you have a thick sauce.

Now whip up some cream with a drop of vanilla extract. Fill the cases with the cream. Top with some coulis, fresh strawberries, and a good drizzle of more coulis.

And by all means, if you have more time and haven't been at work all day, make your own pastry. You'll be the better person for it.

Pools and Polperro

Well we're home from the sea, and I'm missing it already. Luckily the sun came out in the last few days, so we spent a very happy day at the beach in Looe. Laying on the sand, burying our feet, rockpooling, walking out to sea, eating ice creams, watching the boats go by....life at it's best, surely?

Then, a lovely evening in the nearby village of Polperro. This is a real working fishing village and is very small, so feels less touristy than Padstow and was certainly much quieter.

We found a very old, creaky and crooked fisherman's tavern on the seafront, serving local fish and seafood. Having bagged the best window table, we could sit and watch the fisherman bringing in their evening catches (this elicited different reactions from us..my Dad and I thought of how fresh and delicious they would be, whilst my Mum was grossed out. She's not the biggest fish fan. Toby was more interested in the boats themselves)

So in true form my Dad and I each had the seafood platter, which included (and this is a big claim here) The Best Scallops I Have Ever Had. Cooked in garlic butter and bacon. Just truly heavenly.

Oh take me back...

Cornish Coast

Yet again, I've been a rather neglectful blogger of late. But at least this week I've had an excuse, as I've been having a relaxing time away in Cornwall with the Wonderboy and my parents.

Yesterday we took a visit to Padstow, which is a great place for wandering around the little shops, pubs and cafes...especially when there are enormous Cornish scones to be had.

Oh, and of course Rick Stein has taken over the place. He has a seafood restaurant, cafe, deli, patisserie, shop and fish and chip takeaway. Yes it was expensive, but it was very good. And the only time in my life that my fish and chips have come with a lemon wedge and parsley garnish!

Chocolate Chunk and Peanut Butter Cookies

Now I'm not the biggest fan of American cooking, but I am quite taken with their love of peanut butter. Especially when it's combined with chocolate, and comes in cookie form.

You can find the full original recipe here. Sorry I'm not writing it out for you guys, but it's Sunday evening and I've had a pretty heavy weekend, so you'll have to forgive me.

(ok since you asked I went to see the Foo Fighters yesterday - and it was quite possibly the best concert I've ever been to - but I know you really just want to hear more about these cookies..)

It is worth mentioning that I left out the whole roasted nuts and the dark chocolate that are listed in the recipe, as I didn't have them. Which is perhaps why sleepy Sunday baking isn't always the best idea...frankly you're just not fussed about minor details such as "ingredients". But, I have to say, I think the dark chocolate would have made these cookies even better as the bitter element would have cut through the richness. Didn't miss the nuts though as I used crunchy peanut butter. So there you go, top tips direct from the front line of baking for you.

Tagliatelle with Pesto and Pan Fried Scallops

Dinner last night was quick, simple, yet delicious. And if you think scallops are too extravagant for a weeknight, I urge you to start buying your fish and seafood from Morrisons (if you live in the UK, obviously). I know this sounds like a real housewifey tip, or that they're sponsoring me, but honestly their fish section is really reasonable and great quality. I think my packet of scallops was about £3, and there was some leftover for another meal. Can't really argue with that.

Birthday Boy

I can't believe this little Wonderboy turned 4 today. The years have just flown by. And besides, saying "I have a 4 year old " makes me feel pretty old! Yesterday we had a party at my parents' house with relatives. Party games were played, sweets were won and traded, presents were torn open...

...and a ridiculous amount of cake was consumed.

(including these extremely easy to make brownies. I'll share the recipe with you when I'm not so exhausted)

Today, we had a small gathering back at home and he was even more spoilt. He deserves it though. This boy will never realise how much he means to me. Happy birthday xxx

Breakfast

The British raspberry. I salute thee.