Soda bread is very easy to make. I use sour milk (full-fat). Alternatively, you can use buttermilk, or a mixture of milk and natural yoghurt.
12oz/350g good wholemeal flour
6oz/175g plain white flour
1 good teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
250ml milk
Pinch of salt
Teaspoon of sugar.
Put all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix. Make a well in the centre. Pour in enough milk to make a soft dough, by mixing with your hands. Roll out a circular shape. Score a cross with a knife (this makes it easier to cut into quarters when baked). Bake in a fairly hot oven for 30-35 minutes.

A local delicacy

 

We have few culinary claims to fame around here.  Last year the Hairy Bikers visited the area and asked  people to name a local speciality, and this was what everyone nominated - the Staffordshire oatcake!

The ones we had for lunch came from a local oatcake shop.  They'll do all kinds of filling... we make our own with cheddar cheese and tomato.  They're not just savoury though...I can recommend them just buttered, and spread with honey.

Ladybirds

Don't know if you've seen a current copy of BBC Homes and Antiques magazine, but there's an interesting article on Ladybird books.  As they've always been a particular favourite, it started me wondering just what titles we have. Quite a few as it turns out.

The 'What to look for' series is a special favourite because of the Tunnicliffe illustrations.

Then a few on more on nature and the countryside...I'm sure I had these when I was small

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And then all the stories that are so familiar.  Some of these were bedtime favourites...I must have read The Little Red Hen and Chicken Licken every night for at least a year.  Funny how they lose their appeal!

Most of our copies aren't in exactly pristine condition, as you can see...plenty of tears and wax crayon in evidence...but then apart from a few rarities (needless to say we don't own any of those) it's still possible to buy copies for just a couple of quid.  Very good value.

Shopping

As I write this there is a TV programme on about a brave guy who is trying to kick - even if in a small way- against the power of the big supermarkets, by opening a people's supermarket - good on him. Any of you who check this (or our previous) blog will know that we try to shop from local shops and local markets whenever possible...I mean its about a hundred times nicer an experience anyway. isn't it?

 

Definite signs of spring

Snowdrops are such pretty little things.  The petals were still closed when I picked them, but after about half an hour of being in the house, they'd opened up...and the kitchen window seems as good a place as any to enjoy them

It's been a good day for messing about in the garden, doing a bit of clearing up.  I felt like Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden (only much older!), uncovering clumps of snowdrops from under mounds of leaf litter -  and having time to notice other plants attempting to flower.  

Yesterday we had a problem with the drains (not just yesterday actually, come to think of it, as it's been going on a while, but not something to dwell on, as you can imagine!)) so I needed to replant part of the border that had been disturbed.  At least it will soon recover.

Felt and flowers

I''ve decided I really like using felt... it's probably all the rich shades that attract me - that, and how easy it is to hand sew.  Noreen knitted me a beautiful red scarf and boy, have I needed it this winter!  Now I'm obsessed with making brooches...this one to match my scarf.

Choosing colours of embroidery threads is almost as good as choosing felt....simple pleasures - is that sad, or what?  And a wonderful place for all things sewing is Abakhan Fabrics.  Our local shop is full of everything for needlecrafts.  I think I'll just pop in for something and hours later I'm still there. There's an online shop at http://www.abakhan.co.uk/ if it's too far to visit in person.

The Lakes

There's something rather magical about the Lake District.  It's one of those places that I never tire of...it just seems good for the soul somehow.  All those mountain peaks and fells reflected in clear water...no wonder the area has always attracted poets and writers.  I'm getting a bit carried away myself!

I guess you can tell we enjoyed our little break...we had a pit stop here by Derwent Water.  Shame the top came off our flask, so we ended up with a rucksack full of coffee.  Ah well...great view!