Tin Can Lanterns

It really is very easy to make tin can lanterns, see my step-by-step photos below.

1. Clean and remove the label from your tin can, fill with water leaving a 2-3 cm space at the top,  place in the freezer and when completely frozen it is ready to work on.

2. Design a rough template to fit the dimensions of your can and attach with sticky tape to hold it securely in place.  Alternatively create your design free hand.

3. You will need a hammer and a good sized nail to create your design.

4. The first thing you need to do is to make the holes for a wire handle (if you want one) about 1-2cm from the top edge of the tin on opposite sides of the tin.  Then work your way around the tin hammering enough holes to create your design, the more haphazard the better!!



5. Remove the paper and place a t-light inside the tin for a lovely effect (once dark).

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The Simple Things - a new monthly magazine

I have just subscribed to a new monthly magazine from the makers of the much loved 'Mollie Makes'. The first edition is due out in September and to celebrate this they are offering a deal of 3 issues for £5, which of course I snapped up straight away!!! First impressions look great, a combination of recipes, craft ideas, gardening tips and homewares as well as lots more.

To check out The Simple Things, sneak a peek at the magazine and to make the most of the 3 issues for £5 click on the link below.

The Simple Things

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Blueberry Muffins

The summer baking continues.....

I had some blueberry's and Greek yogurt that needed to be used up and I wanted to make a cake or muffins.  I only had one egg left and no butter but plenty of vegetable oil.  I decided to type my ingredients into google and see what I got.  The muffins in the photo above were based on the recipe below which came from the Doves Farm website.  I read the feedback given by others who had used the recipe and tweaked the Doves Farm recipe according to their suggestions which was to reduce the vegetable oil and add extra yogurt to compensate.  The result was a light and tasty muffin with lots of gooey blueberry's.  Click on the link to see the original recipe or try the recipe below.

www.dovesfarm.co.uk

Ingredients

150g/5oz self raising flour
100g/3.5oz caster sugar
100g/3.5oz fresh blueberry's
75g/2.5oz sunflower or vegetable oil
3tbsps natural yogurt
1 egg

Method

1. beat together the sugar, yogurt, oil and egg
2. mix in the flour
3. mix in the blueberry's
4. spoon into cake cases placed on a baking tray
5. bake in a preheated oven 190°C/375°F for 20-25mins

Easy as pie...or cake!!


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It's been a busy week....so far.

The summer holls are always busy and despite the weather being inclement we've still been up to lots. Look out for future posts of the craft projects we've been creating and also the tree house my partner has been building for the bambinos!!! How has your summer holiday been?

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Summer Holiday Baking - Chocolate Fairy Cakes

We've been busy this summer holiday and have been baking and making like mad, a good old classic never goes amiss and my children love helping make fairy and butterfly cakes.  We used the recipe on the website below and made our own chocolate butter icing rather than dusting with icing sugar.

www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk

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Cheesy Feet - Cheese Pastry Party Food

A relative bought me this pastry cutter for Christmas last year, she bought it from Cox & Cox for around £5 (we do a £5 Christmas for adults in our family).  The cutter comes complete with a recipe for cheesy feet, the ingredients can be found in most household cupboards.  Our family loved them, they were quick and easy to make and inexpensive.  Check out the link below for Cox & Cox.

www.coxandcox.co.uk

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My month in shopping lists...

Does anyone else photograph their shopping lists? I quite like the way it looks, a little glimpse at our weekly grocery needs.

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Allotment Glut - Squashes and Courgettes

The allotment has gone mad this summer and unfortunately the weeds have taken over, so much sun and rain has made it difficult to manage and maintain.  We have however managed to salvage most of our crops and have glut of oversized courgettes and squashes.  I would normally make a chutney with these but am looking for any recipe suggestions!!!
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