Vintage Cane Chairs

Nev bought over these cane chairs recently. We were preparing for Monica's wake when we were expecting 70 odd friends and relatives at Carramar Street. I was so excited when I saw them and even happier when he said that I could keep them.

fabulous shape

I have a feeling that they were meant primarily for extra seating but were offered to me when he saw how excited I was when I saw them.

I asked about a matching table but unfortunately it no longer exists - shame. Now I want to do an afternoon tea just so that I can show off the chairs.

Spring plantings

I have had extra time this year to concentrate on the garden. I have also planted the usual pots of colour. These are so lovely to cheer up the outside table for family lunches or just for me to enjoy.

Purple pansies 

These always remind me of George and Lucy Jamieson and 'The Crescent' Coorparoo. There were always purple pansies down the front path. This is such a stong memory from my childhood.
I have to do this every year.

White petunias

These are also a regular favourite. I leave them in full morning sun and then pop them up on the table at lunch time. Mt 'day off' lunches feel very glamorous surrounded by flowers.

Sunday - Pumpkin Scones

Another test run for Scones. Lady Flo's recipe! It is actually the same as many others that I researched.

Great with butter

I had left over cold mashed pumpkin - what to do?

Pumpkin & Date Cake of course

Mushrooms on Toast

My latest favourite breakfast is Mushrooms on Toast. I use the big field mushrooms or Swiss Browns. I fry the slices gently in oil and butter (not crowded as per Julia Child's instruction), so that each side colours and caramelises. When almost cooked I add the finely chopped garlic, after a few minutes a good splosh of sherry. Turn the heat off and let it subside gently.

Then I add freshly chopped parsley and the best ingredient - soft goats cheese. This lifts it to a whole new level.

Left overs are good for the next day

On my favourite spelt sour dough toast

It is also very healthy.

Lemonade Scones

Graham loves Lemonade scones and often speaks about them. I found a few recipes and decided on one from Delicious Magazine.

The mix

Ready for oven

12 minutes later

It worked

I have always wanted to make good scones. I have eaten many over the years. Some like bricks and some that leave a bitter taste. I was always reluctant to try making them myself. This version is not heavy at all.

My house feels like spring

I have been doing some serious gardening this past week to get things under control before rain (hopefully) and heat. I am hoping for another good crop of Agapanthus.

My nastursims look lovely right now so couldn't resist doing an arrangement.

I love this bowl with the shells in the base

My local supermarket has a special on tulips. I couldn't believe my luck. 4 bunches for $12.

So pretty and fresh

Then today is also 'Daffodil Day' so I couldn't pass these up.

Just right for the kitchen

The flowers inspired me to change all my winter decorations for lighter spring looking items.

Date and Ginger Cake with Caramel Glaze

I made this cake from the recipe in 'Delicious' Magazine June 2013. It had 3 ingredients that i love. Dates (I can't survive with fresh dates in the refrigerator), ginger and caramel.

The photo in the magazine was also gorgeous.

Fabulous

I was so excited with the result. Not only did it look amazing but I do believe that it is the best cake I have ever made.

I made this to take to Michelle and Stephen's for dessert.

Delicious magazine have a current competition where you upload a photo of something that you made from the magazine. I have done this. Will be fun to see what happens.