Indian Summer
Unexpected pleasures are so sweet, don’t you find? The glorious sunshine and unusual warmth of the past days have brought delight – just as we started to get entrenched in the routine of Autumn. And the garden of our new home boasts trees laden with an extraordinary crop of apples and the hedges are richly [...]
Unexpected pleasures are so sweet, don’t you find? The glorious sunshine and unusual warmth of the past days have brought delight – just as we started to get entrenched in the routine of Autumn. And the garden of our new home boasts trees laden with an extraordinary crop of apples and the hedges are richly dotted with blackberries. These must be celebrated!
So, directly home from school, books and bags are cast aside and we make right for a lovely spot in the garden for a cool drink and a rest.
But little boys don’t really rest for long, do they? Our boy is lucky as he has quite a few little friends who live in the village. So after school, the garden is often buzzing with several little boys running around, building dens, climbing…. And feeling hungry – always hungry!
I’ve been reading a charming little book. It’s called ON A Stick! and it’s written by Matt Armendariz. Matt is the creator of the wonderful blog Matt Bites – do you know it? Well the book is just about what you would expect from the title – a series of quirky, delicious recipes and ideas – all of food on a stick.
Now I have yet to find a child who doesn’t adore food on sticks! Even healthy skewers of fruit and veggies. As long as you can trust little boys with sharp sticks (you can’t!) So with vigilance, I presented a garden snack inspired by Matt’s book. This isn’t actually his recipe, in fact it isn’t really a recipe at all. I simply assembled some berries and apple slices (from the garden), along with some little pieces of cake on wooden bamboo sticks.
The cake is a buttermilk and almond cake but I haven’t perfected the recipe yet. When I do, I’ll be happy to share it if you would like. Just let me know.
A quick chat, then back to running around!
A change of weather is forecast – back to the typical offerings of the season. Despite a little sadness to say goodbye to the bright warm days, I feel quite excited about the prospect of Autumn. It’s such a beautiful time of year – the splendid colours, the brisk walks, and of course, the delicious warming foods that nourish body and soul. More soon.
Px
Nic: 6th October 2011
It has been gorgeous weather, perfect for things on a stick! The boys certainly look like they are enjoying themselves, ahhh… to be young again!
pascale: 6th October 2011
Hi Nic, thanks for visiting! Yes the boys do know how to have fun! Px
Choclette: 6th October 2011
I love autumn too, it’s those fabulous colours and this autumn seems to be quite exceptional. Your pictures are lovely, so good to see boys running around and enjoying themselves and the mixed fruit and cake on a stick is an inspired idea.
Inspired by you, I now have a Home Made stamp. My first batch of biscuits weren’t brilliant as they spread and it was hard to make out the letters, but I posted about them anyway and hope to have better luck next time. Thank you for that idea, it’s a great stamp.
pascale: 6th October 2011
Hi Choclette,
Oh I’m glad you got one of those cute stamps too – I’ve had tons of fun with mine. It does take a little trial and error to get the dough/stamping right. I think a fairly firm dough works best. You’ve just reminded me to get mine out and have another go! Thanks, Px
Sally - My Custard Pie: 6th October 2011
Your site always makes me feel wistful. I must look at some pictures of England in the rain in November to counter it! Beautiful light. I like Matt A and must hunt out this book. As you rightly say, food on a stick is always appealling.
pascale: 6th October 2011
Sally, you are so right. It’s those endless dull grey days that are hard to endure, and when I miss the West Indies the most. I’ll have to try and do a grey day post and try to make that look appealing won’t I?! Px
Blandine: 6th October 2011
I love the little tent in the garden! The past week was deliciously warm and sunny, how nice it has been… This time of year is really beautiful. Thanks for the stick idea, apples and blackberry always are a great combo.
pascale: 6th October 2011
Hello Blandine, yes it has been great but as I drove through a heavy rain shower today I think that’s all changing! Nevermind! Px
Anna: 6th October 2011
Beautiful, beautiful photographs!
pascale: 6th October 2011
Thank you Anna! Px
Margaret: 6th October 2011
I love autumn and your pictures really capture the feeling so well despite the unseasonal warm weather – come to think of it the unexpected combination lends a magical touch.
I fancy some buttermilk and almond cake – hope I’m nearby when you perfect the recipe. A great post as usual – I always look forward to them. Love Mum x
Vix: 6th October 2011
Wow, your photos are so stunning. I particularly like the one of the tracks through the golden field.
pascale: 6th October 2011
Thanks Vix!