A new start – and delicious homemade shortbread
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Those of you who kindly stop by here regularly will have noticed I’ve been a bit quiet for a time. It’s been an eventful and difficult couple of months, I’ll say more in a moment. But first – a bit belatedly – heartfelt wishes for a glorious and peaceful [...]
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Those of you who kindly stop by here regularly will have noticed I’ve been a bit quiet for a time. It’s been an eventful and difficult couple of months, I’ll say more in a moment. But first – a bit belatedly – heartfelt wishes for a glorious and peaceful 2011 to all. The new year brings a fresh start for us, and this year I feel that especially. So here we are, I’ve taken stock, and I’m so looking forward to this coming year - and feeling very thankful too. I’m starting my new year by sending out a lot of thank you messages. And what better way is there to say thank you than with some delicious homemade shortbread biscuits.
So where have I been? Well I’ll just say, in a nutshell, that I had a bit of a sudden health issue and as a result I had to have major surgery just before Christmas. All went well and all is well now, and that’s one (big) reason I’m truly thankful.
But it’s extraordinary how much that’s wonderful and positive can emerge from challenging events. I’ve been delighted and honoured by the kindness and friendship of people around me. When I came home from hospital, friends and neighbours in our village showered us with help and good wishes. Our cottage was absolutely brimming with cards and flowers (those pink ones above came from the two gorgeous old ladies who live next door). We were brought hot dinners and given lots of help with childcare. I felt so touched by all these kindnesses. We moved to this village from Barbados about five years ago and at first it wasn’t easy to settle. Over time we naturally made friends – however the experiences of the past several weeks made me really see how lovely this place is, this little village full of kind and caring people. Now I’m well on the mend, it’s time for me to send out some thanks for all those favours. It’s time to start baking.
I found this cute little biscuit stamper in my Christmas stocking and this is an excellent opportunity to try it out. I love it, and so does our little boy. We haven’t quite mastered perfectly stamped biscuits yet, but that’s what homemade is all about isn’t it?
While the biscuits cool down, we have the chance to take a walk in the crisp winter sunshine. It has been a lovely winter so far, lots of snow and frost. I’m a warm weather girl really, but even so I love the beauty of winter. The shapes of the bare trees, the muted colours and far reaching views. Then back home, into the warmth, and it’s time for a cup of tea and to start on those thank you cards.
As I haven’t been able to cook much for the past few weeks, my husband has had to get cooking. (Another thing to be thankful for?!) As the head cook of the house, I’ve been teaching him a bit as he goes along. It’s been quite good fun actually, so we’re going to keep up the cookery lessons! More about that next time.
In the meantime, drop me a comment if you like. I would love to hear from you. And if you would like to connect on Twitter, I always tweet on there with blog updates and other things in between. Thanks for visiting!
Pascale x
Bron: 12th January 2011
Welcome back Pascale! Love that birdy tea cup.
pascale: 12th January 2011
Hi Bron. I know, that cup is cute isn’t it? Another recent gift (and addition to the prop cupboard)! Happy new year and hope to see you again soon. x
Katharina: 12th January 2011
So pleased to see you back! Sending all my love to you and yours…
pascale: 12th January 2011
Hi K, thanks and love to you all too.
Roger Stowell: 12th January 2011
Hi there/ You’ve really made headway with your photography.The site looks great and you write very well.Keep up the great work. I shall be making the shortbread.
pascale: 12th January 2011
Roger, a compliment from you makes me very happy indeed! Thanks.
Clairetweet: 12th January 2011
So sorry to hear you have been poorly. I hope you are all mended now. I STILL haven’t used my Homemade Stamp (I have the same one) seeing this has made me want to have a go with it now. I love the photos, especially the 2nd one with the cookies and flowers. Take Care.
pascale: 12th January 2011
Thanks Claire! Yes have a go. I also tried the recipe on the tag but it has baking powder and that made the biccies puff up and lose the words a bit. I may have done something wrong. But it’s a fun little baking thingy. x
Margaret: 12th January 2011
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Your winter shots are incredible. Not only do you capture the essence of winter in England you make it look quite appealing. Picture three is magic. The shortbread pictures and recipe are a delight.
pascale: 12th January 2011
I like that plant too, I have no idea what it is but it really catches the evening sunlight. x
cathi: 12th January 2011
So glad your back,it really brings joy to me when I see your wonderful photos,follow your chat and sample your recipes!!You are truly talented Pascale. Hope you have a fabulous 2011!
pascale: 12th January 2011
Thanks Cathi, and thanks for the flowers from Barbados too. Hope to see you in 2011. x
Natalie: 12th January 2011
Even I could manage that shortbread recipe but the key ingredient is that fabulous stamp. Where can I get one?
Love the pretty tea cup. Such a delight. N
pascale: 12th January 2011
You can borrow mine! x
Jeanne @ CookSister!: 12th January 2011
It is so lovely to have you back
You gave me a big fright when you mailed me in November!! But thrilled to hear that thigs went well and that you are entering the new year in such a positive state of mind 
Stunning photos (as always) and LOVE the item of furniture in the background of the first pic. Is it an armoire??
pascale: 12th January 2011
Hi Jeanne, I had quite a fright too! But thankfully I’ve been so well looked after. That piece of furniture is actually my desk. It’s the heaviest thing in the world and my husband and moving men hate it! But I love it! See you soon I hope. x
Jeanne @ CookSister!: 12th January 2011
Oh, and I meant to say I have a cyclamen exactly that colour that I bought on a whim in an IKEA car park (fact!) has been happily blooming in my kitchen for 7 years. It is apparently indestructible and I adore its faint but sweet scent as I pass by!
Meeta: 12th January 2011
So good to have you back Pascale and glad to hear things have worked out for you. I wish you all the best for 2011 and maybe we get a chance to see each other too. I love that stamper and want one too!! Lovely looking cookies.
pascale: 12th January 2011
Hi Meeta, and all the best for you in this new year too! I hope we can get together soon too. I am so looking forward to another blogger catch up/meet up. By the way, I’ve been loving all your recent work, the blog and portfolio sites. Really really great. x
Charlie: 12th January 2011
Hi Pascale I’ve been missing you and your posts. This one is of course completely stunning and how good it is to have you back. Here’s to a triumphant 2011 xx
Michele AKA 5am Foodie: 12th January 2011
Hi Pascale. Good to see you back and glad you’re on the mend. Beautiful photos and that stamp is really cool. Any idea where it came from before it found its way into your stocking? Looking forward to seeing you at some point this year.
pascale: 12th January 2011
Hi Michele, well from Father Christmas of course!! Actually, I happen to know where you can find one right in Oxford. I’ll get in touch on twitter. Hope to see you soon too. x
Sally - My Custard Pie: 12th January 2011
I’ve just started a photography course and we have to put together some images that inspire us. I couldn’t remember the name of your blog so searched and searched for about half and hour to find it. There is something about the simplicity of the shots with the lights and highlights that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. I’m sure that blogging wasn’t top of your list if you’ve been so ill but thanks for sharing and hope you are on the mend. Adore the little home-made stamp.
pascale: 12th January 2011
Sally, your lovely comment made my day – thank you. I really like visiting your site too, it’s great to get a perspective on a part of the world that I don’t know much about. I hope the photography course is inspiring – I am totally entranced by images and lovely photography and it’s really fun learning how to get different effects. x
Sarah, Maison Cupcake: 12th January 2011
Hi Pascale! Happy New Year and I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a bit of a drama to deal with in the past month. Hoping you are feeling much better now and I simply MUST get one of those stamps. Your beautiful pictures have really brightened up my raining morning XXX
pascale: 12th January 2011
Hi Sarah, lovely to hear from you. I know you are busy as I check out Maison Cupcake regularly to see what you are up to. Looking forward to seeing you in the coming year. x
Home Baked: 12th January 2011
Happy new year to you – I’m glad to hear your health scare is over.
What wonderful friends and neighbours you have!
pascale: 12th January 2011
I agree, that’s what life is all about really! Happy new year to you too!
Choclette: 12th January 2011
Happy New Year Pascale and glad to hear you are now well on the way to recovery. Your shortbreads are a lovely way to say thank you and I love that stamp.
pascale: 12th January 2011
I know, that stamp is so cute isn’t it? Thanks for the good wishes!
Cathie: 12th January 2011
Hi Pac,
I’ve been checking your site regularly to see when you’d make a new post. Glad to see that you’re back in the swing of things.
Will be in touch under separate cover.
xxx Cathie
Peggy: 12th January 2011
Gorgeous photography, am delighted to have discovered your blog! wishing you full speed with that recovery!!
Ovidiu: 12th January 2011
What a lovely selection of pictures! I wish I could taste some of the contents.
Keep up the good work!
pascale: 12th January 2011
Thanks so much Ovidiu, for your lovely comments. Nice to see a visitor from Dulwich!
Iman: 12th January 2011
So glad you are back. I started reading just as you made your last post and I thought it was something I did.
I hope all is well.