Blossom and cheese sables!
Blossom! All the trees around here are starting to burst into joyful exuberant bloom and I just love it. Nothing evokes springtime, optimism and bright beginnings quite as well as nature cloaked in a mass of petals. The tulips, daffodils and other bulbs are all lovely, but for me, it’s the blossom that really gives [...]
Blossom! All the trees around here are starting to burst into joyful exuberant bloom and I just love it. Nothing evokes springtime, optimism and bright beginnings quite as well as nature cloaked in a mass of petals. The tulips, daffodils and other bulbs are all lovely, but for me, it’s the blossom that really gives life a lift. So beautiful, these delicate petals and colours, and so fleeting too. You just have to stop and enjoy them as they last. So, blessed with some gentle sunshine this week, we are taking our aperitifs to the garden!
If you are like me, you’ll enjoy a little savoury treat with your drink. And these little cheesy, nutty biscuits are just the thing. The problem is only that they are so tasty and moreish (that’s a word from my childhood!) that it’s hard to stop from eating too many. Never mind, I have a robust appetite and it’s not readily ruined. These biscuits are quick and simple to make, and you can even prepare the dough in advance, shape it into a cylinder and freeze it. Then when you wish to bake the sables, just allow it to barely defrost so you can slice the little rounds and bake.
In this recipe I used a strong, sharp cheddar and pecan nuts. But like most things I cook, it’s all variable! Try a version with gruyere or blue cheese and walnuts, or parmesan and sesame, poppy, caraway, onion seeds, paprika…
I wish it weren’t so, but we tend to hibernate a bit during the winter months in England. I feel much more inclined to socialise and entertain when the sun is shining. Living most of my life in sunny climates, I never noticed this – it’s one of those things that we are aware of with the distinct seasons we have in England. So here’s to Spring, Summer to come, warmer weather, friends and fun.
As always, thanks for visiting and please do leave me a comment if you wish. I love to get the links to your sites and blogs too. Or keep in touch on twitter!
More soon. P.
Clairetweet: 30th March 2011
Hi Pascale. We too love a savoury snack with our drinks. It is our downfall. These look delicious and I like the idea of having them in the freezer ready to go. I will give them a try. That blossom is so pretty.
pascale: 30th March 2011
Thanks Claire. Savoury nibbles are my downfall for sure. Much more than chocolate!
cristina: 30th March 2011
Hi Pascale,
I have been reading you for a while. Your style, so natural and your photography are very inspiring. I have been wanting to start my blog for ages I am hoping to do it soon, work and kids permitted (although this is not an excuse).
Be proud of yourself!
pascale: 30th March 2011
Cristina, it’s lovely to get your comment. Start that blog! it is lots of fun, even if it takes a bit of time. Send me your blog link as soon as you get started. P.
pascale: 30th March 2011
Me again, I didn’t notice your link just before, then went and looked. Do your run Tredhady House? It looks super lovely. Would love to visit your way someday!
Natalie Harzic: 30th March 2011
Those photos of sables and a lovely class of cold sparkling wine are completely alluring. I have been looking forward to seeing some Spring blossom photos and they do not disappoint.
pascale: 30th March 2011
Thanks Nat!
Charlie: 30th March 2011
A drink is just a drink on its own, but a real celebration when there are delicious things like these to eat too. Happy Easter. C
Margaret: 30th March 2011
The tantalising still life of the sables, champagne and blossom together with the invitation to ‘drinks’ in the garden are irresistable. Yes, I’d love to come. You photographs, recipes and style are so appealing. Can’t wait for more!
David: 30th March 2011
Such a delightful harbinger of summer drinks to come. W ell, a man can but dream. Such fantastic pictures, and the biscuits go down really well (and extremely quickly) with all kinds of drinks. But best with sunshine and company.
Sally: 30th March 2011
As always your lovely images and words transport me to a bit of England. There are a few more opportunities for drinks in the garden here in the Middle East but the summer heat is encroaching. I’m going to make some of these sables this week to serve with drinks for good friends visiting from UK.
pascale: 30th March 2011
Hi Sally, yes you have the extreme heat in the summer to deal with! Do you usually travel – or visit home – during that time?
Greedy Rosie: 30th March 2011
Spring has really sprung eh?
Those biscuits look great – and beautiful photography as ever :0)
pascale: 30th March 2011
Hi Rosie, thanks for stopping by and kind comment.