Banana Bread.

In my fantasy tea shoppe/cafe I dream of serving lots of things, among them mini versions of loaf cakes. I got these dinky tins in the US last year and eventually christened them last week. I've made this Banana bread plenty of times it's a recipe from Bill's first book and is really very delicious. My buddy disagrees with me that chocolate is an acceptable addition to banana bread, he has notions... Anyway I managed to swing him around with these, they look cute in mini version and are lovely served with a strong coffee. Next stop Nigella's dense chocolate loaf....

Holidays.

After much discussion and gentle persuasion I was talked out of attempting an overseas holiday with the little fella. Much as I love getting away I was pleased enough to be heading  to Ardmore in Waterford on a mini break. We stayed in the Cliff House Hotel, it was pretty fabulous. The rooms all look out over the water, the building itself hugs the cliff which makes for an unusual layout. But although it was beautifully appointed throughout, what caught my eye most was the green roof. Not as in the colour green but living, it was planted with some moss like plant which was a gorgeous pinky colour. On arrival we were starving, our appetites were well sated by the bar menu. I had the Hake with pearl barley risotto and I have to say it delivered lots of taste, flavour and contrasting textures, I was very happy indeed. The following day we were booked in to the Michelin starred restaurant. Maybe it's because I'm breastfeeding and have an appetite like I've never had before but I found the food a bit fiddley and overly clever. It all looked beautiful my starter of peas and tomatoes 2011 was plated like a painting but I can't say it was lovely to eat and so it went on, I would have happily had my Hake from the night before over the John Dory I chose. How and ever I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the staff were excellent and as we had organised a baby sitter It was great to have an evening out together. Before we knew it it was time to go home but not before we had a quick roadway stop to pick up some Wexford strawberries and spuds. I was asked which spuds would I like, I enquired of different varieties and the reply was no would you like small or large?! And in fairness these were definately spuds you would boil whole with the jackets on something I haven't done in a long time. 
So we'll see where we end up for next holiday. I think I'll be in need of some sun but the little fella is averse so more discussions methinks.

At the moment it's a good day when I get to have a shower, it's a really good day when I get to make dinner and anything beyond that is just rare. All because my little bundle is well pretty demanding..   It's alot of fun but extremely full on, I hate to think but he might be teething already so just when I think I have him  sorted it'll be grumpy baby again.. 
Anyway in one of those rare moments mentioned earlier he was having a nap un-assisted by human contact and the urge to bake came over me, but as it was thoroughly spontaneous the only ingredients I had to hand were for flapjacks. I usually make them by feel but as my senses are not to be trusted for the moment I used Nigella's recipe and very fine they turned out too....   I wonder when I'll get a chance again....

More canapes...

Beginning to climb out of the cave I've been in for the last month. Been busy! Delighted to report we're doing well, can cope with a bit more than just survival again. Still feel a little like I've had half a lobotomy but hoping that will fade with time...
Tried out another canape idea, Cashel blue polenta squares with a pear and tomato compote. Think I need to work on the compote but otherwise it was pretty tasty.

The wee one....

He eventually arrived...  Sorry no time for writing, not much time for anything! 

4 days over due and counting.....
Its a funny feeling having absolutely no control over something that is going to affect me so completely! I'm sure I won't really remember much of this time as soon as babs shows up. So far managing a better balance of keeping occupied without getting exhausted. Check out my Bourbon creams, I'm pretty pleased with how they came out, this was the second attempt the first ones were too thin and also a bit overdone. Next experiment is some more canapes. I also just saw a recipe for bacon jam that I think I have to try. 

The Pepperpot.

Playing the waiting game here, it is limbo indeed. Trying to enjoy it but struggling a little. I treated myself to tea and scone in my current favourite café, acutely aware that time on my own will be very scarce indeed for the next month or two. All my pals that have little bundles of joy are encouraging rest and relaxation but I am just so eager for the next stage and keeping busy at least distracts me. I will be the spa who goes into labour tired just because of diversionary activites…. Planning another baking session, I think I’ll try Bourbon creams from my cookie book. I bought great cutters the last time I was in NY and haven’t got around to using them yet but there is one that is perfect.