soop's kitchen

Great Gransnet Bakeoff sounds good to me as long as no-one asks me to bake a Victoria Sponge. They come out like Victoria Biscuits when I make them.

Ella - no, I am of the female persuasion but I think I was spoiled by having a dad who did all the clearing up and washing up

I use buttermilk and some egg in my scones. They are deep and fluffy every time. Oh dear, I can feel another heavy baking session coming on. Stop me - I'll only eat them

I could test it myself, Jane but the eggs in the fridge were bought over a month ago so would probably affect the outcome of the experiment. Must throw them out and buy some more.

Expecting the police around! Spam phone call about solar panels, the OG engages the caller in a protracted conversation, I decide I've had enough. There follows 2 ear-piercing screams and loud shouts of 'Don't do it!'
Do you think they will report a possible murder?
I need a strong coffee! Why do they ring at this time on a bank holiday?
I'd love some of your strawberries When, they'll go nicely with the raspberries from the allottment and some clotted cream (Devon/Cornwall don't mind LizG

I bet all you bakers are giving Mary Berry some sleepless nights! We could organise The Great Gransnet Bake Off!

Elegran I haven't used yoghurt for scones, but some people recommend buttermilk which like yoghurt is slightly sour, so it could work quite well.
I'll test them out for you

I'll use up a bowl of strawberries for you, When, out of the goodness of my heart. Just to help out.

Has anyone ever made scones with yoghurt and if so, can they recommend them? Since I bought the Easyyo I have more yoghurt than I can eat.

Gally The berry bugs are still rampant here, too. I thought they would be gone once we got into August, but they must have had a bumper year. I am buying Anthisan by the carton.

vegas Fess up now....are you a man ?

My husband is the same and he does so like to cook.

Cup of tea will do nicely, thanks. I've got a glut of whopping strawberries, freshly picked. They will go perfectly with the scones. I've just realised I've got too many eggs. Shall I make some custard tarts? Back later

I have a SIL law like you Vegas!!! I have to say before he starts anything in my kitchen that he must clear up afterwards!

Certainly can do lessons if there's enough demand Nellie - though I say it as shouldn't - mine are rather good! There's another batch here - just out of the oven. Enjoy!

Think I'll make my buttermilk blueberry pancakes for anyone who wants them, topped with proper maple syrup. Trouble is, I'm not a bad cook, but I leave a trail of devastation in my wake, and use every pot, pan, knife, fork and spoon in the place.

Has Soop got the porridge on? A bowl with manuka honey would set me up for the day! After grass cutting yesterday, I am now covered in berry-bug bites. Anyone suggest a soothing remedy?

Was the kitchen open at 3:30am when I needed it? A good cup of tea with scones would do me good right now. Do you do scone making lessons?

I'll just make some tea if anyone would like some, and a thick slice of homemade bread,toasted with lashings of Lurpak, would go down a treat.

I've done an extra slice for bags, I'm sure she'll be around somewhere with a gardening implement in one hand!

Couldn't sleep so thought I would pop in and make use of the bottomless coffee pot. Actually remembered (thanks to cream tea yesterday) to bring the scones and cream - they only had Cornish in Tescos. Is there jam in the cupboard? If not I'll go back and get some for this afternoon. Oh this coffee is good.

Collecting my EMPTY Pimms jug - glad it touched the spot Gally. Going to catch the last bit of the test match now - come on England!

Hallo all. Just got back from our first National Trust visit, went to Clevedon Court and had a lovely afternoon rounding it off with a (you've guessed it) cream tea. Despite teasing arguments with OH I can't really tell the difference between Devonshire or Cornish cream but as we were in Somerset . . . . Wherever it came from it was delicious. May not have room for the prawn stir fry that OH is cooking, or maybe I will

Pimms! Oh lovely, thank you. Just a quick drink or I shall be in big trouble with OH. Haven't had a Pimms since before I was married. What a treat.

Thanks for the Pimm's Gaga - most welcome. Have shifted half a ton of pea shingle since then . I am now listening to Parsifal on Radio 3 from the garden - the neighbours have to enjoy it too as I have it on LOUD, only way to listen to it - hope all of you in the kitchen can hear it? I feel a bit maudlin as we had Parsifal played at J's funeral last year. I'll be over later - just relocate that Rory a bit - cats make me sneeze!

Off to read the Sunday papers. Countdown to six o'clock G&T. Rory in my canvas chair, leaving his rickety one available for me. Do I care? Nah!
Back to check that all's well with you lot late tomorrow morning. 'Puter needs a rest.

Lurve it...

Nfk I agree that it is kinder for an animal to kill and eat his prey. In all the time we've known Rory, he has never once killed a bird. In fact, today's catch was the first we've witnessed.

Greatnan Rum and raisin icecream

My cat used to bring me presents of her prey - it was the half dead ones that I had to finish off that upset me!
No walk yesterday as we had a terrific thunderstorm, but it cleared the air. Sun is back out today, so I have had a lovely walk after listening to my Sunday morning Radio 4 programmes.
I am now going to have a bowl of my guilty passion - rum and raisin icecream!