GBBO is Back, so More Cake ~~~ and more books too ~~~

Gentle Reader ~~~ There is always room for one more book {or two} and cake. Last week saw the very welcome return of Great British Bake Off .  Has it really been just less than a year since Nancy Birtwhistle won?  Do you remember 'bingate'? Are we really now on Series 6? How time flies when you are having fun.

Have you watched it? What do you think so far?  I think they made the correct decision with who went home at the end of Episode 1, but was so shocked at the end of Episode 2. From Star Baker to going home in less than a week!  Such a shock, I guess no one knows which way the judges will call.

I had never made a Madeira Cake before, so decided to set to in the kitchen, where Emily is always ready to help.  I used my trusty Mary Berry's Baking Bible recipe and this is what we got ~~~ one Madeira Cake complete with the requisite crack in the centre {apparently, this crack is a signature of a good Madeira Cake} ~~~

Deeply Cracked Madeira Cake

Cracked Across the Perfectly Risen Top

If you are interested, Lakeland Ltd have brought out a range of GBBO products, but I'm quite happy with how my kitchen is stocked, so won't be taking them up on any of their tempting offers.

So, we have our cake, let's put the kettle on because there are more books to think about this week. We have a new postman, and so far he has delivered five parcels of books to my cottage since he started this round just over a week ago! Poor man, trudging up our drive with heavy parcels!  Never one to be able to resist a bargain, how could I possibly say no to two books in like new condition by one of my favourite illustrators, Mary Engelbreit, were made available to me for the princely sum of just 24 pence {plus nominal postage charges} for the two!  So, here they are, just arrived, Mary Engelbreit's "Autumn", and her "Christmas Companion". Bargains or what? Sometimes I think that vendors don't know what they have on their hands! My good luck on that one then.  I also secured a copy of Mary's "Winter" and that is on the way.  One man's rubbish, another man's treasure and all that ~~~

Books by Mary Engelbreit, Illustrator

So, if you will excuse me, there is cake to eat, tea to sip, and books to be read ~~~ until the next time ~~~ when I promise I will try to return to the garden ~~~

Sincerely yours
Deborah

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String ~~~

~~~ these are a few of my favourite things ~~~

Gentle Reader ~~~ are you singing too? Oh, I do love a parcel in the post, especially when it is tied up with string! Of course, Post Office rules and regulations no longer permit string on the outside {spoilsports} so the best one can hope for these days is that once you have torn off the bubble~wrap envelope, something exciting awaits inside ~~~

Today, that very thing happened, as it so often does when I order from the wonderful Much Ado Books ~~~ I saw this book on one of their Instagram pictures ~~~

Bought from Much Ado Books

~~~ and just had to have it.

Being the thoughtful people they are, they'd baked up a batch of the most delicious looking peanut butter brownies to share with customers, and along side sat this book. Now, my eye was not drawn immediately to the book, you understand.  Some things, such as peanut butter cookies, can distract even the most avid reader's attention away from books. However, once I'd got over the brownies and regained my composure, I knew I just had to get a copy because, not only does it sound a jolly good read, I just love the cover ~~~ which is probably the most crazy mad reason to buy a book, but this is how it is sometimes in the madness that is my world ~~~

Now, as I don't live near, I can't nip over and help them demolish the brownies, so the next best thing is how the book actually arrives ~~~ they always take such care, and pride, in how they send your purchases out ~~~ each book is lovingly wrapped up, tied with string, and a sweet, hand made tag and hand written message. A tea bag or two is always tucked inside, for they know that good reading must always be accompanied by some tea ~~~

 ~~~ Brown Paper Package, Tied Up With String ~~~

Isn't that pomegranate print that has a lovely, hand written note on the back, just so creative and thoughtful? I might frame it.

I hope to start the book this evening, so I'll be letting you know soon how I'm enjoying it ~~~ and as I munch my way through the pages, I'll imagine I'm munching on peanut butter brownies too ~~~

Sincerely yours
Deborah xoxo