Enjoying summer. So many good things to eat and beautiful flowers in the garden.
The mange-tout peas are providing endless supplies of tasty treats. Lots of vegs in the polytunnel; lettuces, radishes, spring onions for now, carrots and other things for later.
One thing I can’t grow is a banana but then I’m a bit fussy about bananas. They have to be just right for me to enjoy as a snack. However, I love them baked into cakes or other foods like chutney.
I keep finding ways to use them and I came up with a tasty pudding which includes peanut butter. If peanut butter doesn’t appeal this pudding is delicious with just the banana flavour. Here’s my recipe.
Banana and Peanut Butter Pudding 200g sliced Bread (preferably white bloomer) 6 tablespoons Peanut Butter (optional) 2 ripe Bananas 100g Sugar 3 large Eggs 250mls Milk Whizz the bananas in a food processor (or mash well). Add milk, eggs and sugar. Mix well. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan oven, or gas equivalent. If including peanut butter - Spread half the bread with peanut butter and place in a baking dish. Pour half the liquid over the bread in the dish. Add top layer and gently pour the remaining liquid over the bread. Allow to soak for a few minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Especially good when it has cooled and set
I love cooking but there are other things to do. I haven’t knitted for a while and only done small sewing jobs. I used to love embroidery. Might do some more while the day light is good. Here are two small projects I did ages ago.
The first photo shows a cushion cover I embroidered from a pattern transferred on to the fabric. A lovely American friend of mine bought me a set of transfers from Harrods when she lived in London. I was recovering from an operation so she thought I would enjoy some sewing. She was right. Sadly the colours have faded over the years but I still love it.
The second cushion cover is embroidered with a pattern I drew onto the fabric. I copied it from a piece of pottery with the Indian Tree pattern. Bolder colours and less formal than the other pattern.
Old favourites which I treasure. Inspiring me to do more.
I have an urge to paint but not sure of a subject. Flowers are perhaps the obvious at this time of year. Lovely colours, textures and light and shade to capture with a paintbrush. So many beauties to choose from. Here are some more in the garden.
I hope you have many summer treats of your own. Enjoy the weather while it lasts. With you again in a few days.
Living a contented creative life. 
Great to hear from you again, Freda. I like to sit down with a cup of tea when I see you have a new post and it is like getting a letter from an old friend. What amazes me is how you are always so positive and cheerful, it gives me a lift. Your summer garden treasures are very beautiful. I have been for a treat weekend away with 4 members of my family to the east coast of Yorkshire, which is where I was born and lived there until I left home for university. I get very nostalgic going back and the weather was fabulous. Swam in the sea and saw some puffins!
Maggie
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Thanks Maggie. Lovely to hear from you. I’m pleased that you find my blog positive and cheerful. That’s very much been my aim. I wanted to create the impression, genuinely from my own outlook, that small pleasures and creative pursuits make a person contented and satisfied. I’ve had some very kind comments from yourself and other readers so I think I’m achieving my aim. Yorkshire is wonderful. Sounds like a lovely holiday. We went to Harrogate for a few days last year. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy my ramblings. Plenty more to come.
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