Day Job Break

 I'm about to embark on a two week break from the chalkface.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited to be holidaying in my own home.

Just me and the new stamens I've bought.

 And a few other bits and pieces.

Glad to have a break from this; for all the right reasons.

 No more incessant counting into groups of 3, after 28 workers have

made apple crumble and the like.

 Or the antics of Calico Capers.

I've set up a vignette of lace and lovely.

Set off by Rachel Khoo's Little Paris Kitchen. 

 I used Rachel's inspiration to make

passionfruit filled and meringue topped vanilla cakes with the workers.

I know, no pamplemousse as she directed.

In fact, not that long ago I'd never even heard of pamplemousse till I realised it was our grapefruit.

But a make do solution to the chalkface's yield of passionfruits.

 I let the workers have carte blanche with their approach.

I am not unhappy with the results.

Those piping bags can bring a grown-up undone.

  If you are worried I am going to lolling around.

Doing nothing.

You'd be wrong.

There's works in progress to complete.

Remember these Easter Lillies I dried out?

I'll be making some frippery soon.

 Stay relaxed.

I'll be sending lots of postcards.

Full Box of Crayons

 I raced home today to knock myself out, making

passionfruit butter.

 Don't think these are from the Sow's Ear.

Or the Garden of Flora, which both have vines.

 

No, that yield's been slow.

H and A gave us these beauties.

 

 

 Extract the pulp.

Add lemon juice for a bit of extra pectin.

 I don't separate the eggs.

I don't bother.

I know. I just make sure I denature those proteins

with a good attack of some sort of mechanical action.

 Break up those protein coils.

 Whip it back on the stove.

Add sugar.

Add butter.
And a little bit of slated cornflour.
It'll help make a nice gel and make
the curd a bit more reliable.

 I was astonished to find my first ever home-grown camellia, tonight.

Remember how I showcased the buds?

Well, I found them crispened on the ground, about a week later.

A a result of some sort of freak accident.

No-one could explain.

Truly, I take nothing for granted.

Do you?

 Coagulate the mixture, but don't boil.

You've been warned.

You'll split the goodness into little hard lumps.

 



 Let the mixture cool.

Do something else that's worthwhile.

 I was going to go the whole box of crayons with the presentation.

 Got out a few hoarded ribbons.

But, then to be honest I ran out of puff.

 Eat in moderation.