Pumpkin Syrup

• 250 ml water
• 1 tbsp spicemix
• 200 g sugar
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree

Simmer all the ingredients for about 10 minutes and fill into sterilised bottles (strain if desired). Add to warmed milk for a latte.

For an added colour-kick you could add 1/2 tsp turmeric to the spice mix.

Pumpkin and Spice and all things nice

• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp vanilla sugar
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp cloves

for pumpkin pies and whatever else takes your fancy.

Autumn Tealights

Special Hamper

It is special because it caters to a gluten free diet, with the sort of goodies this coeliac wouldn't usually splash out on.

It's Crochet, Baby!

I made bowls out of very thick wool as presents - when my daughter spotted that one she nabbed it to wear as a hat...

It's time to get organised - 100 days to go

The first step this year are the cards: I want to use up a whole box of red paper I have stashed away and I don't want to buy any cards. I also have many leftover envelopes of all shapes and sizes, so I should really allow for that in the design of the cards...

Blackberry Jam

Pick blackberries from higher branches to avoid dogs' and foxes "traces".

Mix ~ 800gr of  blackberries with 500gr of jamsugar in a heavy based pot and slowly bring to a boil whilst stirring.

Once it is at a rolling boil leave to boil for 3 minutes and do the drop test:

Drop a bit onto a cold saucer - if it sets, take jam off the heat and fill into 

sterilised jars. If still liquid, boil a bit longer.

Wash jars in hot soapy water, then put them upside down in a 150 C oven for 10 minutes before filling them.

In need of a present

the first draft

My daughter asked for a "Spanish" present for her friend - where to find something Spanish for a teenager in Scotland? I took out my fabric pens in the end - she can use this as a sleepshirt...

Cheap and cheerful - DIY Cat toy

The parts of this cattoy can be found outside and around the house. You'll need some feathers, string or elastic and some sort of stick or twig to tie the feathers to. Cats go mad for the birdsmells and can't get enough of "hunting" them. This is their favourite kind of toy.

Get ahead for Easter

On a recent walk I cut some willow twigs and put them in a vase at home - pussy willow and Easter go together. I have to keep them on top of the bookshelf until the buds pop, out of the cat's reach, she ran away with the twigs before...

Cover an egg box with pretty paper, fill with chocolate or hardboiled eggs and tie ribbon around it - nice as a present, too.