For the last two days, we have been shrouded in fog. Pea soup kind of fog. The farm across the lane has disappeared from view. I’m glad I took these photos on Sunday when the sun was out.
This was our Sunday 4 o’clock tea. Everyone stopped gardening and playing in the garden and we ate muffins and drank tea. I’d love to say this happens every Sunday, but it doesn’t, which is why its remarkable this time. Most Sundays I’m too busy to organize cake. Drinks are delivered to whoever I can find, at a time well and truly after four. I use cups that I don’t mind finding several days later in the garden. This Sunday, I was organized. Even dusted off the pretty china for a civilized tea.
The muffins were cherry and almond muffins. They disappeared quickly, unlike the banana and spiced pecan muffins from the day before. Even small children ran screaming from the kitchen when I forced offered them a second one. Win some, lose some. The hens liked them.
The ones on Sunday remind me of bakewell tarts. Seriously good. Seeing as I can’t offer you one, and in the spirit of sharing, here is the recipe for the nice ones:
1. Mix 10oz (300g/2cups) of plain flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 5oz (150g/ two thirds of a cups) of caster sugar and 2oz (60g/half a cup) of glace cherries cut in half into a bowl and mix.
2. In a jug, mix 1 beaten egg, 3.5 cup (225ml/1cup) milk, 85ml of groundnut oil and a teaspoon of almond extract.
3. Pour the milky mixture into the dry mix and mix until it is just mixed.
4. Divide mixture into 12 muffin cases. Sprinkle a few flaked almonds on top.
5. 20 mins at 190 c/375f/gas 5. (2 oven Aga – 20 mins on third shelf, turning half way.)
6. When golden in colour, remove from oven and cool the muffins on a wire tray.
We ate these still warm from the oven, before everyone scattered into the garden again. Hey, I tried.
Before they made their escape, the children were mildly amused, but even more bewildered, by the cup I had unearthed from the cupboard, hidden behind the tea time china. I bought this cup from a flea market a very long time ago.
I’m not sure that I have ever put tea in it. It would be fun, wouldn’t it? I think I might keep it handy.
So beware! The next person who visits and asks for half a cup of tea. They really might get just what they ask for!
That cup is great, what fun! And those cakes look gorgeous, I will definately be trying them when I get back! 😀
Hope you enjoy your muffins. I love the toasted almonds on the top.
Loving that cup, we have pint mugs in our house! That cup would be about 2 sips and very unsatisfying!
No, you wouldn’t get much of a drink, but I guess that is the point of the cup. Pint cups sound much more refreshing. 😀
I love your blog, your recipies seam to be delicious, am going to try the pie . Everyday I drink tea twice and I like muffins very much with tea. I have two half tea cups that I painted in china porcelain, but I never remember to give them that use 🙂 ! That one is precious!
A friendly hug from Lisboa/Portugal
Ana Lopes
You’ve made my day! I hope you enjoy your muffins.
just seen your recipe, must try it.Also most iinterested to see your half tea cup as I also have one that is almost identical. It was bought for my Dad by a family friend over 60 years ago. Unfortunately it did get dropped but i managed to stick all back together, yours is the only other one i’ve seen. I wonder if they can still be bought?
They are still available! I’ve spotted a few on Ebay, so there must be others. I found mine in a flea market years ago. Couldn’t resist it! Never put tea in mine, but am just waiting for the right opportunity to serve someone’s tea in it!