Among the Porcupines

It was (and still is) one of the greatest, most honest love stories I have ever read. I found it in an antiquarian book shop hidden away on a rambling, cobbled street somewhere near the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh many, many years ago. I've passed that shop a few times since picking it up and smile every time I see it. It was written by Carol Matthau, wife of the great Walter Matthau. Valentine's Day always makes me think of that book and the steadfastness of great, big love. There is a line from that book that remains burned into my memory, the words so clearly marked in my brain. And I believe them so much. Especially when I look at my husband, and I know how lucky I am to have found him

'People grow, people change, people become different, I said to myself. I went to him. He was still a man who could quietly tell you the world. '

::Among the Porcupines:: by Carol Matthau

On that note, hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! Over at the Hunter abode, we were pretty low key as someone, no names, has contracted MAN FLU and went to bed earlier than a 2 year old. That's ok, I still managed to have quite the romantic dinner and dessert with my (other) main squeeze, Izzy. So, in the spirit of love, hearts, chocolate, and all things red and pink, I want to unveil Pinnies and Poppy Seeds in it's new home!! Drumroll pleassssse....

Nadia, from Thinking Chocolate is my fairy godmother, my penny in the wishing well. She has graciously let me hunker down in her shop to make my little buttery creations and I could not be more grateful. We are getting things organised and I'm looking forward to my first day in the shop!

As it was Valentine's Day, we combined our efforts to make some pretty awesome cookies. Here are a few pictures to show you where I'll be working and what these hunks o' love looked like!

Nadia decorated some small, all butter shortbread hearts with chocolate, drizzles of white chocolate, double dipped in luxurious, velvety chocolate and topped with fun, bright sprinkles to give the shortbread a kick!

I made some big lollipop heart shaped double chocolate chip shortbread which Nadia decorated with a coating of extra delicious chocolate and a piping of white chocolate for contrast. They were the perfect gift to show that special someone you care :)

And if that isn't enough chocolate for you, take a look at some of Nadia's incredible creations!! You can buy boxes with a mixture of your favourite flavours. Take a look!

     

This is going to be quite a busy month, and I'm so happy to say that I should be up and running in the Stockbridge Market by March 11th. Watch our Edinburgh!

Happy Baking!

xx