Easter Greetings!!

When I think of Easter I always think of bright, fun colours. Ok, I suppose 'bunny' comes to mind first, but then fun bright colours! It's the whole Spring has sprung thing...especially here in Edinburgh (save the freakish snow blizzard thing that happened today after last week's record high temps!) when the daffodils come out, the birds start singing, and the trees start blooming. I just love it. I love what it means, what it brings, and what it does to people!

So, we've been at the Stockbridge Market the last four weeks and it has been absolutely amazing! I feel so at home there and have met the most lovely people - customers and traders alike! Unfortunately, I won't be at the Stockbridge Market this weekend...weep! I'm helping out my good friend Nadia from Thinking Chocolate this weekend at Science on a Plate at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh and I'm super excited about it! If you have some free time this weekend, do come along. Lots of great chefs and Nadia will be doing some fabulous lectures on chocolate!! If you're wondering how you can get your hands on some shortbread, have no fear. I've been baking up some Easter inspired shortbread for Nadia to have in her shop on London Road.




All Butter and Lemon and Poppy Seed, perfect for Spring! I've done sweet little chicks, bunnies and butterflies and can't wait to see how Nadia chocola-fies them! (I may have to secretly buy some after she gets through with 'em!)


















So make sure you stop by and stock up for this weekend. These will make the perfect Easter treat for that special someone. And if you're looking for Granola and salted caramels, they'll be there too!! See, I'm always looking out for ya.

It's back to the kitchen for me to do some test baking...make sure you check back to see what I'm cookin' up. It may just pop up at the next market! Speaking of markets, you'll want to mark in your calendars that I'm back marketing after Easter. I'll be at Stockbridge Market on Sunday April 15th...so lots of opportunities to stock up on shrotbread!!

Happy Baking!

xx

Salted Caramels

Over the weekend, I made some caramel shortbread to bring to the Stockbridge Market. I mean, making shortbread, it seemed only natural to take it one step further and make caramel shortbread! Really, who doesn't love a rich, buttery piece of shortbread topped with gooey, chewy caramel and luscious chocolate?! Amen to that!

These caramels are deeeelish! Made with proper butter, cream, sugar and honey to give it that little bit extra special flavour. And what makes these even more divine, is the cracked sea salt that gets swirled inside and sprinkled on the outside. You know that salty sweet thing that makes your brain go...'wait...savoury? dessert?? I dont know!!!' Yeah, these are that awesome!













I wrap these dark golden gems up in parchment paper for that old fashioned look. I think there is something so satisfying about food wrapped in paper rather than neon coloured plastic. It almost makes food GOOD for you! Ha! I'm definitely living that mantra from now on. Food wrapped in paper = good for me. Yep, I'm implementing that asap!



I'm going to make these salted caramels a staple at the Market from now on, so make sure you come early and get yours! This past Sunday we sold out of them super quickly. I'll be making more for the Stockbridge Market coming up this weekend, March 25th. Be there or be without your salted caramels!!!

yuuuuumy!

Happy Baking!

xx

Mini Pinnies are the way forward!

As promised, here are the Mini Pinnies I made for market!!

These precious little smocks are the perfect way to get the little ones excited about being in the kitchen. Not only are they fun, they are comfortable (lined with super soft fleece), and they grow with the kids too! The arm holes are big enough to fit 1-3 year olds. How perfect it that!

I make these to order so if you want one made or have the fabric and want me to make it for you, just send me a note! I'd also love to hear what you think of these, so feel free to send me comments/criticism (constructive is best!!) in the comments section below. For everything else, you can email me at jennifer@pinniesandpoppyseeds.com!!                                                          

Happy Baking! xx

                                                                                       

   

Farmer's Market Fabulous!

What a great day! I did my first Farmer's Market on Sunday and, what can I say, I've caught the Market Bug! I had such a great time chatting to people, talking about shortbread and meeting all the great traders selling their amazing goods. The Market opened at 10, and it was jam packed with people ready to buy! I was dying to have a look around myself! But I very happily manned the stall to start giving out my little buttery delights :)

 Everyone was so gracious and lovely, and I got some really great feedback about the flavours and texture of the shortbread. I was surprised that so many people wanted to try the more exotic flavours! The stars of the show were (in no particular order, ehem):



All-Butter
Chocolate Chip
Cinnamon and Sugar
Coconut
Dark Chocolate and Orange
Cardamom and White Chocolate

This was my little set-up, using the picture frame blackboards to write out the flavours (it looked super cute!). I used soup cans wrapped in ribbon as cake stands and I think they really tied the table-scape (I owe that little nugget to Sandra Lee! my ahhhhhmazing sister, Kel) together. I should point out that I did owe that little 'table-scape' nugget to Sandra Lee (and if you don't know who she is, PLEASE look her up!! no words necessary!) but somebody....yeah....wanted a little shout out for their ribbon covered soup can situation. So, this one goes out to you Kel! I'm a grown woman and I can give credit where credit is due: Einstein level genius, right there.





These are the pinnies I made, one a traditional one piece, and the other a more vintage inspired piece. Because Mother's Day is approaching, I'll be making a few more for this weekend and I'll also be doing some Mini Pinnies, for the little ones!! I'll post some pics later this week. They are TO DIE for! The
                                                                                    perfect present for baking and cooking together in the
                                                                                    kitchen.





It was great to see so many people out! The weather was pretty kind to us all. A little blustery (think I'm still picking leaves out of my hair!).

So, thanks again for coming out over the weekend. If you didn't make it, I'll be at the Stockbridge Market again this weekend. Come out and show your support for local businesses. There will be lots of shortbread, pinnies and maybe a few other surprises!!




Happy Baking!

xx

The Countdown is ON!

I know I've been posting some pretty cool and carefree things lately...admit it, you're enthralled!  What I haven't done is make a peep about what's happening with Pinnies and Poppy Seeds the business. Well, the good news is that I've got all my ducks in a row! After loads of paperwork, phone calls, follow ups, filling, spreadsheeting and paying (the most annoying one!), Pinnies is finally an official business. I am a business OWNER! Woohoooo! And, aside from that (it has sort of come about in a very quick fashion) I will be at the Farmer's Market (where I've been dreaming of being) this weekend. So, in a bid to get myself prepared, I did a little trial run for cookies and presentation. I had a crafty week and decided to make some picture frame chalkboards to use as displays for the names of my shortbread. It was super fun and I think they came out A-dorable!

Once the panes of glass were completely dry, I rubbed the whole piece with chalk (to prep the surface to take chalk writing better) and  presto!!!

how cute is that?!









I'll be prepping today and tomorrow for the market on Sunday, so I'll be a very busy bee making tons- literally- of shortbread to feed the hopefully ravenous crowds. If you haven't been to it already, make sure you head down to the Stockbridge Market. It's all day, 10:00-5:00pm, and is a fantastic collection of local traders. Plus, I'll be there!! I am pleading to the weather gods that it doesn't snow or pour down...fingers crossed!!

Happy Baking!

xx

Bagels for Everyone!

Who doesn't love a good bagel? 

You won't see me turning my nose up at these!! I had a burst of bagel-ing inspiration a few weeks ago when I went into my local shop and saw the sad, meagre, spindly things called bagels staring up at me from the shelf. They looked so pathetic! 'How hard can it be to make a good bagel' I thought. So I came home totally revved up. When I looked online, there weren't too many different bagel recipes floating around. They were all pretty much a derivative of the same basic recipe. So I sheeped it and went with the crowd. 

I found this great recipe over at The Galley Gourmet and within a few hours, had these lovely little things!! If you love bagels and want a fun, quick and simple recipe, give these a go! There is seriously nothing more satisfying than taking your own, freshly baked bagels out of oven and smothering them in cream cheese!! This is what I did:

             
After you make the dough and let it rise, you shape the little rotund beauties and let them puff up again. Then, the fun part! You let them have a float in a bagel jacuzzi, for about 60 seconds on each side. Apparently, the longer they boil away, the chewier the crust becomes. That's just a special little tip I'm giving to you...we're pretty gosh darn nice here at Pinnies and Poppy Seeds :)








They don't take very long to bake. Obviously, ovens vary, and in my oven, 20 minutes was too long. I only needed about 15 minutes. But I recommend you just keep an eye on them and when they turn that beautiful eat-me-now golden brown, take em out! (And yes, that is a wok. Don't judge.)

Now go get yourself a good glob of shmear and have yourself a fabulous breakfast!

Happy Baking! 

xx

Get Your Own Banana Bread! (I've eaten all of mine!!)

How could you not love something devoted solely to testing cakes!? Honestly, this is one of my favourite little gadgets (if you can even call it a gadget!). I love baking, love trying out recipes I grew up eating. This banana bread is one of those recipes that just makes me smile. I remember bananas in our kitchen that looked like they'd been painted black, or thrown into the singed charcoal of a fire...something no one would eat or touch! And then somehow, they were transformed into the most delicious, moist, moreish bready-cake.

I have been making banana bread for many years and have come up with my own, extra super delicious, recipe. To me, the things that push this over the top are incredibly, unbelievably dark and smushy bananas (no yellow!!), using brown sugar instead of plain castor sugar (even a molasses sugar would be excellent!), and adding the slightest bit of nutmeg and cinnamon.




The last time I made this, I had a few one slice (because ladies aren't greedy!), put it in a tupper, and then proceeded to eat the entire loaf without sharing any with the Handsome Hunter! I'm a terrible wife.

...but I don't regret it...

IT WAS DELICIOUS!

Do you have a recipe that you remember fondly from growing up?? Have you tried to make it your own? Let me know what you've been baking/cookin' up!


Happy Baking!
xx

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

buttons make the world go round

buttons...

quirky...

colourful.....and just plain fun!

My fantastic mom (who I'm sure you feel is practically your mom because I talk about her in every post) sent me the most awesome bag o'buttons. Not just any bag, but a vintage collection of buttons my grandma collected for Years. Yes, Years, with a capital 'Y'. I think this is a totally grammatically appropriate way to emphasize the many years of button collecting that happened on Madison Street. 

                                                                                                                                           I always need a project. It might be the slight OCD in me, but I feel like if there isn't something to work on, life just isn't worth living! Ok, it's not that bad, but I do love a project. I've started making a banner to have on my  table when I go to market. I feel like Pinnies needs something that's gonna stand out! Something with a little attitude and personality. Like me! Obviously. Sooooooo to bring a little life into the often dreary greys of Edinburgh, I thought lime and fuschia would be perfect! It's still a work in progress, but so far I'm loving the way it looks. Plus, it's just fun to do! Stay tuned to see the finished product!

Happy sewing!

Back in Action!

Happy New Year! That's right, 2012 is going to be a great year. You heard it here first! Hopefully everyone has gotten off to as good a start as I have. I's sure you're wondering what I've been up to...don't lie. You know you think about it all day, every day! Well, today we're doing a little show and tell here at Pinnies and Poppy Seeds. Lucky you! The Handsome Hunter and I lounged about in the big CA over the Holidays, soaking up all the sun we possibly could. And indulging in some very, very delicious cocktails. By the by, how is it that cocktails always taste better when you're sitting in the sun? Scientific research anyone?

Seriously and utterly delicious.








Right, back to the real world! So I've been a very busy (almost) business woman over the last few weeks. First off: it's hard!! Secondly, why can't I have my own business Yoda to guide me along the way? Things would be exponentially easier! Ok, I've moaned enough for one Sunday. I'm done. Moving on to more productive things...Nikon. Yeah, I'm pretty much in the big leagues now with my Nikon D3100 (which I have NO idea how to use!). But I'm making the effort to channel my inner food photographer. I'm building up an arsenal of photos to use when my website finally goes live - yes, LIVE! Soon enough you shall be able to visit the official Pinnies and Poppy Seeds website! So here are some of the pictures, starring none other than my sweet little shortbreads:

All Butter, Cardamom and White Chocolate, Cinnamon and Sugar

Beautiful fabric with texture and colour is a great backdrop for my little gems!









I think it's time for a shout out: Thanks, mom! Honestly, I feel so lucky to have a Mom with such ahhhhhmazing taste. I was like a kid in a candy shop trolling through her drawers, cupboards, and cabinets.

                                                                                                       


Mixing antique with beach chic...

I don't know about you, but I always eat my shortbread off of piano keys. So classy.






So, this was my creative kick, inspired by the California sun and a beautiful house. I'm off to enjoy this beautiful Edinburgh winter day: biting cold and glorious blue skies. I think today should be for the Farmer's Market. My soon to be home.

Until next time, Happy Baking!