New in the shop

Little bits of bold summer

and for myself an impromptu lab top case (notebook size)

Pockets for pencils and a pen drive

Wednesday's Corner View: me

Not a very easy cornerview.

 I am shy by nature and although I like being behind the camera taking photos, 

I am not very comfortable on the other side. 

 

but here you go... 

plain ole me

For other 'cornerviews' go here. 

Cold mint and pea soup

Having a bit of a heat wave here in Malta so it is time once again for some cold soup. 

This is one of my favourites, simple and so refreshing!

COLD MINT AND PEA SOUP

2 onions chopped
1TBs butter
1/4 cup fresh mint
450 grams peas (frozen is fine)
450 ml vegetable stock
400 ml milk
single cream to garnish

Step 1. sauté onions in butter till translucent.
step 2. add in mint, peas and stock and cook on low heat for 30 min.
Step 3. Take off the burner,  add the milk and puree. Place in fridge to chill for at least two hours.
Step 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with a drizzle of cream.

Also of note this week in the Francalanza house hold is we have been kitten sitting for this sweet fella. He will be very missed when his owner returns to collect him tomorrow.

Today's impromptu muffins were plum and almond..which turned out to be delicious!

General recipe follows (as once again it was spur of the moment and not from a book).

PLUM AND ALMOND MUFFINS

175 grams margarine (keeps it moist when baking with fruit)
200 grams brown sugar
3 eggs
400 grams self raising flour (if not using self raising add around 2 tsp to plain flour)
pinch of salt
150 grams ground almonds
6-8  red plums cooked down and pureed (I had them on hand in the freezer)
1/2 cup milk

Start with the margarine, add the sugar and mix in the eggs, next add the flour and almonds and last the wet ingredients (you can alternate the wet with the dry of course).

makes 24 muffins.

*Often if I buy more fresh plums or peaches then I can possibly eat (or they are not as great tasting as they looked) I cook them down and freeze them to use in smoothies or muffins.

and the winner ...

of last Friday's give away (July 2nd) was chosen with the help of my four year old and her hat. 

Congratulations Janis !!

Will happily be sending something from this sunny rock your way.