A Year in my Fenland Kitchen

 These last couple of weeks have seen a seismic shift in our national history with the sudden death of Queen Elizabeth, our sovereign for the last 70 years. Along with the majority of people here in the Uk, I have known no other monarch. The Queen was a constant in the ever changing patterns of our lives. And it is difficult to grasp that she is no longer with us. Her faithfulness in keeping her coronation oath,  her devotion and hard work, an example to us all. The day before the state funeral, we drove the 40 or so miles to Sandringham, one of the royal residences where Queen Elizabeth used to love to spend Christmas and the winter months. Along with hundreds of others, we laid a small posy of flowers as a tribute, adding them to the sea of flowers already there. Despite the crowds, there was a calm and peaceful atmosphere on what was a beautiful autumn day. Today is another lovely autumn day and I am still celebrating all that autumn has to offer and in particular, the delicious Eng

September ...and a new school year is here; a fresh start, new ( squeaky) shoes, the feel and smell of, as yet, unopened exercise books, freshly sharpened pencils .... and the anticipation of things to come.  Those feelings never seem to disappear, however far back the memories stretch! A good time to revamp my blog, with a new look and a new name... and a nod to my book of the same title which was published in July. Summer is drawing to a close. And what a summer it has been, with record breaking temperatures reaching 40c here in the Fens and until recently, virtually no rain. But, Autumn, my favourite season is at the door and the English apple and pear season is underway. Time to enjoy these wonderful fruits. Here is a recipe for Apple and Hazelnut squares, to celebrate the season's bounty. A perfect autumn treat! Speak soon. Annie x