Bulbs Blossom and Empanadas

I used the chickpea flour (gram flour) that I previously posted about to make empanadas.  They were filled with a mixture of tinned black beans and fresh chopped mango.  I didn't have the required salsa to put into it so used the last bit of pickle I had left in the jar.  The result was edible but NOT delicious!

Back in the autumn I planted up bulbs of white narcissus.  There are three different varieties and one variety is just starting to bloom.

Plum tree in blossom. Nectar for the bees.

Gingernut Biscuits

I was looking for a recipe that didn't involve using up too many store cupboard ingredients and this one was perfect for it.  The original recipe is from Delia Smith's Book of Cakes.  Here is a photo of my effort above.

4oz self-raising flour (110g)
1 tsp ground ginger
1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 and half oz granulated sugar (40g)
2oz margarine (I used butter) (50g)
2 tablespoons golden syrup (50g)

Preheat oven to gas mark 5 (375F) (190C)

Grease a large baking tray.

Sift flour, ginger, bicarbonate of soda together in a mixing bowl.

Add sugar.  Lightly rub in butter until crumbly.  Add syrup.  Mix it all to a stiff paste.

Divide mixture into sixteen even pieces and roll into balls.

Place on baking sheet leaving plenty of space between.  Flatten slightly.

Bake just above centre on oven for about 15 minutes.  Leave to cool for 10 minutes and then transfer to wire rack.

Store in an airtight tin if they last that long!

Wheel of the Year

I've turned the wheel of the year to the Spring Equinox.  The qualities of the Spring Equinox are written as follows:

Feel Me now as Mother of Fire.

I am the warmth of Spring.

My light brings forth abundant growth.

I hold this time of balance,

when night and day are equal.

Pause a moment here

and then step with me into

the light of My golden rays.

Feel My presence.

I am passion

and strength.

 Narcissus blooms are beginning to open.

New life returns.