As I read back on my previous blondie recipe, it occurred to me that the weather takes a turn for the worse every time I make them. Indeed, it’s raining cats and dogs outside – so much for British summertime – though it’s hard to say whether or not it rains because of blondies. Either way, these blondies are awfully delicious and continue to propagate the exponential growth of my love for ground almonds – they have simply the most wonderful texture.
Before we enter the blog proper, I feel it is important to make a couple of excuses. Firstly, I’m sorry that there have been no new recipe posts in the past week or so, but what I shall call a ‘negative life event’ took place and I haven’t found the time. However, we shan’t go any further into that since I’m not, as you may know, much of a sharer – I simply don’t feel the need. Secondly, this was supposed to be a post regarding a certain rhubarb, strawberry and orange compote. Unfortunately, the fates took time to collude against any honourable intentions I may have held and the photographing of the intended dessert fell flat on its face. I’m extremely glad to be back and I hope to bring you news of my recipe for individual rhubarb and custard galettes as soon as possible.
Since it’s coming to the end of the rhubarb season, I thought it best to give you lot a couple of recipes which include this fabulous vegetable. However, I’ve not always considered it fabulous; in my younger days it was looked upon, by me, as a most contemptible ingredient. To be fair, it is easy to see why, since rhubarb does have an inherently bitter component to its flavour; which is why it’s always cooked with sugar. Luckily, as I’ve grown older my tastes have come to love the tang which accompanies fresh, seasonal rhubarb. The less said about forced rhubarb, the better.
Diamond jubilee celebrations have begun here in Britain and whether one is in favour of the royal family or not (I am), it is hard to screw one’s nose up at the prospect of two public holidays. Only two monarchs in British history have had cause to celebrate 60 years of reign, though arguably such a thing meant a little more in the days of Queen Victoria who celebrated her diamond jubilee in 1897. Still, it is clear from the festive atmosphere to be found in Britain, as well as other countries, that the support and excitement surrounding the multi-national Royal Family remains palpable. Clearly, this is a very important time for Britain and failing to mark the occasion with a sweet and very British treat would be a little remiss. So, despite the rather gloomy lighting conditions, I hope you all enjoy my iced buns.
The Glamorgan Sausage, or Selsig Morgannwg, is a traditional vegetarian Welsh sausage which contains two very Welsh ingredients; Caerphilly cheese and leeks. It seems that they used to be made using Glamorgan cheese, but such a thing is no longer available, though it is reportedly very much like the creamy Caerphilly. If Caerphilly cheese is not available where you live fear not, mature cheddar cheese or something a little creamier will do just fine. Besides, it’s the breadcrumbs that really hold these incredibly tasty sausages together.