Keeping the sunshine...

by Karolina, 20th September 2012

I can already feel the autumn's breath on my back. It's close, veeeeeery close.
Evenings are shorter and morning a little chilly. Yes my dears...we have to say goodbye to summer and brace for long cold months.
But i decided to keep a little bit of sunshine with me, to steal tiny sweet ray of summer...

I made apricot jam. With these lovely sunny like gems.
I was inspired by lovely Bea from Bea in the kitchen and her incredible canning skills. She has dozens of amazingly good jam, confiture and marmalade recipes. I'm making her plum-chocolate jam pretty much every year.
This time I decided to combine couple of ideas from her apricot recipes and created my own apricot jam

To usual suspects: apricots and sugar, I added as well cardamon and fresh thyme.
And they cooked...What a smell!!! Amazing!

At the very end I added some almond flakes.
The end effect is really nice.
Sweet and a little tangy at the same time with lovely smell of cardamon and just a tiny hint of thyme.

Are you planning to keep some summer? Tell me how!

A picture-worthy breakfast

by Karolina, 22nd July 2012

Usually my breakfast is quick and simple - muesli with milk, pot of yoghurt, a fruit. But during weekends sometimes I like to treat myself to more elaborate meal to start the day.

 This time I made myself nice sandwich:
wholemeal bread
+ camembert
+ fig jam
+ fresh thyme

I really liked this combination of tastes: sweet jam, smooth but little spicy camembert, earthy/salty bread and fresh herby taste of thyme. Yummy!!!
You should try it yourself.
I think this would work really well as a quick starter for informal party as well.
I'm big fan of cheese and fruit pairing lately.
I'll show you some other options soon.
But until then...Enjoy your breakfast!

And what you are having for breakfast? Any inspiring ideas?
I'd love to hear from you!