fresh & springy lemon drizzle

It's the Easter weekend which means an extra few days off work, time with loved ones and eating delicious food. I am still in London as I was told there was no room at the farm this year but The American and I are perfectly happy to make our own Easter feast in SW18. We are roasting two little poussin and serving with roasted potatoes and tender stem broccoli. For afters will be devouring a lemon drizzle cake with greek yoghurt. Seeing as the recipe is so simple I thought I'd share it with you. 

You will need:

For the batter: 
3 eggs
Zest of 2 lemons
170g caster sugar
170g self raising flour
170g unsalted butter

For the icing:
Juice of the two tested lemons
Icing sugar

Cream your batter mixture together until pale yellow in colour and smooth in texture. I like to fold in my flour and zest rather than use the mixer but this is entirely up to you. If you are particularly fond of lemon add a few drops of lemon juice as well. Or, be adventurous and add poppy seeds to the batter for a crunchier version of the classic.

You will need to pre heat your over to 180 degrees. Line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper and pour your batter in. Pop the cake in the oven for 35 minutes. Cooking time with depend on your oven so bring the loaf out after 30 minutes and pop a skewer in. If it pulls out wet give it another 5 or so minutes. Whilst your cake is baking mix up your icing. Lemon juice and icing sugar, it couldn't be easier. 

Once cooked pierce with your skewer all the way to the bottom and all over. Let your cake cool a little (I find the icing slides off if the cake is too warm, rather than melt inside) and then pour your lemony syrup all over. Leave to cool and then slid out of your tin. 

Serve with crème fraîche, greek yoghurt or simply with a cup of tea. It's a bite of fresh, springy flavours. 

What are you cooking for Easter? Are you trying anything new?

Have a lovely weekend!



L.  

the affordable art fair - battersea

The sun is out and spring has arrived so this means I'm back on the blogging front! Winter is turning into spring and London is full of exciting things to eat, drink and discover. This weekend Josie and I headed the short distance to Battersea to visit The Affordable Art Fair.

I've never been before but have always fancied it and it certainly did not disappoint. The American and I are constantly looking out for final pieces for our home so I thought perhaps this would be a great opportunity to get a painting for the blank wall in our sitting room. 

The marquee in the heart of Battersea Park was bursting with amazing original artwork, witty prints and some slightly surreal installations and sculptures. Josie and I wandered up and down the aisles, flicking through prints, discovering new artists we're now keen to pursue and even bumped in Hugh Dennis (this actually happened and it was so great). 

The art fair is sponsored by the delectable Sip Smith gin so we stopped for a half time refresher on the upper deck. This is the best place to get a photo opportunity as photography isn't allowed on the ground (such a shame as there were so many pieces I wanted to share with you/remember for myself). 

Prices start from £100 and though this is affordable all the art I liked was around the £1500 mark. Not so affordable, just yet. Still, Jo and I took details of artists and will aspire to buy some original artwork soon. The AAF is still open today so if you're at a lose end, head south west and see what takes your fancy. 

The fair also gave me the itchy feeling for taking up painting again. I've been playing around with water colours over the last few months but I'm thinking about moving over to acrylic or oil again. I'll keep you posted with my efforts! 

The weather looks to be fine this week so I'll will be making the most of it! The American and I are going to sort out our terrace next weekend so look out for snaps of happy flowers over on my Instagram. 

Happy Sunday! 

L.