August 2023 was an expensive month in our household. Dave and I bit the bullet and booked our tickets the The Netherlands. We decided we would not risk it by waiting for a special. According to articles I am reading, flight prices have gone up world wide by an average of 23%. We decided to book the cheapest fare, with no checked in luggage, and no extra legroom seats. And we paid 25% more than the last time we went to see Mark. But, as my best friend’s mother says, your shroud does not have pockets! Today we are leaving for a mini break in Stilbaai. This is an area we have not explored and I am looking forward to being away from home.
In my kitchen in August 2023
The month started off with international scone week so there was a plethora of scones. I baked butternut scones, raisin scones and dried fig scones. You can look at the sidebar to see what else was baked. We ‘went’ to Istanbul with Turkish eggs, and to Italy with chocolate biscotti and castagnole. I baked a honey and almond sponge which is a must bake recipe in my opinion if you are looking for a good tea cake. And I ended the month with garibaldi biscuits which did not last long at all as we ate them within 2 days.
New Product
I am working on a recipe book review and the recipe I chose calls for 2 more to be made. And in order to do so, I needed black garlic. I love this ingredient so much, but there were no heads of cloves available anywhere. And then I found this sachet and ready pulped black garlic. I am so excited as now I have something in the fridge that can be used for so many dishes.
A view of my kitchen
Our house is open plan, and mostly double volume. This means I have a great view of my kitchen from the upstairs landing. Here you can see our dining room table, part of the kitchen, and a little bit of the scullery. I designed the butchers block which can be moved. Dave built the entire kitchen himself and there are still a few things to be done.
This is my September submission to the #IMK series hosted by Sherry. Each month bloggers around the world gather to share what is new in their kitchens.
View the previous posts on September 1:
- 2021: August 2021 Showcasing In My Kitchen
- 2017: Chicken And Shellfish Paella
- 2016: Berry And Rose Petal Jam
- 2014: September 2014 Showcasing In My Kitchen
- 2013: September 2013 Showcasing In My Kitchen
- 2012: Taste Restaurant Set To Move
- 2011: September 2011 Showcasing In My Kitchen
- 2010: Strawberries And Cream
Busy month!
it was 😉
It seems that prices have gone up for everything and if you wanna do It you just bite the bullet as you said. I love your kitchen and dining area. Thanks for sharing it. Of course I’ve been following your baking this month and it all looks delicious.
Thank you Judee 🙂
Those scones look yummers! I love eating them but am terrible at making them. Loved the sneak peek in your kitchen – your Dave has skillz! I’m with you on the flight prices – I can’t believe how expensive they are now. There’s definitely no such thing as a cheap flight anymore!
It is sad really that flight prices are so high!
I always love being “invited” into your kitchen. You always do such a great job. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words 🙂
Your kitchen looks beautifully designed. It must be a pleasure to eat at that lovely table.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.coom
Thank you Mae!
Beautiful kitchen!
Thank you Mimi 🙂
Hope this will catch you after a fine and successful break . . . great to catch up with a few other doings also . . . and, methinks most of us are pretty smitten with black garlic . . . Oh, nearly unaffordable airfares, their whys and wherefores are daily talk here with everyone and his dog blamed !
I am really hoping airline travel comes down in pricing soon!
thanks for joining in Tandy. What a huge space (height-wise) for your kitchen. Must have a lovely open feel to it. Clever Dave! and you. cheers Sherry
The kitchen has a ceiling for the lighting, but the dining room is double volume as well as the pub so they have a lovely large feel to them 🙂
Tandy, You have an amazing kitchen and produce so many wonderful dishes. It’s so important to travel while you can, because the older you get the harder overseas travel becomes, and it’s not getting any cheaper. I’ll check out all the scones asap.
We are at least lucky that getting to Europe is fairly simple, even if not cheap!
Wow my comment went through on my phone. Amazing, well I hope it did. Loved your post Tandy.
Yes it did!
Have a great time traveling! I need to turn around and visit the recipes for the Garibaldi Biscuits and the Honey Sponge…
thank you, and hope you try the honey sponge 🙂
Tandy I am hoping I have already commented, I know I read your post, and your kitchen is lovely. I must try those Garibaldi biscuits, they look amazing. Actually, I think I tried to comment from my phone, and it just doesn’t work. Your Dave must be quite the handyman, makes such a difference doesn’t it? Take care.
Dave is an engineer which really helps a lot 🙂
Thank you for giving us a picture of your kitchen, I love open plans which give the cook access to the rest of the house. Your husband has done lovely work. I will have to try Garibaldi biscuits, I have never seen them here. They look delicious.
I have heard them being called ‘ant’ biscuits, but that does not sound appetising 🙂