Good Afternoon to you,
Each year, around this time, I love to look back on the previous year. It is not until I look backwards that I realise how many different stories, recipes and moments in my day to day life, that I have shared with you.
When I first began writing Ivy, Phyllis and Me! it was to share recipes with my two lovely daughters, recipes which had been passed down from Ivy my Grandmother and Phyllis my Mother. I then began adding recipes which I also love to cook. Along the way, I broadened Ivy, Phyllis and Me! to include an equal passion for gardening. Slowly but surely, my other love, sewing and crocheting, not wanting to be left behind, gradually found their place in the sunshine.
So today, let us revisit 2018 and enjoy a few of the stories and recipes. As always we will begin with January.
In this baskets previous life, it contained jams, marmalade and chutneys which a lovely friend had given to us as a Christmas gift. The goodies had been enjoyed and the little basket was just waiting to be re-used. Later in January, we visited our local garden centre and it was there that I discovered the baskets new use.... the perfect home for these pretty Belarina Primula. Once the Primula finished flowering, I found them a shady spot and planted them in the garden.
.... and now to one of my favourite topics. I have often spoken to you about my love of the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus, so in January I shared the recipe for my Olive Oil Cake... it was such a success that if you have never tried Olive Oil for baking, try my recipe.... I think you will be pleasantly surprised just how lovely it is.
In February,
my daughter, Natasha, asked me to share my recipe for Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie. Both Natasha and her husband had enjoyed the meal so much, when they came to stay, that when they returned home, Natasha wanted to add this recipe to her repertoire.
I also shared my recipe for Sweet Potato Burgers, which incidentally I absolutely love.
March arrived,
and I shared with you my recipe for Chia Seed Breakfast pots.... as you can see by the last 2 recipes, we were definitely trying to eat healthily.
.... and then British Pie Week arrived, which could have totally scuppered our healthy eating.
I told you the story of when George was a little boy, how his father made pies for the family as a way to stretch the food. My version of a pie was a healthy version... I don't think Bob, George's father would have agreed that this was a pie, but thankfully George loved it.
We also had a little chat about cutlery (flatware to my American friends) as I do love a nice set of cutlery. It was interesting to see how many friends agreed with me.
April arrived and I made this lovely Orange Cake.... don't be fooled by this cakes simplicity... as it was delicious.
May arrived and by the end of the month the garden was bursting into life. Although winter seemed endless last year, we were rewarded with the most beautiful summer. Here in the North East of England the winds are notoriously strong, but not last summer, they were kind to us, so the flowers enjoyed a gentle, balmy summer.
Before we knew it, June had arrived and surprisingly in between gardening, I managed to finish my crocheted throw. Which to be honest is unheard of because during the summer months I can always be found in the garden.
As the weather was so beautiful, my healthy Orange Salad went down a treat. I also shared a funny story about a young Magpie who visited our garden.
I then took a blogging break due to family commitments, but by October I was raring to go and shared with you,
a favourite dish of mine, my version of Butter Chicken.
Before we knew it November was knocking on the door and I told you a lovely story about a little girl I met during a visit to my Thursday Craft Group.
... and then December was here.
Christmas preparations were in full swing. Christmas sweet mince pies were ready for baking,
the Christmas tree was dressed and sparkled with twinkling lights.
Red cushions, red throws and red Poinsettias were
in place
ready for Christmas Day.
Christmas Day arrived and I was thoroughly spoilt with so many lovely Christmas gifts. Our Christmas dinner was eaten.... but there was no space for Christmas Pudding, so we saved the pudding for Boxing Day.
After Christmas Day and Boxing Day had been enjoyed, it seemed the end of 2018 was fast approaching.
.... and here we are in January 2019. There will be ups and there will be downs, life will not always go according to plan, but as with previous years, we will ride the highs and deal with the lows when they arrive.
.... and here we are in January 2019. There will be ups and there will be downs, life will not always go according to plan, but as with previous years, we will ride the highs and deal with the lows when they arrive.
As always,
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Dear Friends,
It is so wonderful to know you enjoy reading Ivy, Phyllis and Me! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really do appreciate it.
Best wishes to you.
Daphne