The Split Worlds: Between Two Thorns

Image taken from Amazon

Whilst browsing our local Forbidden Planet in the run up to Christmas, I came across this series of novels by Emma Newman. I read the blurb on the back, and solely on the basis that they’re set in Bath (or it’s reflection in a fantasy world) decided to put them on my Christmas list.

Honey and Almond Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are one of my favourites. They are so easily adaptable, you can use the same base recipe for anything from fruity, to chocolatey, to nutty cookies - and you can get a lot of cookies from what seems like a relatively small amount of ingredients, depending on what size you make them, which makes them great for feeding a crowd. This recipe is adapted from here.

By the way, you can follow me on Instagram! I'm 'jadebakes89'.

Pistachio and Sea Salt Brownie Cake

I made this as birthday cake at work for another colleague - we've had three birthdays in three weeks! After making the fruity blueberry and coconut cake the previous week, I thought I'd go for something chocolaty this time, and this did not disappoint! I came across this recipe on BBC Good Food months ago, and so adapted this slightly to make this amazingly fudgy, pistachio topped brownie cake. It's a good one for making ahead as it'll keep for a few days and still be rich in the middle, and you could just as easily replace the pistachios with any other nut you fancy.

The Labyrinth Worm Amigurumi

Jim Henson's The Labyrinth is my all-time favourite movie; I think it's where my love of David Bowie stems from. I love the puppetry, the creatures, the costumes, Sarah's journey... everything.

Coconut and Blueberry Cake

This is the first birthday cake of the year at work; a light sponge topped with a generous amount of fresh cream and a mountain of blueberries. Although it might not be the prettiest cake, it's quick and easy to make, and went down a storm with my colleagues! 

The English Passengers

Cover Image from Amazon

The first book of 2015; English Passengers by Matthew Kneale. 

I actually started this way before Christmas, but didn't have much chance to read it until the new year. It follows the story of five characters and their adventures that become intertwined in a hilarious and unexpected way.

Oh my, cheesy chicken and bacon pie!

There’s nothing better on a cold, miserable evening than a nice warming pie – comfort food at its best. This is great for using up any left over chicken you have from your roast dinner, and it’s really simple to make. We actually served this between the two of us with just some steamed veg on the side (yes, we’re pigs) but it would easily feed four with a side of potatoes too. You could even make four individual pies in large ramekins – it’d make dishing up a little easier (less messy)!