Ginger scones with caramel cream - Recipe!

Did you know that it is Afternoon Tea Week this week? It’s the perfect excuse for a cuppa and a sweet treat when it’s been too long since lunch and it’s still a while to go before dinner time. One of the best that we have had delivered is from Kettle and Crumb but there is nothing to stop you making your own at home. All you need is some sandwiches, sausage rolls, some sweet treats and of course some tea!

Traditional scones are good but these Ginger Scones with Caramel Cream are something a bit special.

Ingredients:

200g of self raising flour.

55g of butter.

25g of caster sugar.

2 Stem ginger (drained and finely chopped).

150ml of milk.

For the filling:

200g of granulated Sugar.

90g salted butter (cut up into 6 pieces).

120ml of double cream.

Whipped cream.

1 teaspoon of salt.

Method:

1. Lightly grease a baking sheet and line with parchment.

2. Preheat oven to 220°C (Fan 200°C, Gas Mark 7).

3. Put the flour and a pinch of salt into a bowl and rub in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs.

4. Stir in the sugar and stem ginger and add enough milk to form a soft dough.

5. Tip onto a floured work surface and knead very gently, then pat out to 2cm thick and cut into desired shape. Cut free hand into diamonds or use a regular 5cm round cutter. Knead together any leftover dough until it’s all used up.

6. Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

To make the caramel filling:

1. Heat the sugar in a medium saucepan over a medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will eventually melt into a thick amber liquid. Be very careful not to burn or touch, the sugar liquid is very hot.

2. Add the butter, once the sugar has melted. Be careful the mixture will bubble ferociously. Stir until the butter is

melted.

3. Slowly pour the double cream into the mixture, be careful as it will spit and splatter. Boil for one minute, it will rise in the pan as it boils.

4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp of salt. Allow to cool down before using.

5. If not using immediately, you can store the caramel in a jar for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. In this case warm the caramel up for a few seconds before using.

6. Cut the scones in half, spread with caramel and a dollop of whipped cream.

This recipe belongs to Carr’s Flour, you can find out more information on their website. The full range is available to order from their online shop.

(Ad - Gifted) The Pharmaceris S Safe Protective Face Cream - Review!

I shouldn't have to tell you that we all need to look after our skin, especially in the summer but sometimes we need reminding. I always put sun cream on my arms, legs, back and shoulders if they are out in the sun but I often forget about my face and that is out in the sun all of the time. Recently I was sent some of the Pharmaceris S Safe Protective Face Cream SPF50+ to try out.

The Pharmaceris S Safe Protective Face Cream is recommended for daily protection of the particularly delicate skin of children and babies from the 1st day of life against intense sunlight and environmental aggressors (cold, wind). 

Although it’s specially formulated for the delicate skin of children, it can also be used by adults who experience hypersensitivity from the sun. It’s particularly good for adults with atopic skin which often struggle with adverse and/or allergic reactions to the sun’s rays and chemical filter sun lotions.

This sunscreen creates a very high protection sun shield against the damaging rays of the sun. It does this using a 100% mineral filter formula, which creates a physical screen on the skin to reflect and diffuse UV rays. It also fends off environmental aggressors, such as the cold and the wind, as well as significantly neutralising free radicals responsible for photoallergic reactions. The lightweight lotion reduces the risk of sun induced eczema, allergies, irritation and itching, and keeps skin comfortable thanks to the inclusion of hygroscopic molecules, which enhance the regeneration of the skin to diminish dryness.

I tested the sunscreen on my hand to see what it felt like and after rubbing it in it felt like there was nothing there but I knew I was protected by the sun. There was no sticky residue that you get with some sun creams and there was no real smell to it. I could smell it a little but it wasn't unpleasant or overly scented.

It is advised to use the Pharmaceris S Safe Protective Face Cream everyday and to reapply every two hours or after swimming or bathing. The 50ml tube has a recommended retail price of £15.50 and will last a while, a little goes a long way. 

Do you always remember to put sunscreen on your face?

I was sent the The Pharmaceris S Safe Protective Face Cream free of charge in exchange for this blog post.

Talking about the weather!

It's always the case that when we're in a social situation and have nothing really to say, we talk about the weather. How hot or cold it is tends to be Brits go to topic, I know it's mine. The average Brit spends 45 hours a year, almost two whole days talking about the weather even though we know, deep down it's the dullest thing to talk about research has revealed.

A couple of weeks ago I talked so much about the heat. How hot it was and how much I was sweating. Last week was about how cold it was compared to the week before, it almost felt like Autumn with the grey sky, wind and drop in temperature. I of course had a good moan to everyone who would listen. Nearly half of those we surveyed admitted they secretly enjoy having a good moan about the weather too.

There's always something to moan about when it comes to the weather. Some people like the cold weather, others love the hot weather, there is no pleasing everyone. I spend half of the year complaining that it's too cold and the other half complaining it's too hot. One Friday a few weeks ago was the perfect weather for me. Warm enough to go out in a t-shirt but cold enough so I didn't sweat. No coat was needed.

The weather always causes the biggest arguments here mainly with Ellie. She is a teenager so refuses to wear a coat even on the coldest and wettest days. She wants to go out with friends when it's raining and hates putting sun cream on when it's hot. Grr!

My biggest subject to talk about when it comes to the weather is whether I can get the washing out on the line. The week with the heatwave was the first time ever that I didn't hang it out because it was too hot! I just couldn't bring myself to go outside on the Tuesday when it hit 40C. In the winter I will complain about wet, damp days when I have to hang everything on clothes airers. The best day to get the washing out is breezy, warm day when the sun is shining. Thankfully our back garden gets the sun all afternoon so it is great for drying the washing.

Now that Stu works in Hull and has to go over the Humber Bridge to get to work I know when it gets to that time of the year when it's windy and we get storms there is going to be a lot of talk about wind! Will the bridge be closed to buses and when will it be open again? Eek!

Talking about the weather is the perfect small talk because it's something that everyone has an opinion on.

What is your perfect type of weather?

(Ad - Gifted) Premium award winning Italian wine from Independent Wine!

I do love a few of glasses of wine over the weekend. On a Friday night I will have a glass, it's a great way to end the week and on a Saturday evening a couple more while I am relaxing with my fella usually in front of the TV. There doesn't have to be a special occasion to enjoy a nice bottle of wine but over the weekend it did feel special as I was lucky to be sent a gorgeous premium award winning Italian wine from Independent Wine to try.

I hadn't heard of the company Independent Wine before writing this blog post but they are they UK’s leading specialist in award winning Italian wine and stock over 140 Italian wines that have won top awards.

I was sent a bottle of the Siddura Erema 2018 - Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, a powerful wine with aromas of fresh and spiced berries, made from Sardinia’s signature black grape. 

This wine is made from Cannonau, a black grape varietal thought to be the most ancient in the Mediterranean. It is super-charged with anti-oxidants and is a key element of the famous Sardinian diet. The grapes for this wine were harvested by hand, and left to macerate for two weeks then fermented in stainless tanks at a controlled temperature. After this it was matured sur lee to develop texture and more complex flavours. The wine was then aged in large oak barrels for 12 months and bottled in the winter of 2019.

Located in the north of Sardinia, Siddùra is recognised as one of the highest-achieving Italian wineries. As well as planting Sardinia’s signature grapes, Cannonau and Vermentino, they also grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Every year since 2013 they have won Decanter Gold, Silver, Bronze and Platinum medals as well as countless awards in Germany, Belgium, Austria and other countries.

Tasting notes: Deep ruby colour with powerful aromas of wild berries and cherry, as well as spicy black pepper. Dry and fresh, with high acidity. Full-bodied, with smooth rounded tannins. A long and silky finish.

I am not going to pretend I am a wine expert but I know what I like and I liked this. Usually I am not a fan of red wine, I prefer Rose but this was good. It wasn't bitter like other red wines that I have tasted and was quite easy to drink.

After drinking this wine I think I might be converted to red. It really did have more flavour than my usual Rose. 

The bottle that I was sent is on offer at the moment for £18.45 and Independent Wine offer free next day delivery, free gift wrap and a customised card with any order. It is something to think about if you are planning on buying a gift for someone.

Do you enjoy a glass of wine? What type do you like?

I was sent a bottle of Siddura Erema 2018 - Cannonau di Sardegna DOC free of charge in exchange for this blog post.