If all else fails...stoke up the oven

I have to keep posting or my lovely blog gals start to fret!  Blogging has turned into a bit of a sanctuary these past couple of weeks and has helped to keep my overactive negative thinking at bay.  So with all the crappity crap going on I have let things slip a little in the Fondant household.  To make up for this and make it look like I had a busy-ish day I baked.....of course I was obviously forgiven with so many treats....and I enjoyed myself!
Instructions for a "busy" baking day....
1* Create the mood, turn on the radio, I like to listen to my playlist there in my sidebar.
2* Open all the kitchen windows to make the delicious smells waft to your neighbours, you can then hear all the birds singing and cheering you on.  Even better if you can see all your fave linen washing on the line (am I weired to feel the euphoria of linen on the line?)
3* Wear your new apron swap apron over your fave cotton frock.
4.* Gather all your recipes and ingredients and pre-measure into pretty little bowls (less flapping mid mixing).
5* Stoke up that oven and get creative!
When you have loaded up the oven, licked the spoons and bowls, stacked the washing up, click on the kettle and sit in your kitchen with a nice cup of tea/cappo and relax.
Most of all enjoy your baking day safe in the knowledge that all proceeds will be greatly received and will far outweigh the fact that the rest of the house looks like a bomb hit it....you can tackle that tomorrow!

So yesterday my sweet pal of Jules at Home shared her superb Sticky Lemon Cake Recipe. I kid ye not - it really is deeeelish.

I always accept that my cakes will never rise as much as they should due to totally inadequate oven!  But I was more than happy with these results as it just tastes so.....summery!

Then I made cheap and cheerful flapjacks

I am sure you all know how to make these teatime favourites

Melt 4oz butter with 4oz sugar (or less) and 3 tablespoons of honey or syrup.

Stir in 8oz rolled oats (or any muesli) and add a handful of chopped apricots (or other dried fruit or nuts)

Squash into a tin, bake for half an hour at gas mark 4 (or 180c/350f)

Drizzle melted choc over the top and Voila!

Then I made our usual egg and bacon pie and sausage rolls and set the bread maker on with a crusty loaf!

DOMESTIC BLISS!

All ready for a weekend of picnics!