Broome Park Farm, Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire

I have been extravagant this week and treated myself to a traditional cake stand - the photo doesn’t really show off the stand to full effect - each plate is a different floral pattern, resulting in a nostalgic look. I also bought 16m of bunting - I’m not sure why, except it is so pretty! So next time guests come to stay their homemade cakes may be served on my new cake stand! The cakes featured in this photo are fruity flapjacks, made with jumbo oats and Alpen; gooey chocolate brownies; lemon and raisin drizzle bars and my favourite - traditional gingerbread. My great aunt used to make this so it really is nostalgic - she also made beautiful shortbread biscuits with ground rice in - I must see if my mother still has the recipe.

Although the weather has taken a turn for the worst, the garden definitely appreciates the rain. I have picked this bowl of raspberries this morning and they are absolutely gorgeous - plump and juicy - delicious with warm toffee waffles and icecream! I will probably freeze some too, ready to make jam later in the year. I have also harvested my first courgettes and gherkins - although I am not sure what to do with them! The mange tout have also cropped really well - we can’t eat them quick enough!

There has been so much blossom this year and all the hedgerows have been stunning - beautiful white clouds for weeks on end. Last week I managed to make some elderflower cordial - one of my favourite summer drinks - ad elderflower champagne. This is only the second time I have made champagne and I am a bit wary as 2 bottles exploded last time and the plastic bottles expanded until almost twice their original size! This year’s brew doesn’t look so fizzy so fingers craossed - it will be ready to drink in 8 days time!!