Sometime it’s the simple things in life that make the magic and one of those things for me are Creative Coffee Mornings.  They were started by the lovely Sophy three years ago when she made the genius decision that chatting over coffee with young children was so much more fun when creating was involved.  Originally we’d all take over our unfinished projects and use the time to give ourselves much needed permission to finish, but now Sophy and  best friend Minta have developed it further and prepare, for a small fee, everything in advance with a termly timetable of weekly delights..If you live near SW London there is a website. Next week is festive nibbles..followed wreath making..with an extra mulled wine evening version for the men to join as well! (In half term I sent the Husband and Charlie to make jam..the perfect antidote to brain boil).

Sophy and Minta at work.

This week was Christmas Spirits (whooo hoooo!) with much tasting needed..

And homemade chocolates!

(Accompanied naturally by coffee and delicious nibbles. Lush)

The stewing blackberries for the Bramble Brandy..the smell was sublime.

I chose the Sloe gin option..for me it’s such a rarity to get hold of genuine sloes..and the Brucie Bonus..these came from Minta’s parents’ farm in Dorset.  They were frozen because the best Gin comes from sloes picked after the first frost.

The skins are pricked and placed in a bottle.

Sugar and a couple of almonds are added, then it’s all topped off with the gin and shaken. Onto the chocolates…with orange peel, ginger, cranberries, dried strawberries, dried raspberries and almonds..

Sprayed with edible gold for that extra Christmassy feel.

This to me is living life to the full and I love it!

Laters, Kate x