Street artist

I went to the city today out of pure boredom... I wasn't getting anything done at home so I thought, why not go shopping?

It wasn't all that successful, I only bought myself a mint green nail polish but I saw some nice things on the way. Like this street artist on könig strasse, his trousers and arms were totally covered in black chalk dust as he was sitting in the middle of his artwork. He had a massive crowd around him but he was a professional when it came to ignoring them.

This really was one of those times when I wish I had had my good camera with me.

First European championship match...

And I'm working! But at least its not Germany who's playing! And next Friday it's England's turn to kick ass! And guess what? I'm working then too! I'm sure I'll get loads of stick but after the world cup two years ago - I can take anything! Time to get my England t-shirt out! Wait, I have to buy one first!

Cake

It's Corpus Christi today so in Germany we get a Bank Holiday! Oh and guess what? It rained. So I made a cake. Well when I say I made a cake, I mean I made the jelly stuff and cut the strawberries! It doesn't matter tho because it's my favorite kind of cake and it will taste great. Now I just have to whip the cream and after my last disaster I'm not looking forward to it. I'll get P to do it, he seems to manage it every time, even if there is a storm brewing!

It rained today...

...like everyday at the moment! But tomorrow is a bank holiday so everything's good! I saw this plant on the way home and it looked so beautiful with water drops all over it. Just wanted to share it with you.

Homesick

Today is just one of those days when the only place I would like to be is curled up beside the fire at home - well my mums place. (I guess I really should get used to calling this place (Germany) home.) I think the weather is feeling with me because it's chucking it down out there and don't call me weird but I actually do love a bit of rain. It reminds me of home.

Elderflower Cordial

So like promised, here is the recipe for Elderflower cordial:

Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cooking time: 10 Minutes
Level: Easy

Ingredients:
20 fresh Elderflower heads, stalks trimmed
1.5 Litres water
2.5 Kg Sugar (granulated or caster)
2 Unwaxed Lemons
85g Citrus acid (Edible)

Method:
1. Put the sugar and water into the largest saucepan you have. Gently heat, without boiling, until the sugar has dissolved. Give it a stir every now and again. Pare the zest from the lemons using a potato peeler, then slice the lemons into rounds. 

2. Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the pan of syrup to the boil, then turn off the heat. Fill a washing up bowl with cold water. Give the flowers a gentle swish around to loosen any dirt or bugs. Lift flowers out, gently shake and transfer to the syrup along with the lemons, zest and citric acid, then stir well. Cover the pan and leave to infuse for 24 hrs. 

3. Line a colander with a clean tea towel, then sit it over a large bowl or pan. Ladle in the syrup - let it drip slowly through. Discard the bits left in the towel. Use a funnel and a ladle to fill sterilised bottles (run glass bottles through the dishwasher, or wash well with soapy water. Rinse, then leave to dry in a low oven). The cordial is ready to drink straight away and will keep in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. Or freeze it in plastic containers or ice cube trays and defrost as needed.

Tips:
- Once you have filtered out the flowers and lemons, bring the mixture to the boil again before  bottling it, this will help keep it a bit longer.
- For a refreshing summer drink, mix the Elderflower cordial with sparkling wine and fresh mint leaves. Serve on ice. 

Enjoy!!


Recipe taken from BBC Goodfood, created by Jane Hornby.