Coming soon on "A Trifle Rushed!"

The New Year never really starts for me until my daughter is back at school,  my husband and my sons have returned to work, and I have my first purchase of sunshine, bright Seville oranges sitting in a colander, waiting to be transformed into Marmalade.

Oranges!

Lovely Seville Oranges!

Tomorrow I start marmalading!



This year I have a new distraction from cooking in the kitchen,  in the shape of my handsome hound.  Branigan (Bran) is a 3 1/2 year old rescued, ex racing greyhound.  He is delightful.  His fur is soft and velvety, and for such a large dog (37KG)! He is incredibly gentle.  He delicately takes treats and walks to heel.  He is not off the lead yet, as we need to be really sure that he knows us, and will not panic, run and get lost.  And with two walks a day, I'm already feeling fitter!

We went to the vets this morning, he had a thorough check and is fine.  I have started his Passport paperwork so he will be able to come to France with us.  I can't wait to see him running on the beach.

We have one challenge, that is getting upstairs.  He has never come across them before and is refusing to try, he is a little too heavy for me to carry upstairs so I'm roasting a chicken to coax him up!  I'll post regular updates on his progress from Race Dog to Pet on my other blog, Simplicity is the New Black.

I can see a squirrel

Yes, I am rather gorgeous!

In the kitchen I plan to make a monthly Gingerbread House.  I love baking and decorating these with my daughter, and the next few months are planned.

Last Year's St Valentine's Day Gingerbread House

This month we are making a Katie Morag/Burns Night house.  February will be a Valentine's Day House and March we'll be creating a St Patrick Day's House.  In March our theme will be Easter.

I hope to continue working with Kate and Jaime running the Seasonal Gingerbread House Event, we are planning the  next one for St Valentine's Day.  Look out on our blogs and twitter for more information!  And get planning!

I will continue to buy Fairtrade food, particularly luxury foods such as coffee, tea,  sugar, chocolate and cocoa.

A selection of Fairtrade goods

I would also like to make a monthly preserve or cordial.  This month will be Marmalade, but I'm going to have to focus on seasonal food for further months.

I love cooking seasonal food, and I'm determined to try and source my vegetables and provisions from a wider range of local suppliers here in Richmond.

As part of my seasonal cooking I will be using Sarah Raven's books, which contain lots of delicious recipes.  I have been asked to be a guest blogger on her blog Garlic and Sapphire, do have a look at it here.  I am joining  a team of inspiring bloggers and I am looking forward to this new challenge.

A Belated Happy New Year to you, and very happy blogging.