August 2021
We're so excited to share another monthly journal written by the lovely Lola Jones, also known as @pocketfullofbuttercupson Instagram. Lola is a wonderful photographer and all round creator of beautiful content, raising her twin daughters Maya and Chloe from her house near the Peak District. Each month she will give us a small glimpse into her world, inspiring you with activity ideas, recipes and more.
However desperately I tried to deny it, this month has definitely brought that autumnal feel. Probably due to all the rainy weeks we recently had, but the subtle change of seasons is definitely in the air and as always we have embraced it rather than wishing time away.
We slowed right down and spent a number of days at home building forts and on other days ventured outdoors despite the rain. Enjoyed a spot of blackberry foraging and crumble baking.
The new school year is also just around the corner and we have been making some preparations and have come up with a little craft that could also double-up as a sweet teacher’s gift idea.
Foraging for blackberries
A firm favourite activity for our whole family come August/September. We are so lucky here in UK because blackberries grow pretty much anywhere and you can easily pick yourself a punnet or two to make a delicious compote for your porridge or yoghurt or to add to your homemade dessert such as a crumble or a pie.
A few simple tips to bear in mind when foraging for blackberries:
- When to go picking. Typically blackberries are ripe around August - September, depending on what sort of year it has been. For example, last year we had a very warm early spring, so the brambles had a nice kickstart to the season and there were plenty of blackberries in early August for us to pick. This year, however spring wasn’t as warm and we had a lot of snow here in the Peaks, so the blackberries are only starting to ripen now, at the end of August, which means there will still be plenty to gather throughout September.
- Where to go picking. Generally blackberries grow anywhere a little bit more wild - in the country parks, along public footpaths, etc.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Blackberries have very spiky branches, so remember to be careful while picking and wear jeans/trousers and protective shoes to avoid the scratches.
- Remember to bring a basket or a tupperware or any other vessel to put your berries into.
- Store freshly picked berries in the fridge and use them within a day or two.
- Remember to wash the berries thoroughly and pick out any creepy crawlies before using the blackberries.
Blackberry and apple crumble
The most delicious seasonal dessert in my humble opinion. Our whole family gets involved in picking blackberries and then we all gather in the kitchen to make a crumble. My girls really enjoy the process and I hope that they will have warm memories of these days we spent together when they are older and perhaps carry on with this tradition when they have their own children some day.
Filling
- 3 or 4 Granny Smith or Bramley apples 175g blackberries
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Crumble
- 240 plain flour
- 150 caster sugar
- 150 cold butter, sliced 1 tbsp porridge oats
- 1 tbsp demerara sugar
Method:
Preheat the oven to 190C.
Peel and core the apples and slice thinly. Pop the sliced apples in a large bowl of cold water to keep them fresh while you make the crumble mix.
Put the flour, sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl and rub together with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
Dry the apples off in a sieve and put them in a large pie dish, along with the blackberries. Sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon.
Pour the crumble mix over the fruits, level it out without pressing down too much. Sprinkle with oats and sugar.
Place on a baking tray and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Starting the new school year - homemade teacher’s gift idea
Here in UK we tend to give presents to teachers at the end of the school year as a little thank you, but in Russia, where I grew up and attended school, the beginning of the school year is a really big deal and a true celebration. Everyone gets dressed up (still in uniform, but less everyday and more special occasion) parents make an effort too. The whole school gathers outside to meet the teacher and classmates and to hear from the head teacher/any other speakers and then everyone goes in their classrooms for a catch- up. It is all pretty relaxed and special on the first day. Teachers do get lots of flowers and gifts on the first day of school.
We thought of making a little handmade gift this year for our new teacher, something a little different - these zero waste reusable cloth sponges.
To make these you will need:
- 6 pieces of fabric cut to the size you prefer (ours are about 12 x 10cm). We used cotton and linen.
- 6 towel pieces as an inner layer (can use an old towel if you have one)
- Sewing machine
Stack all the layers together and sew. We went for a rustic look and left the rough edges showing. You could also sew with the inside layer on the outside, stitch 3 sides fully, and leave a little gap in the 4th, so you can turn the sponge the right side out, hiding the edges inside and then hand-stitch the little gap to seal the sponge completely.
We also made a small drawstring bag to put the sponges into and attached a tag.
I think we will make a little posy of homegrown hydrangeas and take to school along with the sponges to give to Maya and Coco’s new teacher on the first day.
