Almond Raspberry Jam Crumble Bars

 Indulge in the Taste Sensation of Homemade Almond Raspberry Jam Crumble Bars 

These bars are not only a pleasure to the palate but also an easy way to elevate your morning or afternoon tea time experience with a hint of homemade charm.

The combination of a buttery shortbread base with jam and almonds, and the sweet yet slightly tart flavour of the jam, melds beautifully with the nutty richness of almonds, creating a symphony of taste that dances on your tongue. 

Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea or a robust coffee, these bars will brighten your morning or offer a delicious pause during your afternoon break.

Almond Raspberry Jam Crumble Bars

You Will Need:

 1 cup  softened butter

1 cup fine white caster sugar

1 teaspoon almond essence

1/and 1/2 cups plain white flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup Raspberry jam

1 cup flaked or slivered almonds

To Make:  

In a large bowl or a cake mixer, cream the butter, sugar and almond essence until fluffy. 

Add the sifted flour and baking powder.  Mix until the dough forms.

Divide the dough into two halves.  Wrap one half in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Press the other half of the dough evenly into a paper-lined 23cm x 23cm  ( 9 x 9 inches) square pan.

Spread the jam over the top of the dough. Sprinkle over the almonds.

Remove the dough from the freezer and crumble it over the top. Press lightly.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. 

Let it cool before slicing into bars.

  

Adaptations:

This recipe uses raspberry jam, but you can use peach, apricot, blueberry, cherry, strawberry or boysenberry jams instead.

All are delicious!

Printable Recipe HERE.

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#jams #slices #bars #homebaked 

Let's Create A Simple Bee Water Station

Establishing a bee-friendly habitat is easier than it may seem. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through making a simple dish with stones water station for bees as well as highlighting the advantages it brings to these essential garden pollinators.

How To Make A Bee Water Station

Materials Required:

· A shallow bowl or dish (ceramic or metal preferred)

· Small rocks or pebbles

· Clean water

Steps to Create Your Bee Water Station

1. Select a Spot: Look for a sunny area in your garden or patio, ideally shielded from strong winds. A sheltered spot will help bees feel secure while drinking.

2. Prepare Your Dish: Position the shallow dish on the ground or on a stable platform. 

3. Add Pebbles: Fill the bowl with small rocks or pebbles. They will create landing spots for the bees.

4. Fill with Water: Carefully pour clean water into the dish, ensuring the stones remain partially submerged. This setup will allow bees to drink without the fear of deep water. Collected rainwater is preferable.

5. Check Regularly: Monitor the water station regularly, especially on hot summer days. Top it up as needed and refresh stagnant water to maintain cleanliness.

Wash the stones every week or so to remove any algae bloom.

6. Make it pretty: Enhance the dish every few days with flowers if you would like. This helps attract the bees to the water station.

The Advantages of a Bee Water Station

Creating a dedicated source of water for bees holds several significant benefits:

· Access to Water: Bees require water for hydration, particularly during warmer spells. Your station meets this essential need.

· Enhanced Pollination: Well-hydrated bees function more effectively as pollinators, which supports plant and flower growth.

· Encouragement of Local Bee Populations: By establishing a water station, you actively support bee health and diversity, which is crucial for ecological balance.

  The Importance of Water for Bees

Bees are often celebrated for their role in pollination. Still, their survival also hinges on access to clean water, which is vital for their daily activities in the hive and overall health and well-being.

 What Do Bees Use Water For?

· Temperature Regulation: Bees use water to cool their hives. During hot days, they can collect water and spread it throughout the hive, fanning it with their wings to lower the temperature.

· Food Preparation: Water is essential for diluting honey for feeding larvae. It helps dissolve crystallised honey, making it easier for bees to consume and share.

· Cleansing: Bees require fresh water to clean their bodies and maintain hygiene within the hive. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and parasites that can threaten the bee colony's survival.

· Making Bee Bread: Combining water with nectar and pollen helps bees to create bee bread.

   Bee Bread is a protein-rich food source that is essential for the growth and development of young bees.

Setting up a simple dish and stone bee water station is an easy yet impactful way to nurture the bee population while aiding their survival. 

Just by creating a 'Bee Water Station' in your garden,  you will be contributing positively to your local environment and promoting a more sustainable ecosystem for all.

It's also a great activity to teach children responsible and helpful environmental care.

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#bees #beehealth #beewaterstation #helpingbees

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Cheese & Caramelised Onion Pinwheels

Let's Bake!

Easy and super tasty 'Cheese & Caramelised Onion Pinwheels'.

You Will Need:

2 medium red onions

2 Tablespoons Olive oil

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

3 Teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar

1 and 1/4 cup self-raising flour

3 Tablespoons of butter

1/2 cup grated tasty cheese

and approximately 1/4 cup milk

To Make:

Peel and slice the onions.

In a frying pan, cook the onions in the oil over a low heat until soft and starting to brown.

Turn up the heat, add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 minutes.  

Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Next, place the flour in a mixing bowl, rub the butter in, add the cheese. chop through with a knife to break down the grated cheese. 

You can use a processor for this step if preferred.

Then add milk in increments to form a firm dough.

Sprinkle a board with flour and form a rectangle shape (30 x 16cm/ 12 x 6 inches) using your hands.

Spread the cooled onion mixture on top and spread out.

Roll up from the long side.

Cut into 7 pieces.

Bake in a preheated 180 °C oven (356°F) for about 15 minutes.

Serve warm.

Suitable to freeze once baked.

You will find the printable recipe HERE.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve the 'Cheese & Caramelised Onion Pinwheels' as an alternative to a bread roll or baguette with a main meal.

I served mine with a mixed Mediterranean style salad, crumbed fish and a simple Lemon Vinaigrette.

Which is made by mixing in a jug until combined and thick :

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup Olive oil

1/2 teaspoon French Mustard

and 1 teaspoon sugar

2. Serve with soup.

3. Cut smaller width pieces before baking, and serve as canapés with cheese.

4. Or simply devour the pinwheels on their own, warm with lashings of butter as a tasty brunch or lunch.

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#pinwheels #homebaked #savouries #canapes #breadalternatives