Monday, 24 June 2019

a lovely kind of saturday.


Today was one of those lovely kinds of Saturdays;
the kind in which nothing truly wonderful or out of the ordinary happened,
but was filled with the simple little things that make for a happy sort of day.

When I got up early this morning to make a cup of coffee, it was pouring with rain, so I spent the first half the morning updating my diary, writing in my travel journal, and wrapping a few little gifts for sweet friends.
I even did a spot of sewing – I am currently working on a few new bookmarks.

I also thought I would put together a batch of apple and cinnamon muffins…
I discovered this delicious recipe while with my family in China, and have made them on several occasions.
I have shared the recipe at the end of this post.

As the falling rain subsided, and then eventually ceased somewhere during the course of the morning,
I decided I would set a pretty little tea table outside so Nancy and I could enjoy some sunshine and fresh air…



It was lovely to sit and chat and enjoy tea together after an industrious morning.


 Jasmine is sweetly blooming in our neighbour’s garden, spilling over their wall and into our yard.
We picked some to brighten our tea table and afterwards, freshen our house…



I always love having an excuse to use my pretty teacup collection.

 



These apple and cinnamon muffins are wonderfully light and ever so delicious.
They are the perfect tea time treat.


Even our kitty, Oscar, joined us for tea in the garden…
He loved soaking up the warm winter sunshine.




Apple and Cinnamon Muffins



2 cups plain flour

¾ cup brown sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp salt

1 cup milk/yoghurt/buttermilk

½ cup oil

2 eggs

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, gated and juice squeezed out

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon



Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. 

Grease or line a muffin pan with baking paper.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

Stir through the dry grated apple.

In another bowl, beat together the milk, oil and eggs.

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet.

Stir until just combined – don’t overmix.

Divide mixture evenly between muffin cups, being careful not to overfill.

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over each batter filled muffin cup.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the muffins come out clean – about 13-15 minutes.

Leave to cool slightly before removing muffins from the pan.

~
And now, dear friends, I am off to read a bit and maybe take a nap.
We had a busy week catching up with friends and running errands and I feel quite tired suddenly.
I am hoping to do some piano practicing later this afternoon – Nancy has been giving me lessons and I am thoroughly enjoying this new found hobby!

Have a blessed weekend further!
Kelly-Anne

12 comments:

  1. I so loved your pictures today, Kelly-Anne. They are filled with simplicity and loveliness. Those rainy days that are quiet with no special happenings going on are often the best days. Your pink and aqua tea cups are so pretty, and I can smell your neighbor's jasmine from here. It is me and Nel's favorite flower scent. Your apple and cinnamon muffins sound scrumptious, and I think any time we add cinnamon to our recipes, it makes our goodies taste even better. Oscar is beautiful in this picture. I'm glad that you were able to have tea outside and spend some time with your loved one.

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  2. So lovely!
    Thank you for sharing your Saturday, which sounds like the perfectly cozy day to me.
    And the recipe will go directly to my daughters.
    They are the best bakers!
    Your cat is beautiful!
    Have a cozy Monday. : )

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a pretty tea setting! Are you back in South Africa? Hope your foot's doing better!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like a lovely day! The muffins look so good and Oscar is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a delightful day! I just love your teacup collection too. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, my dear friend! This post was just like joining you for tea in real life! Well, almost {{winks}} Everything about it was truly lovely...your teacups are simply gorgeous and I adore their design and colors! I especially loved seeing your Oscar...he looks a bit like our neighbor's cat, Pete, who we are looking after while they are overseas on holiday.

    We've been having loads of rain here and are expecting more the rest of the week. We're hoping to have a few of our old neighbors over for a little afternoon gathering on Saturday...and I'm so looking forward to that!

    Thank you for sharing such a sweet post, my friend! It was splendid in every way...and those muffins...hmmm! I think I shall have to make them soon! I imagine they not only taste delicious, but also smell heavenly {{smiles}}

    Sending lots of love!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a lovely tea party you had! I was wondering if you were safely back home and am so thankful to the Lord to hear that you are. I trust your journey was enjoyable and all went well for you and Nancy. May the Lord bless you today!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I loved the gorgeous pictures and your day sounded so lovely! I'm so happy you're doing well, but do rest up too, hehe! Sending many hugs and prayers, sweet friend!❤️

    ReplyDelete
  9. nice blog my friend...
    please visit my blog too

    ReplyDelete
  10. What lovely tea cups. Glad you are safely back home. Enjoy your delicious muffins and winter weather. I am going to copy your recipe.

    Marion and Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Kelly-Anne!
    Oh my, your muffins look so delicious, thank you for sharing the recipe with us. Reading this post I could almost smell the fragrance of the jasmine sprigs on the table.
    Blessings and prayers for you and your sister. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm catching up on your posts.

    I love the turquoise teacup! It looks like a Royal Albert?

    ReplyDelete

It is always a delight hearing from my readers...
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a note...I respond via email, so do ensure that you aren't a ''no-reply'' blogger!
Blessings...