Candle Making and Ice Cream

Well it wasn't snowing and at times it was even a little bit sunny so we decided on a family day out. (Whilst out, we worked out that this was the first real family day out since September!! Shocking! Really must try and do better than this.)

After much discussion, Child #1 suggested the Candle Factory in Cheshire. Having not been for years I was happy to go along with this if the other two were. Child #2 is currently grounded (I'll not go into why) so she was just happy to go out - where was irrelevant!

The candle factory is free, and candle making cost me £15 in total for each of them to create a candle and a candle holder. I did think about making one myself but opted to be the photographer instead...

Then they moved on to candle holders...

The thing that I love most about all this is that for these few hours there was no bickering, only a little healthy competition, they just all got on with each other, helped each other, and were seemingly very happy just being us.

The Candle Factory is not far from the Ice Cream Factory so we drove there next. I did ask the nest if they wanted to eat the picnic outside (I didn't mention that the picnic tables had snow on them obviously) but they all looked at me like I was crazy and confirmed that lunch HAD to be eaten in the car! (I was quietly happy with this as I only suggested eating outside to try and look brave.)

After lunch we went and enjoyed these...

Raspberry Pavlova, Banoffi, Toffee Fudge, and others that I can't remember but all DELICIOUS!

Followed by a bit more childish fun as a family...

Good times! They all make for such a great day out together. 

Today is far less fun...one house...in much need of love and a mop!

On my camera

Just the last of the snow pictures. Child #3 must have got bored of snowman building and progressed onto something more technical!

Strawberry Yoghurt Ice

So simple but soooo delicious it deserved it's own post!

1. Fresh Strawberries in a bowl....

2. Blend them with the sugar ....

3. Add the natural yoghurt and stir, then place in a freezable container for about 5 hours, (whisking once after 2 hours)...

4. Unless you have the luxury of a food processor, or used a hand blender in a sensibly sized container, spend approximately 15 minutes cleaning the blended strawberries that spat out everywhere off of the kettle, toaster, cupboards, walls, cables, bread bin, mugs, and your own arms and face so that your kitchen (and you) no longer resemble a crime scene.

5. Remove the tub from the freezer about 20 minutes before you want to eat it. This isn't optional...you won't get the spoon in it before this!

6. Enjoy....!

Well that's another recipe from 'the book'. I think it's probably a good thing that I work full time because when I'm off work I spend a serious amount of time cooking and consequently eating!