Snowed In!

I think there are far worse places you could be snowed in than the Jammy Coo which is just as well because for the last 10 days that's exactly whats happened!!

It's very fortunate that the ovens still work and I've been making delicious soups, Spicy Butternut Squash and Coconut', Broccoli and Stilton, Curried Parsnip and Apple, to name just a few and also some well needed treats in the form of Triple Chocolate Muffins! And of course all our popular regulars such as the ever popular Carrot Cake.

Lets face it now is not the time to count calories, pack 'em in is what I say...You'll need it with the temperatures dropping to Minus 11!!!

These Triple Chocolate Muffins are so easy to make so why don't you give yourself a treat and give them a go..

9oz Plain Flour

3oz Melted Butter
3oz Soft Brown Sugar
3tblsp Natural Yoghurt
2tsp Baking Powder
half tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
10oz Mix of Dark, Milk and White Chocolate Buttons
2 Eggs
1oz Cocoa

Method: Place all ingredients except the Chocolate Buttons in a food mixer and combine well, then add most of the buttons leaving a few aside to put on the top of each button before cooking.
Divide mixture into 12 muffin cases and place in oven at 180oc for 20 minutes and then ENJOY!XX

You Really Have To Be There!

I have just received some photos of one of our Late Night Shopping evenings, doesn't Jammy Coo look absolutely gorgeous?

We have now had 2 evenings and our next one is this Friday 26th November...can't wait! I've loved the last one's and along with some friendly and familiar faces have met some new visitors to the 'Coo' which is fantastic!

If you're free please come and join us this Friday and bring your friends, the Mulled Wine is good but the Fudge is fantastic and I ate far too much of it myself last Thursday so please save me from my greedy self!

Let's Celebrate!

I am very fortunate to have 3 gorgeous sisters and one of whom, Rebecca, is coming to visit today bringing with her, her 2 very beautiful young daughters, Isabella and Ava-Lu. I'm telling you this as whenever I have someone to stay, (especially as its one of my special sisters), I like to cook a favourite of theirs.

I usually need no prompting but I think Rebecca needed to make sure that I made what she's been dreaming about since ever I mentioned it a couple of months back....'Celebration Bars'! I had to get several of those large Red Tubs in from a certain Supermarket and have been making a double batch this morning.. So Rebecca, its safe to arrive now, they're made and they look pretty good!!

Just remembered I have another sister visiting at the beginning of December...lets just say she can be a wee bit fussy! But loving her to bits I see it as a challenge producing something she will really love..Requests Taken!!!!!

Late Night Christmas Shopping!

Just a wee reminder to you all about the first of our Late Night Shopping which starts tomorrow night (Thursday 11th November) 6-9p.m.

It's going to be a fabulous night, I have some really brilliant gifts and the Jammy Coo looks so beautiful decked out in all things Christmasy. Please come along, bring some friends and have a fun, social and shopping evening.

I have made masses of delicious fudge for you all to have a treat of and I have just finished making the equally delicious Mulled Wine....of course I've had to taste...both! So apologiesh for any shpelling mishstakes.

Hope to see you soonXXXXDeliaXXXX

Jammy Coo Does Halloween!

Well, Jammy Coo did do Halloween but not how you think.

Every Halloween our Primary School in Lilliesleaf have a Fancy Dress Party and all the kids have a great time dressing up in all sorts of costumes, (there are lots of stressed out parents at this time scraping together a costume at the last minute!).

My gorgeous daughter, Daisy announced that she and a friend, Mary wanted to be Jammy Coo...Well what could I say? She was quite specific and I was torn by being very pleased although, (how the heck do I do that with only a nights notice!) and this may look bad. I could see the headlines..'Pushy Mother Makes Young Daughter Pose As A Cow To Publicise Her Business'.

Well, I'm afraid 'Pushy Mother' prevailed and duly made a Jammy Coo for Daisy to wear, she looked fab and very funny, the costume is so good I'm considering sending her out onto the High Street!...Never waste an opportunity I say!!

Secret Stash Has Been Compromised!

I'm sorry not to have been in touch recently, things have been pretty busy since the opening of our exhibition and there's a definite buzz happening in the Jammy Coo. It's a combination of all our fantastic new paintings, beautiful new products and just a hint of the festive season upon us, I just love it!

But with reference to my title, my 'secret stash' of chocolate, nae less, has been got at! Shock, horror! I could have understood if it was one of my children but I discovered my husband red handed with his hands covered in MY chocolate! This was almost a catastrophe as I had Extreme Rocky Road to make for the Jammy Coo. I have some very demanding and discerning customers...(you know who you are), and if needs aren't met then I just don't know what might happen!

However, there was a silver lining to my cloud as fortunately he hadn't found my emergency supply, (even I'd forgotten about them), a box of Celebrations, hurray, hurray! So I devised the most delicious concoction instead which basically involved unwrapping all the little darlings and dropping them into a whole bowl of smooth, velvety milk chocolate. I then added a sprinkling of rice krispies and oh joy a delicious new recipe is born...aptly named, Celebration Bars.

Trust me these are a stayer and I'm off to the supermarket on Monday to buy some more of those red boxes. As, if today's reaction to them is anything to go by then I'm going to have to make quite a few more batches before Christmas!

May I quickly add that of course I would have completely forgiven my husband for his lapse if he hadn't then swiped the Celebration Bar that I had kept back especially for my lovely Mother-in-law to try...what can I say?......

Sugar Fix Is Needed In The Jammy Coo!

 

Sugar Fix is most definitely needed for those that attended the ‘Jammy Coo Turns Two’ Exhibition last night so that’s why I’ve given you a mouth watering tray bake to drool over..(nothing to do with the fact I haven’t managed to upload all the photos yet!).

Last night was brilliant and all the paintings and displays looked fantastic, thank you to all those who came to celebrate our 2nd birthday.

Please come and visit us if you have the opportunity, we’d LOVE to see you!XX DeliaXX

Jammy Coo Turns Two is all Under Wraps!

 

The Jammy Coo was nipped and tucked and underwent an Extreme Makeover last night and is looking better than ever in preparation for her grand reveal at tonight’s Private View!

We worked late into the night wrapping up all the paintings so that their contents remain a secret until tonight. It is really strange seeing a gallery filled with paintings that you can’t see! We’ve already had somebody trying to have a wee peek before the preview, but good things come to those who wait!

Jammy Coo is bursting with new goodies and sensational artwork, she really has never looked better, roll on year three!

Doors open at 6pm xx

A Sneaky Peak At Rob Hain's Paintings!

I just had to share these two pieces with you, how amazing are they?

Only Two Sleeps To Go!

Only two sleeps until our exhibition..not that I seem to be getting much I may add! Its a really exciting time and I keep getting parcels and paintings delivered - feels like Christmas.

I was so pleased to receive the jewellery from 'Handmade by Hayley' and its been a joy to unwrap it lay it out and just gaze at it. Its just so pretty and beautifully made and the pieces can be worn with ease during the day or to dress up an outfit at night.

I'm still in awe of the 'Ness' products, really whats not to love about it all? I'm so looking forward to tomorrow evening when we shall be hanging the new paintings and putting all the new items in their special places.

So fingers crossed it all goes well, you'll be pleased to hear we now have the wine and yes it tastes good, wasn't sure after the first glass so had to make sure with a second...hic.

Which One Would You Choose?

I'm going to give you a wee preview of Helen Tabor's work. It's brilliant and the only difficulty for me is to decide which one I like the best..chore!

Things are Hotting Up!

Our exhibition is only days away and things are 'hotting' up. There's always much more to do than you think and always things you remember at the last minute..like the Wine, imagine the scenario of an 'Opening' and no Vino...thankfully my husband is a star and has come to the Jammy Coo rescue, hooray!

Catherine Rayner's paintings arrived at the week-end, they are stunning and I'm so looking forward to hanging them on the walls. I really love her work and I can't wait to see them all up in the Jammy Coo.

I also received four exquisite pictures from Holly Surplice (see above), they are small but extraordinary in colour and presence. Such gorgeous use of colour.

Helen Tabor has sent me jpegs of her work and as ever I'm in awe of her use of brushstrokes and the light that is thrown across her work.

Rob Hain is keeping his under wraps so far but I'm eagerly anticipating his vibrant use of colour and his keen observational skills in his paintings.

I shall revel being amongst such wonderful pieces when I hang the paintings on Thursday evening, can't wait!!

And I so look forward to seeing you all visit the Jammy Coo, if you are able, please let me know what you think, many thanks, DeliaXX

Amended Dates for Late Night Shopping!!

Just a wee reminder for all about the Jammy Coo Late Night Shopping, I have amended the dates slightly after a conversation with Leagh, (Lovely friend), who also happens to be very experienced in the art of socialising! Leagh pointed out that perhaps the Thursdays and Fridays may be better shopping evenings as you could all relax a bit more due to the oncoming week-end and enjoy the delights of the Mulled Wine without worrying about getting back for an early start in the morning! She has made a very good point so I have changed the dates and I hope that one or more will suit you....thank you for your patience, DeliaXX

Dates are as follows: Thursday 11th November, Thursday 18th November, Friday 26th November and Friday 10th December all at 6-9p.m.

I thought perhaps you may like a delicious recipe to keep you going! After some deliberation I have chosen my Millionaire Shortbread, its a fabulous traybake that everybody loves and can be kept in a tin for a week so if you don't feel like sharing you can hide it and swipe pieces whenever you feel at all down, happy, worried, delirious, anxious, cross, hungry, greedy, thin, fat, or just needing a treat!

Jammy Coo Millionaire Shortbread

For the base:
8oz Self Raising Flour
4oz Butter
4oz Caster Sugar

For the Filling:
1 Tin of Condensed Milk
8oz Butter
8oz Caster Sugar
4 tblsp Golden Syrup

Whizz all the base ingredients together in a food processor and then press into a traybake tin that has been greased or lined. Place in oven at 175 oC for 15 mins until golden coloured.

Put all filling ingredients into a large saucepan and melt slowly, stirring regularly. Let the mixture come up to the boil and then stir until the mixture turns a dark fudgy colour this will take aprox 10 to 15 minutes. Pour this onto base and tap the tin to get rid of all the bubbles.

Lick the bowl once its cooled as its VERY hot!!

Once the filling and base have cooled a bit melt really good (ie your favourite brand), of milk chocolate, a large bar should do it and then spread this over the top. Leave to cool and score into as many big or as small portions as you like...enjoy! Love DeliaXX

Amended Dates for Late Night Shopping!!

Very important dates for your diaries and the diaries of all your friends and family! The Jammy Coo is going to have 4 Late Night Shopping Nights! in the lead up to Christmas. Our late night shopping evenings have proved really popular in the past couple of years so we've decided to have more so that more people can take advantage of these fun, sociable and productive evenings.

There will of course be lots of really gorgeous gifts for all your favourite people at Christmas and maybe a treat for yourself too! And just incase you need a wee revival I will have dad's special recipe of mulled wine and delicious fudge, also a family recipe that nothing can beat!

So mark in Thursday 11th November, Thursday 18th November, Friday 26th November and Friday 10th December, 6p.m. till 9p.m.

Look forward to seeing you all there! XXDelia

A Very Exciting Week-End!

Lindsey, Holly and I visited Glasgow last week-end so we could attend the Scottish Trade Fair. Its the first one I have been to and we were all really looking forward to it...nothing to do with the overnight stay (without kids!) in a hotel and a gorgeous meal out in the evening, but of course all to do with the beautiful goodies I have found to put in the Jammy Coo.

I can't wait for you all to see them as, not like me I know, but I got a wee bit carried away, went completely over budget in order that I could bring all the goodies back for my wonderful customers!

Coming soon to the Jammy Coo are some really beautiful, stylish bags for all occasions, so lovely that I'm going to struggle to let them go, they are from a company called 'Ness' and I'm so looking forward to showing them off!

I also came across a new jewellery designer called Hayley, she hand makes all her pieces that are glorious in colour and design, using 'Liberty' print ribbon to tie and lovely coloured beads, that vary in texture. Unique pieces, very special.

The third company I bought from was called 'Snapdragon'. I loved the simplicity of their designs that are appliqued on felt with strong colourways and images...little hens, snails, love hearts, camper vans to name but a few. Little magnets, mirrors and very special notepads. You'll love them!

We're going to have 3 late night shopping nights in the Jammy Coo leading up to Christmas and I will give you the dates ASAP.

The No.1 Spot!

Cakes and tray bakes aplenty in the Jammy Coo but our No.1 Spot has always been held by the delicious, moist (and almost one of your 'five a day'), Carrot Cake. It seems to appeal to everybody and it certainly has a fan base.

I wish I'd counted how many I've made since the 'Coo' opened 2 years ago but guesstimating I think its approximately 300!!..I feel quite faint.

The Carrot Cake has always been closely followed by my decadent Chocolate Cake and the timeless classic - Coffee Cake. But we have a new challenger in our midst, the White Chocolate Cheesecake . It has taken our No.2 spot and I seem to be making it with increasing regularity. Its very creamy but avoids being too sickly sweet by the addition of natural yogurt...even manages to sound quite healthy!

So my advice is if you haven't tried it yet give it a go and let me know what you think. After all I've only made around 100!

New Jewellery

I've been up in Edinburgh today and chosen some absolutely gorgeous new jewellery for the Jammy Coo. Its so funky, fun and cool. Beautiful polished tagua nuts, coconut shell, coffee beans, melon seeds...sounds a bit far out but trust me its lovely and you're going to LOVE it! It feels so comfortable to wear and the best thing is every piece is utterly unique. Lots of lovely colours too, my particular favourite are the turquoise beads but there are yellow, reds, greens, pinks and also very natural tones that go with anything and everything.

I'm looking forward to placing it in the JC tomorrow and getting customer feedback. Make gorgeous presents for all your female friends, young and old and especially for treating yourself!

Evening Entertaining in the 'Coo'

Well, we had our first evening in the Jammy Coo last night. I cooked for 17 people and everything went really brilliantly! I am so pleased, the evening went really smoothly and everyone seemed to love the food. Jen was helping me (keeping me right!), she was so cool, calm and collected and kept all the customers so happy by her effortless charm and efficient manner.

I made 2 pates for the starter, 'Smoked Trout' and 'Prawn, Bacon and Cream Cheese' and I served this with a small rocket salad and my homemade seeded bread...all the plates came back spotless so I guess they liked it.

Main was, 'Braised Beef with pickled Walnuts in Guinness', 'Potato Dauphinoise' and 'Roasted Veg', looked really good on the plate.

Pudding was gorgeous'Tangy Lemon tart', 'Strawberry Pavlova' and 'Decadent Chocolate Torte'....the puddings looked so pretty and the Lemon Tart was finished in a flash.

After local cheese and biscuits we served coffee and my homemade truffles that just melt in the mouth and are delicious that even when you don't have any room left you still make an exception!

I loved the evening it was so much fun and I got such a buzz from it all. I was so pleased everyone enjoyed my food and I was so grateful for having someone like Jen to look after everyone and make sure the whole evening went so smoothly.

So, I'm now planning on another evening of delicious food, great company and special ambiance. I'm thinking of perhaps arranging an evening a month with a set menu, exclusive one sitting and bring your own wine...lets hope I can do this...watch this space XXX.

Jammy Coo has a Face Lift!

Yesterday was painting day at the 'Coo', I can't believe we managed to get all the interior done in one day. This was done with the help of Tristram, Jen and Jess, thank you so much all of you! As we're only closed on one day we were on a very tight schedule but with me cracking the whip everything got finished and the Jammy Coo now looks amazing. Its great to see the walls looking so fresh and pristine and the paintings look even better.

With the redecorating done the Jammy Coo is ready for its first advertised exhibition and private view on the 15th October 2010...We are calling it 'Jammy Coo Turns Two'. Its very exciting as we have 3 amazing and very talented artists exhibiting, Catherine Rayner, Helen Tabor and Rob Hain. Can't wait and I hope everyone is able to come along and support us.

Great Age at the Jammy Coo

The children broke up from school this week, needless to say there was a real buzz of excitement and of course my kids were very keen to give their teachers a leaving present. All last minute as usual but between us we managed to create individual cakes that were heavily laden with all the decorations from my sweetie draw. We placed them in a special box and tied them with ribbon, the children were very pleased, no complaints from the teachers and a few brownie points for mother!!

Emma and Jen (Jammy Coo lovelies), were working in the Coo this week and they had a very special lady visiting who was incredibly 100 years old! She was amazing and seemed to enjoy her visit with her Fruit Scone and Jam. However, soon after, not to be outdone a lady of 103 rocked up! Brilliant!



With the start of the holidays we're expecting a demand in the chocolate brownie department. Teachers and children need an indulgent treat after a long summer term and a recipe will be posted for the yummiest brownies ever later this week.X

Cupcakes Galore

Made beautiful, Sprinkle, Sweetie Topped Cupcakes for my niece's 1st birthday, they were a huge success and the children loved them, especially my son, Monroe who managed to eat far more than his fair share! For the adults I made Coconut and Lime Cupcakes with a delicious cream cheese frosting, I thought they matched the glorious Summers day.

Cupcakes are great fun to make and you can make them match the occasion by decorating them any which way. You can buy gorgeous decorations for them, little flowers, chocolate sprinkles, hundreds and thousands to name but a few. My children love getting all the toppings together and then fitting as much on as possible, can get a bit messy but its great fun and they all look...unique!

Sprinkle, Sweetie Topped Cupcakes

10oz Self Raising Flour

40z Caster Sugar

1 tube of Smarties

2oz Milk Chocolate drops

1 small cup of milk

1 egg

3oz melted butter

1 tsp Baking Powder

Decorate

3oz soft butter

80z Icing sugar

Few drops of Vanilla Extract

few drops of pink, blue or yellow food colouring

Lots of sprinkles, extra smarties

Put all ingredients except sweeties and chocolate drops in mixer, combine until just mixed and then fold in sweets. Drop mixture into 12 cupcake/muffin cases and bake for 20 mins at 180C.

The topping just beat all ingredients together using an electric hand mix and then swirl onto each cupcake.

Enjoy decorating with lots of sweeties XX.

Busy Coo!

Busy in the 'Coo' today and gorgeous weather. This inspired me to go and buy some plants for the pots I have sitting outside the Jammy Coo door. Bought some beautiful flowers, violas, petunias, fuchsias and some little white trailing ones that I can't remember the name of, all planted and they look great and should have a lovely smell as people pass by them.

Soup and Scones - Yummy!

Very busy in the Jammy Coo kitchen making Scones, Scones, Scones!! Cheese, Fruit or Plain, the cheese ones I serve with the special soup of the day...today, Spinach and Stilton.

Brand New Jammy Coo!

I'm so excited about my sparkly new website! It's brilliant, and all thanks to the talents of two gorgeous and very clever ladies...Vicki Gausden (illustrator extraordinaire!) and Holly Surplice (my illustrator sister!). Thank you, thank you, thank you!

So this is all pretty new to me, I'm not great with the old computer, but I do like having a bit of a chat and I am really looking forward to keeping everybody up to date with the goings on in the Jammy Coo and the Jammy Coo kitchen...

So today I've got the usual cakes and soups on the go, ready to go fresh out to the Jammy Coo counter. I've also got a Chocolate Torte to do for tonight, a cake to takeaway...it's delicious but extremely rich so I hope its for sharing!! The JC was pretty busy yesterday, we've had a new delivery of cards (always so exciting!) and myself and Kelsey (brilliant employee!) had great fun going through them and putting them out on display - they look great.

Tried a new combination of loaf cake yesterday! It has Pecans, Dates and Dark Chocolate Drops in it...of course I had to taste-test it, just to be sure! It's pretty good, so good that I'm going to have to make another one because there ain't much left, whoops...I feel an aerobic workout coming on!

If you'd like to try it and see for yourself, its very easy:

Preheat oven to 170 C

2 pint loaf tin

4oz Dates

1 ripe banana

4oz softened butter

4oz brown sugar

2 eggs

4oz ground almonds

6oz self-raising flour

1/4 pint of milk

2oz dark chocolate

3oz pecan nuts

Chuck all the ingredients in an electric mixer except the dates, pecans and chocolate and whizz everything all together until smoothish. Add the remaining items and whizz VERY briefly and then spoon into tin, sprinkle some pecans on top of mixture and bake for about an hour. Out the oven and turn onto a cooling rack. Once cool, sprinkle with icing sugar and ENJOY!

Do let me know how you get on with it!

Love Delia xx

Hello...

...and welcome to the Jammy Coo blog! We'll be posting lots of exciting recipes and a sneak peek at new artwork from our lovely artists in the next few weeks. So keep dropping by if you don't want to miss out!