TODAY

...was somehow an upside down day.
But we managed to make these cookies with Kolya. Cookie Monster as he calls them. Ugly cookies as I call them.
They are a little monster and definitely cookies. Sweet and fragrant and thankfully this time- not so ugly.

How to make up your mind about certain decisions (which have a massive impact...)?

To trust your gut I suppose.

Why is it that within the moment a decision can seem so much bigger than you, and yet in one years time, in two, in ten it filters down to most natural of paths. How else could it have happened?

Gut trusting is a complex business I say.

I shall have another cookie to make all better!

(recipe borrowed from Mr Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall with slight alterations)

225g unsalted butter at room temp

190g caster sugar

finely grated zest from one lemon (we prefer orange)

0.5 tsp vanilla extract

2 egg yokes

2 tbsp milk

280g plain flour with a pinch of salt

jam. quite a bit.

baking paper

Heat the oven to 180C.

Arrange a few (3 in my case) baking trays with baking paper.

Using a mixer (if you have one) beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, then beat in the orange zest and vanilla extract. Next beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then beat in the milk.

Gently fold in half of the flower. Mix well and add the rest. Try to be light with it as otherwise the cookies will be tough.

Roll the dough into a ball, wrap in clingfilm and chill for 20-25 mins in the freezer, then roll into 2.5 cm balls. Place these onto your baking sheets about 2.5 cm apart (they really spread, so if you have space leave even more) Make a small well in the top of each ball with a small spoon. Place a bit of jam in the well. (1/4 of a teaspoon)

Bake for about 13-15 mins or until firm to touch (but not too golden)

Leave to cool on a tray.

Try to resist eating all at once.