It is a grey and wet Monday today. It is also a public holiday, for with Anzac Day falling on a Saturday this year, today is deemed a holiday. Of course, we can’t go anywhere or do anything anyway, so the miserable weather is fine as we stay indoors, cosy with books, films and of course, getting this blog post written.
So first up….well, I have to say the bread deliveries from Arobake are still bringing me joy and are definitely a small pleasure. From the parmesan and polenta bread (great with hummus in a sandwich or topped with creamy scrambled eggs for breakfast) to the walnut and honey stick to the caraway and rye sourdough, all are delightful. We also had eggs delivered today (I just like the thought…the supermarket has plenty), and a wonderful selection of very special wines from Noble Rot Winebar appeared in time for the weekend. These little luxuries really help at this time.
Sticking with food for now, I naturally made Anzac biscuits* on Saturday. Built around that excellent combination or rolled oats and desiccated coconut, it is claimed that these biscuits were sent to the Anzac troops (ie Australia New Zealand Army Corps) in World War 1. However, this has since been disclaimed, with the story that the biscuits were sold to raise funds back in New Zealand and Australia. The history doesn’t matter: these biscuits are absolutely delicious and at least two need to be eaten at one sitting. The Edmond’s recipe can be found here.
The small pleasures of the week have not just been about food. We have had some amazing sunny autumn days (see Wednesday’s post). The featured image at the top of the post and the two pictures below were taken on Friday.
Other small pleasures have included several Pilates classes of varying intensity (sometimes watched by Charlie with a bemused expression), endless cups of tea, cooking, eating and also reading. Or should I say re-reading a fun collection of pieces by Julian Barnes on food and cooking, and Barbara Pym, whose writing couldn’t be more perfect for a grey Monday in lockdown.
So that is it for this week. Wherever you are, take care and look out for those little things that bring you joy in these strange times. What were your small pleasures of the week past?
Thanks to Mani over at A New Life Wandering for the original idea.
*obviously not American biscuits!
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram@thistleandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
Have made Anzac biscuits years ago – have printed out your recipe and will make them again soon.
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Oh do try them – they are really delicious.
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Wow I am looking to order some bread in that bakery. The photos of the trees are so beautiful. I haven’t noticed those tree around my area in Lyall Bay. I only walk around the beach most of the time during this quarantine.
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Yes do order some – a good selection. I long to get to a beach again some day!
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The ANZAC biscuits sound wonderful. I need to find golden syrup..and we would call those cookies – I am from the American South and a biscuit lover. Any kind of biscuit American or otherwise.
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What do you call golden syrup? I have a feeling that is called something else too. Scones/biscuits/cookies….they are all good no matter the word you use!!
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Not a clue about the golden syrup, I was asking Cathy of in a vase… about it recently, not sure there’s an equivalent.
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What about corn syrup? Not sure if you have access to shops selling produce from abroad, but you might find some there.
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Karo syrup is readily available.. not sure it will work? I have a chef friend who I will ask.
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And do let me know!
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Nigella says there is no equivalent! Suggestions are honey, light corn syrup and maple syrup. There are so many British tourists here there is a Britfood section in the grocery store. I will have to see if it is there.
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Good luck! Honey and maple syrup will make them taste different – think maple syrup might work.
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Really?? I love Maple Syrup..the Karo not so much. Okay..
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I love Barbara Pym, especially “Some Tame Gazelle.” Those biscuits look delicious. And the bread! It would cheer up even the gloomiest day.
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It was just the book for a gloomy day. Along with the nice bread…
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One of my favorite scenes is the slideshow.
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I love all the descriptions of food and clothes…you can really feel you are there.
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Baked the Anzac biscuits over the weekend – they were very quickly eaten – super!
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Oh so glad you enjoyed them! I want to make the rye scones that you posted. I actually have some rye flour I want to use.
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I used up all my spelt on the recipe before so tied out the rye flour.
I think they are just as nice or even better.
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Must try in that case!
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