Created on a dull, wintery afternoon, when popping into town was considered a most unappealing thing to do… 

 

As the horse and cart sat idle outside, somewhere indoors, well, in the scullery to be exact, Mr WH was busily creating candles. I have to say the smell was exotically pungent, reminiscent of a "maison de tolérance'' (obviously, I'm presuming here), either way the scenario was rather uplifting. Not only did it provide a little comfort to a somewhat sombre spirit, it prompted me to consider a little creativity for myself, the perfect way to while away the greyness! Afterall, it beats moaning about the weather, which, let's face it, when it's like this it does little, if anything, to subdue that ‘can't be bothered’ feeling. Yes, my mood was lost in that category of ‘can't be bothered today,’ until that was…

 

I made some seed slabs! Yes, that's right. Using a 2:1 ratio of dried ingredients to melted fat, (though, in truth, I always add more dried options such as extra peanuts and oats to make for a stiffer consistency; they tend not to like them too greasy…fussy little things they be!) I gathered up nuts, seeds, oats, dried fruit and breadcrumbs, checking I had the correct amount before popping them into a mixing bowl. Meanwhile, the fat was melting in the microwave. Before pouring this into the dried ingredients, I added a dollop of peanut butter, stirring it carefully (please take care with potentially hot fat- ideally it should have only just completed the melting process).

 

Finally, it all came together and as I stirred it thoroughly with a wooden spatula, only when I was happy with the consistency, did I spoon it into the rectangular silicone moulds. Taking time to pat it all down neatly with a teaspoon, I popped them into the cold outhouse where they could be left in peace to sit for around a day or two.

 

Trust me, they'll love them!

 

This not only saved me from an unwanted trip to Poundland (probably sold out of fat balls anyway) but gave me something to do which resulted in an extra treat for the birds, a win-win situation! 

 

Right, I'm orf to see what my darling husband is up to, I can clearly hear that he's up to mischief. And, as if like some crazy wild-haired scientist who has been on the Red Bull, there he stands, in his cookhouse, where, for some unknown reason, he's doing battle with a blow torch…and such is life.

 

Toodle-pip, old beans, Mrs WH