Our week that was: A day trip, a summer drink and a science fiction series

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Another week has flown by – still without any rainfall to speak of – but we’ve been promised some in the coming days. We soaked up the sun on a day trip down the coast, foraged for wildflowers and absorbed ourselves in a riveting and thought-provoking TV series.

Day trip

Adelle tasting the cake platter at The Leeky Barrel, Henllan, Llandysul

The cake platter at The Leeky Barrel, Henllan, Llandysul

The Leeky Barrel Winery and Gift Shop at Bedwen Plants, Henllan, Llandysul

The nursery at Bedwen Plants, Henllan, Llandysul

We had a dog sitter booked for Monday so that we could head out on a day trip to somewhere we hadn’t been before. We decided to head off towards Llandysul to Bedwen Plants. There’s a nursery, winery and bistro all on site. We bought a few plants, including a wasabi and had coffees and cake platter… no wine was consumed or bought on this occasion!

On our way back home, we stopped off in Aberaeron for a walk around the town and harbour and another coffee at Harbourmaster.

Summer drink

Elderflowers and lemons for making cordial

For me, summer hasn’t properly started until I’ve picked some elderflowers and made cordial; it has become an annual ritual. I try to make at least 3 batches to drink now, freeze for later and bottle to give away to friends. If you want to try making your own, this is my preferred elderflower cordial recipe.

Severance

After finishing watching the first series of The Bear, we dived straight into Severance (I got Apple TV+ free for 3 months with a recent Apple Store purchase).  The premise of ‘Severance’ is simple; employees of a company called Lumon Industries choose to undergo a procedure to have their ‘work’ and ‘home’ memories disconnected. You’d think it may be a good solution for achieving that elusive work-life balance. Each episode is more surreal than the previous one, and the series throws up all kinds of philosophical and existential questions. The sets, costumes and other visuals suggest a Mid-Century Modern, Mad Men kind of vibe, but – other than it being winter – the time in which it’s set is never referenced.

The Severance script is great, the acting is top-notch and many of the episodes were expertly directed by Ben Stiller. We can’t wait for the already confirmed second series!

Cordial invite

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Elderflower heads in a vintage aluminium colander | H is for Home

Elderflower blossom is in full bloom at the moment. Not only do the clusters of flowers smell gorgeous, they’re easily made into the perfect summer drink. So here’s the recipe for elderflower cordial that has been requested by some of our friends over on Twitter.

Freshly-made elderflower cordial in large saucepan | H is for Home

Garden setting with 2 vintage 1950s glasses filled with ice cubes, vintage pair of Al & Lena Eklund metal coasters, vintage Gaytime bud vase, bottle of home-made elderflower cordial, bottle of sparkling water on a wooden tray | H is for Home

Elderflower cordial

Course Drinks
Cuisine British

Ingredients
  

  • 20 elderflower heads
  • 1.8 kilo sugar
  • 1.2 litre water
  • 2 unwaxed lemons
  • 75 g citric acid available at pharmacies or health food shops

Instructions
 

  • Carefully shake each flower head to remove any insects and put them in a large bowl (one with a pouring lip would be ideal)
  • Put the sugar & water into a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved
  • Peel the lemons and add this zest to the bowl of elderflowers
  • Slice the zested lemons and also add these to the bowl
  • Pour the boiling sugar syrup into the bowl and stir in the citric acid
  • Cover with a cloth / tea towel and leave at room temperature for 24 hours
  • Strain the cordial through a fine sieve or muslin and pour into sterilised glass or plastic bottles. Screw on the lids and refrigerate or store in a cool cupboard. You can also ¾-fill plastic bottles and freeze
Dilute the cordial approximately 1:4 with sparkling mineral water – or try adding a dash to gin & vodka cocktails, white wine spritzers or champagne!
Keyword cordial, elderflower, elderflowers, forage

Garden setting with 2 vintage 1950s glasses filled with ice cubes, vintage pair of Al & Lena Eklund metal coasters, vintage Gaytime bud vase, bottle of elderflower cordial, bottle of sparkling water on a wooden tray | H is for Home

Serving suggestion:

  • Hot sunny day
  • Tall glass
  • Straw
  • Lots of ice
  • Deck chair
  • Parasol