Let's Start With This One...

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies,

Now before we begin I will admit that I have not watched all the episodes of the last ever series of Preacher yet, but as the DVD and Blu-Ray is released today I didn’t want to not get involved in saying goodbye. After appearing on Amazon Video, the show has launched a whole new meaning to the comic book character.

Dominic Cooper plays preacher Jesse Custer, a man who has an angel and demon power about him. His actions cause those around him to obey his every word, even when he is saying it in a weird voice. Once he has got used to it, the show becomes comedic and strange comic book story.

Joining the likes of Netflix's Lucifer, the show has broken down the norms when it comes to religion over the course of the past four series. Although the character may be very different to other fictional priest based figures, the show has a way of hooking you in. There is a lot of violence, swearing and overall nonsense at times but Cooper has taken the character and made him a great TV character.

From the first few episodes, you know that for the hour or so that you are watching every thought, feeling and emotion need to be cleared. Then you can go in with an open mind and one ready to see that this character is coming to life and you are going to witness a lot of things. Mostly all of them good.

There is not an episode where you won’t smile or laugh or sometimes sit in shock, but they are all moments that you remember. The show has been a joy to watch from start to finish. Going out on a big bang like it has will make it a series to remember for years to come.

Hey Lovelies, 

How are we all doing? It has been a weird old time recently. Every day seems to be going into one. Like an endless weekend. However, as time goes on, we are adapting I feel. Including getting even more creative.

I am seeing people make endless decorations from old pieces of wood. More people helping neighbours and sharing ideas on how to build a better community. But nothing more so than baking and cooking. More people are making their own foods and whilst it has led to little flourless stores, we are getting very good at it.

Yet, for today’s Sunday Bake recipe, I have decided to give you all a bread recipe that does not need much skill or ingredients. Three simple items are needed to give you a super roll that can be enjoyed with your dinner. In fact, they are great at any time of the day really. Get those oven gloves ready for these…

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Self-Rising Flour
• 4 Tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 Cup Milk
• Butter, To Grease Tin

Tools

• 12 Count Muffin Baking Tin
• Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Ice Cream/Cookie Scoop or Spoon
• Cooling Rack

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350 and grease your muffin tin, leaving it to one side once done.
2. In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, and milk until it resembles a smooth batter.
3. Grab your baking tin and using the scoop evenly place the batter into the prepared tin.
4. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly brown. 
5. Leave to cool on the cooling rack or serve warm with a meal or on their own with a topping/spread of your choice.

Hey Lovelies, 

Sunday nights are always the perfect time to catch up on the latest shows. With so much time on our hands though, it is easier now than ever before. As we seek sun and adventure, ITV has delivered it to us in the form of The Good Karma Hospital, which returned for a third season earlier this year, before landing on DVD and digitally from today.

With the entire cast back, including Amanda Redman and Neil Morrisey, love, medicine and trauma is at the heart of the show. As the team joins forces again to help save the lives of the locals, they are faced with their most traumatic experience yet, as one of their own gets caught up in a horrific acid attack. Dealing with the aftermath of the assault and their own personal issues, the series has stepped it up big time when it comes to its storylines.

There has always been something about the show that reminds you of old classics like Where The Heart Is and Wild At Heart. The joy that the cast has in bringing to life the characters can be seen throughout each episode. They know and have acknowledged the modern issues people are facing and the yearning they must get it right for them.

The Good Karma Hospital may not be a building people will want to visit, but the characters, cast and storylines will be the thing to draw you in. A good cure for a troublesome time, this is genuinely the series that your doctor will order you to prescribe to.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

• 200g Butter, Softened
• 200g Golden Caster Sugar
• 4 Eggs
• 175g Ground Almond
• 250g Mashed Potato
• Zest from Three Lemons
• 2 Tsp Gluten-Free Baking Powder
• 4 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
• Juice from One Lemon

• 20cm Round Cake Tin
• Greaseproof Paper
• Fork
• Mixing Spoon
• Cooling Rack

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4 and butter and line a deep, 20cm round cake tin.
2. Beat the sugar and butter together, before gradually adding the eggs, beating after each one.
3. Then, fold in the almonds, cold mashed potato, lemon zest and baking powder.
4. Pour into the tin, level the top and bake for 40-45 mins or until golden and a skewer comes out clean when inserted.
5. Turn out onto the cooling rack and leave to cool for 10 mins.
6. Whilst waiting for it to cool, mix the granulated sugar and the lemon juice together.
7. Spoon the mixture over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
8. Allow the cake cool completely before serving on its own or with your favourite sides, such as custard, cream or ice cream.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

• 200g Softened Butter
• 100g Light Muscovado Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 250g Plain Flour
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 2 Tsp Baking Powder
• 100g Sultana
• 200g White Chocolate Chips

• Mixing Bowl
• Two Baking Trays
• Whisk
• Wooden Spoon
• Sieve
• Cooling Rack
• Piping Bag or Teaspoon

1. Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Then grease and line your baking trays, setting them to one side.
2. Beat together the butter, sugar and egg until smooth in a mixing bowl. Then sift in the flour, cinnamon and baking powder, before combining to make a dough.
3. Add in the sultanas and 100g of the white chocolate chips. Mix to combine all together.
4. Using your hands, pull and roll lumps of dough into golf-sized balls. Place each ball onto a tray, leaving room for them to expand.
5. Once ready, bake for 10 mins until golden. When they are done, remove the cookies from the trays and cool on wire racks.
6. As the cookies cool, melt the remaining white chocolate in the microwave in short bursts. Then take a teaspoon or piping bag and drizzle a cross onto each one.
7. Leave the icing to set, before tucking into these cute hot cross bun cookies!

A Happy Easter To All, 

Are you currently already in an Easter egg filled heaven? Planning to head into the garden soon for the big hunt? In the kitchen cooking the perfect Easter Sunday roast? Whatever you may currently be doing I hope you are all having an amazing Easter 2020.

In our house, we normally have a quiet affair with a selection of Easter films on hand to spend the day binging on. Last night, we delved into the world of Mary Poppins Returns, which I loved. Over today and tomorrow, these Easter treats will also be watched, and I wanted to share them with you in case you are looking for some festive films to enjoy with the whole family:

Easter Parade: Judy Garland and Fred Astaire dance their way around this film that celebrates the best of the festivities. Join in, sing along and dance around to this Easter hit.


Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: Ever wished for an endless supply of chocolate? I blame it on this film! We would all love a golden ticket to see and enjoy all the heavenly sweet delights that this film shares. Although, I don’t think I would like to turn blue like Violet aha!


Hop: Voiced by Russell Brand, this rabbit is one that causes madness and mayhem that little and big kids will enjoy on this Easter weekend. Though his toilet habits may put you off the smaller Easter eggs.


Peter Rabbit: Hop to it and watch the classic Peter Rabbit figure this Easter. If you aren’t familiar with the iconic Beatrix Potter bunny, then this Easter weekend is the perfect time to sit down with the family and discover his carrot filled world.


Chocolat: Why have just one Easter egg when you can open a chocolate shop? Full of sweet treats and with an all-star cast, this is a delicious romance to delve into.


Rise of the Guardians: Full of yearly festive figures, of course, the Easter Bunny must feature and bring with him a whole host of chocolate fun. If you want to celebrate all the festive occasions in one with the whole family, this is the film for you.

Hey Lovelies, 

When I was younger, I wanted to be a member of Charlie’s Angels. Specifically, Drew Barrymore’s character, who I thought was the coolest person on the planet. Yet, after two successful features, my dreams of becoming an angel were dashed when years passed with no return to the franchise.

In 2019 though, this all changed with the return of the famous threesome, thanks to director Elizabeth Banks. And finally it is out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally! With John Bosley (Patrick Stewart) leaving the ladies behind, the Townsend Agency is getting a makeover. When an energy-saving project goes wrong, Sabina (Kristen Stewart) and Jane (Ella Balinska) must work alongside engineer Elena (Naomi Scott), the person who created it, to help try and save the world before it is too late.

With a powerhouse performance from all three leading ladies, the feature gives another modern look at feminism, whilst never losing the charm of the franchise. There is a sense that whilst this is girl power at its highest, the feature has also been made to show younger audience members the fun that the angels were known for having. The women in the feature are doing all they can to make sure that their performances are up there with the others. Something they very much succeeds.

There is an element of difference though. The angels give off a presence that they don’t need each other as much as others do. Whilst they work together, they also present independence that others haven’t presented before. It is a clever representation of women both working together and on their own. Banks as a writer and director has shown that women can lead the way in both manners without any bitchiness or power play.

With Stewart as the leader of the pack, it is fun to see her in a completely different role. She is a revelation in the feature, and it shows that she can do just about anything thrown at her. As do the other leading ladies in the feature, who have catapulted themselves into the limelight even further with these powerhouse performances.

All three show how the theme of beauty to win is no longer needed. It is brains, strength and intelligence that helps them to win. The fight. Something that we all grateful for seeing on the big screen. The action isn’t downplayed. The fights are even tougher. The women are ready to change the world. A process so powerful that nothing and no one can deny that it is needed. Even if it feels the same as before at times. It isn’t! It is even better.

Banks is a director that thinks a lot about what her audiences want to see. Every detail is captured to the best effect. From story to costume, she knows how to make sure that those watching will feel something. Whether it be laughter, love or ultimately with this feature girl power, she builds strong worlds and women. Two things we can always stand up and salute.

Hey Lovelies,

Hey Lovelies, 

Airing on BBC One early Spring, London Kills added grit and drama to the afternoon slots that filled up our daytime TV. Back for a second series, the show is a tamer police drama, compared to the other BBC pieces we are used to, but that doesn’t make it any less of a success. One that you can now enjoy, as it comes out on DVD and digitally from today.

Focusing on the team looking to crackdown and convict an elite murder team, the show follows Detective Inspector David Bradford (Hugo Speer), as he leads the squad on their quest to protect London. With an exceptional cast, each episode provides solid scripts and stories. This afternoon police drama isn’t like Murder She Wrote. Oh no, the BBC has gone very edgy with this teatime feature.

From the discovery of a skeleton in a garden to the tragic death of a teenager, even though the show is aired when many will be eating their lunch, the creators haven’t held back. They have made it their mission to provide a series that will not only hot up your sandwich but give you something to talk about when you return to your desk.

It isn’t even the storylines and the solving of the murders that keep you most gripped, but also that of the characters you see throughout it. There is love, lies and testing times for them all. Something that makes it even more appealing.

Clever, slick and something new to enjoy during the afternoon. You will need Ready Steady Cook afterward to help calm you down because this is one show that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

• 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
• 1 Ripe Banana
• 1/4 Cup Raisins

• Baking Sheet
• Greaseproof Paper
• Fork
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop (Can Use Your Hands Too)

1. Preheat the oven to 180C or 350F. Grease and line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper. Leave to one side.
2. In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Then add in the rolled oats and raisins.
3. Mix all the ingredients together. Then using the scoop or tablespoon, place heaped amounts of dough onto the baking sheet.
4. Place into the oven when done and bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly browned. 
5. Once ready, allow to cool completely before eating or serve hot with ice cream during this lovely sunshine.