Doesn't it make everything feel good? The last week we've been basking in the unexpectedly glorious weather. And I haven't even started sneezing and snuffling in earnest yet, so I've been outside enjoying it!
We pressure washed the garden furniture and got some oilcloth for the tabletop, so al fresco dining is in full swing. In the face of some exceptionally lurid choices, I went for the restrained oilcloth option. We're attempting class in the garden.
And what could be better to nibble outside, than a slice of Lemon and Thyme loaf? It tastes like sunshine.
The recipe is from 'Cake Days' - the new Hummingbird Bakery book (my Mothers Day present). It is drenched in a tangy syrup made with lemons and lemon thyme and is sublime. And a great preventer of scurvy - go on - feel the health benefits!
Yes thank goodness for the sunshine! It does make all the difference. I was thinking of making that very cake for the cafe this weekend, as I was seduced by the book in the library last week! Oh and I have the napkins and place mats that match your new cloth :)
K x
Posted by: kristina | 12 April 2011 at 12:00
Marvellous isn't it? We have actually bought new garden furniture which is surely the kiss of death to the sunshine.
Posted by: Sue | 12 April 2011 at 12:02
My mouth is watering......no really ! All i have to do is think of lemons and my mouth waters...or passionfruits...
Posted by: jodie | 12 April 2011 at 12:49
There's nothing like a bit of class in the garden - rather - and as for sneezing - I've been doing so for about a month now!
Enjoy the sunshine - it's another glorious day here again today....atchoo!
Nina xxxx
Posted by: nina - tabiboo | 12 April 2011 at 12:58
Yay for sunshine! We're finally getting some here too and all traces of snow have disappeared. I love the oil cloth - very restrained and grown up choice!!
Posted by: lina | 12 April 2011 at 13:09
That cake looks divine!
We've been taking our evening meal on the veranda as well. What a joy to be outside, and the house stays just a little bit cleaner, as a bonus.
Posted by: jess | 12 April 2011 at 13:14
Isn't it wonderful what a little sunshine can do. I must make that cake - especially as my lemon thyme is sprouting anew.
Posted by: Gina | 12 April 2011 at 13:25
That's definitely classy.
I'm suffering with spring hayfever, but not as bad as normal so that's great! x
Posted by: PinkCatJo | 12 April 2011 at 13:25
My mothers day present too! I've made the Earl Grey Cupcakes and the Rhubarb and Almond Loaf- both delish- and the Lemon and Thyme Loaf is next on my list. Looks yummy! Laura x
Posted by: nimblefingersandsteadyeyebrows | 12 April 2011 at 14:07
Oilcloth for the garden furniture! Why didn't I think of that?
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 12 April 2011 at 15:04
My favourite photo subject ever is cherry blossom against a true blue sky. I love lemon cake too - the addition of Thyme sounds interesting
Posted by: Catherine | 12 April 2011 at 16:12
mmmm looks delicious
Posted by: periwinkle | 12 April 2011 at 16:33
I keep meaning tomake some oilcloth cushions for the outside chairs. Is it likely to happen this year I wonder?
Posted by: dottycookie | 12 April 2011 at 17:50
Thank the gods SOMEBODY is doing her part to end the frightful scurvy epidemic.
(The oilcloth is a great idea! Although by the time I purchase some, it'll be too hot to venture outside.)
Posted by: Lynn | 12 April 2011 at 18:32
that was the first recipe I tried too. So delicious...
And here's a big toast for a glorious summer too.
(yeah.. right...)
Posted by: Monica | 12 April 2011 at 22:28
Isn't it lovely to be eating outside again - we did it for the first time this week. Your oilclothed table looks lovely - very classy indeed and that lemon and thyme loaf looks delicious. Here's to lots more summer baking and garden feasts!
Posted by: Julie | 13 April 2011 at 09:10
Beautiful photos! That loaf cake looks so good.
Posted by: skirmishofwit | 13 April 2011 at 09:51
The sunshine has been so welcome. So welcome.
I love that you're providing anti-scurvy tips. Arrrggghh.
Posted by: Emma | 13 April 2011 at 11:14
yes! I crave sunshine. I think I should have been born in the deep long summer day south.
Posted by: Gina | 13 April 2011 at 13:49
Even though, at heart, I'm a foot of snow Narnia girl, I do enjoy meals at the garden table. Must get going with the Karcher if we're to avoid dining with a host of spiders.
Posted by: lovethosecupcakes | 13 April 2011 at 15:36
I love the tablecloth. Oh & as a fellow sufferer, I had tried every natural and over the counter hayfever treatment available...last summer I went and asked my GP if he'd prescribe me Telfast (prescrip. only). It has been life-transforming - I'm really not someone who takes medicines lightly, but it seems worth it for the summer happiness it brings - just thought it might be worth mentioning in case you are in need of harder stuff than Boots can provide. x
Posted by: Florence | 13 April 2011 at 19:55
The sunshine is such a life enhancer, perhaps as we don't see it often. We had lunch outside several days last week but without a stylish tablecloth or delicious loaf cake. Must try harder!
Posted by: French Knots | 13 April 2011 at 20:05
PS: There is a picture of my Hummingbird rhubarb loaf cake here Laura x
Posted by: nimblefingersandsteadyeyebrows | 14 April 2011 at 18:40
That cake looks delicious! Enjoy the sunshine.
Posted by: Karen | 15 April 2011 at 14:50
Hi, just found your blog and love it. So many yummy recipes!
I recently purchased the hummingbird bakery cake days and this cake is one that I plan on making soon. Your cake looks delish!
Feel free to pop over to my blog :)
http://thegoddesskitchen.blogspot.com/
Maria
Posted by: Maria | 15 April 2011 at 22:03
sunshine and cake, does it get any better...
Posted by: suzie sews at Dotty Red | 15 April 2011 at 23:34
Mmmm sound perfect. Kx
Posted by: karen | 18 April 2011 at 22:53
I think that England has been having better weather than California lately - ours keeps ricocheting between the 60s and the 90s.
My husband booked a trip home right in the middle of hayfever season. I'm wondering how many packs of tissues can be put in my hand luggage before the customs people start raising eyebrows...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 23 April 2011 at 17:52