I know the new play barn has been open for a few months now but it was only recently that we had the chance to visit for the day and good old nanny came for some farmyard fun too!

Our son of course ran straight to the tractor ride on’s which he always does so when we finally managed to tear him away we went into the new barn and on first sight I couldn’t believe how amazing it looked.  Now, if an adult thinks it looks amazing then surely it’s a million times better to a child! 

Sam ran in and straight up the little staircase to play in the wooden house and when he came down he stood looking at the children who were running above his head and went on the hunt for a way to get in.  As I was asking nanny how on earth they get in a lovely little girl announced she knew the way and whisked my son back up the stairs to the secret door.  This adorable little girl quickly led our boy above our heads all the way around to the other side and down the twirly slide where my son’s delight could be seen by everyone! 

We must have spent a good hour in there as he explored all the different areas and continuously ran up and down the sensory tunnel.  Once we managed to get him out we had a fantastic lunch (as always) and then played in the outdoor play areas, had a tractor trailor ride and visited the animals in the barn.  We would have easily stayed in the sun all day but there’s only so much excitement a 2 year old can take and once he starts tripping over his feet I know it’s time to get him in the car for a snooze.

We always have loved Farmer Palmers and look forward to returning soon.  For up to date information and events, please visit Farmer Palmers. 

I'm not a huge fan of Bread Pudding myself but my husband has been asking me to make it for years so I thought I would surprise him.  At lunch time he rang to say it was amazing which is a huge compliment as he can be harsh when judging my culinary efforts (in fairness I burn things LOTS).

The recipe came from a family member and it's one of those 'throw it all in the bowl' jobs which I love so I thought I would share it with anyone else who might like to make one.

Ingredients:

500g White or Wholemeal Bread

500g Mixed Dried Fruit

1 tbsp Mixed Spice

600ml Whole Milk

2 Large Eggs, beaten

140g Light Brown Sugar

100g Butter, melted

2 tbsp Demerera Sugar (for the top if desired)

Recipe:

Tear the bread into a large mixing bowl and add the spice.  Pour in the milk and scrunch it up with your fingers, add eggs and sugar and mix well.  Leave it to sit for 15 mins to soak while the oven is pre heating to 180C/160C fan.

Butter and line a 20cm square tin (don't use loose bottom base) and then stir in the melted butter and make sure it's all coated and add fruit.  Tip it all into the tin, flatten and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Bake for an hour and a half and put some foil on the top if it looks like it starting to burn.  

I checked on mine at this point and found it really hard to tell if it was done inside as its quite a squidgy mixture so I gave it an extra 15 mins (just to be sure).  Obviously once it cools everything gels together so its really easy to cut into squares.

Tips.....

There are lots of other things that can be added to jazz it up including glace cherries, mixed peel, orange or lemon rind or grated fresh apple.

Chop up half of it and wrap individually so they can be put in the freezer and taken out as and when.

Happy Baking!