HAPPINESS

Preparing lunch today, whilst listening to the Dolly Suite, by Faure, on Jools Holland's radio programme on BBC Sounds, where he was interviewing musician, YolanDa Brown. This was one of YolanDa's choices, and she introduced it by saying how really happy it made her, every time she heard it. 

And, listening to the music, dancing a few steps, and then I realised - I just felt incredibly happy! I'm generally happy anyway, but watching 3 small birds - dunnock, blue tit and robin - in quick succession, on the bird feeder just outside the kitchen window, coupled with feeling good after my morning 10k walk, then this incredible music, which I absolutely love, gave me such a good feeling!

3 INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES - IN FRYPAN (VEGAN)

 INGREDIENTS:
200g peanut butter

75g wholemeal flour (or oat flour)

75g maple syrup - or blackstrap molasses for the healthiest option

METHOD:

Before you start put your frying pan on to a low heat.

Then combine the peanut butter with the syrup or molasses, and add the flour.

Mix into a ball and knead (flatten and fold) for a minute or two, until you have a cohesive ball.

Divide into 16 or 20 pieces.

Flatten each piece into a rough circle, by pressing the piece into the palm of one hand, using the heel of the other hand.

Gently press down on each piece with the back of a dessertspoon to flatten it somewhat.

Place in the frying pan and put the timer on for 3 minutes.

Turn them once - another 3 minutes, then take them out and put them on a cooling rack. They still feel fairly soft at this stage, but it doesn't take long before they crisp up.

VARIATION:

At the assembly stage, add a handful of sultanas - about 30-40g.