Anjie Davison's blog

Susie's red Citroen 2cv had an outing today, we had a trip to Ikea in it. The Deux Chevaux is 21 years old today, happy birthday! Susie is holding her Ikea comfort rug.

There used to be a hosiery factory in St Albans on Hatfield Road called Ballito, Morrison's supermarket stands there now. I wondered if this packet of stockings I bought in a charity shop on Hatfield Road was made there. I was attracted by the packaging, dated 1963. I was a graphic designer and this small piece of 60's memorabilia is a perfect piece of social history, I want to frame it. The term Young Miss is demure, the packaging is selling stockings but there are no legs on the packet. I like the drawing style executed in flat colour.

I had this idea for an easy to make practical and useful key ring, one that you can just slide over your wrist to keep both hands free. A piece of personal safety advice from the police is " Always have your keys out and ready as you approach your house or your car. Fumbling through your handbag for keys after you've reached your car provides criminals an excellent opportunity to sneak up on you." Not wanting to create paranoia but this key ring solves that particular problem!

I was really pleased to buy this antique crochet hook from a charity shop. Crochet hooks now are just utilitarian but this one is decorated, carved and turned bone. I showed the hook to Alice and was surprised at her squeamish reaction when I told her it was bone. At least I know she won't want to borrow it.

When we go to Yorkshire we always bring back a Yorkshire curd tart, they are delicious. I have found a recipe for the tart that sounds authentic so if you never get to Yorkshire you can still try this delicacy. Making the curd doesn't sound too difficult I guess it's a bit like cottage cheese. The photograph is a bakers shop in Bridlington.

 
INGREDIENTS  
250 g (8 oz) curds*
2 eggs; beaten
125g (4 oz) caster sugar
60 g (2 oz) currants
Small knob of butter; melted
A pinch of grated nutmeg
250 g (8 oz) short crust pastry