I love the changing seasons, with each shift, nature delivers a new colour palette. And this is particularly noticeable with greens. Spring brings forth tender shoots of fresh lime green, followed by jewel-like vibrant greens and finally more subdued olive greens.
I have a shady corner in my garden, which has been established with plants grown especially for their different shades of green. I love how they all work seamlessly together. They are offset by neutrals such as a mossy stone bench, the warm grey bark of an old apple tree and a splash of white on some leaves and flowers.

Shades of green and neutrals are a joy to live with. They are calming, fresh and energising. Offset them against a neutral base, such as a stone, grey or white and enjoy the beauty of nature in your home.

These tasty biscuits are a great alternative to chocolate at Easter and easy to make with the children.

Ingredients
200g/8oz softened butter
150g/6oz caster sugar
2 egg yolks
400g/14oz plain flour
1 level tsp mixed spice
1 level tsp ground cinnamon
1 Lemon zest (optional, but I like it)
100g/4oz currants
2-4 tbsp milk (if required)
a little caster sugar, for sprinkling

Serves 12

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
2. Lightly grease two baking trays lined with baking parchment.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the lemon zest (optional) and beat in the egg yolk.
5. Sieve in the flour, spices and currants and add milk (if necessary) to give a fairly stiff dough.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface until 5mm/¼” thick.
7. Cut into rounds using a circular cutter (or shapes if you prefer).
8. Place on the prepared baking trays.
9. Gather together the off cuts and re roll to make further biscuits.
10. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 10/12 minutes or until golden brown. My oven’s quite fierce, they all vary.
11. Sprinkle with extra caster sugar when still hot, then transfer to a wire tray to cool.
12. Or wait until cooled and decorate with icing.

If you don’t like currants, then just leave them out – you still get a delicious biscuit which could be decorated with icing instead.

I always think these make nice presents at Easter; you can package them up in cellophane, tie with a ribbon and decorate with Easter chicks or flowers.

Happy Easter! x