Eat your greens: Veggie Tableware for M&S

A series of vegetable paintings I was commissioned to do by Marks & Spencers is now available in their new tableware collection. This was a really nice brief of realist watercolour colour veggies with a inky modern edge. I suggested to add some witty words to the range to just give it a charming little touch to the pieces too. The range has turned out really well! It's not my usual style but a nice change for the norm for me. Shop the collection now for some classic, conversational pieces for your dining table. Available exclusively from Marks & Spencers www.marksandspencer.com


Wild Blackberry & Apple Crumble

I have such wonderful memories of blackberry picking as a child with my little sister. I really want to make it a yearly activity with my children. Ripe blackberries are a sign of the end of the summer, when picked fresh they do not keep for long just a couple of days so get prepare beforehand so you can make this straight after picking. This recipe is so easy, you can definitely do it with young children. Or even if you've never baked before you will be able to make this and it will taste amazing! Baked using my new collection at David Mason Design. Shop the range online at www.maisonhome.co.uk


You'll need... 3 cooking apples, 200g-250g Wild blackberries, 1tsp cinnamon, 3 tbsp caster sugar, 200g plain flour, 100g butter (cubed), 175g light brown sugar 


 To make... Peel the apples and slice, put them in a large, swallow pie dish (the one from my range can be brought here...) add the blackberries and sprinkle on the cinnamon, 3 tbsp of caster sugar. Mix well and add a splash of water enough to just cover the bottom of the pie dish. Then in a mixing bowl (buy the one from my range here...) add the flour and butter and rub together with your fingertips until in resembles fine breadcrumbs. Then add the light brown sugar and stir together. Top the fruit evenly with the crumble mixture and bake on a baking tray (as it can get messy with fruit bubbling over the sides!) at 180oC for 40-50mins 



 

Shop my new collection online at maisonhome.co.uk

Side Plate, £7

Mixing Bowl, £23

Scalloped pie dish, £20

Set of 2 Tea towels, £15

Measuring cups, £17

Glass worktop saver, £10

Valentine Muffins


Bake a little treat for your Valentine this year! These muffins are super duper easy to make and I’m you only need a few basic ingredients.

You'll need...
My heart shaped cake mould
250g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
50g butter
75g caster sugar
175g blueberries
grated lemon rind
2 large eggs
250ml milk

To make...
Pre-heat the oven to 200oC/Gas 6.
Measure the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl.
Rub in the butter until mixture is like breadcrumbs.
Stir in the sugar, lemon rind and blueberries.
Mix together the eggs and milk, then add to the mixing bowl and mix quickly to combine together.
Don't worry about the lumps!
Spoon the mixture into the heart shaped cake mould, 3/4 to the top.
Bake for 25mins until risen and golden.
Leave to cool completely then run a knife around the edge of each heart to help lift the muffins out.
Happy Valentine's baking everyone!

Full baking collection available online at Maison home

Ashley Thomas for David Mason Design

I'm so excited to launch my new collection with David Mason Design at the end of this month.
Which will be available at some exclusive retailers across the country.
The collection will accessorise your home beautifully with a unique, whimsical look. My signature style co-ordinates colourful mix and match patterns, with the ethos of making a house a home.
The range includes baking, afternoon tea, textiles and giftware, featuring vintage inspired florals, making your kitchen uniquely special. Stay tuned for more info coming soon. 

Shop online at maisonhome.co.uk