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Ashington Manor Farm (Yeovil)

After a two-night stay at The Swan Hotel in Wells , we departed for Exeter. Along the way, our first stop was Ashington Manor Farm, the home of the husband and wife garden designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman.  Roses are a specialty of the Bannerman's, but sadly, we were too early to see any. That disappointment was curtailed by touring their magnificent farmhouse, which we were invited to roam around at leisure. And Julian Bannerman, who did most all the talking, was a very entertaining man.  Gathering at the front door - We actually entered at the side of the house, right off the patio, which led to this room, where the Bannerman's greeted us. The massive table was filled with books they had written as well as magazine articles about their gardens. As we were listening to Julian's speech, I happened to notice Isabel Bannerman's book "Husbandry" on the table and immediately recognized it as a book I have at home but have not gotten to yet. At the time, I ha...

Katharine Hepburn's Brownies

As a big fan of both Katharine Hepburn and brownies, I've always wanted to try this recipe. I finally got around to making them this past weekend and they were well worth the wait. In fact, this will now be my "go to" recipe for brownies. They have a crackly crust but are wonderfully moist and chewy on the inside and deliciously chocolaty. And best of all, very easy to make!

Ingredients:
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 (1 stick) cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Butter and flour an 8-inch baking pan.
3. Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter over very low heat in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of about 1 1/2 inches of simmering water, whisking until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla.
5. Whisk in the flour and salt, until well blended.
6. Stir in the nuts.
7. Spread the batter in the baking pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the pan to a rack to cool completely. Cut into 9 brownies.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Does the recipe end, "Cut into 9 brownies. Oh, who are you kidding? Just eat the whole pan." Those look really good.

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  2. Can't wait to try this! Does it fit into my "healthy eating" plan?

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  3. These are the standard brownies around here and have been for years. Best when eaten watching "The Philadelphia Story." Milkshakes should be reserved for "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner."

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  4. I am trying to lose weight, and you are not helping! But, of course, my diet does allow one serving of chocolate per day, otherwise I can't possibly stick to it. These look fabulous!

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  5. I love brownies. I'll have to try this recipe. Yummy.

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  6. OK I have to make these. My favorite brownie recipe right now is Molly Wizenberg's. I'll see what I think after I make these.

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  7. I would feel so fancy and important eating these! looks good!

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  8. Yummo! I just watched Alton Brown make brownies last night. Reminded me how much I like them. Now you're pushing them. Must get some ...

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