If you are looking for a delicious dessert to serve this Easter, you should try this easy Hot Cross Bun Pudding.

Ingredients:

16 - 20 Hot cross buns

 2 - 3 cups milk

4 eggs

pinch of salt

You can also add sugar, spices, and vanilla extract to taste.

Tear up the Hot cross buns and place them in a large oven-proof dish.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then mix in the milk and a pinch of salt. 

Pour the mixture over the hot cross buns. Use a fork to gently press down on the buns, completely submerging them in the liquid. Add more milk if required.

I prefer to leave this overnight in the fridge, but if you don't have time, that's ok!

Preheat your oven to 325°F/160 C. Cover with foil greased with melted butter. Bake for around an hour, then remove foil and bake uncovered for approximately 15-30 minutes. It is ready when a knife inserted comes out clean. The pudding will be puffy when you take it out of the oven, but it will deflate. 

Serve warm with whipped cream, custard, or even better vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

 As we look forward to warmer weather, what better way to celebrate the Season than welcoming our loved ones into our homes for a springtime gathering? If you're planning to host your family or friends for an Easter Brunch or Dinner, then here are our top tips for entertaining in style this Holiday weekend.

To make it easier and more enjoyable as the host try to do as much of the preparation and cooking ahead of time. Simple things like setting the table before your guests arrive can take the pressure off. If you are hosting a crowd, try to use recipes that can be prepared in advance.  Rather than a sit-down meal, why not serve a buffet-style Brunch or Dinner? A buffet of colourful salads, a roasted vegetable tart, and sharing boards not only taste delicious, but they look beautiful too!

If you are feeling creative, Easter is the perfect time to decorate your table. Start with fresh florals like tulips and daffodils. If you are short on space, crop the flowers and use bud vases or even egg cups, then dot them around the table. Using bud vases makes a few flowers go a long way! You could also scatter chocolate eggs and a few fluffy yellow chicks or bunnies on the table.

If the weather cooperates, you might want to opt to have a barbecue. To keep younger kids entertained, why not plan an Easter egg hunt in the garden?

If you plan to visit Skipton this Easter, call in and take a look at our stunning New Season arrivals. We also have an Easter Teddy trail for the kids, find 5 teddies in store to spell the hidden word and win a chocolate egg. 5th - 20th April. 

We wish you all a Very Happy Easter!

Indulge your mum this Mother's Day with our delicious Chocolate Orange Truffles. These decadent Truffles are rich and creamy and make the perfect edible gift. They are super easy to make, go on, give them a try!

Ingredients:

90 ml whipping cream (full fat)

200 g good quality Dark Chocolate (we recommend 85% Cocoa solids)

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Coating:

1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles or Cocoa powder

Servings: 15 truffles 

Method:

1. Line a flat dish with non-stick paper.
2. Add the cream and orange zest to a small saucepan. Heat the cream over a low heat until it is just below boiling point.
3. Remove from heat and add the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Transfer to the fridge to chill, about 2 hours or until it is firm enough to shape into balls.
5. Use a teaspoon to scoop the mixture and roll it into 15 small balls. If the chocolate is too firm, set aside for 5-10 minutes to soften.
6. Toss each Truffle in the chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder until evenly coated.
7. Place the truffles on a tray lined with grease proof paper, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
8. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week. That's if they last that long!
9. Enjoy!

Mother's Day, or Mothering Sunday, is celebrated worldwide. Here in the UK, it falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter. Mother's Day 2025 is Sunday, March 30th. It's a time to celebrate, honour, and appreciate these amazing women!

Traditional gifts such as flowers or chocolates are thoughtful, but spending time together creates memories that last a lifetime. Take this time to show her how much she means to you.

Why not make this Mother's Day extra special with a day trip to Skipton? Treat your mum to a delicious Brunch, Afternoon Tea, or a Sunday Roast dinner. There are plenty of wonderful Cafe's and Restaurants to choose from. Just remember to book ahead!

If you fancy some retail therapy, then you should visit our bustling High Street with its many independent retailers. Be sure to call into our extensive Showrooms set in the Historical High Corn Mill. We've got lots of wonderful gift ideas. Our new Season soft furnishings and lighting have arrived just in time for Mother's Day. Treat your mum to a luxurious Throw with an accent Cushion or one of our Beautiful Etched Ceramic Table Lamps. 

If the weather is nice why not take a walk in Skipton Woods or visit Skipton Castle? We're sure you'll enjoy exploring our Historic Market Town. We look forward to seeing you this Mother's Day! We hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

It's that time of year again to say I Love You! Some of you may prefer to go out for a Romantic dinner this Valentine's Day, but if you opt to stay home here are a few ideas to help set the mood!

Whether you are celebrating with a loved one or prefer to treat yourself to some alone time or perhaps spend time with friends instead, you'll want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home.

You could start by adding some fresh flowers, perhaps on your Coffee Table, a Console Table, or as a centerpiece on your Dining Table. We also have a beautiful selection of Faux Floral arrangements or stems to brighten your decor.

Create some mood lighting. Avoid overhead lighting, and switch on a couple of Table Lamps for a more relaxed atmosphere. Valentine's is the perfect time to use your favourite Scented Candles around your Home. For a romantic evening, choose something with a Floral Scent, such as Bath House Handmade Natural Soy Wax Bamboo and Jasmine Candle. If you are looking for some gift ideas, we stock a beautiful selection of Bath House products. 

If you are celebrating with a movie night, why not order a takeaway or as an alternative prepare a delicious grazing board accompanied by something Bubbly! Oh and don't forget to indulge yourself in something sweet! Treat yourself to a Luxurious Throw, then snuggle up, and settle down with your special person to watch a rom-com! 

Wishing you all a Very Happy Valentine's Day! xx