Sometimes, events that happen in our lives can really impact our mood, making us feel a bit down, or without direction or motivation. Any day, though especially during these times we think it’s important to find a moment of joy, or two - those brief moments that make you smile and lift your mood or motivation level.

In our inaugural newsletter, we asked subscribers to submit their own Moment of Joy, and below we share two of the many we received and read.​

Mary Ann Nute sent us this of her Moment of Joy:

"My Moment of Joy was growing Pizza Thyme {a thyme with both thyme and oregano flavours}.  It is thyme on steroids.  Just a joy to smell and cook with.  My veg garden was pathetic this year.  The year before it was almost destroyed by rabbits, turkeys, chipmunks and everything else that runs around here.  So regretably I did not put alot of effort into it this year.  Next year I hope to continue to be encouraged by the results of fellow Planet Vegetarians."

Thanks hugely for sharing Mary Ann.  🤗

Photo:  plantrescue.co.nz

The above is self-explanatory and goes to show how the simplest actions can bring that Moment of Joy.  🤗  And of course, if you're on Facebook do remember to subscribe to Vivi's Kitchen Garden... we're sure you already will be, though if not... 👍

​Guernsey Gâche Mélée (pronounced Gosh Mel Ahh) is a traditional Guernsey baked apple dessert, and one of the finest desserts ever in Paul’s humble opinion! In Guernésiais (Guernsey's local patois), gâche mélée simply means cake mix.

It's made with apples, butter, sugar, flour, a bit of milk and sometimes spices (mum used a quarter teaspoon of mixed spice), all mixed and baked to a delicious golden brown.

At this time of year, with apple harvests being brought in and the nights really drawing in, this is the perfect if somewhat rich dessert.  It can be served cold (great for a picnic) though Paul loves it with a generous trickle of Guernsey cream or large dollop of custard.

The recipe below was originally handwritten and gifted to cousin Tina by her mother-in-law.  Mum's recipe was similar though with the addition of mixed spice.

​We haven't done a video on this yet... though I have a feeling we may!!  

Enjoy!!


Ingredients

1lb cooking apples (weighted after paring and coring)
5oz Self-raising flour
5oz Sugar
2.5 oz Butter or Suet (vegan option)
3 fluid oz Milk or Oatmilk (vegan option)
1/4 tsp Mixed Spice (optional, and in mum's recipe)
Good pich of salt

Method

Chop apples into small pieces (1/2 inch cubes).
Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir well with a wooden spoon until toroughly miced.
Place the mixture into a well-greased tin measuring 7" by 9" and bake on Gas 2 / 300F / 150C / 140 Fan for 1.5 hours, till golden brown and the apples are cooked.  Add an extra 15 minutes if needed.
Cut into squares and serve with cream.

Dessert in photo baked by cousin Tina!!  🤗