I have been a baking dervish this last week, exhorting the village hens to greater effort.

Things change, and i will eventually catch up.

I wonder how much i shall miss the era of preschool. I don't suppose i will regret the passing of the diabolical call "wipe my botty, mummy", usually heard at high pitch, at meal times.

Nigella Lawson's Marshmallow Crispy Squares

I have eaten these made with additional caramel sweets, melted into a toffee mess, but these are lighter, if no less sweet, and perhaps kinder on the teeth (but only slightly).





Melt 45g of butter in a heavy saucepan over a low heat. Add 300g of marshmallows and allow to dissolve completely while stirring gently.

Take off the heat and add 180g puffed rice (gluten-free by preference). The mix will be very sticky and stringy, like hot candy-floss.



Spoon into a lightly greased tin (i used a 22cm round cake pan). A silicone baking sheet (or greased grease-proof paper) placed over the top to press your hand against is the simplest way of flattening the sticky rice, either wise your hand and/or implement will be glued to the top of the cake.





When throughly flattened, add sprinkles or a little edible glitter. Allow to cool in the fridge and cut into shapes - either long, elegant triangles for indulgent solo eating, or small bite-sized chunks for party grazing.

This cake is particularly enjoyed by men, i find, despite the fairy pinkness.