this is.... my collection

This week's "this is" theme was suggested by Hyena in Petticoats.

I love embroidery, particularly that which has been done by other people as although I like the look of it, the doing bores me to tears.

I recently acquired a collection of vintage embroidered hankies on eBay, which technically probably makes it someone else's collection, as I didn't do the collecting myself. I'm usually more of a tissue rather than hankie person, but now that I have about 30 of them, I might have to change the habit of a lifetime.

My favourite collection comprises only two pieces one of which is shown here. Both acid etched and engraved glass bowls were made by Melbourne artist Amanda Louden. My husband bought them for me some years ago and I fully intend to grow the collection when finances allow.

The photo also shows some of my longest standing and most extensive collection, that of embroidered doilies. There is barely a surface in the house that is not festooned with a doily or two.

We baked our favourite peanut and chocolate chip cookies for the cricket afternoon tea yesterday. I think what makes them so good is the use of golden caster sugar which gives a nice caramel-ly flavour. By all means use regular if that's all you have.

125g golden caster sugar

125g soft butter

1 egg

2 tbs crunchy peanut butter

175g sr flour

150g choc chips

2tbs milk

Preheat oven to 175C

Cream butter and sugar and add egg. Beat until well combined and creamy.

Add peanut butter and mix again.

Sift and add flour and choc chips.

Add milk until it is a soft dropping consistency.

Bake on lined trays for 15-20 minutes.