Malted milk fudge

English-Inspired Chocolate and Coffee, My Love Hearts!

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~Finding Beauty in the Simple Things~

The older I become, the more I enjoy the simple things in life…

A kiss on the cheek from a little one, a breathtaking rainbow in the sky, a kind smile, a piece of good chocolate, a mug of coffee- enjoyed in peace, a fuzzy pink bathrobe, a cuppa tea with my husband after a long day of parenting…

Ahh, the uncomplicated simplicity of the little blessings in life.

This week my post will be simple– in order to focus on a few simple, unassuming things: iced coffee, malted-milk fudge, and some exquisite vintage “love-hearts.”

Enchanting!

Come, read along to enjoy some English-inspired, unfussy, delicious treats.

~English Chocolate~

As I have mentioned in a previous post, one of my favorite things to do while living in England, was to go for a walk and get a hot drink in a charming café -or pop into the local Morrisons, Tesco, or Co-op and get my favorite treats… and for only a pound! Bargain!

I almost always chose a chocolate bar called Galaxy Chocolate. It was so scrumptious and smooth- my favorite chocolate of all time! Of course, living in England I was able to enjoy this treat regularly, but in America it is not readily available on the store shelves.

My thoughtful sister-in-law and nieces recently went on an international trip and had a stopover in Europe where they brought me back some Galaxy chocolate.  I was so excited! 

When I tasted the Galaxy chocolate… after not having had it for so long, I immediately thought of a malt milkshake. 

I thought I would take a favorite fudge recipe and add malt powder to it, to see if I could re-create a taste of the Galaxy chocolate I enjoyed so much.

Incidentally, I also thought it would be fun to add some chopped Maltesers to the top. Maltesers are England’s form of a Whopper. It too, is a very smooth chocolate with a malted-milk center.

Malted milk fudge on a metal tray
*Served on a vintage, thrifted platter. Lovely, added to a thrifted casserol holder that I used as a pretty serving tray.
Malted Milk fudge recipe (handwritten)
Malted milk fudge ingredients placed on the kitchen countertop.
*All my fudge ingredients placed on the countertop for easy access.
Sugar and Cocoa powder in a pot
*The sugar, the malted milk, and the cocoa powder are placed into a saucepan.
Cooking in the kitchen with children teaches them valuable skills. My daughter is helping me to stir the malted milk fudge as it cooks.
*Enjoying the time spent with my oldest daughter in the kitchen as part of another homeschool cooking lesson. I know her hand will not always be so small.
Malted milk fudge simmering on stovetop
*Candy thermometers are a handy tool indeed.
Chopped English Maltesers candy
*Maltesers from the international section at Publix! Delish!

~Iced Coffee with Golden Syrup~

As summer is upon us, my husband has begun to transition from hot coffee, after work, to iced coffee. I have made iced coffee many times before, but after my flapjack post, I had golden syrup on my countertop. The idea dawned on me to try the golden syrup in my iced coffee.

I also thought it would be fun to make some chocolate covered-coffee beans as a garnish, and a bit of extra-special, sweetness. This recipe reminds me of the strolls my husband and I took to coffee shops. and tea rooms in England, when we were newlyweds.

For a fun touch, I used silicon molds to pour coffee into to create some adorable, frozen coffee flowers. 

I hope you all enjoy my English-inspired iced coffee with golden syrup, homemade whipped cream, frozen coffee flower, and chocolate coated coffee beans.

May it give you energy and keep you cool!

A handwritten recipe for iced coffee and golden syrup.
Iced coffee with frozen coffee, flower ice cubes
*How sweet the little details can be. A frozen coffee flower adds a bit of joy.
Malted milk fudge, iced coffee-served in an English, vintage- inspired way.
*A tray filled with chocolate fudge- who could resist?
Chocolate coffee beans recipe written by hand for added charm and nostalgia.
Good quality coffee beans and chocolate bars being served on a vintage, silver tray.
*How lovely to diplay quality chocolate and coffee on a silver tray.
Coffee beans in a vintage crystal bowl.
*Can you smell the fresh coffee beans yet?
Double chocolate coffee beans are drying on a kitchen countertop.
*Rows upon rows of chcolate coated coffee beans- yes please!
Chocolate coffee beans in a vintage glass candy dish
*The chocolate coffee beans served in a vintage, thrifted candy dish. I find old candy dishes beautiful!

~Vintage, Love Hearts!~

In England, they sometimes call hearts “love hearts.”  And seeing as most people love… or shall I say… “love heart” chocolate and coffee…. I thought it was fitting to share two of my favorite thrifted/antique “love heart” finds.

The silver, heart basket was made in India. It was quite tarnished when I bought it, so I used a bit of elbow grease and some silver polish/ Before long, it became very shiny and beautiful. 

Initially, I was drawn to the basket because it was a heart (I really do love hearts), and because of its small size. I thought it would be perfect for keys, or jewelry, or to hold some other small trinkets.

The basket weave was also appealing as I thought it gave an interesting texture.

Once I cleaned it, I decided to use some fresh flowers (baby’s breath and pink roses) to weave through the basket- as a nod to its original woven design. Artificial flowers would work as well. 

Now, it looks so sweet, and it is the perfect hanging heart or candle/jewelry holder. A small revamp that made an impressive difference.

Vintage heart basket and vintage golden mirrors
*My woven heart being used as a candle holder.
A woven heart basket is displayed on a bedroom dresser. A small candle is added to the basket for warmth and charm.
Heart basket used as a jewelry holder
*The woven basket- serving as a jewlery holder.
Vintage heart basket with fresh flowers is hanging as a decoration in an entryway.
*Using my woven heart basket in my home's entryway adds a bit of charm and warmth.
Hanging vintage heart basket is a beautiful home decoration. Using this decorative piece in a homes' entryway adds a warm welcome.
*A thrifted sconce also lends itself to a warm welcome.

~A Bit of Vintage Embroidery~

Again, a trip to the antique store proved fruitful. I found a lovely vintage framed-art piece that featured a “love heart,” and shares my love for being home.

From my “love hearts” to yours, I hope this post inspires you all to stop and appreciate the small, simple gifts that surround us in God’s beautiful creation.

So go on, have a piece of English-inspired chocolate fudge, a sip of iced coffee, and savor the moment you have been given.

A vintage cross stitch print, vintage hat, and English hanging hearts- a perfect cottage core welcoming space.
*Hanging hearts were a charming bit of decoration I saw a lot of in England. The green and pink heart I sewed with the help of my oldest daughter. And the peg board was made by my husband. The candle sconces were a thrift find (the other pair to it is on the other side of the door.)

To see more English inspired hanging hearts that I made, click here.

Heart cross stitch framed art is hanging in a home.
*I love a bit of embroidery or cross stitch added to a space! In my opinion, it gives a warmth to the room and reminds me of the English-cottage style.
A vintage hat hanging on a wooden peg shelf in an entryway.
*A vintage hat from a rummage sale. I love this as a decoration right as you enter the front door- or to wear for a special occasion!

~Until Next Time~

I hope you all enjoyed learning how to make malted milk fudge and iced coffee with golden syrup. Also, I hope you gained a new appreciation for English inspired hanging hearts and lovely vintage thrifts. 

Tune in to my Cotswold kitchen Mom Facebook page and my Pinterest page to see more ideas and inspirations from across the pond. 

Please subscribe to my blog and feel free to share my posts with those you think may enjoy reding them. 

Right, that is it from me -I hope to see you all again very soon for some more storytelling, thrifting, baking, and fun.

~Elizabeth~

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