In Praise of the Domesticated Man

Other than a man in a kilt (with a French accent, to boot), is there anything more attractive than a man wielding a hoover?
I don't think so...

Having just spent several days away, leaving care of home and household to my beloved, I hope you won't mind if say, that he really is the most fabulous man ever (in my humble and entirely subjective opinion). I came back to find, well, not an entirely tidy house (but then it never actually is...) but evidence of housework and laundry done, happy and healthy children, and a great big vase of cherry blossoms waiting on the kitchen table, oh and a nice wee glass of something yummy to have by the fire later...

Those of you who know him, will probably be aware he is the most fantastic cook too (thank you, Poppy!) I thought I would share one of his fab recipes with you, Madeleines au Citron. These are small, light cakes, with a wonderful fresh lemony taste, that go down particularly well with a cup of tea on a sunny spring afternoon. Or a rainy one, just to cheer yourself up.

Madeleines au Citron (makes 18)

2 large eggs
150g caster sugar
150g flour, sifted with half a teaspoon baking powder
150g butter (unsalted), melted
Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated

Beat the eggs and sugar until light and foamy, then beat in the melted butter. Gradually fold in the flour , a spoonful at a time, then the lemon zest. Butter a Madeleine tin (well, you could just use a bun tin, that would be just fine. You could use paper cases, but we don't) and fill with the mix. Bake in a preheated oven at Gas 7/425 F/220 C/180 Fan for about 10 mins. Allow to cool briefly on a cooling rack, before making that pot of tea and getting stuck in.