While we were away, L discovered he really liked Carrot Soup. This doesn't sound very exciting, but if you have read Top Ten Tips for Fussy Eaters you will know why this is news. L has really grown in confidence with his eating, but this was a real surprise, as he knows he doesn't like cooked carrots, so I was amazed he wanted to try it. I promised we would make some when we got home and thankfully, I have a really easy recipe that takes hardly any ingredients or effort. 
I'm never quite sure who this entertainment is actually for. It's always mooted as a wet weather activity that will keep L busy for ages. However, I think Jade gets as much, if not more, enjoyment out of using him as a walking colouring book! Today's effort is Spiderman, and only required the 'reduced to clear' Snazaroo England face paints I found in Tesco, left over from the World Cup (don't get me started!) and, ahem, eyeliner. The latter isn't really recommended, but it was a spur of the moment thing. Obviously, be wary of sensitive skins and if you do decide to risk it, for goodness' sake don't use the waterproof stuff, you'll be scrubbing for hours!
We had planned an exploring expedition today, but it's been raining on and off all day. In the end, we went for den building instead. We've been doing a bit of decorating lately, so all the dust sheets made a brilliant canopy for our dining table and chairs. We used the chairs to create an entrance, with our big crafting board for the 'porch' roof. I don't know why children are so fascinated with hidey-holes, but I do know he will happily sit in there all day, with his torch and a pile of sausage rolls! This is also a great way to play board games. We attempted the card game Monopoly Deal. It may just be me, but it seemed very complicated! I don't think either of us worked out how he won! 
This recipe uses Spelt flour, which is an ancient grain, containing a different type of gluten. Some people find spelt flour easier to digest, easing the irritation that some people suffer from eating gluten-based products. It is, however, still very much gluten for the purposes of Coeliac disease, so should be avoided by sufferers. I found these needed icing, as the flavour isn't as strong as with other flours. If you prefer, you could substitute for wholemeal. I love the rustic texture that these create, they seem to taste a bit healthier and more wholesome than white flour biscuits!
