New Year?

According to one online article I read the other day the start of September is turning into the new New Year for some. I assume only those with kids in reality. A new class, a new school, a new uniform....a new beginning. I confess I am probably one of those people as I am planning how to spend my time once the pups are at school. Pup1 moves into Year 1 tomorrow and Pup2 starts Nursery 5 afternoons a week in a couple of weeks. Was feeling rather melancholy about it this morning, going to miss Pup1 (despite all the bickering that's gone on) and I am sure I shall have a few tears in my eye when ushering Pup2 on her way. As surely as night becomes day the seasons change and the months roll by.
Since it is officially Pup1's last day of Summer holidays I asked him if he would like a baking day. He LOVES to help bake (and of course lick the spoon clean) and I need some lunch box fodder for tomorrow. The sight of my two wee pups, stood on little chairs at the workstop helping me to weigh, measure, mix and pour is something I shall treasure.

The pups love their cheese straws and Pup1 always asks for them in the shape of gingerbread men.
Nice and easy recipe too:

6oz plain flour

3oz butter

cheese

cold water to bind

1/4 tsp of English Mustard powder

I just blitz the dry ingredients in my food processor til they are like breadcrumbs, add water little by little until there is a dough. Roll out and cut to desired shape. They are delish. Sadly a bit too moreish too and the pups were pestering for more than the couple they were given. I can see me making another batch before the week is out.

Chocolate Brownies. The best thing is these don't actually use any chocolate, it's all from cocoa powder. They are lush, especially warmed and served with ice cream ;)
I got the recipe from Sue at The Quince Tree although since these are for children I opted to leave out the nuts.

Pup1 is currently enjoying a break in the weather and making mud pies whilst pup2 is watching some Disney Princess film. I will be quite sad when this day draws to a close, it's been a happy day at home. You betcha it feels like a New Year to me, the end of one period and the start of another.