Preparing for Autumn | Baking, Charity Shop Finds & Cosy Homemaking in the English Countryside

September has arrived, and with it comes that familiar feeling of preparing for autumn.

In this video, I’m slowly bringing a little of the season into our home, baking a homemade chicken pie and bread rolls, tidying the kitchen cupboards and adding a few simple autumnal touches around the house. I also share a few charity shop finds.

I’ve noticed so much beautiful autumn décor in the shops this year, and while it’s certainly tempting, I’ve been thinking about how autumn itself doesn’t really need to be bought. So much of what makes this season beautiful is already outside, waiting to be gathered, enjoyed and brought into our homes.

Thank you for spending some time here with me.

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Chicken, Mushroom & Leek Pie
For the pastry, rub 200g cold butter into 400g plain flour. Add 1 egg and enough cold water to bring it together. Chill for 30 minutes.

For the filling, soften leeks and mushrooms in butter, stir in 2 tbsp plain flour, 1tbsp dijon mustard, then gradually add 350–400ml chicken stock and a splash of cream. Add cooked chicken and season with salt, pepper and thyme.

Roll out the pastry and use half to line your pie dish. Blind bake for 15 mins at 180. Add the filling, then cover with the remaining pastry and seal the edges. Brush with beaten egg and make a small slit in the top.

Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Top with the pastry, brush with beaten egg and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

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