Scrumptious Scones; Gorgeous Ginger Cake; Luscious Lemon Bars; Beautiful Brownies; Awesome Almond Biccies…. Oh and there’s always Gregg Wallace’ super simple Spiced Fruit Cake… Feeling a little bit peckish now?

Everyone I know loves ‘cake o’clock’ so this latest idea from the community-based campaign Share A Meal is proving really popular. You can find the simple recipes by clicking on the Teatime Treats button on the Home Page here. Gregg’s cake is here, under Celebrity Recipes.

I’m one of the founders of Share A Meal, which is just what it says on tin: cooking and sharing food – and making friends. We launched it during the early days of the pandemic to encourage people to cook for elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

The idea being that people who may be feeling isolated and vulnerable receive some home cooking and also social interaction – even a chat on the doorstep can make a real difference.

With the holidays coming up, it seems a good time to focus on Teatime Treats, either to take round to a house-bound neighbour – or why not organise a little tea party.

As Share a Meal supporter and Bake Off  judge Prue Leith says: ‘It’s a lovely idea to make some teatime treats for a neighbour who may be a bit lonely or unwell. Start by dropping off some goodies and it won’t be long before you’re invited in to share them – or ask your neighbour to come to your own home. It will make their day – and yours.’

Last year a neighbour and I invited a mutual friend who was very ill to pop round to my house for proper tea. Her husband wheeled her up and it was a huge pleasure for the three of us. Indeed, it’s one of the happiest memories I have of her.

And of course tea parties are traditional for birthdays, much enjoyed at every age. Psychologist Jacqui Marson is busy planning a 90th birthday party for her father – with a jazz band complete with singer because, as well as cake, he’s always loved jazz.

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