I don’t know if this is part of just ‘adulthood’, or if it reeks of something more sinister, but I am finding that my mind is so encumbered with life that I don’t seem to find enjoyment in it anymore.

I have a short fuse.

My kids irritate the heck out of me, and it’s all I can do to stop myself exploding at the millionth ‘why’.

I expect it can be correlated to me being entirely alone, almost, on this parenting journey. I won’t delve into the boring details. I’m not a single mum, but it sure does feel like that most days. I can sit here and write pages complaining, but I won’t, because it’s mundane and I am sure can be repeated word for word by MANY out there.

But I have to cope, somehow.

And today I coped by baking some savoury tartlets.

I used sourdough discard to make the shortcrust pastry – turned out SO delicious and buttery and crisp and flaky!

And then I used my son’s pumpkin for the filling, combining it with caramelised onions and pouring a delightful concoction of cream, feta cheese, eggs and dill over it. I sprinkled with pine nuts and feta cheese crumbs, and popped it in the oven.

Delicious.

The first hot bite was to the soundtrack of a 4 year old and 2 year old arguing – but, coping mechanisms, folks. Coping mechanisms.