Rain, Rain go away, come again another day or so the nursery rhyme goes...and that's exactly how I feel today. Clearly summer hasn't arrived (as I had convinced myself it had) as it has rained here for three days solid. I know the garden needs it but the lane to our house is now flooded and there is no alternative but to wear wellington boots to work - not an ideal start to the day!

In this sort of weather there is nothing for it but to eat comfort food and for me that is waffles and maple syrup (with bacon if you are feeling in need of an extra lift).

Vanilla waffles with maple syrup

8oz self raising flour

3 level tbsp caster sugar (or vanilla sugar if you have it)

3 eggs separated

400ml milk

100grams butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla essence (or if you are feeling very indulgent, seeds from a vanilla pod)

Lots and lots of maple syrup and whipped cream!

In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, milk, egg yolks, vanilla and melted butter and whisk until there are no lumps. Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peak and then gently fold into the batter mixture. Cook on a waffle iron brushed with a little melted butter (or a frying pan for American style pancakes if you don't have a waffle iron) until golden brown and serve with maple syrup and whipped cream....or ice cream, bacon, chocolate sauce, clotted cream and strawberries - I know I don't need to tell you that the possibilities are endless! See, I feel better already just thinking about it!