The post Virginie van Kempen – painter appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

Servings: 2 

Preparation time: approx. 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the risotto:

• 180 g risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• 50 ml dry white wine
• 500–600 ml vegetable stock (kept warm)
• 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 20 g butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the lavarello (perch):

• 2 fillets of lavarello or perch, boneless and with skin
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or neutral oil for frying

Garnish:

• Fresh pea shoots or pea leaves
• Lemon zest or a few drops of lemon juice (optional)

Preparation method

1. Prepare the risotto:
   • Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the shallot until translucent.
   • Add the garlic and sauté briefly (do not let it brown).
   • Add the risotto rice and sauté for 1–2 minutes until the grains are shiny.
   • Deglaze with the white wine and let it evaporate.
   • Then add a ladleful of hot stock and stir until it is absorbed.
   • Repeat this, adding small amounts of stock at a time, until the risotto is creamy and al dente (about 18–20 minutes).
   • Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and let rest briefly with the lid on the pan.
2. Fry the fish:
   • Pat the fish fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
   • First coat them in flour, then dip them in the beaten egg and finally coat them in breadcrumbs.
   • Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the fish for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
   • Drain briefly on paper towels.
3. Serving:
   • Spoon the risotto onto the center of the plate.
   • Place the crispy fried fish on top.
   • Garnish with fresh pea shoots and, if desired, some lemon zest or a drop of lemon juice for freshness.

Enjoy this delicious recipe!

Love, Daphne

The post Risotto with Lavarello (Perch) appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

There is something magical about simple materials that transform into little works of art under your hands. An empty toilet roll may not seem special, but with a little patience, a hot glue gun, and a touch of winter creativity, you can turn it into the most beautiful paper snowflakes. Perfect for hanging on a branch, placing on the window, or simply giving your home a soft, cozy winter atmosphere.

Make a cup of tea, gather your materials, and let yourself be carried away by the soothing rhythm of cutting, folding, and gluing. Before you know it, your living room will be filled with snowflakes that never melt. Made with love and your own two hands. ❄️

You will need:

• empty toilet rolls
• utility knife and cutting mat
• metal ruler
• glue gun
• ribbon or string

1. Flatten the toilet roll slightly with your hand. Use the utility knife and ruler to cut off small loops approximately 5 mm thick. You will need about two toilet rolls per decoration.

2. Cut a few loops in half and glue the ends together with the glue gun to make smaller loops. Remove any excess glue to keep the loops clean and neat.

3. Now you can start making the snowflakes. Build them up loop by loop and glue everything securely with the hot glue from the glue gun. Alternate between large and small loops, but do this symmetrically. This is quite a time-consuming and precise job, so you will need some patience.

Once you have finished a few snowflakes and the glue is completely dry, you can glue even smaller curls into or between the loops. Be creative and make a number of
different snowflakes. Tie a string or ribbon through one of the loops and hang them together in front of the window.

Have fun crafting!

Love, Daphne

The post Snowflakes on the window appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

It’s such a beautiful sight outside, the leaves have fallen from the trees and are turning into lovely autumn colors. That inspired me to crochet some oak leaves. 🍂

They’re easy to make; it’s a two row pattern. And you can use them for many different creations. I decided to turn mine into an autumn garland. What would you make with them?

You will need:

• Any yarn (I used cotton)
• Crochet hook (I used a 2.75 mm hook)
• Scissors
• Darning needle
• Stitch markers (optional)

Abbreviations:

sc = (US) single crochet = (UK) double crochet
hdc = (US) half double crochet = (UK) half treble crochet
dc = (US) double crochet = (UK) treble crochet
tr = (US) trouble crochet = (UK) double treble crochet
sl st = (US/UK) slip stitch
ch = (US/UK) chain

Oak Leaf Pattern (US terms):

First row

Ch 13, turn and start on second chain:

sc, sc, sc, hdc, hdc, hdc, hdc, dc, dc, dc, dc,

(8x tr),

dc, dc, dc, dc, hdc, hdc, hdc, hdc, sc, sc, sc.

Ch 6, turn and start on second chain:

sc, sl st, sl st, sl st, sl st,

sl st to connect to the very first stitch.

Second row

Start where the very first sc is made:

hdc, skip a stitch, (3x dc, ch 3, sl st),

sl st, sc, hdc, dc, (3x tr, ch 4, sl st),

sl st, sc, hdc, dc, (2x tr, ch 4,  sl st), sl st,

(hdc, dc, tr), (hdc, dc, tr),

sl st, (sl st, ch 4, 2x tr), dc, hdc, sc, sl st,

(sl st, ch 4, 3x tr), dc, hdc, sc, sl st,

(sl st, ch 3, 3x dc), skip a stitch, hdc,

sl st to finish off.

Weave in the ends.     

Love, Daphne

The post Crochet oak leaves appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

Anne and I created this floral arrangement. A nice simple project and a beautiful end result. We really enjoyed making this piece and now you can to! read along to make your beautiful floral arrangement and have fun making it.

You will need:

– pumpkin

– oasis foam

– knife

– flowers

Cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pulp. Soak a block of oasis foam in water and put it inside the pumpkin. Push the flowers into the oasis foam. An easy way to make a pretty autumn decoration in a unique vase.

And that’s how easy this DIY is. You can customize it as you like and it really brings fal lvibes into your home.

Love, Daphne

The post Autumn decoration appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

I spotted some twisted candled last time I was at the garden centre. They were beautiful, and I thought to myself that they probably wouldn’t be that difficult to make at home. Anne and I decided to have a go using some candles we had lying around. And it turns out that not only is it easy to do yourself, it’s also loads of fun!

These warm colours are perfect for autumn. Find some nice candleholders too. You could choose matching colours, or go for a contrasting look.

You will need:
– candles
– an oven dish
– a rolling pin
– baking paper
– boiling water

1. Pour some boiling water into the base oven dish. Don’t fill it right to the top, a small amount of water in the bottom is enough. Lay the candles in the water and leave them to soak for fifteen minutes. Remove the candles from the water, they should be soft and easy to bend. If they aren’t, leave them in the water for a little bit longer.

2. Place a candle between two pieces of baking paper and roll it carefully with the rolling pin. Flatten the candle a little bit using this method, but leave the bottom round, so you can put it in a candle holder.

3. Take the bottom of the candle in your hand and start to slowly twist the flat part. Turn it as if you’re wringing out a tea towel.

And that’s how you make them! it’s such a fun DIY and really easy. Want to more DIY? click here

Love, Daphne

The post Candles with a twist appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

Sometimes the secret to a perfect dessert lies in its simplicity. This grilled peach with vanilla ice cream is the ultimate proof. Soft, warm fruit paired with creamy, cold ice cream an irresistible combination that brings together the best of both worlds. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a summery dessert in no time that’s both impressive and delightfully light. Perfect for a garden party, dinner with friends, or simply as a treat on a warm day. Curious how to make this little summer gem? You’ll find the recipe below!

Ingredients

Serves 4
• 4 peaches
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream
• a handful of fresh walnuts

Preparation

Halve the peaches and remove the stone. Brush them with maple syrup and grill or fry on both sides until they are soft and nicely browned. Divide over four plates, add a scoop of ice cream to each, and garnish with some chopped walnuts. Enjoy!

Love, Daphne

The post Summer Delight: Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

Sabrina creates all kinds of artistic things. She paints and engraves personalized ostrich eggs, which are then transformed into lamps mounted on metal or wooden stands. In addition, she also makes junk journals and handmade cards.

The post Sabrina Scheller – Multi-talented artist appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

The post Pascale Husquin – Ornament Maker appeared first on Daphne's Diary.

Stephanya ia a crochet and mixed media artist, living in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Stephanya regularly showcases her creations at local markets, where she enjoys connecting directly with art lovers and fellow creatives. Her vibrant pieces not only brighten up spaces but also invite viewers to appreciate the intricate blend of craft and contemporary art. Whether working in her studio or engaging with the community, Stephanya’s passion for creative expression shines through every stitch.

Love,
Daphne

The post Stephanya Jonas-Labee – Crochet and mixed media artist appeared first on Daphne's Diary.