Sunday 27 July 2014

Beet, Cabbage & Carrot 'Slaw

A quick and easy beetroot, cabbage and carrot coleslaw with a white wine vinegar and lemon dressing.  A great addition to any summer meal!


Sometimes the best recipes are the simple ones, don't you think?  Simple recipes are also perfect for this time of year where, if you're at all like me and can't even think straight when it gets hot outside, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or stand near the hob.

This recipe for a simple but tasty coleslaw - it isn't the mayo laden coleslaw that a lot of people make or buy and works really well with those lamb skewers you might have on the BBQ this time of year.  There's also no oil or dairy so is pretty healthy!  Best of all is the amazing colour from the beetroot that really adds colour to your plate.

Sunday 20 July 2014

Berkhamsted Farmer's Market

Fresh local vegetables at Berkhamsted Farmer's Market


It's been a ridiculously long time since I visited the Farmer's Market here in Berkhamsted.  So long it's embarrassing as I live a 2 minute walk away from the High Street so shame on me!




I was a little worried about what the weather would be like today as over the past few days we've had everything from the hottest temperatures so far this year to epic thunderstorms and torrential downpours.  Luckily the weather gods were in favour of me taking a stroll into town - overcast but still warm - perfect for buying some local produce!

Thursday 17 July 2014

"Green Slime"



Excuse the bad phone photos but I had to post this!

Avocado and banana mashed together used to be a favourite of mine...fast forward 23 years...

 My skin has been really dry for the last few days.  I've been drinking lots of water and tried a face mask last night but still no good.  I remember seeing online (probably Pinterest) that avocado is great to use as a face mask for dry skin.  Ok, hands up, I'm more into face masks out of a packet and prefer my avocado as part of Sunday brunch but my face so felt tight  and itchy that I was willing to try anything!

I mashed up half of the avocado (the rest can be for lunch!) and all of the banana then added a small squeeze of lemon juice.  

While I was mashing I suddenly had a flashback! "Hang on a minute! This looks mighty familiar!"

Saturday 12 July 2014

REunion & Gillyflower



I'd been chatting to REunion and Gillyflower online for a little while so was delighted to end my week off work with a visit to REunion's open house last Friday.

I wandered down Church Street and could see the tables and chairs set outside the shop.  I could hear laughter before I even got close so knew I was in for a good evening!

To me it's not weird for a shop to have a "gathering" outside their shop and I think it's a great way to meet people...is this an American thing?  Do other places in the UK do this?
  
I introduced myself, grabbed a glass of wine and had a nosey around...

Monday 7 July 2014

Tofu Pockets with a Red Rice Filling



I'm not a vegetarian but have really come to love cooking with tofu.  Not only is it high in protein, amino acids, iron and calcium, it's so versatile!  There are lots of different types of tofu - silken, firm, dried, fried...there's a great post at Just Hungry which has so much information about different tofu!

One of my favourite forms of tofu is the tofu "pocket".  I didn't know the correct name as the type I buy has no English translation but from what I have looked at it's called inari or yubuchobap - whatever the name, it's delicious!

Saturday 5 July 2014

Summery Gazpacho

The perfect chilled soup for summer - gazpacho.  All raw ingredients, no gluten, no added fat and packed with flavour. Healthy, light, easy to make and very refreshing


I had a really great time down south in Devon and ate a LOT of tasty treats - a scone with clotted cream, fish and chips, ice cream - you know, the usual summer holiday things!  I'm not complaining one bit but am really craving super healthy food and lots of veggies now to make up for all of the fat and calories consumed...

Tuesday 1 July 2014

Darts Farm, Topsham



If you're into food and cooking as much as I am there is no doubt you will have visited a farm shop of some sort.

Hold your breath, folks, and be prepared to want to get on the next plane, train or automobile and get to Darts Farm as soon as humanly possible!




I mentioned in my last post that there are places I love going back to again and again - this is another.  Yes, it's just a shop but it takes "farm shop" to the next level!  From the moment you walk in you can tell it's something just a little bit special from the mounds of fresh veg, the quiches and pies at the deli counter and the millions of jams, chutneys and sauces (ok, maybe not millions but certainly rather a lot!)

Sidmouth



Do you have a place that you are always happy to re-visit?  Is there a particular place that you always visit when you go and see relatives or friends?

Sidmouth is one of those places for me.  Situated on the south coast of England in Dorset it is a mere 16 miles from where my granddad lives but couldn't feel further away.

After driving down the winding country lanes for half an hour you are suddenly in a world that looks like it came straight from an episode of Jeeves & Wooster with tall white houses, bright Victorian hotels with bowling greens and a promenade made up of all styles and colours of buildings.

Every time I visit Devon, Sidmouth is firmly on the "to do" list - I need my paddle in the sea, a play with the many types of seaweed (especially since I've added seaweed to my diet!), a wander down the winding roads with little gems of shops round every corner and last but not least, fish and chips followed by an ice cream ("99 with a flake and red stuff").

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