Autumn Cosy Kitchen Creations

Hi all, happy mid-week, and for anyone observing Yom Kippur I hope you are having an easy fast.

I’m afraid I have been rather boring since my last post, having spent most of my time at work or cosying up at home under a blanket, enjoying the cooler weather that has finally joined us. I’m enjoying this while I can, as next week I’ll be joining 2 of my favourite people on my first flight in 12 years. Jetting off to Dubai for a few days, I’m sure I’ll have plenty to share once I arrive back in Blighty (and have slept for at least 19 hours).

At this time of year, I love trying out new meals and recipes. The selection of seasonal foods is beautiful and there are some glorious flavours to tap into. The last of the tomatoes are flushed, figs are flourishing, and the orchards are brimming with autumnal fare. It’s a wonderful time to take a stroll around local beauty spots or see if your location has a community orchard to visit, you may find yourself coming home with a haul of goodies.

The culinary treats on offer and a chill in the air inspires me to get into the kitchen and start experimenting, whether that be concoctions of my own devising, or recipes I have found online or buried within one of my cookery books. I’ve tried out some lovely ideas recently, and thought I’d give you an idea of what’s good.

Parmesan Garlic Butter Spaghetti

So simple, yet so tasty. Start by cooking your pasta following the pack instructions. Whilst that is boiling, brown some unsalted butter in a pan. After 2 minutes, add 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic and lightly fry.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain and then add to the pan with the butter and garlic. Gently fry for a minute or 2.

Remove the pan from the heat and season with black pepper to your taste. Plate up and grate a generous amount of parmesan over each plate and serve.

Slow cooker fajitas

My slow cooker is my favourite kitchen equipment, particularly when it is cold outside. Minimal fuss and mess, it does the cooking for you whilst you get on with your day, makes your house smell amazing and has dinner ready to go once you get home.

I know fajitas are not taxing to make normally, but I wondered about the impact a slow cook would have on the flavours and the juiciness of the chicken. This recipe only takes 4-6 hours on a low setting, so is best saved for a busy weekend afternoon cook (or any day you aren’t at work). I found it on the Good Housekeeping website and gave it a go.

When shredding the chicken, it fell apart into steaming, beautifully seasoned pieces, perfectly cooked through. It smelt and tasted amazing, as did everything else included in the slow cooker. The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, but in my house, there is no such thing as too much garlic, so I used 3. A range of coloured capsicums, a large red onion, chilli all went in to the bowl, with fajita seasoning, chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. What came out was a bright, delicious meal. Served with tortillas, salsa and some grated cheddar, it was worth the wait.

Baked chicken

This recipe satisfies the need for comfort food that is filling but healthy and definitely tasty. The recipe I followed, found on gimmesomeoven.com, recommends brining the chicken breasts for a minimum of 15 minutes before cooking. A big bowl of lukewarm water and a handful of salt dissolved in it is all you need.

Once brined, brush the chicken with melted butter then season with spices of your choice. We chose a mixture of black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and a pinch of chilli powder. Then bake in the oven for about 17 minutes on 230c or gas mark 8.

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with your sides of choice. We go for sweet potato wedges and veg.

Figs in Vanilla Syrup

This recipe by James Martin makes great use of the figs coming into season, is delicious, and also makes a nice addition to a gift hamper.

All you need for one jar is 8 figs, caster sugar (100g), half a vanilla pod split lengthways, a cinnamon stick and citric acid.

Make sure to sterilise your jar(s). This can be done by washing in hot soapy water and then placing in a pre-heated oven for 20 minutes, or by running through your dishwasher on a hot setting.

Once sterilised, halve the figs and add to the jar, cut side pointing outwards along the glass. Add the rest to the middle of the jar, packing tightly.

Pre-heat the oven to 150c or gas mark 2.

Add all other ingredients minus the citric acid to a saucepan with 400ml of water and gently bring to the boil, ensuring that the sugar has dissolved.

Remove the vanilla pod, scrapping the seeds into your syrup, and stir the citric acid through. Add the used vanilla pod to your jar, followed by the syrup to the brim. Top the jar with a piece of foil, and place on a baking sheet in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. During this time the syrup should become a light pink colour. Once removed from the oven, seal the jar and allow to cool. Once cold, check that the jar is sealed correctly and label.

I served mine with vanilla bean ice cream, a lovely combination.

If you do have the chance to try any of these out, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! 

I'll be back in a couple of weeks, hopefully with a tan, probably with some stories, and definitely with a hangover.

Hygge Hugs & a Return to Writing

Hi loves, it’s been a while.

I apologise for being MIA, much has been happening, some good, some bad, and alas, time (and inspiration) has not been abundant.

That glorious, golden tinge has begun to settle over the northern hemisphere announcing autumn’s arrival (my favourite season), and as such I’ve begun my usual hunt for warming recipes and cosy activities, plus indulging in the purchase of a jumper or two, anticipating the chill. I always feel at my most positive during autumn, safely wrapped up in scarves, clutching hot drinks and watching the leaves make their final glorious display before making way for bare branches. I decided last year to start making the most of this feeling, to try and adopt it throughout the year.

I began following the concept of hygge (hue-guh) a few months ago, the Danish concept of living in contentment and well-being. It’s marvellous how much positivity comes with taking time for yourself, allowing space for enjoyment of the things you love, those Danes are really onto something. Reading, sipping tea, listening to music or podcasts, painting, spending time with friends, or simply sitting in quiet contentment. Hygge encourages creating comfort, whether that be within your home, in your relationships or simply yourself.

I decided to pursue a hygge frame of mind in the aftermath of an anxiety diagnosis. For a long time, I felt unease in the way my thoughts operated, constantly feeling a low level of panic, not sleeping and questioning interactions with others. Finally seeking guidance from my doctor gave me the clarity and support I needed. With that came the realisation that I needed to review the way I choose to live, leading to the discovery of hygge.

There is no right or wrong way to attaining a feeling of hygge, it’s a personal journey that only you can take. But I’m happy to share with you how I approach it.

The first piece of my puzzle fell into place when I realised, after years of thinking the opposite, that I am (much to everyone in my life’s disbelief) an introvert. Not in the misunderstood sense – a discomfort of being around people or being active in social discussion – but in the sense that, after socialising, participating in discussion or time spent with loved ones, I need time to decompress on my own, in my own company, in my own safe space. It allows me to reset and prevents becoming overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and attention that comes with venturing out into the world.

Hygge helps me tackle this. At home, I burn candles with lovely scents, have soft lighting, and a sofa covered in warm blankets. It’s a safe environment built for comfort and relaxation, a sanctuary from bright lights and overbearing noises.

I endeavour to spend 30 minutes at least every day, indulging in doing some of my favourite things. Reading has played an enormous role in my life, so it seems only fitting that a giant bookcase (thank you for this most appreciated of Christmas gifts mum and dad), stuffed to the brim with fiction, fact, recipes, crafts, horror, fantasy and humour now resides in a cosy nook in my living room, a lamp and a comfy seat tucked by its side.

I’ve always been a huge true crime fan (not particularly in line with the hygge mentality I know, but you can give me this one), so I made a point to discover and listen to podcasts focussed on this (albeit morbid) interest of mine. Those combined (respectfully) with comedy are a favourite, as I’m sure any fellow murderinos can agree (SSDGM).

Hygge doesn’t have to be kept to the confines of the home. Taking a walk around your favourite landscape, whether that be rolling hills or bustling streets, can play its part. As can trips to the cinema, pub, library, the gym (not a part a hygge for me, but sadly still a necessity), eating out, farmer’s markets, craft fairs, bell ringing, you get my point. Find your contentment, your fulfilment, and embrace it. Allow yourself the indulgence of time for you and your loves. Celebrate the smaller things, create rituals that fill you with joy. In a world of never-ceasing negativity and conflict, make your own peace. And if that peace is to be found in the middle of a concert, so be it.

In the approach to winter (except for you spring-bound Southern Hemisphere-ers) with dark mornings and darker nights on the horizon, there isn’t a better time to start appreciating the things that delight you. Hygge is an all-year, all-time endeavour, but in the face of the cold, murky months you may find that you are more eager to seek out the blissful things in life before the weather catches up.

London Love & Happily Ever After

As is always my excuse when I haven't posted for a while, the past few weeks have been chaotic. I haven't had a chance to pause for breath!

Tis the season for lots of weddings, and I have reached that time of life where all my friends have opted for grown up-ness and started to create their Happily Ever Afters. This was very much the theme of the wedding I attended a few weeks ago. The bride was truly princess-like, and everything had a sprinkle of sparkle.

In amongst all the nuptials, I've been a busy bee. First stop, the Shard. I've had a want to visit the viewing platform at the Shard for a while, and I was lucky enough to be gifted the experience for Christmas. I decided to hold off booking until the weather was warmer (albeit still as unreliable as only British weather can be). It didn't disappoint. I managed to visit just on the cusp of the heatwave we have been experiencing. Azure blue skies and golden sunshine reigned supreme on the day we ventured up, up and away, and the view was breathtaking.

Completely worth the visit, if you haven't already done so, I urge you to go. Afterwards, a trip to Borough Market is a must. Despite the tragedy that befell the area not long ago, the atmosphere is fantastic, and there are so many sights, sounds and tastes to experience.

I was back into London this weekend, this time Hyde Park-bound for the British Summer Time event. Green Day headlined the Saturday session, and as a huge fan, it was obligatory attendance. This was my 6th time seeing the band, and I never get tired of it, it was amazing. Unfortunately their Glasgow gig was cancelled this week due to adverse weather conditions. To their Scottish fans, I'm so sorry you missed out. I'm sure they'll be back to entertain you soon.

I've managed to squeeze in a few walks and wanders here and there, taking advantage of the weather and the views. We found cherry trees growing near our house earlier this week, so took advantage of the abundance of fruit that was ready to pick.

I'll be snacking on a few of these, and possibly bottling the rest to make cherry wine. Remember, if you do go fruit picking, be responsible, and only take what you need and are sure you can use.

I'm waiting in anticipation of the blackberries ripening on the multitude of bushes surrounding where I live, and will be visiting the community orchard shortly to see how the apples and pears are coming along. In the meantime, more evening strolls around the local beauty spots will suffice.

I'll be back with another post soon, hopefully discussing more fab local businesses and days out!

Grenfell Tower Fire - How to Help

In light of the terrible situation many people are currently facing in West London, with the devastating turn of events at Grenfell Tower, I'm putting this post out with details of how to help, where you can find help, and what contact details you can use to track down loved ones. I never usually put this in my posts, but please share, by any means you have, in the hope that this list can assist in some way.

Tracking down loved ones

If you know someone who has been caught up in the situation, you can contact the Met Police Casualty Bureau to express any concerns you may have about their welfare. The number to call is 0800 0961 233.

Shelter

If you live in the London area and are able to offer shelter and accommodation to those affected by the fire, you can register yourselves with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

There are also rest centres set up at Westways Sports Centre at 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP, the Rugby Portobello Trust on Walmer Road, W11 1LU, Harrow Club, 187 Freston Road, W10 6TH and St Clements Church, Treadgold Street W11 4BP.

Donations

The fire has robbed many of everything they own, some left with only their pyjamas.

Donations of clothes, water, food, toiletries, toys, blankets etc can be made at several locations:

• Fulham FC, Craven Cottage
• Central Guruduara, 62 Queensdale Street, W11 4SG
• Westways Sprots Centre, 1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP
• Rugby Protobello Trust - the Trust are currently putting together a list of provisions required and will be publishing this shortly.

If you do not live in London but still wish to help, JustGiving pages have been set up in order to raise money to support those directly affected. You can decide which effort you would like to contribute to here.

If you are able to do anything at all, I'm sure it will be appreciated. Again, if you are able to share this post please do. I hope you're all safe today.

Eclectic tastes, spa dates and a bun race

It's been a busy few weeks recently, with no hint of slowing down in the near future. I've been here, there and everywhere! I've reached that age (which will not be disclosed here) where all my friends are having significant birthdays, getting married, buying homes and joining the parental ranks.

I on the other hand feel relatively grown-up if I go on a night out without falling home in a stupor, and think I'm pretty fabulous for doing a load of washing without flooding my kitchen.

It does mean that there is an inordinate amount of events to attend in the coming months, meaning my diary is reminiscent of a Jackson Pollock effort. I spent last night gluing sequins onto a clothing item I wouldn't usually be caught in in prep for an upcoming hen do. I can't give the details away on the off-chance that the lovely hen reads this post, however I do promise at least one picture of said outfit. Needless to say, time is not something I have in spades at the moment.

But onto recent events. A few weeks back I went to the O2 to see Craig David. I have what would be described as an eclectic taste in music, and whilst I tend to favour rock and indie sounds, there was a time when I could be found doing the sniper pose to the latest Garage release. I still love it when out and the DJ jumps into a Garage set. It brings back great memories, and the music is great to dance to.

Craig David was my first gig at 14, travelling to Birmingham with one of my pals, and it was brilliant. He didn't disappoint all these years later. This time around, he sung for the first hour, old songs and new, playing to his new fans but keeping his older fans (i.e. me) happy. Once he got the crowd in the mood, he proceeded to play an hour-long DJ set, effectively turning the Arena into a giant nightclub. Needless to say my legs were feeling the burn the next day. It was an amazing night, and it's easy to forget just what a great performer he is. If you have the chance to get tickets for any of his upcoming gigs, go, you won't regret it.

A couple of weeks later, I went back into London for not just one, but 2 theatre visits. This weekend was a little more refined than my earlier trip!

I'd managed to get tickets to see Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf at the Harold Pinter, starring the wondrous Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill, alongside the great Imogen Poots and Luke Treadaway. I've wanted to see Imelda Staunton perform for longer than I can remember and she did not disappoint. All four actors exuded energy, the talent was raw and irrepressible. Imelda Staunton is a force to be reckoned with, and the 2 younger cast members did well to hold their own in the face of her undeniable talent. But it was Conleth Hill who really captured my attention. Quieter, more subtle in his delivery, but nonetheless equally present, he embraced his role, making you simultaneously pity and revile his lot in life. It was an astounding performance, and I'm forever indebted to my friend Chris for the recommendation.

There was barely a pause for breath once the show was over, as I had also secured tickets for Othello at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a wonderful recapturing of a Jacobean playhouse next to the Globe. Othello is a favourite of mine, and having had these tickets for a year, I couldn't wait to watch. I wasn't disappointed, it was fantastic. Funny and tragic, the production was everything I'd looked forward to. The setting itself did so much in creating drama and atmosphere. Lit entirely by candle-light, the players incorporated the candles themselves into the very fabric of the play, which worked beautifully alongside the acapella music provided on the balcony. It was magical and mysterious, a little like the playwright himself.

Easter weekend followed, with a trip to visit friends and their village's annual beer and bun run. I sampled the beer, I sampled the bun. I did not sample the run. The walk back to the car satisfied my exercise-related desires that day!

Easter Monday was spent in luxury thanks to my rather gorgeous best friend. We visited the Y Spa at Wyboston Lake for on of their sun-down sessions. Utter bliss, I haven't been that relaxed in a long time, and seriously considered taking up residence in their infinity pool, prune fingers be damned. The food was lovely, the surroundings beautiful, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. I'm looking forward to going back!

Heated water beds are now a must in my life. See that face? Happiness personified!

There's so much going on that writing on here has become more difficult, but I'll do my very best to keep you all up-to-date, and let you know what lovely places to visit if you're ever in my neck of the woods :) 

Mothering Sunday at Browns

I decided to do something different for my mum on Mother's Day this year. Each time this day rolls around I buy her her favourite flowers (tulips and daffodils for those who wondered), a gift and possibly take her out for lunch to her favourite spot if our schedules allow. I frequently get told off if she feels I've gone overboard on the gift-giving (it's not possible to do so), but it's worth it to see her enjoy the day and be reminded of how much she is appreciated.

This year, I opted to treat her to that most quintessentially British experience - afternoon tea. Who doesn't love a good cup of tea accompanied by dainty sandwiches and indulgent cakes?! A wonderful friend of mine works at Browns and suggested I take her there. Luckily I got our booking in early, the closer the day came, the increasingly busy they were beginning to look. After an hour (or 2) of mooching around the shops, (and possibly indulging in the purchase of a hat or 3), we pootled into Browns for our lunch.

The first thing to know about Browns (Milton Keynes branch), is that the staff are lovely. Every single person we came across gave us a friendly greeting, checked that we were ok, and offered to fetch us anything we desired. They could not do enough.

We were seated and told the options available to us - traditional, champagne or a most unusual afternoon tea - and our drinks were brought to the table. This was my mum's first afternoon tea experience (I know, I don't understand how either), so she opted for the traditional option, as did I.

We were then served our food, and it was just gorgeous. Tiny brioche rolls filled with salmon, cream cheese, chicken and avocado were accompanied by mini profiteroles, black cherry mousse, opera cake and scones. Everything was delicious, and my mum adored it.

Just looking at this picture makes my mouth water!

The atmosphere in Browns adds to the experience. It was incredibly busy, but didn't feel crowded or overly loud. Buzzy and social, the staff were busy but never too busy to help if you needed it, you barely waited for your food, and never once felt rushed to finish. It's light and airy, comfortable and welcoming. We had a really lovely time, and my mum thoroughly appreciated her Mother's Day treat.

I even managed to score a photo of my friend Stu rocking one of my new hats. I did threaten to add it to this post, but seeing as he and his staff took such good care of us, I'll be kind and omit it!

Browns is a chain brasserie, so if you fancy treating yourself and a close one to the experience, you'll be able to do so with ease. All locations can be found here. Also make sure to check out their menus, there is some seriously delicious things in there!

So, a thank you to all at Browns who contributed to my mum's lovely afternoon, it was very much appreciated! We'll definitely be back!

My love of London

I've been struggling to find something to write about in recent months, I apologise for the silence. Nothing of huge significance has caused this, I have just had my mind on other things. I am intending to be more vocal, hopefully I'll find some inspiration in the coming weeks!

But I thought I'd write today in light of the attack on London yesterday afternoon. 

London has long been one of my favourite places. I live not too far away, and consider myself incredibly lucky as a result. I worked there for a brief period, have been visiting the theatre district for years, and have indulged in many of the wondrous activities on offer there. It, like everywhere else, is not perfect. London has its problems. But it is a diverse, living, breathing organism, full of life and vitality. It has opportunity, history, colour, sound, activity, a pulse. It is a place of inclusion and experimentation. London doesn't just belong to those who inhabit it, but shares itself with the world, inviting all to participate in its vivacity. 

Yesterday was a dark day in the city. But in amongst the tragedy, there have been shining examples of why this city is so bloody brilliant. From the bystanders dropping to their knees to assist the injured, the bravery and sacrifice of PC Palmer, and Tobias Ellwood, the MP who, without concern for his own safety, ran to his aid, to the hundreds of emergency service workers at the scene, putting themselves in harm's way to protect citizens and tourists alike. The school children trapped in Parliament who sang songs to keep everyone's spirits up. The overwhelming response for public support in piecing together what happened. These actions deserve to be recognised and remembered. We owe a great deal of thanks to those commissioned with protecting civilians. 

Those that choose to attack western cities, those that choose to kidnap young women in Africa, those who torture, maim and kill in the middle east, are weak. They seek to terrorise but only succeed in drawing us ever closer together. By trying to cause division, they achieve only in inflaming our spirit. They cause damage, yes, but they remind us why we must rally, must never give in to fear and must continue our way of living.

Today a vitriolic bottom feeder called Katie Hopkins announced to Fox News and the American public that British citizens are cowed and fearful, that we are divided. To that, I say 'Bollocks'. She does not speak for us, and her particular brand of spiteful bile is reviled by a majority of us here. I ask that you do not take her at her word. We are sad, we are angry, we are incensed. We are going about our day-to-day lives as normal. 

I'll be heading into the city this weekend and I will go with the same enthusiasm as always. I'll think of those whose lives have been so drastically altered this week. And I'll go about my day normally, in their honour.