tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51725147797119478702024-02-18T23:06:27.043-08:00FatAthyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-47545298207501079152013-06-30T14:57:00.000-07:002013-06-30T14:57:08.681-07:00ICookYouLamb!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"You are a vegetarian?" "Ah it's okay, its okay I cook you lamb!" A great line from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The reason it is so great is because it is actually quite true. I think it was inspiration for my wonderfully weird fatherspinikopita to create his culinary wonder. Staying true to his roots he got very excited when we said we would be up for trying one of his Cypriot specialities - the Kouzi! Similar to the principle of a tagine the meat, potatoes and whatever else you can find from the land is bunged into a big clay pot and sealed with clay. He slaved and slaved away in order to make us this wonderful pot of deliciousness. The best part was after the meal when he realised that the plates he had served on were too large for the dishwasher so he had to get his marigolds on. Tough life.<br />
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However, due to his focus on the pot he could not deal with creating an accompaniment so we were recruited to step up to the job! Below is our greek inspired fantastical fan salad. Visually appealing, it really isn't difficult to create. We started with a base of gem lettuce, with spinach and rocket on top. It was then bombarded with mint, parsley, tomatoes and spring onions, before the final garnish of the perfectly sliced avo and grilled halloumi. Finally dressed by a simple lemon and olive oil emulsion. I have to hand it to the Kretin because he slaved over the under-ripened avo in order to try and make it edible. But taste wise this was no success so my only advice is, don't eat an under ripe avo. </div>
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The creation unleashed.....A proud moment for the fatherspinikoptia.....<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-635183318274882032013-06-23T17:57:00.000-07:002013-06-23T17:57:34.645-07:00NotSoNaughtyCarrotCake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX63BM5hNjuCDJtVE-lWcTkBjmEsVkX-MC1dpkZp2ypkr1-VsfI4frdMCW1PHrwK0WVEsx6-euicoh8Vauf0Nd6lIHaZw0dHizn4KfGkPzjqIIkw8JbK8chWTK2MAUlYI3H0gnCnKwcaF/s1600/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX63BM5hNjuCDJtVE-lWcTkBjmEsVkX-MC1dpkZp2ypkr1-VsfI4frdMCW1PHrwK0WVEsx6-euicoh8Vauf0Nd6lIHaZw0dHizn4KfGkPzjqIIkw8JbK8chWTK2MAUlYI3H0gnCnKwcaF/s640/IMG_5598.JPG" width="582" /></a></div>
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This recipe was a very lucky find for me from a blog I recently stumbled upon that seems absolutely fantastic! This is the link: http://www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com She has some absolutely fabulous recipes for alternates of your favourite foods. Although a vegan site you don't have to be vegan to enjoy her creations, they are so delicious everyone should try! </div>
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I had a big sweet tooth today, so carrot cake was definitely on my list! At first, I was a little reluctant to try raw carrot cake, how could it be better than the real thing. But I stand corrected. I LOVED the raw version. It is quite sweet so be aware! I find it fascinating that you can create the same flavours from completely different ingredients. It has really opened my mind to trying a variety of different old favourites in this way! </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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- 2 carrots, peeled</div>
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- 3/4 cup oats</div>
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- 1 cup of dates</div>
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- 1/4 cup dried coconut</div>
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- 1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
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- 1/2 tsp nutmeg</div>
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- sprinkle of cloves</div>
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- a little fresh ginger, although ground ginger is preferable</div>
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Frosting:</div>
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- 1/2 cup of cashews</div>
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- 1/2 cup macadamias</div>
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- 1 tbsp lemon juice</div>
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- 1 tbsp liquid coconut oil</div>
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- 1/3 cup maple syrup, or honey</div>
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- water if needed</div>
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- orange zest</div>
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Method:</div>
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1) Frosting: Blend all the ingredients in a processor and put in a bowl aside. Easy peasy.</div>
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2) Cake: Cut the carrots into chunks, then throw everything into a processor and pulse until it sticks together</div>
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3) Spoon a heaped tbsp into cupcake cases and freeze for about 10-15 mins before putting the frosting on top.</div>
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4) Once frosted, leave to freeze for a couple of hours and then serve, it is kind of like having ice cream cake, so you may want to let it thaw a little before eating!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3IWdkVckPHjYR_XEDgnfcJfXEdiDdzL2KBom7gFkge55aJZsZL8toBHy08aNU6L8kAL1PHKxLR-jZVj6-QRb941wQVjywcAg8DmulHU_6WksovAb442z3R6UHNjxrl_1_PO_gNYQc1qt/s1600/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3IWdkVckPHjYR_XEDgnfcJfXEdiDdzL2KBom7gFkge55aJZsZL8toBHy08aNU6L8kAL1PHKxLR-jZVj6-QRb941wQVjywcAg8DmulHU_6WksovAb442z3R6UHNjxrl_1_PO_gNYQc1qt/s400/IMG_5600.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is uber, uber yummy and tastes like christmas :) It also gives you a massive energy boost for when you are feeling down, so its great all round! Enjoy!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-3007095469989019682013-06-23T17:30:00.002-07:002013-06-23T17:30:56.719-07:00Vegobulous<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeCvd36vSrv5P7wGMTxaKfDCQV1u6BZYwRvMCJVe8WTL7pF4JWl1FEQEECqqdDL-5WpLcIdRg1GIbYgRlMjnMPf7ZpTZVdGINFN71cD5q7lCHsYC5xTipHiO9RH0IYZ5466UzGrnOjZe-/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeCvd36vSrv5P7wGMTxaKfDCQV1u6BZYwRvMCJVe8WTL7pF4JWl1FEQEECqqdDL-5WpLcIdRg1GIbYgRlMjnMPf7ZpTZVdGINFN71cD5q7lCHsYC5xTipHiO9RH0IYZ5466UzGrnOjZe-/s320/IMG_5542.JPG" width="320" /></a>With summer in the air and the wonderful array of fruits and vegetables on offer, I thought I better do it justice by whizzing up some fantastical bites to entertain my stomach. Following my last post I decided to stick with the Honestly Healthy recipe book as a basis, and I tailored the recipes to what I had available.<br />
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To the left is an image of my 'gourmet falafels' (in the words of Uncle Christo). These are definitely my favourite thing I have made so far and I shall definitely be experimenting with these! When you read how simple the recipe is you shall realise how easy it is to mix and match as many ingredients as you like!<br />
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So....<br />
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Ingredients wise you shall need...<br />
- 50g raw flax seed<br />
- 50g raw sesame seed<br />
- 1 red pepper, finely diced<br />
- 5-6 chestnut mushrooms OR 2 portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced<br />
- 1/2 small onion finely chopped<br />
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped<br />
- 3 tbsp olive oil<br />
- a drizzle of tamari, or salt (if you prefer)<br />
- 125g raw almonds<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tcBcf7X1K__JhXULjqPFedMSZnlMzsG6CbNRs-Ads81GkcfgFVSTNlb3u6CrSfeYvE4bTWQWp7YlOA7r2zO1dT8t5mpvIqhYHZ6wyfVznvgl0KcrR-G_bSICIdQePXCzT6Wdnc3t05QJ/s1600/IMG_5515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tcBcf7X1K__JhXULjqPFedMSZnlMzsG6CbNRs-Ads81GkcfgFVSTNlb3u6CrSfeYvE4bTWQWp7YlOA7r2zO1dT8t5mpvIqhYHZ6wyfVznvgl0KcrR-G_bSICIdQePXCzT6Wdnc3t05QJ/s400/IMG_5515.jpg" width="300" /></a>- 150g chickpeas<br />
- 150g pistachios or sunflower seeds<br />
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley<br />
- 3/4 tsp cumin<br />
- 1 tsp lemon juice<br />
- black pepper<br />
- sprinkle of lemon pepper (optional)<br />
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Method:<br />
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1) Preheat oven to 110C<br />
2) Combine the flax and sesame in a bowl and set aside<br />
3) Combine the peppers, mushrooms, onion, garlic and 2 tbsp olive oil in a separate bowl<br />
4) Add a drizzle of tamari or a pinch of salt and mix well<br />
5) Place the nuts and chickpeas in a processor and blend to a crumbly texture<br />
6) Add the nut mix to the veggie mix as well as the parsley, cumin and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly and season to taste.<br />
7) Form the mixture into palm sized balls.<br />
8) Roll in the flax and sesame seed and place on a baking tray for 30-40 mins, until crisp on the outside but still moist.<br />
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Served with: Tomato Salsa (see below), and mixed salad or Iceberg lettuce<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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- 200g tomatoes, diced<br />
- 1 red onion<br />
- 1 small cucumber, diced<br />
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and diced<br />
- 1 garlic clove, crushed<br />
- 2 tbsp olive oil<br />
- juice of 1/2 lemon<br />
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Mix all this and put in a bowl :) SIMPLE!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeCvd36vSrv5P7wGMTxaKfDCQV1u6BZYwRvMCJVe8WTL7pF4JWl1FEQEECqqdDL-5WpLcIdRg1GIbYgRlMjnMPf7ZpTZVdGINFN71cD5q7lCHsYC5xTipHiO9RH0IYZ5466UzGrnOjZe-/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAHMJ__Qutsnch7BXVg-WnebaUmZfdS3eugfdmhB3cxt19i_CHQgAqDPwUDYB068-RqgnUyVIqo6F9QTEH_5LrGplJl2KyurpTp6glr7OjbUKfwzewu5-1J6F-5ITJFO5PlMTvodNW55h/s1600/IMG_5526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAHMJ__Qutsnch7BXVg-WnebaUmZfdS3eugfdmhB3cxt19i_CHQgAqDPwUDYB068-RqgnUyVIqo6F9QTEH_5LrGplJl2KyurpTp6glr7OjbUKfwzewu5-1J6F-5ITJFO5PlMTvodNW55h/s320/IMG_5526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The next day I found a recipe that complemented the falafels very, very nicely! Chilli Pesto Dip....yummmmmmmmmmmmmm<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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- 40g rocket<br />
- 5g dill<br />
- 50g raw cashews<br />
- 30g feta<br />
- juice of 1/2 lemon<br />
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger<br />
- 1 small red chilli<br />
- 15g raw sunflower seeds<br />
- 1 tbsp olive oil<br />
- 2 tbsp water<br />
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Method: whizz, blend and pulverise it all in a blender woooooo, nice and easy :)<br />
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For my next delight, I was lucky enough to have our dear uncle Christo staying with us for a night. He came all the way from Nigeria, which is in Africa! Far I know. He says he made this trip for meetings or something, but really I know it was because he wanted to sample some culinary wonders :p And what a wonder it was. These aubergines were absolutely fantastic. I have to admit, when I first read the recipe I was not too excited about them, they looked rather bland and boring. But I hold my hands high and say I misjudged. This was one of the best if not my favourite aubergine dishes I have had! Super easy to make and very, very yummy.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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- 2 aubergines or 4 small ones, sliced horizontally<br />
- Olive Oil<br />
- 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted<br />
- chopped parsley<br />
- seeds from 1/2 pomegranate<br />
- black pepper<br />
- drizzle of tamari<br />
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Dressing:<br />
- 40g tahini<br />
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil<br />
- 3 tbsp lemon juice<br />
- 4 tbsp hot water<br />
- 1 garlic clove<br />
- 1 tsp cumin or sumac (if you have, which I didn't!)<br />
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Method:<br />
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1) Make the dressing by whizzing up all the ingredients listed (It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days!)<br />
2) Mix the sliced aubergine with some olive oil, tamari and black pepper and place in the oven for about 15 mins on 220C<br />
3) To serve, arrange the aubergines on a serving dish, drizzle the dressing and sprinkle with pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and parsley and voila! A culinary treat to accompany any meal :D<br />
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Today I was not feeling wildly crazy but I did try two new recipes that I thought would be nice. However, my tastebuds were not satisfied, so I shall spare you the recipes. Unless you really want them of course! Above is portobello mushroom with fennel salad and below are my broad bean and sweetcorn fritters with greek inspired salad. The pictures were nice so I thought I'd put them as food porn. But I want to experiment a bit more with combinations before giving a recipe as they were so bland I emptied our household of its chocolate and cheese stocks :) - Living up to my blog name.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-49678771515494759892013-06-18T07:03:00.000-07:002013-06-18T07:11:42.406-07:00HonestlyHealthy<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I rediscovered one of my favourite "healthy eating" cook books. I remember when I first bought this I did not like the sound of about 90% of the recipes. Most vegetables were to my dislike and I hated goats cheese. But a year has passed since then and I was pleasantly surprised that this time I felt spoilt for choice and did not know which one to choose because they all looked so delicious!!! Honestly Healthy is a great little book with AMAZING tasting recipes that when you eat them you forget how much goodness there is in the ingredients you use. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.honestlyhealthyfood.com</td></tr>
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The lunch I made today was adapted from their recipe for watercress, roasted onion and pistachio salad. It was so good that I could not contain my excitement. I was instagraming photos of it, telling everyone I could think of about it and had to calm myself with a cup of tea as my heart rate was racing so much. It literally tasted like an asian stir fry (without the noodles)form my favourite Chinese restaurant. The best part is it is SO simple to make!<br />
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So here is what I did...<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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- 1 small red onion, cut into fine chunks<br />
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil<br />
- 30g (though I used way more, more like 100g) of canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed<br />
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped<br />
- 1 small red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped<br />
- 2 inches of cucumber, finely chopped<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GBKCqYLxnfn4EpGOpZN0vBeFrM1srh8AU1flrS3fvXsujiKAuPXaf_T6C-utcJnw8WNUC7JnRwDZYlzcOQwT0QJghX_vTr6fFHrz7EUVt_8G5Z8ov5WpzYJLjlDQFc3Nzs5kVmXDYRiz/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GBKCqYLxnfn4EpGOpZN0vBeFrM1srh8AU1flrS3fvXsujiKAuPXaf_T6C-utcJnw8WNUC7JnRwDZYlzcOQwT0QJghX_vTr6fFHrz7EUVt_8G5Z8ov5WpzYJLjlDQFc3Nzs5kVmXDYRiz/s320/IMG_5476.JPG" width="320" /></a>- some mixed seeds and pine nuts (they say to use pistachios and pumpkin seeds, 15g of each, but I did not have any to hand!)<br />
- 70g watercress (Though I had mixed leaf salad)<br />
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced length ways<br />
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Dressing:<br />
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- 2 tbsp Olive Oil<br />
- Juice of 1 Lemon<br />
- 1 tbsp tamari<br />
- 1 tsp honey (though they use agave syrup - I like honey more ;))<br />
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Method:<br />
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1) Preheat oven to 170C<br />
2) Place the chopped onion in a baking dish and drizzle with the olive oil (and balsamic to caramelise them!) and bake for 30 mins or until soft. (The finer you chop them, the less time they need!)<br />
3) Place the chickpeas in a bowl and toss with the roasted onion, garlic, chilli, cucumber and nuts and seeds.<br />
4) Whisk the dressing ingredients with a fork<br />
5) To serve, scatter the salad on a plate, top with the chickpea mixture, spring onion and then drizzle the dressing on top<br />
6) Eat it. And then you will die and go to heaven.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgrFL8q3DmNgg5nHvAItNEmCkddZUv_tGBelJrVp6xxr8UeBemXa2P0GlJj-kr9jNRvUy4nslw0MZdJ76W6ZCW8uiqXA_eA5FGKr0weQJoUIVWBqiDJzq0zazZxb60Gy4hM1X7stB-2TP/s1600/IMG_5477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgrFL8q3DmNgg5nHvAItNEmCkddZUv_tGBelJrVp6xxr8UeBemXa2P0GlJj-kr9jNRvUy4nslw0MZdJ76W6ZCW8uiqXA_eA5FGKr0weQJoUIVWBqiDJzq0zazZxb60Gy4hM1X7stB-2TP/s640/IMG_5477.jpg" width="627" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just looking at this makes me want to digest everything now so I can eat it all over again.</td></tr>
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I finished it off with a cup of loooooovvvveeeeee tea. Literally, it is called love tea (but all it is is little rose buds floating around in your cup). I really, really like this tea. I got mine from InsideOut in Richmond, but if you type "Rose Bud Tea" into google there are loads of sellers! A really nice, relaxing and calming way to end a meal after the excitement of the burst of flavours and my subsequent adrenaline rush!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-84331167225012793492013-06-17T17:51:00.001-07:002013-06-17T17:51:31.365-07:00BirthdayBashes<br />
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The last couple of months have been filled with birthday's, parties and smiles :) (Yes, I am trying to be cheesy). As a result, it has given me the opportunity to bake, a lot, as well as sample some other people's wonderful creations! So I thought I'd share some with you...</div>
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<b><u>OREOOOOOOOOOOOOOO</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkKTRspTvU-I2sAaVaKScH3-ri4aida-T5ubX7fdn22x0Wt5EN04RXF37qYBUDOT_MaNUWWKur9U2bU5zMap4olBx_HyFza2uaH1LMIGjDakFouehUENuMDi5kDjdE03P6dD4KlXl2C0o/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkKTRspTvU-I2sAaVaKScH3-ri4aida-T5ubX7fdn22x0Wt5EN04RXF37qYBUDOT_MaNUWWKur9U2bU5zMap4olBx_HyFza2uaH1LMIGjDakFouehUENuMDi5kDjdE03P6dD4KlXl2C0o/s400/IMG_5370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This first one I did for my sister's 17th birthday. I came up with the idea for it on the day, with no recipe and no idea if it would turn out well! I am pleased to say that presentation wise I was very happy with the turn out, but there are some alterations I would make to the actual recipe next time I make this as the flavour balance was not quite right!<br />
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For the main cake I followed this recipe:<br />
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/easy_chocolate_cake_31070<br />
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It is a fantastic recipe and works every time and is really quick to make, especially when you are in a rush! The other great thing about it is that it is easy to adapt to however you may want to fancy it up!<br />
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Now in order to turn this into an oreo cake I made a white chocolate cream cheese filling, also made with the middles of the oreos, so when the cake was cut it looked like an oreo sandwich. I have not yet perfected the balance of ingredients, so I shall post a reference for this later on. But otherwise it is fairly simple. Once the cake is done you just layer the oreo halves all over and make it look pretty. If you wanted to be really creative you could crumble the oreo halves and make one big oreo. But who really has time for that!<br />
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<b><u>Patisserie FatAthy</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP_eLx17flvkH1xSq2oo4OR9ZuA0mrSlwSn9rk1Pdsncw4N-sNZJ8IgGIfTWZis1_H177jLsxmAB77jYNR5GQpPDAsJPDWdIT2SIDptm-LbD0uSj4VvPVlaix0TLeD0gPyUZ7GIXdITzy/s1600/IMG_5333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP_eLx17flvkH1xSq2oo4OR9ZuA0mrSlwSn9rk1Pdsncw4N-sNZJ8IgGIfTWZis1_H177jLsxmAB77jYNR5GQpPDAsJPDWdIT2SIDptm-LbD0uSj4VvPVlaix0TLeD0gPyUZ7GIXdITzy/s640/IMG_5333.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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The next birthday to attack was my mothers. For this I went for chocolate, again, of course, why would you go for anything else, and I again had absolutely no idea how I was going to put the cake together. But by good fortune it turned out alright. At least in the pictures! </div>
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For the main cake I followed Nigella's Chocolate Olive Oil Cake Recipe: </div>
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http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/CHOCOLATE-OLIVE-OIL-CAKE-5551</div>
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I LOVE using oil in cakes. I think it is far nicer than butter as you get a much moister cake and it lasts longer. Well, that is if you don't eat it in 24 hours. And its healthier too! All the more reason to eat more of it ;) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZJpFri6pNrBRd5Wb2mfeZHx0A4HVYZGsqxM3sEBsnkvrmZDlNm-EQy1gH1r8wyKYJWkhD-V1mN7zLshFdNCkMTEb42nFGRqyfSfctEb049RD22qaSylATVm8Aj_Io4zqPIHxYci2LGLJ/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZJpFri6pNrBRd5Wb2mfeZHx0A4HVYZGsqxM3sEBsnkvrmZDlNm-EQy1gH1r8wyKYJWkhD-V1mN7zLshFdNCkMTEb42nFGRqyfSfctEb049RD22qaSylATVm8Aj_Io4zqPIHxYci2LGLJ/s320/IMG_5312.JPG" width="320" /></a>As for decor what I did was actually very simple! I melted some green and blacks dark chocolate and poured it over a baking tray. I then placed it in the fridge to cool until it was solid again. Using a knife I then sliced a variety of geometric shapes before putting the shards in the freezer to solidify a bit more! Now, I tried to do this with milk and while chocolate but it did not work as well! However, I did get the delight of making accidental chocolate roses from the milk chocolate as the consistency was so much gooier than the dark chocolate. To make the roses all I did was again melt the chocolate and pour over a baking tray and leave to cool. I then used a tea spoon and scraped the chocolate off, to mold it into the rose shapes seen. </div>
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I used icing, any will do, to stick this all together and then finished it off with frozen berries on the top. However, I would recommend that instead of frozen berries try dusting a bowl of berries with a little icing sugar and then leaving them in the fridge to form a glaze. It goes much nicer with the cake than the frozen ones do!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQLln54feLbc-jqOPZ1x3PhGLyI36EjrXt-4j6ccP4m9RcxboPtEPnsO6yeKv5kkiFxSU0_vxpIOH9Fgdt7otFHqqL2Ubhs1klkBFiebGv9hQTWyM9rTK6kuVKBSIdoKZCobjiv9eP9-X/s1600/IMG_5325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQLln54feLbc-jqOPZ1x3PhGLyI36EjrXt-4j6ccP4m9RcxboPtEPnsO6yeKv5kkiFxSU0_vxpIOH9Fgdt7otFHqqL2Ubhs1klkBFiebGv9hQTWyM9rTK6kuVKBSIdoKZCobjiv9eP9-X/s400/IMG_5325.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>
The day followed with a beautiful picnic in the Isabella Plantations in Richmond Park. I provided a simple spread of cheeses, meats, fruit, quinoa and chicken salad and various other goodies. But to stick with the baking theme I wanted to tell you about the muffins I made. They were banana and brazil nut muffins, recipe taken from the hummingbird bakery cookbook. OMG SO GOOD! They were so moist and gooey and luscious and oh my, my mouth is salivating as I type this!<br />
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I shall provide the recipe as soon as I am back in London and have the book in my hands!<br />
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<b><u>STANZILICIOUS</u></b></div>
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The next delight I get to talk about sadly is not one of my creations, but one of an actual patisserie. The famous Patisserie Valerie! I am sure many of you have walked past their windows and seen the delightful towers of chocolate mayhem! I always stop and stare when I walk past!</div>
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A couple of weeks ago was the beautiful Stanzi's 21st birthday, and to my excitement she let me know in advance that her cake was going to be patisserie valerie. I could not contain how excited I was for this. Prior to this my sister and I had tried to give up sugar, but within 24 hours we looked at eachother and knew that this was not a realistic goal. And am I glad we revoked that one! The picture alone does not demonstrate how great it was. Don't get me wrong, the cake was not the only great thing, the party was a phenomenal array of glamour, taste and class. But, if you are ever pondering over cake decisions, Patisserie Valerie will always be waiting with open arms. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmG1Fmi08Rcnz8mwQ3zNjqb99HQKrj31MSRBhpCB-NM9uaLT6dLrJZoLg-dDFFQrCejCO8nmzUJbr1ag7T3W8gzPReYKzL64lJwgIkgSDnrv4c0ktPXDAq2gb1E2Eh88ukkILm1gQBVzDl/s1600/IMG_5198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmG1Fmi08Rcnz8mwQ3zNjqb99HQKrj31MSRBhpCB-NM9uaLT6dLrJZoLg-dDFFQrCejCO8nmzUJbr1ag7T3W8gzPReYKzL64lJwgIkgSDnrv4c0ktPXDAq2gb1E2Eh88ukkILm1gQBVzDl/s640/IMG_5198.jpg" width="473" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">How she could sit and smile I don't know, I would've dived straight into the middle of this!</td></tr>
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<b><u>THE MAD FATTIE'S TEA PARTY</u></b></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5p-Clz6k2JhB2CmW5CqAhZKixJtpdPu_wgJ3t4nt76LKC1Xb_CQa1f13rpUPRNPkrmywjI3-tupBlR1CX01IoRAGIin7myqWD5jsi1-U0S-kD07Nyz_TYvOWl9AkqoWFt692awoh1BId4/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5p-Clz6k2JhB2CmW5CqAhZKixJtpdPu_wgJ3t4nt76LKC1Xb_CQa1f13rpUPRNPkrmywjI3-tupBlR1CX01IoRAGIin7myqWD5jsi1-U0S-kD07Nyz_TYvOWl9AkqoWFt692awoh1BId4/s320/IMG_5047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The Birthday Girl admiring herself before deathbyateaparty</td></tr>
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Almost a month ago was my dear flatmate, Smelena's birthday. So the other three of us put whatever brains we had together and threw her a delightful tea party. We filled her heart with miniature scones, pink and blue clotted cream, sandwiches, cakes and so much more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2O9oU8GurHV3fj_fPiXpU8yqSzmoC8RQ0nKBDzQMmAUT7Spmj9FKfPodIaOJIMVCRmJkgaPmmwZBXEp9kzD4W_5QXr_AnUuz7xmBOVGgFNM8dXpeNI2wGfGhEgFfuLGP7X3LqD1GLmbw/s1600/IMG_4998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2O9oU8GurHV3fj_fPiXpU8yqSzmoC8RQ0nKBDzQMmAUT7Spmj9FKfPodIaOJIMVCRmJkgaPmmwZBXEp9kzD4W_5QXr_AnUuz7xmBOVGgFNM8dXpeNI2wGfGhEgFfuLGP7X3LqD1GLmbw/s320/IMG_4998.jpg" width="240" /></a> Afternoon tea can be a great event, and very satisfying to the belly!<br />
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Our menu consisted of:<br />
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- Sandwiches:<br />
- Egg Mayo<br />
- Beef<br />
- Cucumber and Cream Cheese (Of course!)<br />
- Scones:<br />
- Fruit<br />
- Savoury, served with preserves, and coloured creams<br />
- Carrot Cake<br />
- Red Velvet Cake<br />
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Recipes to follow shortly!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-2234447203677249872013-06-17T16:37:00.001-07:002013-06-17T16:37:25.699-07:00NorthernDelights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Apologies for not writing for a while now! I went into hibernation after overeating and have only just digested enough to start writing again! This week I was up in Edinburgh and due to my culinary interests, as well as general laziness, I sampled what the North has on offer. I can assure you that it is not worth skipping!</div>
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<u><b>Nile Valley ("The African Place") </b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaM72tMF1VPgtrQ8nlcpmeY2ahi02loiUvO9wpQNWzB9_B_bPox2xWt_-o6k_s6FumtmbLZxLHVu4PP6WK1y_D-yDVNJNSZLmFtusYNeWiIK-rODG09DxmpTv38U8DM4azhsvrDW2z6MS/s1600/IMG_5388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaM72tMF1VPgtrQ8nlcpmeY2ahi02loiUvO9wpQNWzB9_B_bPox2xWt_-o6k_s6FumtmbLZxLHVu4PP6WK1y_D-yDVNJNSZLmFtusYNeWiIK-rODG09DxmpTv38U8DM4azhsvrDW2z6MS/s320/IMG_5388.jpg" width="240" /></a>This little cafe is just opposite the UK's third ugliest building, Appleton Tower, but I can assure you that the food does not mirror this! My flatmates had been going on about this place all year, but I never got the chance to try it. So this time I was determined to attack it, and was I in for a treat! It is run by an African couple who have beautifully decorated the walls with African art and maps. The food is simple but so delicious. I had a wrap with chicken, feta, hummus, aubergines and salad. Very, very nice, but I forgot to add the hot sauce which I definitely recommend! I have to admit though next time I would add the falafels to this mix. I tried my boyfriend's wrap and I got food jealousy. The falafels here are hands down the best I have had in a long time! The price is fair at about £4 a meal, which is not bad at all in the centre of Edinburgh! If you get the chance to go up this is a must try!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.24; padding: 0px;" valign="top">6 Chapel St Edinburgh, Midlothian EH8 9AY<br /><nobr>0131 667 8200<br /></nobr></td></tr>
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<u><b>L'escargot Bleu</b></u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.lescargotbleu.co.uk</td></tr>
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I had read about this restaurant a lot before finally getting to sample the food! Lucky for me my father came up to visit me in Edinburgh, meaning I got a good meal out of it! Located in Edinburgh's New Town, I was really excited to try this place. It has beautiful rustic decor and very friendly and attentive staff. If you go for lunch (like we did) you can pay reasonable prices of about £12.95 for 2 courses, and it is definitely worth it! The food is beautifully cooked and I enjoyed every morsel of it. For starter I had steamed mussels and seafood salad, and for main a pearl barley risotto with summer vegetables and comté cheese. All I could think is where was my Frenchy Flatmate! I melted away in the cheese delight of deliciousness. I can imagine this restaurant to be very atmospheric at dinner, so if you get the chance to try I definitely would!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #11179f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">56 Broughton Street</span><br style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #11179f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #11179f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">EH1 3SA Edinburgh</span><br />
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<u><b>The Grain Store</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAkMY2YL-hbV2HbYNCDuzTZHo2Edth_KnMyMW3sfBR9ZNl-nZE_X91E_k7yoJJ8c1U8RHvR-rKt6JC3yVIZ9fZT7fsP-doEOLuu2Zbf07L91SBiiF8wqELdqije9Rc6dCxxtPG8xRCc0l/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAkMY2YL-hbV2HbYNCDuzTZHo2Edth_KnMyMW3sfBR9ZNl-nZE_X91E_k7yoJJ8c1U8RHvR-rKt6JC3yVIZ9fZT7fsP-doEOLuu2Zbf07L91SBiiF8wqELdqije9Rc6dCxxtPG8xRCc0l/s320/IMG_5397.JPG" width="320" /></a>This next place is one of my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh. It is situated in the Grassmarket, which is always buzzing with life! All that is visible from the street is a little door and it does not look like much when you stand outside. Upon entering it just looks like the staircase at school, but the magic is uncovered as soon as the door at the top of the stairs is opened. If you are after atmosphere and good food then this is the place to try! It has a beautiful wooden interior, similar to the Witchery, but a much more casual atmosphere that is not 'in your face'. The nice thing about this place is the tables are nicely spread so you feel like you are there by yourself. From friendly staff to fantastic food you can't go wrong. Pictured to the right is a mushroom, chestnut, hazelnut and leek ballotine with pasta. I admit I was not hungry when I came to the restaurant, but after eating this delight all I wanted to do was feast for the whole night. Absolutely gorgeous! It is a bit on the pricey side, so it's not an everyday dining facility, but great for a special occasion or any serious foodies!</div>
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http://www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk/about/<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 12px; text-align: -webkit-center;">30 Victoria St (1st Floor) </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Edinburgh, Scotland </span></span><br />
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<u><b>La Garrigue</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20xuITSRKsVWxF_X5pjJl4JAZHE-kzIgYbc1V6iCXXQ8EsNRgb-sSH_zJFMX4NTuVBoF2U7_9FXnzNqGFDFIm8gabC-vl0zgm9iWEnMATygLAIt-oBp6RXEM-h8BQkWGFa1gfWC_KujPW/s1600/IMG_5420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20xuITSRKsVWxF_X5pjJl4JAZHE-kzIgYbc1V6iCXXQ8EsNRgb-sSH_zJFMX4NTuVBoF2U7_9FXnzNqGFDFIm8gabC-vl0zgm9iWEnMATygLAIt-oBp6RXEM-h8BQkWGFa1gfWC_KujPW/s320/IMG_5420.jpg" width="272" /></a>This place has been recommended as one of Gordon Ramsay's favourite restaurants, in fact, top in Scotland. So I was very excited to get to try this place out! It is a French restaurant, but no matter what your food tastes are they have a delightful menu that can suit anyones tastes! It is situated opposite Edinburgh's picturesque Carlton Hill, a couple of minutes from Waverley Station. The decor is just what you want from a restaurant. It feels as if you are somewhere in the heart of Europe, with French waiters, rustic design and a real family feel. It is a real gem! The food is simple, but fantastic. You could not ask for much more. One thing I would caution is that if you are not vegetarian I would definitely recommend choosing one of the meat dishes. My boyfriend had the duck, which was to die for - perfectly cooked, tender with crispy skin! I got food jealousy, again! I had ordered the catch of the day - monkfish, but I was not as impressed by it as I was by the meat. I'm sure this is not true of all the seafood dishes, but from what I saw, the meat was definitely their forté!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4so6FuUu4qa9MXRVh8nyYDGMy-V_3PAm4Jr1hWrFmKGRb1Umbyjqjup_B0uXfn6Kzld_32Q_e0MrpUPzXMMePzldas9W5x2a7Mk_us4WNhjsqnE-wW1ZPlbiTPOTjEQVtKB4gEwjG5pM8/s1600/IMG_5426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4so6FuUu4qa9MXRVh8nyYDGMy-V_3PAm4Jr1hWrFmKGRb1Umbyjqjup_B0uXfn6Kzld_32Q_e0MrpUPzXMMePzldas9W5x2a7Mk_us4WNhjsqnE-wW1ZPlbiTPOTjEQVtKB4gEwjG5pM8/s640/IMG_5426.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">http://www.lagarrigue.co.uk</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #464e54; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">31 Jeffrey Street<br />Edinburgh<br />EH1 1DH</strong></div>
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<b><u>Urban Angel</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx6senaHD6FsrpaxkgSkp-jbKwNeOVv8TZQkIwOPin3ueMcZH3LUot9dupRTxzre1YMqbm93lxjQqtsCAKaAuTWILj-ijFJppUgRHI4Vvaesxz2Pgt4ICpt3u5W-9yY0zIXQ6bDZxn7A5/s1600/IMG_5449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx6senaHD6FsrpaxkgSkp-jbKwNeOVv8TZQkIwOPin3ueMcZH3LUot9dupRTxzre1YMqbm93lxjQqtsCAKaAuTWILj-ijFJppUgRHI4Vvaesxz2Pgt4ICpt3u5W-9yY0zIXQ6bDZxn7A5/s200/IMG_5449.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNMX2i87poiNmosNetEs08eLLabdZks-LMhPFqfi7j3Z5LtpLU1x3xeZ97OW92rEN0T4kr4m9dpn-wXeZvvQuaPCWRZmXoD60fchRmdd0iLsw9OQj2ms5XFRYe0tMj1fX0wVaeJ1g89WL/s1600/IMG_5448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNMX2i87poiNmosNetEs08eLLabdZks-LMhPFqfi7j3Z5LtpLU1x3xeZ97OW92rEN0T4kr4m9dpn-wXeZvvQuaPCWRZmXoD60fchRmdd0iLsw9OQj2ms5XFRYe0tMj1fX0wVaeJ1g89WL/s320/IMG_5448.jpg" width="240" /></a>As it was my last day in Edinburgh today, I could not be bothered to make breakfast! So we went on a hunt for a good brunch in Edinburgh's New Town. Located on Hanover Street, Urban Angel is a must try! It is on the expensive side, costing about £10 pp for breakfast, so be warned! But, if you want to treat yourself this is a great place! I have never seen such beautiful eggs benedict and perfectly poached eggs! They offer a variety of egg dishes, oatmeal, smoothies and juices, salads and lots more! If you ar trying to get healthy this summer, this is a great place to start, they have lots of great smoothies and salads that may inspire you! I took note of the raw chocolate smoothie (that was soooooo good! - meaning a lot coming from a chocaholic!) and is definitely something I want to make at home and experiment with! Just for reference, they made it with cacao, agave syrup, banana and vanilla. So simple, so delicious and so nutritious! But it was the eggs that stole the show! I have included a number of photos, because I think they deserve the appreciation. If you are looking for somewhere low key, friendly and yummy, this is a must try!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.urban-angel.co.uk<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.24; padding: 0px;" valign="top">121 Hanover St Edinburgh, Midlothian EH2 1DJ<br /><nobr>0131 225 6215</nobr></td></tr>
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<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-20089710291388465772013-05-18T02:38:00.000-07:002013-05-19T01:49:17.580-07:00Chocolover<div style="text-align: center;">
Hands down this is my favourite thing in the whole wide world, and everyone who knows me knows that. My friend recently sent me a seductive link of a chocolate roulade being made that I just had to share for any other chocolovers out there. Nothing like good food porn on the weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/30482523" target="_blank"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IJ-QpK3Pxjj7tGKdltG2HD7nh_DNqoecGwSrOD4q51DPnoNYgAZYIBeymtqtARZzWNuU_AKzKTsIXWQJaO3SpsPjmwKVQz5-Z-BHCFVCZZidHFkd0XB2576WR-n4DwQL4Dq-I7LSlubJ/s1600/Chocolate_roulade_630x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IJ-QpK3Pxjj7tGKdltG2HD7nh_DNqoecGwSrOD4q51DPnoNYgAZYIBeymtqtARZzWNuU_AKzKTsIXWQJaO3SpsPjmwKVQz5-Z-BHCFVCZZidHFkd0XB2576WR-n4DwQL4Dq-I7LSlubJ/s400/Chocolate_roulade_630x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/30482523" style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">http://vimeo.com/30482523</span></a></td></tr>
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Due to my obsession, I wrote a little piece about it and how I sometimes (well most of the time) get carried away. Do excuse the obvious connotations, but it was definitely a laugh writing this. </div>
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<u>Chocolate.</u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Ah how this word bears the baron of my soul. I am obsessed with chocolate and everything about it. Every sense is tantalised. From the wrapper that cradles it to the ingredients that worm their way through your body. I can never resist it and never know why. The idea of it completely encapsulates and overpowers my conscience. Maybe this is due to the temptation of the pristine packaging, the glistening foil within, or the dark (sometimes light) shiny surface reflecting the light. I don't know. But, every thought of it begins clockworks in my brain. Thoughts are produced too triumphant for me to resist. I know I am close. So close that I cannot wait any longer. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I break the seal</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: red;">.</span> As the cocoa begins to run wild, the array of flavors waft towards me and my mind prepares to take the first bite. It prepares to let go and get lost in the magic. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Snap.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> My ear twitches as I break that first piece, knowing that there is no turning back. As the chocolate begins to melt between my finger tips my tastebuds start to salivate, the idea of eating it makes time slow down. I feel uncertain. What will encompass me? What will be unlocked? The anticipation is too much, I take one last look and...</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">BITE IT!</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">The first crunch sends shockwaves contracting every muscle in my body. But as the wonders are released I suddenly relax and feel somewhat comforted and alive. As it swirls and coats its cave the rest of my body sinks. I forget where I am, what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. All that matters is the sweet bliss being created. The 600 potential flavours start to reveal their infinite possibilities, as my rationality is engulfed. I no longer feel like my physical self, but a spirit exploring a whirlwind of sensations. But it doesn't last long. It starts to fade. The only thought that enters my brain is to recreate, prolong, this moment. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Do it again.</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">So I do. The second time being better than the first. The trance is enhanced and brings new levels of satisfaction. Being human all I want is more. So I keep going, keep elongating the moment. But there comes a point where the love unlocked turns to hatred. Suddenly I don't feel so invincible, but rather broken down. My stomach starts to scream as I continue to force the sugary sensation upon it, “It’s too much, </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">too much!</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">” But I don't listen, I don't care because the memory of that moment is too powerful. The moment where I know what I am about to do. But that's just it. It's only a moment and no more. After that point my body is no longer innocent and pure. It just delves deeper and deeper into the unknown, as it gets swallowed by the deep dark mass of the bean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoyed my romantic love story with a bar of chocolate. Despite the bad ending, as with every fairy tale there is a happy one waiting to be told. So have no fear I shall be posting some fantastic things on chocolates I love and recommend, as well as recipes involving it. Over and out :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-92071258461681786522013-05-12T05:33:00.002-07:002013-05-12T08:05:26.533-07:00TheFatFlat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vsfnnm2hJ6YlHLdJtooigL3-VYsTm2y4EL1WG_7b98xU1rtf1Lt612b_KNespv-Ry_EOKt5Z2VIPgnbO8mW52C_l3fMbADg4yVaUFzAkFxonKaRZ063B6BGPuLmioAQlyATrIyg12dT8/s1600/IMG_4720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vsfnnm2hJ6YlHLdJtooigL3-VYsTm2y4EL1WG_7b98xU1rtf1Lt612b_KNespv-Ry_EOKt5Z2VIPgnbO8mW52C_l3fMbADg4yVaUFzAkFxonKaRZ063B6BGPuLmioAQlyATrIyg12dT8/s320/IMG_4720.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
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In Edinburgh I live with 3 other lovely ladies, all weird and wonderful in their own mystical ways. </div>
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The <b><u>African one</u></b>, lets call her Matuki, is the one you would go to to find out anything, everything and about everyone. She is fantastic at marketing, even though she studies classics, and she was quick to brand our twisted little family. (As the picture above shows). </div>
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My other flatmate, <u><b>the Greek/South African/ Portugese/ whatever else you can think of adding into the mix</b></u>, stuck to this by whipping up a delicious Greek feast for us fatties and a couple of others who we tried to convert. </div>
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And just so the final one doesn't feel left out, stay tuned to find out more about <b><u>the French one</u></b>. She has many culinary skills similar to the likes of those at Laudrée, Le Meurice et La Patisserie de Reves. She makes the Champs-Elysees of cakes, roasts and soups! Unfortunately there was a crisis with her baguettes and comté cheese production and she had to leave us for a few short days. So she missed out on this delightful soiree. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpYM7Jrp-K45jPnJA5JBS6MAy40NWjOPCrSjq5q-GSvV66GqaUA6s0bkO9cI_SkTWOx6X8uh9nfFFsPnXaU5Ww2JFFBlmJ82582uF9QYjrH5vd6j-8udLRbF7bADraUaEswX5Ll6TXor5/s1600/IMG_4722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpYM7Jrp-K45jPnJA5JBS6MAy40NWjOPCrSjq5q-GSvV66GqaUA6s0bkO9cI_SkTWOx6X8uh9nfFFsPnXaU5Ww2JFFBlmJ82582uF9QYjrH5vd6j-8udLRbF7bADraUaEswX5Ll6TXor5/s320/IMG_4722.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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Sticking to what we know best, and in order to feed the masses, we had a traditional greek salad and fakes (otherwise known as lentil soup or peasant food - no joke, this is what would be eaten widely in greece because it is very filling and very cheap to make). The jumble of cultured flat mate is fantastic at making these. They are my absolute favourite, especially when I'm feeling down, I always feel loved after a bowl of these (and another and another and another). We call it "Yiayia's (Grandma's) cooking!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SLGnh0-E0yazwY8j_AKzmJtzjMgxSBzzI-0IL_tbRPSqRJQ8r90Vn8eqoMsHC3z93yujeeWe7Zux4PfzQnPLBwh6bxgMcoWg3YwQF9pD1WoS13a_-7vgd2lAKRw-glnn3CKHP-RGBgSB/s1600/IMG_4723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SLGnh0-E0yazwY8j_AKzmJtzjMgxSBzzI-0IL_tbRPSqRJQ8r90Vn8eqoMsHC3z93yujeeWe7Zux4PfzQnPLBwh6bxgMcoWg3YwQF9pD1WoS13a_-7vgd2lAKRw-glnn3CKHP-RGBgSB/s400/IMG_4723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Greek salad is very easy to make and the concept comes from what foods are available to you. So, if we were in Greece, for summer, the tomatoes would be in abundance, gorgeous cucumbers would raid the fridge and red onion would peak out the ground! The locals would have fresh feta at the ready and dried oregano, hand-picked fresh from the mountains. And not to mention, the staple ingredient, Greek Olive Oil. Far better than Extra Virgin, in fact it is so Virgin that not even Balsamic could de-purify it. But, alas, we are not in Greece but in humdrum Scotland, so Lidl and Tesco's versions of all that had to do!<br />
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<b><u>Classic Greek Salad:</u></b><br />
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<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
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- A whole cucumber<br />
- 1 Red Onion (large)<br />
- As many tomatoes as you can fit (organic is best)<br />
- A Block of Feta<br />
- Dried Oregano<br />
- Salt, Pepper<br />
- Olive Oil<br />
- Lemon Juice<br />
- Parsley (optional)<br />
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<u>Method:</u><br />
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1) Chop up the tomatoes, onions and cucumber into desired segments toss them in a salad bowl<br />
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2) Add the block of feta on top (as done in greek restaurants) or crumble it over the top<br />
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3) Sprinkle Oregano<br />
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4) Drizzle Olive oil, and Lemon Juice<br />
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5) Season and add chopped parsley if desired<br />
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Et voila, Kali Orexi! (Bon appetite!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaJuGQtGJYIRAzGx9MBpNohH5MJ6AyjRMH5HkTigTCO8wToXWU1jAM16k-xxDX71Ch-J3gsT4WY56qXJ2HpnUcPNF3LTaqEhRs8hlz_gzRDSgLY3EY7iEzyRY4cFUSeyjHYsb_jgXZFka/s1600/IMG_4728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaJuGQtGJYIRAzGx9MBpNohH5MJ6AyjRMH5HkTigTCO8wToXWU1jAM16k-xxDX71Ch-J3gsT4WY56qXJ2HpnUcPNF3LTaqEhRs8hlz_gzRDSgLY3EY7iEzyRY4cFUSeyjHYsb_jgXZFka/s320/IMG_4728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As for the <b><u>Lentils</u></b> the recipe is as follows:</div>
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<u>Ingredients:</u></div>
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- 8oz Red Split Lentils</div>
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- 1 white onion, finely chopped</div>
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- 1 carrot, finely chopped</div>
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- Oregano, Bay leaf Black Pepper</div>
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- Tomato Paste, 1 tbsp</div>
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- few cloves of garlic, depending how much you like</div>
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<u>Method:</u></div>
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1) Boil the Lentils for 10 minutes in a pan</div>
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2) Drain the Lentils</div>
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3) Place 2tbsp of olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion </div>
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4) When softened add the garlic, carrot and herbs</div>
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5) After a couple of minutes stir in the lentils, to absorb the flavour</div>
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6) Add enough water to cover the lentils and leave on a low heat to simmer for about 30-40 mins, stir in the tomato paste about half way through</div>
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7) When you have your desired texture, serve up and eat away!</div>
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Goes lovely with some warm crusty bread! Courtesy of Lidl of course.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ8N5T0jHzBsp0q0gW8PA8n1QlaCJOSHH1noqxuoBno8Tcfqs-GbAHYcuuIdSej_Ax1CgR2nVsqdag_qg4sISDxF1Noy8D7vS8gY72bZ6uRQg3qeQ-d6OvY87BfZ4M1J9e5hq-fDNKKnD/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ8N5T0jHzBsp0q0gW8PA8n1QlaCJOSHH1noqxuoBno8Tcfqs-GbAHYcuuIdSej_Ax1CgR2nVsqdag_qg4sISDxF1Noy8D7vS8gY72bZ6uRQg3qeQ-d6OvY87BfZ4M1J9e5hq-fDNKKnD/s400/IMG_4738.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Overall, it was a great evening, the only thing missing was the ouzo! But with great friends, phenomenal food and atmospheric music what more could one ask for. This is a must try! I hope you enjoy, and thanks again to the mixed up mumbo jumbled weird one for cooking :) S'agapo! (I Love You).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-LZR12fH008v4YWnn9Qa2bh6KCgxXaCYIahC8Xp3bXmAsDYT0YX9x8GlYlXSHHPpn3StZahpRztEm-tvCrY5py2q01fWDjjubZcjPC6xqo2IJdZIfGbBqIEF0g6sI1eXAN4RgprxDSvU/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-LZR12fH008v4YWnn9Qa2bh6KCgxXaCYIahC8Xp3bXmAsDYT0YX9x8GlYlXSHHPpn3StZahpRztEm-tvCrY5py2q01fWDjjubZcjPC6xqo2IJdZIfGbBqIEF0g6sI1eXAN4RgprxDSvU/s320/IMG_4736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-56263385528957100802013-05-05T10:57:00.003-07:002013-05-05T10:57:38.469-07:00ShundayShellfish<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnME4KmgoHbjbn4-_0RQ-jWp3yuyQWD8k5LG4TK64Mml4B9hLn0lMR1Rdic2KIgX_ZuPBMI7NGAIusvp08H0LTghFpLeV6KNDovFvzWgR987nOJl2aj7gxCK-bMqGMQrl1y4Qa9DCBL0_f/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnME4KmgoHbjbn4-_0RQ-jWp3yuyQWD8k5LG4TK64Mml4B9hLn0lMR1Rdic2KIgX_ZuPBMI7NGAIusvp08H0LTghFpLeV6KNDovFvzWgR987nOJl2aj7gxCK-bMqGMQrl1y4Qa9DCBL0_f/s320/IMG_4668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.theshipontheshore.co.uk </td></tr>
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Today is Greek Easter Sunday. As I am stuck up in Edinburgh my parents decided to come up and celebrate with me for an unconventional Easter Sunday. Usually we have a table full of heavy foods such as lamb, magiritsa and tsourekaki and lots and lots of family. I'm sure you have all seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Just imagine that. But today we celebrated differently, with the fruits of the sea, 'Fruit De Mer' to be exact. I chose to go to Ship on The Shore, in Leith. I have been reading about this place for about a year, but because it is out of our 1 mile Edinburgh bubble I never took the opportunity to go. Well, I had been missing out! I can safely say I now know why it was coming top of all the reviews. From the staff, to atmosphere, location and ultimately food phenomena! This must be on your list of places to try if you love seafood or are a foodie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Am23kfRKR1zE1Urarf12jdlcq4zXxfUdhTibGLw1QC4Z0FZTCGb2B7vijCppi8ne5xU-6NOGIwwSYGUtevR_1C7geMo4VtR9O61_7mutPAezXMtZRi1Qa8rFoywBieqWr3f3VWnh2c4/s1600/IMG_4667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Am23kfRKR1zE1Urarf12jdlcq4zXxfUdhTibGLw1QC4Z0FZTCGb2B7vijCppi8ne5xU-6NOGIwwSYGUtevR_1C7geMo4VtR9O61_7mutPAezXMtZRi1Qa8rFoywBieqWr3f3VWnh2c4/s320/IMG_4667.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2ASzkNFqyJ7iPG61ow680iM5OJmWBBiXhZbQYriTZhJ5oym9gQAqM6mTsDSBfYHStttuX6BrpukHvYt084IoeM5JiKH5wAS55Gem8_uG01FmdJ3iy7L02w5EFRtKY4SbmrY_QDGnUqDZ/s1600/IMG_4670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2ASzkNFqyJ7iPG61ow680iM5OJmWBBiXhZbQYriTZhJ5oym9gQAqM6mTsDSBfYHStttuX6BrpukHvYt084IoeM5JiKH5wAS55Gem8_uG01FmdJ3iy7L02w5EFRtKY4SbmrY_QDGnUqDZ/s320/IMG_4670.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is a beautiful restaurant, that looks more like a pub, but has a very chilled and friendly atmosphere. My favourite kind of place, not pretentious or pompous. Just fantastic food, sensational service and an amiable atmosphere. (And yes I did try and use alliteration for these words as best as I could remember from my school English lessons.) As I walked in the first thing that caught my eye was the seafood platter, better known as 'Fruit De Mer'. My eyes were fixated on it until we were led to our table. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops on the Fruit De Mer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oysters on the Fruit De Mer<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Luckily, my mum, sister and myself opted for the Fruit De Mer 'Royale' - Oh yes terribly posh! It was an astounding array (ooo alliteration again!) of shellfish. We had everything from langoustines, lobster, smoked salmon, grilled salmon, oysters, clams, razor clams, mussels, scallops, crab and mackerel. With sides of chips and salad, not to be forgotten! Very crucial part of the meal. My mouth is just watering by rewriting this, and I am stuffed at the moment!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit De Mer Royale - In all its glory</td></tr>
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Everything was amazing. I especially liked the razor clams and the claws of the langoustines (far nicer than crab ;) ). It comes served cold over ice, but there is a warm option if you aren't too keen on cold shellfish. They also have smaller and cheaper options if you still want to try some but not make a hole in your wallet. The great thing is they have all sorts to choose from, and if someone in your party isn't a fishy one, then they have other options such as steak! Which looked good from the sneak peak I got from the table behind us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its Alive!!!</td></tr>
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I have to mention that today I tried my first raw oyster, and boy was it an experience I won't forget. I did not know that you are meant to just swallow them whole and not even chew them. Unfortunately, it was one of the worst things I have put in my mouth. It felt like a slimey blob sliding down my oesophagus. (If you would like to experience that moment stay tuned as I will get a video up as soon as I sort my blogger out!). However, if you like oysters they looked incredible. I just shan't be swallowing one again any time soon. Very unlike me to not like a food!<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Anyway, aside from these shenanigans it is a brilliant place to go. As for pricing I would say it's medium - high priced, with the Fruit De Mer costing between £60 - 90 for 2-3 people. But for the quality of food and quantity it is well worth it for a special occasion! I would definitely recommend this place in the summer as well as they have some nice tables outside to sit by the mouth of the river. Leith is a gorgeous part of Edinburgh that I would love to go for a drink when the weather gets warmer. </span></div>
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If you have your car or your bike get on it and go to Leith!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-85803528530175138432013-04-30T15:05:00.001-07:002013-04-30T15:05:20.206-07:00GetFrisky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The sun was shining in Edinburgh today, so what better way to enjoy the sun than with a froyo! Frisky opened earlier this year and it took me a while to try frozen yoghurt. I did not like the concept at first as I thought nothing could be better than ice cream. But I admit, I have been converted to a yoghurt loving freak. This is my absolute favourite place for a sugary treat. The amazing thing is it is fat free, uses raw cane sugar(best of all the sugars out there), pro-biotics and other lovely super foods so it isn't even that naughty. Which is great because it means you can eat lots of it :)<br />
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My favourite at the moment is natural topped with passion fruit, lychees and mango or blueberries. The combination is just an explosion in my mouth. I love it! However, when I first tried natural I did not like it, so for a while mango was my favourite flavour. I would recommend this also, but nothing beats natural as you can go crazy with toppings. I am not a huge fan of the chocolate flavour, I'd rather have chocolate chips on top. It is quite pricey, so it is not an everyday treat, but the portions are large in comparison to what you get with an ice-cream serving, so you get your moneys worth.<br />
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It is an all round great place and the staff are super friendly - bonus! If you ever visit Edinburgh, I would definitely recommend this place. Its froyo is far better than the ones I have tried in London and I prefer the atmosphere. Also added amazingness, its open until 11pm, so any midnight craves can be pleasantly satisfied! So, go get frisky!<br />
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Here is the website for more info: <a href="http://www.friskyfroyo.com/" target="_blank">http://www.friskyfroyo.com</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-29627256143834702782013-04-23T13:59:00.000-07:002013-04-23T13:59:25.306-07:00Speltified<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bursting Blueberries</td></tr>
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Yesterday I bought <b><u>Spelt flour</u></b> for the first time. Personally I find that regular flour bloats my tummy, so I am on the hunt for better alternatives. Many say rye is meant to be a good alternative but it was worse than normal bread - my flat mates and I looked pregnant for weeks after eating the stuff. But back to spelt. I was excited to start baking with spelt this morning that I could not sleep. I had so many ideas running through my head this morning that I had to get up. I thought I'd keep things simple and start with easy concepts that I could later develop.<br />
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The first idea that came to me was pancakes. I have never actually made American style pancakes before I always used to make Crepes. But I thought today was the day this had to change. So I was flicking through recipes online to find ones with the least hassle. I came across one that seemed pretty simple and it was, but the actual taste that resulted was rather bland. So for next time I have conjured up some ideas that I will try (and I'll write down so you can try as well), as well as some last minute tweaks I made whilst eating that created a delightful treat.<br />
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Basic Ingredients:<br />
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- 1 cup of flour (any kind)<br />
- 1 tbsp sugar<br />
- 2 tbsp baking powder<br />
- pinch of salt<br />
- 1 cup soy milk<br />
- 2 tbsp oil (veg or olive)<br />
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Adaptations for next time:<br />
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- Instead of sugar you could try mashing a banana, I think this gives more sweetness than sugar and is healthier too!<br />
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- Another thing I added to one batch, and would like to experiment more, is orange zest. Though I'd add orange juice as well, and go ahead with spices such as cinnamon (can also use other citrus fruits like lemon or lime) <br />
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- Go crazy with anything you like, such as; nuts, dried fruit, real fruit, chocolate, spices, juices and anything else you could fit in a pancake. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdcT0ezmTrSAm40KFdvEkUBnp16mu0bxeZ3Vin4thHodkCJX_JDLMEfUx2mlw1ZDg3BfZGTSVYY2ydf-dMUch-2TbvoeY4shEJlSW6PdhVUMrv04QgUIUZGlmoVL58pR42-3sPxmK-fnY/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdcT0ezmTrSAm40KFdvEkUBnp16mu0bxeZ3Vin4thHodkCJX_JDLMEfUx2mlw1ZDg3BfZGTSVYY2ydf-dMUch-2TbvoeY4shEJlSW6PdhVUMrv04QgUIUZGlmoVL58pR42-3sPxmK-fnY/s320/IMG_4532.JPG" width="320" /></a>Method:<br />
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1) Put the stove on medium heat with a pan on it<br />
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2) Combine the 4 dry ingredients in a bowl<br />
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3) Then add the milk and oil<br />
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4) Mix until smooth<br />
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5) Now take a spoonful of mix onto the pan (about one small ladles worth)<br />
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6) When bubbles (as shown in the pic on the left) start to form or the edges stiffen, flip the pancake<br />
7) And plate up!<br />
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Now this method is for a simple pancake mix, but I would recommend experimenting with different flavours! Some I did today were blueberry, cinnamon and raisin and cinnamon, raisin and orange. I liked the sweetness of the blueberry ones but the ones with orange had the most potential I thought. In fact a recipe I would like to try is with banana, orange, raisin and chocolate chip.<br />
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Because the initial pancakes were bland I got bored. So I went to the cupboard, got the chocolate (milk and white, though dark is healthier!) out and placed it on the pancakes and whacked them in the microwave to melt. I then added raspberries on top and OMG it was an oozing, melting, electric sensation on my tastebuds. I went crazy, chocolate mad and ended up eating the entire pancake batch with as many chocolate combinations as I could think of.<br />
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However, this is not healthy and I do not recommend as part of a daily routine. So, if you do like your chocolate I recommend getting small chunks or chocolate chips adding them in the batter so they melt with the fruit and spices to make an amalgamation of phenomenality to tantalise your tastebuds.<br />
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I don't think I will be having pancakes for breakfast for a while now, but I will continue this experimentation very soon! Go crazy with flavours, the more the better!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ckfGl0vC_Nwdino8ol0lYGNHorQSzR8c9-ShsvuZGETRk7jVPs0xnPJd0oCg0OSUJy4k6U_CmKkifTtpykT7yZ-QD4lh-XZfVbVf01tOTrEJfnPfxigMeQEUVbcAnI5-3YC75ng5BIoY/s1600/IMG_4545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ckfGl0vC_Nwdino8ol0lYGNHorQSzR8c9-ShsvuZGETRk7jVPs0xnPJd0oCg0OSUJy4k6U_CmKkifTtpykT7yZ-QD4lh-XZfVbVf01tOTrEJfnPfxigMeQEUVbcAnI5-3YC75ng5BIoY/s640/IMG_4545.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast fit for a princess</td></tr>
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My second Spelt attempt was in bread making and this was very, very simple and worth doing no matter what. Its so easy that it only takes 3 mins to prep! All you need is;<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8ML7sm4lCDba08a4PgjfENG3lkWEmX3pRksa8h24HBKIu2r0MLprjQnvGRFC3Nw6C8ngUZbqgk6UNNgFQPC58vIYywOiwNVcr5CnvJ_fgmneCGpsonOsVqmnAj3TueeEWH5BH3eHdc97/s1600/IMG_4554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8ML7sm4lCDba08a4PgjfENG3lkWEmX3pRksa8h24HBKIu2r0MLprjQnvGRFC3Nw6C8ngUZbqgk6UNNgFQPC58vIYywOiwNVcr5CnvJ_fgmneCGpsonOsVqmnAj3TueeEWH5BH3eHdc97/s400/IMG_4554.jpg" width="300" /></a>- 500g Spelt flour<br />
- 10g fast action yeast<br />
- 1/2 tsp salt<br />
- 150g mixed seeds (whatever you fancy)<br />
- 500 ml warm water<br />
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Method:<br />
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1) Preheat oven to 200C<br />
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2) Combine all the ingredients, adding the water last<br />
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3) Mix well until a dough forms<br />
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4) Dump into a greased loaf tin (I used a square one for variation)<br />
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5) Bake for an hour<br />
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6) Before serving warm for another 10 mins out of the tin<br />
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PLEASE NOTE: a big mistake I made was using greaseproof paper. It stuck to the bread and I couldn't get it off. All you need to do is flour the sides of the tin, because the bread actually pulls away from the sides of the tin.<br />
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Otherwise, I was very happy with the outcome and don't see why this shouldn't be a weekly occurrence. Its so simple and easy to make and not much can go wrong!<br />
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Spelt is a wonderful nutty grain and well worth a try! And if you like experimenting there's lots to get cracking with :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-80321907635371426902013-04-21T09:25:00.001-07:002013-04-21T09:25:35.464-07:00FatAthyDoesBrunch<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU2rZ50eGHqc8d4ApxD0B7PdP3KcDd2df5O51KDzSMWAbJd7Yz60I9EeZyMtwoZZIX6342F6sdZZgCbqs4BxJM0GIuaVAglLc9klz9hHphAhzXlbPAMADkvkq1UJj3uT6xSyDmB325DaB/s1600/IMG_4517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU2rZ50eGHqc8d4ApxD0B7PdP3KcDd2df5O51KDzSMWAbJd7Yz60I9EeZyMtwoZZIX6342F6sdZZgCbqs4BxJM0GIuaVAglLc9klz9hHphAhzXlbPAMADkvkq1UJj3uT6xSyDmB325DaB/s200/IMG_4517.JPG" width="200" /></a>My mum had a load of her university friends over today, and what was meant to be a brunch ended up as lunch, but I tried out a few new things that I wanted to share with you! I had a variety of ideas that I wanted to play around with, but due to time constraints and other factors I had to settle down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJgbMiKOkYuw_14Vqfyb_UCySDD8D09ozZfkolBiXQAx3PbnJHhriyajWD7qGaTfvC5WoqH2jOaWBm5fyE-MLdFbMQ4_hWruS542yznyBFg8f68EPrMLEOkvbF5dG_gir67Yd6hhImSRC/s1600/IMG_4509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJgbMiKOkYuw_14Vqfyb_UCySDD8D09ozZfkolBiXQAx3PbnJHhriyajWD7qGaTfvC5WoqH2jOaWBm5fyE-MLdFbMQ4_hWruS542yznyBFg8f68EPrMLEOkvbF5dG_gir67Yd6hhImSRC/s320/IMG_4509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Being Greek I felt it was about time I attempted to make Hummus. I have to say, its not in my blood, I definitely need to work on my chickpea skills.</div>
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To give me a start I used the instructions on the Tahini pot to make it, but I would not recommend doing this as it does not give you the right consistency or flavour! A rough outline of what I did is as follows:</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 1 can of chickpeas</div>
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-115g Tahini</div>
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-A lot of Lemon Juice</div>
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- A lot of Olive Oil</div>
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- Salt and Pepper to taste</div>
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- Cumin</div>
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- Paprika</div>
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- 6 Garlic Cloves (Use more or less depending on what you like)</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwM4B_5Jd3d9BpiwViLb1UtByibwrb6aPeVR3BduaMiHuGCGRZkeKyrySKuykIcP3PZLJ9mv3_N160Y0h8KGAN0_E17UgQuBchsAb51O0U5RhkRkLodwfl_IIn_C4Ne-Wh8vzluh9f75k/s1600/IMG_4499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwM4B_5Jd3d9BpiwViLb1UtByibwrb6aPeVR3BduaMiHuGCGRZkeKyrySKuykIcP3PZLJ9mv3_N160Y0h8KGAN0_E17UgQuBchsAb51O0U5RhkRkLodwfl_IIn_C4Ne-Wh8vzluh9f75k/s320/IMG_4499.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Method:<br />
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1) In a food processor blend the chickpeas and tahini<br />
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2) Add Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Seasoning and the Paprika and Cumin<br />
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3) Add approx. 3 tbsp tap water until you get the consistency you desire<br />
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4) Serve with a dash of paprika on the top, a swizzle of oil and a sprinkling of parsley (which I forgot to do - typical)<br />
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The second dip I made was a basil pesto. (I also made enough to work as a pasta sauce). Compared to my hummus this worked out very well and I shall definitely be making it again and trying weird adaptations to see what flavours can be enhanced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQm4IiCmlmbLUYlgEMsQPibL9JThaVgYENiDyoq1LZsgv3mx0e9Q-HjBDRWluztJR76g6kavpiNWMTdS2Fw_KTCwTD_qp5pAHugaW5gioIwq0HX8Q9sPdrYJwU0x1FTOWVOYpYEf808Ot/s1600/IMG_4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQm4IiCmlmbLUYlgEMsQPibL9JThaVgYENiDyoq1LZsgv3mx0e9Q-HjBDRWluztJR76g6kavpiNWMTdS2Fw_KTCwTD_qp5pAHugaW5gioIwq0HX8Q9sPdrYJwU0x1FTOWVOYpYEf808Ot/s320/IMG_4469.JPG" width="320" /></a>Ingredients:<br />
- 2 cups of fresh basil<br />
- 2 cloves of garlic<br />
- 2/3 cup of olive oil<br />
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts (+ extra to serve)<br />
- 1/2 cup of cheese (Pecorino, or another sheep's milk cheese)<br />
- Seasoning<br />
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Method:<br />
- In a food processor blend all of the ingredients together until you have a nice thick paste<br />
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- Toast some pine nuts and mix through the pesto for an alternative texture<br />
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- Serve and garnish as desired :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ugIvH9pmU3Phmdv43_csL0ucUaV5mgXuhuTXASSpqA-z1hoh55Lp5l6K-AaCNCgZdQA2OL0BD6zUDwdi2XXCigoqpVqNsTRZ7YKPCMV-RKEX8fhEfafIAq8xBTrfO9beVSiUh56xwZWe/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ugIvH9pmU3Phmdv43_csL0ucUaV5mgXuhuTXASSpqA-z1hoh55Lp5l6K-AaCNCgZdQA2OL0BD6zUDwdi2XXCigoqpVqNsTRZ7YKPCMV-RKEX8fhEfafIAq8xBTrfO9beVSiUh56xwZWe/s640/IMG_4510.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil Pesto Pasta</td></tr>
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As well as being greek I am also half cypriot. So in order to stick to both my roots I thought I had to do something with Halloumi Cheese (Cypriots put this in EVERYTHING!).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wUvG70rb1ECZjVuJnfo6OsVNHw4tgWWbpbQPpCzcmtZcL9jT8CIKDA6wTyRCwP-ph3zNLP58MqHRy9IyJZtkBM5PPBQk2ad72NqIfljHsAXnL2yPQZCeXDrTV7TnYmRuStWDPCRWgMSR/s1600/IMG_4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wUvG70rb1ECZjVuJnfo6OsVNHw4tgWWbpbQPpCzcmtZcL9jT8CIKDA6wTyRCwP-ph3zNLP58MqHRy9IyJZtkBM5PPBQk2ad72NqIfljHsAXnL2yPQZCeXDrTV7TnYmRuStWDPCRWgMSR/s320/IMG_4512.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Because I love Spain and all the foods it has to offer I decided to also use some chorizo to make a simple yet delicious halloumi and chorizo salad. All I did was dry fry the chorizo to release its fats in a frying pan. Then when it had gained a bit of colour I added cubed halloumi and a little seasoning. It is cooked once browned but not burnt. I tossed this over some fresh salad leaves and a little lemon juice. I would recommend to eat this immediately to get the full juiciness of the cheese and chorizo.<br />
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My next venture was Roasted Vegetables (Well<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisge3vNzLNf_UmeLww-Tjd3UrAPTaFYche2XwUD9oCdZO3yOD8vxiH0trY_EPotC9LpFR18XCH0glB512jFHownlQXxyaoEdK7Dw7sCCcZcFOIulgrKYo-rLIQrbWaMJazsNU7491iVgMO/s1600/IMG_4508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisge3vNzLNf_UmeLww-Tjd3UrAPTaFYche2XwUD9oCdZO3yOD8vxiH0trY_EPotC9LpFR18XCH0glB512jFHownlQXxyaoEdK7Dw7sCCcZcFOIulgrKYo-rLIQrbWaMJazsNU7491iVgMO/s320/IMG_4508.JPG" width="320" /></a>actually my mum put them together, I just stated what was to happen to them!) This is a really simple but yummy dish. All you do is chop up your desired vegetables, we used; peppers, garlic, aubergine, courgettes, red onion and baby vine tomatoes. Toss these with olive oil, balsamic, seasoning and a bit of thyme and fling in the oven for about 40 mins (make sure to cover the tray with aluminium foil to keep all the lovely flavours inside!) Just before serving I crumbled some goats cheese that helps accentuate the sweetness of the vegetables to make a wonderful harmony of flavours and colours!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJesI5CZOst_jRhM4-txStXCxW0KcFIWoTQQSeYa5bv42xvqlAlIcZASd9zce9avr4o2YYxb9UcE-lboT9Y1w_BEvHegNJB3JugxwIkTCdBntAQ54znHmiQe4Vm-h2QTnIlfZGQDvmD8Vo/s1600/IMG_4513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJesI5CZOst_jRhM4-txStXCxW0KcFIWoTQQSeYa5bv42xvqlAlIcZASd9zce9avr4o2YYxb9UcE-lboT9Y1w_BEvHegNJB3JugxwIkTCdBntAQ54znHmiQe4Vm-h2QTnIlfZGQDvmD8Vo/s640/IMG_4513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marinated baby artichokes</td></tr>
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The next part was the best part of 'brunch', dessert (although I guess technically you don't serve dessert at brunch, but we are far from conventional!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34B7zwDKdyJZ93B9YHsgyNmTEOwSrNFDIBCKuMnKSbSZD2wwLn2ubTLkaiJacCZRs3aVjHWxGOnzGG0fHeantd6TEboxapJFDl8zu_YEZ-JuFZ6Ne8klrkD6rVXxBwNMa7sIWCXB5Mqe2/s1600/IMG_4515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34B7zwDKdyJZ93B9YHsgyNmTEOwSrNFDIBCKuMnKSbSZD2wwLn2ubTLkaiJacCZRs3aVjHWxGOnzGG0fHeantd6TEboxapJFDl8zu_YEZ-JuFZ6Ne8klrkD6rVXxBwNMa7sIWCXB5Mqe2/s640/IMG_4515.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic FatAthyFruitSalad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9mzuFe7-IqFSWDUg23iVhRqhosX0QlTLgWup-Zn1dO3t-l9ibxqNzzVB-hz34ISq2Su6_Kz2-CsNOkoj7nHpuovmRNcEd_kJ7_bgtpFTbSGF04rGbxifJBVLlwhHsDeeoWBEU2rX5YJG/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9mzuFe7-IqFSWDUg23iVhRqhosX0QlTLgWup-Zn1dO3t-l9ibxqNzzVB-hz34ISq2Su6_Kz2-CsNOkoj7nHpuovmRNcEd_kJ7_bgtpFTbSGF04rGbxifJBVLlwhHsDeeoWBEU2rX5YJG/s320/IMG_4511.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FatAthy's OJ</td></tr>
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For this part we had a variety of cheeses, grapes, chocolates, ice cream, crackers and a couple of other things I attempted. The first is pictured here on the right. Caramelised Onion Jam. This is REALLY simple to make but one of my favourite things of all time and if you love cheese boards this makes a wonderful compliment. To make this all you need is a little oil, balsamic, honey/dark brown sugar and 3 onions (red or white - though I've tried both and red is definitely nicer!) To begin with heat 3 tbsp oil on a low heat. Place the chopped onion and slowly sautee for about 15-20 mins, until softened through completely. Then to caramelise add 3 tbsp of balsamic and honey (or sugar) for another 10 mins, still on a low heat. Serve immediately if you like it warm, for example on a burger. Or place in a clean jar and store in the fridge. This would also work as a fantastic topping on pastry with a little cheese crumbled on top. This is definitely worth a try!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ13SDkzWqsOF4tK7OoUg7MMcAlg_cfcghe-zcOYWDPNim-oc48kNNA40esANzf0OFjsyqpmofZ-8ifBqtPXs1htLzlTsTY8H-FXm_fU2mCYTyR2-KHOAB_D1sMsSAS5-vfokicMaqz6y/s1600/IMG_4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ13SDkzWqsOF4tK7OoUg7MMcAlg_cfcghe-zcOYWDPNim-oc48kNNA40esANzf0OFjsyqpmofZ-8ifBqtPXs1htLzlTsTY8H-FXm_fU2mCYTyR2-KHOAB_D1sMsSAS5-vfokicMaqz6y/s640/IMG_4516.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonidas Truffles</td></tr>
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My final venture was a recipe by Raymond Blanc (But I tweaked it a little - mostly because we didn't have all the ingredients). This is a very nice light cake, perfect after a hoard of food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe7wsGGfvX0yyk8980hR8U9TkJKi6SmUAMC1PP_5DYTGx6W2h_YL9ZngR9T9SfrSaZyb6hg8m2p4yaVI_ftCsRKENERv13xYsb2JuLp8DEnS9G9b3ETRExxe_EOxmN51TurvuyMJFi9Kx/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe7wsGGfvX0yyk8980hR8U9TkJKi6SmUAMC1PP_5DYTGx6W2h_YL9ZngR9T9SfrSaZyb6hg8m2p4yaVI_ftCsRKENERv13xYsb2JuLp8DEnS9G9b3ETRExxe_EOxmN51TurvuyMJFi9Kx/s400/IMG_4471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oven explosion :D</td></tr>
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The link for the recipe is here: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lemon_cake_29430">http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lemon_cake_29430</a><br />
The only changes I made were I used brandy instead of dark rum and golden caster sugar instead of caster sugar (enhances the lemon flavour I think!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1vENvkFBXi1ojhtJeFeG7trQDMuN67xfaIaQnuUt9eVnR1cxT48YBkll8fksqBSM5b_ZAbldza7iTiEt_9L5-FgmVEXMCqapoKZvSdurgCLRwj8OseagWfenYRmvl5YWzAzZTNE_hJI1/s1600/IMG_4480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1vENvkFBXi1ojhtJeFeG7trQDMuN67xfaIaQnuUt9eVnR1cxT48YBkll8fksqBSM5b_ZAbldza7iTiEt_9L5-FgmVEXMCqapoKZvSdurgCLRwj8OseagWfenYRmvl5YWzAzZTNE_hJI1/s640/IMG_4480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hope you enjoyed some of the things I had to show and that you get to try some out!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-12861529163093267062013-04-18T01:42:00.001-07:002013-04-18T01:42:24.589-07:00BusyBee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmePBM8MqJdGzvrj2chDMHGsG-PDlTJFMAU0c9fH0_hYzT8PPHjqScBlY6caPUnHFk5dxWzQnUgO_8luyo0N06TLm_YbGBpLn8lkhqTFlh8SAzC-7WTNAWtZElnrwD2bexMYdIJ4kpjhD/s1600/IMG_4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmePBM8MqJdGzvrj2chDMHGsG-PDlTJFMAU0c9fH0_hYzT8PPHjqScBlY6caPUnHFk5dxWzQnUgO_8luyo0N06TLm_YbGBpLn8lkhqTFlh8SAzC-7WTNAWtZElnrwD2bexMYdIJ4kpjhD/s320/IMG_4454.jpg" width="240" /></a>Yesterday, myself and my sister went in search for Indigo.</div>
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Indigo is part of One Aldwych Place near the Strand and Covent Garden.</div>
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It is quite different to how I imagined from the reviews I'd read. </div>
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I imagined it as a light airy place, very quiet and peaceful, but it was the complete opposite. Nonetheless, I kind of liked it! It had a vibrant atmosphere with lots of people, but I think next time I'd rather go for a drink there, unless I was in a large party then I'd definitely opt for dinner. </div>
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I also think that lunch time has a very different atmosphere so I'll have to give it a try and let you know!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUmJM7_6FfkuWV-ZiBVPyrH2rpKxZMkE3a5cEbohrfx4azGSnHjcczvgc-o1jKqNV-d2-pwyN3B_41TBlwswzYNc0xx-gjv5f-YI3ZuVxrlXiwmz41Lc5HDYLTACZlYxsm0Yv77eJri_8/s1600/IMG_4462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUmJM7_6FfkuWV-ZiBVPyrH2rpKxZMkE3a5cEbohrfx4azGSnHjcczvgc-o1jKqNV-d2-pwyN3B_41TBlwswzYNc0xx-gjv5f-YI3ZuVxrlXiwmz41Lc5HDYLTACZlYxsm0Yv77eJri_8/s320/IMG_4462.JPG" width="320" /></a>The actual restaurant is on the Mezzane level, but the bar is very visible from the balcony and is buzzing with people after work. If you are one of the busy bees of central London this is definitely worth a try. Furthermore, if you are after a lively, quick dinner (especially pre-theatre) this is a great place to try out, as the food and staff are fantastic. It is on the pricey side of things, but for central London it does not break the bank, with an average main costing between £16-25. However, they do have meal deals such as 2 courses for £19. </div>
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However, I would not recommend this place if you are looking for something more discrete and personal. You can barely hear your own thoughts at the table, but on the plus side the food is nice and the staff are very accommodating and friendly.</div>
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Below I have pictured what myself and my sister ordered. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRgwKF1tOpGb7tJDewOM9cW0QPsmm8XtZcC5z5A0Fa-eim_T6vCldoouyJpbfCvH367If8GyzowpJVGFZhfq9HZsNZ30kOaWZ8woZ7avxuHJQT5DXMWqTbWokd1A4wmwl33Ak48vd8YxW/s1600/IMG_4451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRgwKF1tOpGb7tJDewOM9cW0QPsmm8XtZcC5z5A0Fa-eim_T6vCldoouyJpbfCvH367If8GyzowpJVGFZhfq9HZsNZ30kOaWZ8woZ7avxuHJQT5DXMWqTbWokd1A4wmwl33Ak48vd8YxW/s400/IMG_4451.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Belly with Crispy Asian Style noodles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzsu1zTASlqw1HDXSzOuDPxHekSd6N794JyisAusmlmVEWukeJSzta9EN2xJ0FhPQrGaQ6LFVjqOv3oDS8nuMLICvsCdl6t6tSE2iPYn1B_RME9D_ciHYbKYwlGzCFZcQi8CY3N6TAYLl/s1600/IMG_4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzsu1zTASlqw1HDXSzOuDPxHekSd6N794JyisAusmlmVEWukeJSzta9EN2xJ0FhPQrGaQ6LFVjqOv3oDS8nuMLICvsCdl6t6tSE2iPYn1B_RME9D_ciHYbKYwlGzCFZcQi8CY3N6TAYLl/s320/IMG_4452.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad with avo, cucumber, spring onions and prawns.</td></tr>
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Actually this is another thing to mention that makes Indigo unique. If you are a salad lover (and a fussy one!) this is a great place to try. They have a 'Build your own salad' for £9/£16. You can choose from one meat/fish/veg option, 3 condiments, and finally a dressing. If you want to tailor your salad beyond what they have on the menu they are very willing to help achieve your every wish. A great place to try, buzzing, full of life and amazing decor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvwTTBMGDdQey8t5HlLlhO9ud7x8T0-CX4-HjEf3YGrHqPd8Dh1CQdIdUG91vigtHhxNAV5AgB-XWaSXrNdYNB3QfNCYJs525MmACtC8Hxyf21fJrZXFq8vZ0qk9K9iPiWeYF6m-Ntfao/s1600/IMG_4458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvwTTBMGDdQey8t5HlLlhO9ud7x8T0-CX4-HjEf3YGrHqPd8Dh1CQdIdUG91vigtHhxNAV5AgB-XWaSXrNdYNB3QfNCYJs525MmACtC8Hxyf21fJrZXFq8vZ0qk9K9iPiWeYF6m-Ntfao/s320/IMG_4458.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Here is the link if you want to find out more: <a href="http://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/indigo.aspx">http://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/indigo.aspx</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-30371855840343474292013-04-16T07:22:00.000-07:002013-04-16T07:22:09.486-07:00LittleItaly<br />
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<span class="uN" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: hidden; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-overflow: ellipsis;" title="1 Duke St Richmond TW9 1HP"><span class="lNSV4b"><a class="a-n Lea" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=D&oi=plus&q=https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie%3DUTF8%26cid%3D7013108524344497109%26q%3DGiulianos%2BDelicatessens%26iwloc%3DA%26gl%3DGB%26hl%3Den" style="color: #333333; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">1 Duke St</a> Richmond TW9 1HP</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span></div>
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If Italian food is your thing this is a <u>must</u> try. I was in Richmond today with my mum and sister contemplating where we wanted to have lunch. Luckily, we found this little gem situated on Duke Street. It is filled with colourful foods that you can not take your eyes off. I was struggling to choose what to eat. They have it all from pastas (using all sorts such as squid ink, fresh, even spelt!) to ciabattas, soups and wonderful salads. I felt like I had been transported to Italy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3r9klTT7PKufQifLzAyz-BKs3Kss_XfPt1Vi0GrhqSS0YSsrsyF4v2kDQNyENSEqlPuMx655v01x23XJ9yaW0EIqk3i14hHI2_KSyWlUvVMXjrcn0io_LUyF3EqI-UZVqa_RcR4FjomC/s1600/IMG_4439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3r9klTT7PKufQifLzAyz-BKs3Kss_XfPt1Vi0GrhqSS0YSsrsyF4v2kDQNyENSEqlPuMx655v01x23XJ9yaW0EIqk3i14hHI2_KSyWlUvVMXjrcn0io_LUyF3EqI-UZVqa_RcR4FjomC/s640/IMG_4439.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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There is a little seating area upstairs with some nice Italian cookbooks to flick through while you wait. I ended up going for a mix antipasti salad with rocket, baby artichokes, tricolore salad (and I ate all the raw tomatoes for the first time in my life!), garlic prawns and an amazing aubergine/mellizana with tomato and mozzarella. I was in heaven. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYd9y5x5alRs1iHMMr2if9h6xg1QsTty0L_hYQs5UGFTRI1cYoJ76Q2urfXRvaozPL32P6a2-TJvpxxLCM_OIjnWeqQd87w349v6ECcGhol0cV3TjvZIIVyRj-ne4XEzFTUelc0AZbPQM/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYd9y5x5alRs1iHMMr2if9h6xg1QsTty0L_hYQs5UGFTRI1cYoJ76Q2urfXRvaozPL32P6a2-TJvpxxLCM_OIjnWeqQd87w349v6ECcGhol0cV3TjvZIIVyRj-ne4XEzFTUelc0AZbPQM/s320/IMG_4436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The staff are super friendly and they have a few shelves stocked with lots of goodies to take away :) This is also a great place if you are in a rush and want to take-away, they can accomodate all your needs. I'd say for the food quality it is fairly priced at an average of £10 for a meal. A small price to pay for a satisfied stomach. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywtcy3CO29SY3wcpLyaPwwWZQOR1J8n2EjHCZLNtaRu9KPlgwiJk11z5MvOb2wlGGCoa5mH2U8f_VLNFmgqptCcOA9nmJjOyVQ9_FqTiLWobhVCOnHUTFQivtje74lYskGW8Fv4bK4GWm/s1600/IMG_4438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywtcy3CO29SY3wcpLyaPwwWZQOR1J8n2EjHCZLNtaRu9KPlgwiJk11z5MvOb2wlGGCoa5mH2U8f_VLNFmgqptCcOA9nmJjOyVQ9_FqTiLWobhVCOnHUTFQivtje74lYskGW8Fv4bK4GWm/s400/IMG_4438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-22094536068914637272013-04-15T14:16:00.001-07:002013-04-15T16:33:56.632-07:00LunchtimeMadness<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw1tVx3fXl_9sDV434biRmME1gymrDKOUyQNBfftGx060sgIxpSxmXIV2KXM42dOPUd5H1pG0-5az2Gq43blGZAnNCOAYVtzriYMLivh_DuxD2nUqQYJPBG8fH9pz11Xu3fJTgL4d0kLi/s1600/IMG_4422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw1tVx3fXl_9sDV434biRmME1gymrDKOUyQNBfftGx060sgIxpSxmXIV2KXM42dOPUd5H1pG0-5az2Gq43blGZAnNCOAYVtzriYMLivh_DuxD2nUqQYJPBG8fH9pz11Xu3fJTgL4d0kLi/s320/IMG_4422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I went a bit crazy at lunch today, so I thought if any of you want any low fuss but ultra yummy recipes this is one to try! I started by making a <b>simple salad </b>of mixed herb leaves, parsley, spring onions, red onions, avocado and a little lemon juice. I then decided as I had worked out that a high protein lunch was in order. I first sautéed half a red onion in water and once softened added a little lemon juice. Then I added finely chopped red pepper, a few mushrooms and two cloves of garlic. Just before I was about to add the egg I put a tsp of olive oil, just to bring out a little of the flavours and added my new found food love, lemon pepper, and flung the eggs on top. I topped it off with a crumbling of goats cheese that melted swiftly into the<b> gooey omelette</b>. It came out a treat! If you are a foodie this is a must try!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KxABlbj4PB-T5ok282APpaL2LlAqhVJZzE1GTNuOQqpS45rg1ZFyDl5ASwrbn6ZIlLAVOztuo2N31sAls7hv3c-mOphKuahM_KrzF7l9OmkED-KiwaMJ-Fer3qvN7B0VPN0igy_WDRit/s1600/IMG_4423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KxABlbj4PB-T5ok282APpaL2LlAqhVJZzE1GTNuOQqpS45rg1ZFyDl5ASwrbn6ZIlLAVOztuo2N31sAls7hv3c-mOphKuahM_KrzF7l9OmkED-KiwaMJ-Fer3qvN7B0VPN0igy_WDRit/s400/IMG_4423.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-91250135406229571222013-04-14T16:44:00.000-07:002013-04-14T16:44:01.820-07:00FatAthyTriesToBakeI love baking, but I also love experimenting. So sometimes my 'creations' are just disasters. A lot of my friends make fun of me for the array of ingredients I like to use. But since I have been home I have attempted some simple recipes, so I thought I'd share some with you.<br />
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My boyfriend (though I hate this word so from now on I shall refer to him as the Kretin) loves anything with banana. So I thought I'd try and show off my domestic skills (which are close to non existent) and bake a banana cake. It turned out alright I guess. Well I am assuming this from the fact that within 48<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYVVVfFExNa_ORwV60vagqsXFrQ_xWNvqAn9KhXWLBaUyNRdyewAcSPIUfJi6TqA24IiARK959qOdetaFE9afuZPbC6O7TNs_C3G0h8b2VXWqTYUM8XWe_edLWqBt5vKgxB8tDmhZYydn/s1600/IMG_4223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYVVVfFExNa_ORwV60vagqsXFrQ_xWNvqAn9KhXWLBaUyNRdyewAcSPIUfJi6TqA24IiARK959qOdetaFE9afuZPbC6O7TNs_C3G0h8b2VXWqTYUM8XWe_edLWqBt5vKgxB8tDmhZYydn/s400/IMG_4223.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
hours it was gone. I tried a slight variety. As the mix I had made was quite a lot, I made a loaf as well as cupcakes. When I took the loaf out of the oven I pricked it all over and drizzled it with lemon juice. If you like citrus flavours I would definitely recommend this, but if you just want the banana flavour then I wouldn't. With the cupcakes, I left them be and they too were very nice but had a very different flavour. The recipe I used was as followed:<br />
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http://dessert.food.com/recipe/best-ever-banana-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-67256<br />
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I just did it without the frosting!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFidVebDLuZGB_hQaqp4E9gfG62mIwZnWwBM9w9NpCjFvDAyaexBXSL6zrmR9cAqj2yf5A8Ld4AO8CqfBq55cYMNuEFOK7LO_UB85YSUq7gXKUHnwIfapEPQnheGjbVUNQI4bThNDZAEVi/s1600/IMG_4221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFidVebDLuZGB_hQaqp4E9gfG62mIwZnWwBM9w9NpCjFvDAyaexBXSL6zrmR9cAqj2yf5A8Ld4AO8CqfBq55cYMNuEFOK7LO_UB85YSUq7gXKUHnwIfapEPQnheGjbVUNQI4bThNDZAEVi/s640/IMG_4221.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My next endeavour was peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies. I was in the mood for living up to my name and having a good sugary binge. And I found this recipe that actually was not too heavy compared to most cookies, but came out beautifully!</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter</div>
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- 1 cup of brown sugar</div>
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- 2 eggs</div>
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- 1/2 cup of oats</div>
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- 1/2 cup of whole wheat/grain flour</div>
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- 1 tsp vanilla</div>
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- 1 tsp baking powder</div>
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- As many chocolate chips as you can handle (milk, white, dark the lot!)</div>
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- 1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
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- 1/4 tsp salt</div>
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- 1-2 tbsp crush walnuts (optional, the ones pictured are without)</div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAlBFidZZk7_9bkMhxzaSWTWoJgl0Uyks9VTBhyWaI_bjqi465y9QKsy8xNVG8lkpluYPvGCh3PzvuYrBIKGx6CbmuNmk5kDDoyYCUoV-IyxvFHF47TolYVa1uHcLWr7BshwfesDIl-ak/s1600/IMG_4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAlBFidZZk7_9bkMhxzaSWTWoJgl0Uyks9VTBhyWaI_bjqi465y9QKsy8xNVG8lkpluYPvGCh3PzvuYrBIKGx6CbmuNmk5kDDoyYCUoV-IyxvFHF47TolYVa1uHcLWr7BshwfesDIl-ak/s320/IMG_4397.JPG" width="320" /></a></ul>
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Method:</div>
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1) Preheat oven to 165 C</div>
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2) Mix peanut butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl</div>
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3) Stir in the eggs one at a time until fully mixed</div>
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4) Add flour, baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and oats</div>
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5) Stir in the CHOCOLATE!</div>
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6) Using a spoon scoop balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet. (Top tip: If you wet your hands before handling the dough it won't stick to you!)</div>
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7) Press the dough balls down slightly and bake for 12-14 mins or until the tops are golden brown.</div>
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8) Indulge in the sweet, nutty, chocolatey delights :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hQPDDR6md7wSGLjuBZ9PHo-C5K_oY2kXNDHK5VGUNrJ8sex-QY88SxRQ56wKfixgUMZplV2YFIEw-UGBm7hZx7mfzrLMcmHjGA5jGdJobsZaaVPhT9_A7QXmnmww8lmrzTxrVVjQ7AyY/s1600/IMG_4369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hQPDDR6md7wSGLjuBZ9PHo-C5K_oY2kXNDHK5VGUNrJ8sex-QY88SxRQ56wKfixgUMZplV2YFIEw-UGBm7hZx7mfzrLMcmHjGA5jGdJobsZaaVPhT9_A7QXmnmww8lmrzTxrVVjQ7AyY/s640/IMG_4369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A few days later, I decided to stick to my promise and make my dad's childhood favourite - Marble Cake. This is a very simple cake and it is hard to go wrong, although I nearly burnt it! And there is something very satisfying when marbling the cake mix, watching it churn in different directions.<br />
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I made a very small one, so double or triple the ingredients as you please.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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- 100g caster sugar<br />
- 100g unsalted butter (at room temperature)<br />
- 2 eggs<br />
- 1 tsp vanilla<br />
- 100g self raising flour<br />
- 1 - 2 tbsp milk<br />
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder<br />
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Method:<br />
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1) Set the oven to 180 C<br />
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2) Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcrT3r_IcYFcSdLkRhRMenHFFpKnTgaA87Ahb8g1cRZYuoZPoBcLrYE8H7jDgjFT7OG5kzOxKxdtLADlb6VJazUWerhT5Iu2u4U4E95YHSYEBGIVa2P1QdTb9kyMQ6hVBDOTrMaOOYCcX/s1600/IMG_4395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcrT3r_IcYFcSdLkRhRMenHFFpKnTgaA87Ahb8g1cRZYuoZPoBcLrYE8H7jDgjFT7OG5kzOxKxdtLADlb6VJazUWerhT5Iu2u4U4E95YHSYEBGIVa2P1QdTb9kyMQ6hVBDOTrMaOOYCcX/s400/IMG_4395.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
3) Beat in the eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract<br />
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4) Make a well in the centre and add the flour until just combined<br />
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5) Stir in the milk and then split the mixture equally between two bowls.<br />
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6) In one of the bowls stir in the cocoa powder<br />
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7) Alternatively add a scoop of vanilla and cocoa mix in a greased baking tray<br />
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8) Before putting in the oven slam the tray ona hard surface to remove air bubbles and then with a skewer allow your hand to create a marbled effect in the mix.<br />
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9) Bake for 20 - 25 mins or until a skewer comes out clean without any mix on it.<br />
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10) Plate up and eat up :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysUEFYBxlUzmjmvsd4ApjrpfUQpBY2GDamp8iL7k_893i7UDyr9WHdIs9LnHiq62UN5c_HaWZ4wqkITVa7EhU_AMKZUQ0zCoVoF1YH6p26vLYYTA_nq1RFLOPlv3yxfm-P3G8abMfNDw3/s1600/IMG_4400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysUEFYBxlUzmjmvsd4ApjrpfUQpBY2GDamp8iL7k_893i7UDyr9WHdIs9LnHiq62UN5c_HaWZ4wqkITVa7EhU_AMKZUQ0zCoVoF1YH6p26vLYYTA_nq1RFLOPlv3yxfm-P3G8abMfNDw3/s640/IMG_4400.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My final attempt this week was for my sister. She demanded a form of milk chocolate chip cookies. Our dear grandma hand kindly given us a huge supply of Lacta chocolates (a greek brand), so I thought that instead of using chocolate chips I would use chocolate chunks :) Going large is the only way to do it! I found a recipe online and tailored it to my needs. Although they look good they did not taste as good as the peanut butter cookies, so I would like to trial a few more cookie recipes and then I shall post the best one I find. After all it is the best I am after!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_uBpZXBnamj9dAUVLZV6ovgKuUY9Ro-cNi-ct3HuWut9sqVhFMG0zaYFIbUO2mRTL6dbCQnZkVh6JTESpmSZc9QXuSv81NlGikLck_1r165eymaepknNhyHcRCFdhfGHh0sjLHp3YepZ/s1600/IMG_4403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_uBpZXBnamj9dAUVLZV6ovgKuUY9Ro-cNi-ct3HuWut9sqVhFMG0zaYFIbUO2mRTL6dbCQnZkVh6JTESpmSZc9QXuSv81NlGikLck_1r165eymaepknNhyHcRCFdhfGHh0sjLHp3YepZ/s640/IMG_4403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-3138328256129600642013-04-14T15:35:00.000-07:002013-05-11T05:08:31.372-07:00LondonBites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week was the first week of easter break, so what better way to begin than discovering the foodie delights London has to offer. There are some real gems that I shall be revisiting many times in the near future! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWV7CowQNc2oj8Dk5WvWpBFtmDkySGSYygTSodE0ydXENs9eYbDrtY_xL2Lu-0qEd3D-aHvH7YgPNJ2PUG8ijRutNnv8bGsbsEGQzSMX-wCIV9hwOCDffE2LT54GvNCIdWlvstXEPSDEp/s1600/IMG_4123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWV7CowQNc2oj8Dk5WvWpBFtmDkySGSYygTSodE0ydXENs9eYbDrtY_xL2Lu-0qEd3D-aHvH7YgPNJ2PUG8ijRutNnv8bGsbsEGQzSMX-wCIV9hwOCDffE2LT54GvNCIdWlvstXEPSDEp/s400/IMG_4123.jpg" width="300" /></a>- BOROUGH MARKET: The pictures below does not do it justice. This market is one of London's most popular and a must visit for foodies. Situated near London Bridge it is full of wonderful flavours, tasters and people eager to dig in. I have a real love for spanish food so this Paella was a real delight to bump into. I have never seen such a big dish, and it definitely congers up my ideas for future plating choices.</div>
If you love a wide variety of foods from different cultures this is a place to visit, from Thai food to classic British, they have stalls that can accustom many palettes. The crackling on the pork below speaks for itself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ-nHMeUcnUSYbvfi7bLT3cKz6bHagvEoLwgt5jJ8rj02B_n6K-pumoCLuiL2KTvk2CyRle-QWhxVEHEvJxQ6ZcPjDZSTnfkkalmdCfEY5Vo7Iox2cKC663hyhjp20Do3ZssEeIPgYxr_/s1600/IMG_4126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F_4Ui8ECjJ1O32B2ExdVWIO04E9m8pyu11fkNWIDIRBlNtJ5NE4AJ_sx55BKzNA3Nr-0yTkDsZKk00vdOWH1zaFGoLWCJDNtqVMds19FHHZ0_KzlZRdZbHGHEO8wnUvjQA6_j-c0st-4/s1600/IMG_4127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F_4Ui8ECjJ1O32B2ExdVWIO04E9m8pyu11fkNWIDIRBlNtJ5NE4AJ_sx55BKzNA3Nr-0yTkDsZKk00vdOWH1zaFGoLWCJDNtqVMds19FHHZ0_KzlZRdZbHGHEO8wnUvjQA6_j-c0st-4/s320/IMG_4127.jpg" width="240" /></a> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ-nHMeUcnUSYbvfi7bLT3cKz6bHagvEoLwgt5jJ8rj02B_n6K-pumoCLuiL2KTvk2CyRle-QWhxVEHEvJxQ6ZcPjDZSTnfkkalmdCfEY5Vo7Iox2cKC663hyhjp20Do3ZssEeIPgYxr_/s320/IMG_4126.jpg" width="284" /></div>
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- DUKE'S HOTEL: After a wander through the market, the next stop was afternoon tea at Duke's. If you enjoy the baked sugary treats, perfectly cut sandwiches and the general ladies things, then this is a MUST. For London prices it is not hugely overpriced and if you like afternoon tea this is fantastic. Not only is everything freshly prepared, but if one plate doesn't fill you, you can ask for more until you can no longer walk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVgydwve3JmReBFjokyU6gcHhyphenhyphendGBrnkLpHAI37zK9OwcAIRiISHKtQ8k4t67m-blNyqKCOE_fUgeAoDA4C-frroctNEYPbCMXVoRCATKOrWMdZlQz3ugElEVtv98huRmUx6XnChpDKnv/s1600/IMG_4143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVgydwve3JmReBFjokyU6gcHhyphenhyphendGBrnkLpHAI37zK9OwcAIRiISHKtQ8k4t67m-blNyqKCOE_fUgeAoDA4C-frroctNEYPbCMXVoRCATKOrWMdZlQz3ugElEVtv98huRmUx6XnChpDKnv/s640/IMG_4143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvsNe4nn-gZtwHVPTGO2wAJUpiLQHa0VAeWSpvxthTh8cG6X2eN5P6jcrL1BteQNG_qJRVXBolyVvyO9cu5re5U1MPn0Q0_7Z0ycUeUzVMZoqe_R0Tv53Dr7AndQkKGK_iDGHBXWIPZPm/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvsNe4nn-gZtwHVPTGO2wAJUpiLQHa0VAeWSpvxthTh8cG6X2eN5P6jcrL1BteQNG_qJRVXBolyVvyO9cu5re5U1MPn0Q0_7Z0ycUeUzVMZoqe_R0Tv53Dr7AndQkKGK_iDGHBXWIPZPm/s200/IMG_4163.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
- MOMO's: This is a Moroccan themed restaurant situated just behind Regent's Street. I had been suggested it by a few friends and all I can give is praise for this place. If you like intricate design, an alternative atmosphere and amazingly flavoured food then this is without a doubt one of the best places for this. The place has a very chilled vibe with friendly staff and fantastic aromas. If shisha is your thing, you can enjoy it in the delicate front garden with a pot of fresh moroccan mint tea. I tried this tea for the first time here and I have to say it is now one of my favourite herbal teas. And I drink a lot! I would pretty much recommend anything on the menu, but particularly anything with aubergine or red peppers and any of the tagines. These excelled!<br />
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-HARVEY NICHOLS FIFTH FLOOR: When this name is seen, the first thought that comes to mind is high class, posh and perfection. (Or at least in my mind) However, I was very disappointed with the<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07O0soa_5hq-BuBW4w3-hReG5SRKRfhT1SkflM8zMiJMuaKswv_gqpjp4uBeBVCzlKg1PRNozn0LKdyTH1uJF1wCn-fpZ9znz6EkTNDOyGfoOZSJ6SN9NHUTRY1kTI2fWFWq-gaft_t2Z/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07O0soa_5hq-BuBW4w3-hReG5SRKRfhT1SkflM8zMiJMuaKswv_gqpjp4uBeBVCzlKg1PRNozn0LKdyTH1uJF1wCn-fpZ9znz6EkTNDOyGfoOZSJ6SN9NHUTRY1kTI2fWFWq-gaft_t2Z/s200/IMG_4202.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
food I had there. Although what is pictured was very nice (Aubergines and Halloumi), the food was mediocre and at a very high price. If you are looking for a place to eat in Knightsbridge I would recommend staying away from the busy shopping centres and going to more discreet places. Two I would recommend are Ishbilia (http://www.ishbilia.com) an lovely lebanese place or Haandi's and Indian opposite Harrods.<br />
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- SCOOP (Covent Garden): I have a tendency to research for the best eateries and when searching covent garden this place came up repeatedly. Being a huge gelato fan I was very excited to pay this place a visit. When first entering the shop my jaw dropped at the beautiful array of swirls of fresh italian gelato. My mouth was watering at the sight of it. However, I was rather disappointed by it compared to the reviews I had read. The ice cream was good, but the atmosphere was a bit cold and there were not as many flavours as I had read there were. The portions are also tiny, although I guess this is good if you like small guilty pleasures, but I was ready to tuck into huge scoops of freshly churned italian ice cream. I would say this place should not be high on your list for London eateries, but worth a visit if you have time to kill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZE_PCU1ypfqWcQOLmEEHM7U2HbJfszozLlp3gu2TyPpc0GfQeElUIKcO2ptZARdEdpHhRrU3mKYSChxhYS3yyc4zhuDy40iO8VNPUzXIAp2YxtCTZEwNaQP4WYAsijxAd0xrLGiZfnrV/s1600/IMG_4359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZE_PCU1ypfqWcQOLmEEHM7U2HbJfszozLlp3gu2TyPpc0GfQeElUIKcO2ptZARdEdpHhRrU3mKYSChxhYS3yyc4zhuDy40iO8VNPUzXIAp2YxtCTZEwNaQP4WYAsijxAd0xrLGiZfnrV/s320/IMG_4359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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- THE MINNOW (Weybridge): This is a small pub near the bank of the river and is definitely worth a visit. It is perfect on a summers day but also on a usual rainy London day when you want some good hearty comfort food. It is reasonably priced and the portions are huge so it is definite value for money. Pictured below is my starter of scallops with roasted veg, a real treat on a windy day! It went down very nicely with a couple of bottles of Crabbies :) (But be warned the alcohol was very expensive!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Mouscrq2touo4QRoqR8L30-5MMpHWnSXGwPP93yjKl5I18g6z21UhN5crVaLNC0EgpLxfNjPhOyAX2m9dc0UrArvmlRhEPCe472t2neJs0NVmzyzHkZBsgybb7chaHlRi0wc6nM2HZTv/s1600/IMG_4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Mouscrq2touo4QRoqR8L30-5MMpHWnSXGwPP93yjKl5I18g6z21UhN5crVaLNC0EgpLxfNjPhOyAX2m9dc0UrArvmlRhEPCe472t2neJs0NVmzyzHkZBsgybb7chaHlRi0wc6nM2HZTv/s640/IMG_4249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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- CHEZ BRUCE (Wandsworth): Sunday Lunch. The parents treated us today with a lovely Sunday<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC39jh6M5vlpvK31olQcvQ7MvAU1JqZ6Mat8Aq7F-EEGTrNcK62VPizlC0pIyQTUITphDQ7hWqOvDZ18L27vX1JvsB7rn3nxn_EsypOgDxEKLIn8agTm4-UNuqXCMDIIgXA7RxbaNdtXp/s1600/IMG_4392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC39jh6M5vlpvK31olQcvQ7MvAU1JqZ6Mat8Aq7F-EEGTrNcK62VPizlC0pIyQTUITphDQ7hWqOvDZ18L27vX1JvsB7rn3nxn_EsypOgDxEKLIn8agTm4-UNuqXCMDIIgXA7RxbaNdtXp/s400/IMG_4392.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Lunch at the sister restaurant of the Glasshouse. Having closely studied the menu before I arrived I was very excited to sample the food! For starter I had a warm onion tart with Lancashire cheese, chicory root and walnuts. The tart literally melted in my mouth. I died and went to heaven. Food heaven. For lunch I had the roast of the day, Chicken with lemon and thyme stuffing, artichoke, spinach gratin and potatoes. The spinach and the stuffing were the best parts of the dish. Lucky for me, my dad is a fussy eater and did not touch his stuffing so I got double helpings :) Was a great two courses but the best was still to come. Dessert. I am a fiend for desserts, I can never choose because I want everything on the menu. I had to think long and hard about what I was going to have and carefully planned to get something different to the others so I could sample as many as I could. In the end I went for white chocolate cocoa nib ice cream (as chocolate is my weak spot) and after sampling all the other desserts I was satisfied that mine was the best choice. Pictured on the right was my dad's dessert of hot chocolate pudding with praline parfait. Again lucky for me the ice cream was mine, and it was just as much of a delight as the white chocolate. If this was not enough, at the end of the meal we were brought a cup of freshly made deep chocolate truffles, that I gladly put away and asked for the rest in a doggy bag to devour at home. Very, very good meal and fantastic staff. Only thing I'd say is that it was quite crowded today and you did not feel fully at ease.<br />
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- LA LUNA DI LUCA (Richmond): This is one of my favourite little cafes in Richmond. It is run by a lovely italian lady and her son and she creates some of the best culinary delights I have had. She has begun these evenings whereby each month she will be inspired by a certain part of Italy and every Friday or Saturday you can book for £28 pp for a TEN COURSE MEAL. Warning: Food babies may occur. We went here last night and I had been excited to go to one of these evenings for a year. The evening began with a glass of complimentary prosecco and a wooden board with an impressive array of hams and olives. The journey of food then began with plates of cheese, chicory, asparagus, peppers, shellfish, pork, pestos and more. I found it hard to choose one picture to summarise the evening, but I thought the pork was the most impressive. It was slow cooked with fennel and had a fantastic crackling. If you love flavours, meat and a good time this is a MUST. If I was getting married tomorrow I would want her to cater!<br />
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I have written quite a lot, and maybe you got bored and never reached the end, or maybe you did and just flicked through the pictures (which is what I do on most blogs anyway!). But I hope I gave you an interesting insight into some of the wonders London has to offer and stay tuned for more culinary delights.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172514779711947870.post-48072784381763668202013-04-14T14:36:00.001-07:002013-04-14T14:36:42.923-07:00The First One.So, this is my first entry and I have no idea what I am doing. I have a huge passion for food, so I am creating this blog to document various experiences I come across. I don't know what form this will end up taking, but let's begin and find out :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293023566433724844noreply@blogger.com2