Some treats require preparation, and there’s no point denying it; focaccia is one such. It’s not especially tricky to make – and all the olive oil makes for a stable dough that is less subject to the foibles of regular bread – too crumbly, too hard, no crust, leaden texture etc etc. It’s an easy first bread.
It just takes a little patience. Continue reading
When I was a child we spent family holidays at the Headlands in Cornwall, a proper old-fashioned seaside hotel with a sprung-floor ballroom, a bar serving cocktails with plastic monkeys hanging from the glasses, and a dress-for-dinner dinner in the dining room, overlooking the crashing ocean, accompanied by a man on a piano mostly playing Memories from Cats.
In the evenings our entertainment was meticulously scheduled by the manager to ensure maximum organized fun: quiz night, disco night, and, best of all Horse Racing Night. Continue reading
“Mostly I would like an actual pet gecko” said my Godson Arthur as we tucked into our pizza before heading into the Science Museum. “Not a glow in the dark plastic one” (like the one I had just given him – yes they exist) “a real live one. Do you think I’ll get one one day?”
“Um,” I hedged. “You’ll really have to ask your Mother.”
But life is tough like that. Real Pet Geckos are notoriously hard to come by – mostly we have to make do with plastic. And, in a week where the number of eligible princes in the world has been significantly reduced, it’s something worth reflecting on. Continue reading
The Royal wedding is over. No more dress speculation, no more gossipy documentaries, no more newspaper specials and magazine picture spreads. No more wearing the QVC ring in public without looking a bit odd. It’s such a downer. A double downer for me since – the Other Wedding is over too.
Helen and Chris got married! The bride looked exquisite. It did not rain. My Grandma cried in a happy way. People wore hats. Adorable Baby Emily was adorable. I ate a lot of fruit cake. It was a fabulous day.
What to do after a weekend of such excitement? Of scones and tea and cake and toast and chicken and salmon and other old school Bristish delicacies? Go out for a curry, of course. Continue reading
It’s been a week full of wedding anticipation – and the dinner that I have in mind is in keeping with the mood. Elegant food, old fashioned flavors, perfect with champagne and a silver candelabra. Continue reading
“That’s right,†said the man in front of us in the line for the tills in Selfridges. “A Buckingham Palace jelly moldâ€. Continue reading
Back in London, back to beautiful spring weather – suck it New York – and back to proper tea.
I hadn’t realized the extent to which I had gone native in America. Starting the day with a latte, picking up coffees on the way to work, meeting people in Starbucks, choosing iced-decaf as a water alternative for choir rehearsals – it’s as though I’d forgotten about the greatness of Earl Grey.
So, fully caffeinated up, I’m ready to appreciate the Royal Wedding. I’ve already read three magazine specials and watched two documentaries. Â I’ve got my commemorative tea towel and my fake engagement ring. I’m all set.
But for me, frankly, this is not The Wedding.
Not even close. Continue reading
Royal Wedding Breakfast
Eggs en cocotte with boiled asparagus soldiers for dipping
Lemon scones / Blueberry lemon scones
Fresh berries
Cups of tea / Glasses of freshly squeezed orange mimosas
Smoked salmon on cucumber rounds
Coronation chicken sandwiches
Lemon scones with cream
Victoria Sponge Cake with fresh raspberries
Cups of Tea  / Champagne
Mere days away from the Royal Wedding, I can’t understand why people aren’t making more of a circus about it in the media. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to it with great anticipation, especially since I’m back in London, which is wallowing even deeper than NY in wedding ephemera.
Lent is almost over, and chocolate will be back on the menu. I plan to break my fast with molé at El Centro and a chocolate brownie at home in bed. Continue reading
