tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180633975788806602024-02-20T15:24:24.885+00:00Candy Is My FriendDelicious dishes, exciting edibles and scrumptious snackage I have encountered.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-83404701841163064422015-10-11T10:46:00.001+01:002015-10-12T06:25:07.518+01:00Grasmere highlight: Baldry's Tearoom<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV5n26qfJ2hB-DMHivCQlWkHJ8jJTnKUl04-H5aC26jsOD5D8ROiHti5NVZJUJqmfaOdVhGPR1SHf0IUpzLwJZcyTwoUKk33sc2iASvLdbOdgZv_Ro7b6nfYpbCkyD1_4eXLfd_KE2g/s640/blogger-image--1486540949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV5n26qfJ2hB-DMHivCQlWkHJ8jJTnKUl04-H5aC26jsOD5D8ROiHti5NVZJUJqmfaOdVhGPR1SHf0IUpzLwJZcyTwoUKk33sc2iASvLdbOdgZv_Ro7b6nfYpbCkyD1_4eXLfd_KE2g/s640/blogger-image--1486540949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8-gJU-utD7Hp55OVbIl1hyxcY4dsXTQaVKQKn1ZjRt8nXIAY_9KmB0gOKdhbmXaXVABZIE2zAlIVd7a1omfgWytSmV4Mcumxy6p-etUw3ineZQmAgd411zHR7BsCx_iZ6zQMXsFGIg/s640/blogger-image-270202298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8-gJU-utD7Hp55OVbIl1hyxcY4dsXTQaVKQKn1ZjRt8nXIAY_9KmB0gOKdhbmXaXVABZIE2zAlIVd7a1omfgWytSmV4Mcumxy6p-etUw3ineZQmAgd411zHR7BsCx_iZ6zQMXsFGIg/s640/blogger-image-270202298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2glmtdVJrn803gjwacJLvkNP46Dp95LhMqmbtEQBujp_O5xyO9uzFtIOJPzJV8jjMtUKuLoRSo0RuSJQRN2QMTL8rCxadwTsdY9vclNI7bJdKgiB46CAE_UysJJz1uvX3Nbcn2NTe1Q/s640/blogger-image-388963511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2glmtdVJrn803gjwacJLvkNP46Dp95LhMqmbtEQBujp_O5xyO9uzFtIOJPzJV8jjMtUKuLoRSo0RuSJQRN2QMTL8rCxadwTsdY9vclNI7bJdKgiB46CAE_UysJJz1uvX3Nbcn2NTe1Q/s640/blogger-image-388963511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdqnzowK7uvwUGVkJ9kufE2Y1sXRl3nBIW0tnE8nk5yD0eyb9vRWA9wXqq4iDgHPm-HW84dEIBDZCQc43wrnAwkEHeJwa_fcWKCokF-Af9yqVSpjDgYClKFVU3_UjMjAytfT2sqzPdg/s640/blogger-image-82963858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdqnzowK7uvwUGVkJ9kufE2Y1sXRl3nBIW0tnE8nk5yD0eyb9vRWA9wXqq4iDgHPm-HW84dEIBDZCQc43wrnAwkEHeJwa_fcWKCokF-Af9yqVSpjDgYClKFVU3_UjMjAytfT2sqzPdg/s640/blogger-image-82963858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i699-QYlRypNXpJ84P1e_sI_XejQvr79n3fWbn8lHA_eE_IZVTPYh4grXi0KBeGXBzkShG8EZgs0Jn_VAK_EBYkGVBNjhlAKvRjJ4ETA1S0_FWgQ0KK9w93Ipga2qx6fe1Ebyq9-1g/s640/blogger-image--1285390856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When you find yourself hungry while in Grasmere there are a lot of places to choose from for a bite to eat but I personally will always attempt to find somewhere that has been recommended. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Whether it's a suggestion from a friend or random reviews on Trip Advisor, I prefer somewhere which has already received a thumbs up. Can you tell that I've had my fair share of adventurous mystery picks which have disappointed? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Life is just too short to eat mundane, microwaved, bland or boring ('uninspired' as hubby says) food.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So, having read about Baldry's on a blog ages ago I was thrilled we could get a table. It's very busy, as you would expect, during the Summer high season (we attempted to come during a Summer visit previously but it was chocka!). It's much quieter in October with less tourists around overall. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuqOKohoaDPbwjZXMFBhf5GAC41eB0pAHxGO84U1Ujy9BST9_sGNH6_PzQAhHCpl9MFXjaEs1fBBzLuu4ZtQ80dDQue_1tYu8Hl7JTHUkV_ooWch7UkU_E3E2jmvUlrvU0ptJ1rBfhA/s640/blogger-image-1802280635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuqOKohoaDPbwjZXMFBhf5GAC41eB0pAHxGO84U1Ujy9BST9_sGNH6_PzQAhHCpl9MFXjaEs1fBBzLuu4ZtQ80dDQue_1tYu8Hl7JTHUkV_ooWch7UkU_E3E2jmvUlrvU0ptJ1rBfhA/s640/blogger-image-1802280635.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It has a picturesque welcoming store front and once inside it oozes character while still being cosy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The staff was very friendly and the menus burst with delicious homemade options from quiche to burgers, fruit crumble to scones. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i699-QYlRypNXpJ84P1e_sI_XejQvr79n3fWbn8lHA_eE_IZVTPYh4grXi0KBeGXBzkShG8EZgs0Jn_VAK_EBYkGVBNjhlAKvRjJ4ETA1S0_FWgQ0KK9w93Ipga2qx6fe1Ebyq9-1g/s640/blogger-image--1285390856.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was craving a bit of a sweet treat for my elevenses and chose a Raspberry & Blueberry scone with jam, butter & whipped cream, of course. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdqnzowK7uvwUGVkJ9kufE2Y1sXRl3nBIW0tnE8nk5yD0eyb9vRWA9wXqq4iDgHPm-HW84dEIBDZCQc43wrnAwkEHeJwa_fcWKCokF-Af9yqVSpjDgYClKFVU3_UjMjAytfT2sqzPdg/s640/blogger-image-82963858.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The scone that arrived was impressive, not only was it huge but it was also homemade. There were little pockets of berry sweetness and a lovely crusted top. The perfect combination to compliment my sinful spreads!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2glmtdVJrn803gjwacJLvkNP46Dp95LhMqmbtEQBujp_O5xyO9uzFtIOJPzJV8jjMtUKuLoRSo0RuSJQRN2QMTL8rCxadwTsdY9vclNI7bJdKgiB46CAE_UysJJz1uvX3Nbcn2NTe1Q/s640/blogger-image-388963511.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the adventurous hot beverage drinkers there is a plentiful selection of teas from around the world to choose from within the Tea Menu (it is a tearoom after all).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I went with the loose leaf Rooibus tea which I enjoyed with milk (it tastes nice even if it's possibly not 'proper'). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hubby was cleverly matching his hot beverage to his choice of treat with the loose leaf Wild Cherry tea that he felt would go brilliantly with his slice of Bakewell Tart (I agree!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8-gJU-utD7Hp55OVbIl1hyxcY4dsXTQaVKQKn1ZjRt8nXIAY_9KmB0gOKdhbmXaXVABZIE2zAlIVd7a1omfgWytSmV4Mcumxy6p-etUw3ineZQmAgd411zHR7BsCx_iZ6zQMXsFGIg/s640/blogger-image-270202298.jpg"></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was an enjoyable experience from walking in the door right through to wiping the crumbs from my top just before leaving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This lovely tearoom is definitely going on my 'Grasmere Highlights' list (currently alongside getting Grasmere Gingerbread each visit) and <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm already hatching a plan for when i'll be able to stop by again!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-91014095083423602852015-08-13T09:06:00.001+01:002015-08-13T09:13:11.369+01:00Sweet Barcelona<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent three hot Summer days in Barcelona and made sure to taste test some of the local treats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I read about the pine nut covered almond truffle/biscuits, a local sweet worth trying, so I was eager to try it and of course I was excited to taste test a couple of other fun looking biscuits once I saw the selection on offer at Dolceria de la Colmena. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The pine nut balls were not as sweet as I imagined they would be and they had a subtle marzipan flavour which was nice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The other biscuits were again, not as sweet as I imagined but were enjoyable (I suppose my sweet tooth is based on my American tastebuds which were raised on far too much corn syrup).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSOxpeXaY90dOA6eqErGtPNk_o0od4pEgFpfBg9Uv75bDx76ayiTc9cDMFy7M_reyZDV1F0RD_LwgwfwnO-JafiKaPCvkZmAdGy-n2McyGjPhJd2hK-REAbMWcoOkDbfhHbi0GhkgLg/s640/blogger-image-1201694032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSOxpeXaY90dOA6eqErGtPNk_o0od4pEgFpfBg9Uv75bDx76ayiTc9cDMFy7M_reyZDV1F0RD_LwgwfwnO-JafiKaPCvkZmAdGy-n2McyGjPhJd2hK-REAbMWcoOkDbfhHbi0GhkgLg/s640/blogger-image-1201694032.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was hot during our visit, very hot (30C/90F). The obvious choice for a cooling treat is ice cream!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I chose an odd looking pineapple and coconut ice lolly which was absolutely amazing and really hit the spot. It looked like something you would make yourself in a styrofoam cup as a child during Summer break but the flavour was full on and I was very happy with my choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkHX14inP76uRKsvcc9zqvZzqUS6kW_Ck3GrZdTEQcr2pDNqH1BqdFG5RhO1N74K29wGlstI3-FB9ZQxqmaXFZKZXCi0OjO5C1VqOvdDE4_TX_WKDg8APEAim3KDygb_ZU-HuAulHPg/s640/blogger-image-976676917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkHX14inP76uRKsvcc9zqvZzqUS6kW_Ck3GrZdTEQcr2pDNqH1BqdFG5RhO1N74K29wGlstI3-FB9ZQxqmaXFZKZXCi0OjO5C1VqOvdDE4_TX_WKDg8APEAim3KDygb_ZU-HuAulHPg/s640/blogger-image-976676917.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And of course, no trip to Spain would be complete without this next delight, we had to try a hearty portion of churros y chocolate (makes me giggle as that was the name of our high school Spanish text book).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wow! They did not disappoint. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm not sure that any of us could have managed to actually drink the thick rich cup of hot chocolate, (are you meant to?) but it was just perfect for dipping the sugar covered swirls of sweet fried dough into.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XBJAwpztn6L4MMuJdY-JLU4mcz-xI28R3TM6JuTT5Hw_qehf045a1aDFY9d3tvi_xuFNeCHqjT_fXq28cUzeC2OI-Ndt6t7SlwbeZ1MVYeqDJGhG5vVjQ2dcW8WYA468J97NjZtoGw/s640/blogger-image-755852826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XBJAwpztn6L4MMuJdY-JLU4mcz-xI28R3TM6JuTT5Hw_qehf045a1aDFY9d3tvi_xuFNeCHqjT_fXq28cUzeC2OI-Ndt6t7SlwbeZ1MVYeqDJGhG5vVjQ2dcW8WYA468J97NjZtoGw/s640/blogger-image-755852826.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This massive portion was gone in a few moments with only sugar remaining on the plate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiM5CSqyvjZuV4Khr3426MUgqN3EvpLGpqdUFOV2HFn2c5hHiT6wMi7gfuXW0fcB-hU046szKESKZvOvMGe0CNHonjfN-7_8u5XDJozgbaiKCuafGi-D1VRuWIULe9cxe0M8UaL3MNg/s640/blogger-image-1132839472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiM5CSqyvjZuV4Khr3426MUgqN3EvpLGpqdUFOV2HFn2c5hHiT6wMi7gfuXW0fcB-hU046szKESKZvOvMGe0CNHonjfN-7_8u5XDJozgbaiKCuafGi-D1VRuWIULe9cxe0M8UaL3MNg/s640/blogger-image-1132839472.jpg"></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-17662863527927359242014-10-19T09:09:00.001+01:002014-10-19T10:23:49.101+01:00Espresso In Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">One of the little pleasures that I always make time for is espresso. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's a simple way to relax just by creating a little moment to enjoy.</span></div><div><div><br></div><div>Plus it's versatile, it can be a jolt of energy to start the day, a pick me up in the afternoon or an accompaniment to a sweet treat at any time of day. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">No matter when it is, it triggers my mind to just sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Here is an example of such a moment unfolding....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While enjoying our already amazing honeymoon in the beautiful tropical paradise of the Maldives, we were offered a complimentary upgrade to an even more awe inspiring(who knew it was possible?) Premium Pool Beach Villa for the last two days. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KpCcZqPzQW96mcd4pr0yc9OHFA6aEZ4YvX8jSstggKk-Ji1uOW06YG8c3IqvBJkuCmLGB8yJuMFK0yExxl8rFkmaqxqX-LLkX1Nq6DKsELP_J-0SEAm0XLFQIjX75iYxq9QGDVklbw/s640/blogger-image-1618253513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KpCcZqPzQW96mcd4pr0yc9OHFA6aEZ4YvX8jSstggKk-Ji1uOW06YG8c3IqvBJkuCmLGB8yJuMFK0yExxl8rFkmaqxqX-LLkX1Nq6DKsELP_J-0SEAm0XLFQIjX75iYxq9QGDVklbw/s640/blogger-image-1618253513.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Gorgeous views, private infinity pool, jacuzzi and even an outdoor shower! Wow!</div><div><br></div><div>Don't get me wrong, our Water Villa was pretty darn spectacular. We had sharks, rays and all sorts of brightly coloured fish swimming just beneath our feet practically inches away each day. </div><div><br></div><div>You really can't believe places like this exist until you have seen them in person. It is just amazing!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgoaqqpGd5Zm6wZQSNqDiFu6fGlwmLlNQScvp6UJD6tr6f3UYsM1A43BZ0nw6pyuYWPKOQr70rW4C7gQnOuf8hefI-f1pyvLTFFuGZsaWxdPuSYFpU5ZVSJI8Hfb6CXphsQMZ0_3OEg/s640/blogger-image-1938970932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgoaqqpGd5Zm6wZQSNqDiFu6fGlwmLlNQScvp6UJD6tr6f3UYsM1A43BZ0nw6pyuYWPKOQr70rW4C7gQnOuf8hefI-f1pyvLTFFuGZsaWxdPuSYFpU5ZVSJI8Hfb6CXphsQMZ0_3OEg/s640/blogger-image-1938970932.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A ray gracefully glided past our villa on the first morning. It must have been at least five feet from snout to tale and maybe four feet wide. It just moved its way along in slow motion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggY9v7ufAtyXHuNKg8brYo6jr-lZX1j6eebsGhqfcvSzohiyqk-gL1GzyT16hTK3EBnEBLRZrfFaMvNYXAWxfE7OKBoSh9axrfrQdDlm1sfSTsIfTOufwepiIh2hMtR_OtY8nkt1yLug/s640/blogger-image--761322221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggY9v7ufAtyXHuNKg8brYo6jr-lZX1j6eebsGhqfcvSzohiyqk-gL1GzyT16hTK3EBnEBLRZrfFaMvNYXAWxfE7OKBoSh9axrfrQdDlm1sfSTsIfTOufwepiIh2hMtR_OtY8nkt1yLug/s640/blogger-image--761322221.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At sunset we routinely saw at least one black tipped shark looming around. Some, like this one, had little fish friends hanging on as they swam. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They are pretty graceful creatures and I respect their sharky beauty even if I have an unfounded phobia (which I blame on the movie Jaws!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyJM-2XPix5xsxUPBI3rdGpGiiFQnjam_KBWnww5Bt-7PMsgItNLUDSX3I98-UkI6SpYAHL4LZ5KIKG4pTmDqH50TXEpbHNqXnvBaHVfFA51Huhghc31o5_dNuqLqM87wgX1jsEgzAg/s640/blogger-image-1941396558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyJM-2XPix5xsxUPBI3rdGpGiiFQnjam_KBWnww5Bt-7PMsgItNLUDSX3I98-UkI6SpYAHL4LZ5KIKG4pTmDqH50TXEpbHNqXnvBaHVfFA51Huhghc31o5_dNuqLqM87wgX1jsEgzAg/s640/blogger-image-1941396558.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our Water Villa patio view was so picturesque. It naturally set the scene for the enjoyment of our chilled welcome bubbly & the obligatory espresso to balance out the moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k0mFp6ntVwc9ifv6CpT5MTCjG_VgOtKVOuBrTa7pJ5wlQZ7YPiXFjuI90Q-jyDxS2wINOpPr8mKchXTLCwww5hSy3vIizkJYgJFpzCYhSDTZc6p7iB3cd9KSqAG5KB_mBQ2lH12OJg/s640/blogger-image-1614683740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k0mFp6ntVwc9ifv6CpT5MTCjG_VgOtKVOuBrTa7pJ5wlQZ7YPiXFjuI90Q-jyDxS2wINOpPr8mKchXTLCwww5hSy3vIizkJYgJFpzCYhSDTZc6p7iB3cd9KSqAG5KB_mBQ2lH12OJg/s640/blogger-image-1614683740.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was the perfect way to kick off our fairy tale honeymoon in the Maldives!</div></div></div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now back to the poolside espresso... upon moving in to our new extra special villa I immediately noticed one of the extra touches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This place is full of thoughtful, sweet(quite literally) and romantic little gestures that consistently wow'ed us and I really shouldn't be surprised that this extra special room would have new & different special things to continue to wow us.) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But...wow. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There was a cookie jar!</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgw05tiGA7rIqGLGAz6ElZXaDNy77i84O4J5aMQWAV6gJiou5txucPcHBgOkbBQAMWZfnQw2lg36HA2ai27DFjsX68fQyEsp5_UdasTCuzQIBVDaPJoijkwByI3dNFyn8Rg0YegUibg/s640/blogger-image-90821372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgw05tiGA7rIqGLGAz6ElZXaDNy77i84O4J5aMQWAV6gJiou5txucPcHBgOkbBQAMWZfnQw2lg36HA2ai27DFjsX68fQyEsp5_UdasTCuzQIBVDaPJoijkwByI3dNFyn8Rg0YegUibg/s640/blogger-image-90821372.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was full of biscotti, which as you know, goes perfectly with an espresso. So I set about using the in-room facilities to make us a perfect shot of liquid rejuvenation to accompany our biscotti.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlZdTPAkGUzsvTfWqZ1M7fn4hdxoc79aSNML_qTcur4iiUMmX1-jQxZ1cMK6R6w-kDSGKD1kcGi9vZ2ifBVhH7UDqER1PczQat7wkNq4sSswjp9Cp7mlx8wuq-1IT3bW-kz9IalDfXA/s640/blogger-image-1949020200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlZdTPAkGUzsvTfWqZ1M7fn4hdxoc79aSNML_qTcur4iiUMmX1-jQxZ1cMK6R6w-kDSGKD1kcGi9vZ2ifBVhH7UDqER1PczQat7wkNq4sSswjp9Cp7mlx8wuq-1IT3bW-kz9IalDfXA/s640/blogger-image-1949020200.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We enjoyed our espresso & biscotti poolside whilst overlooking the tranquil beach and soaking up the sunshine (wearing factor 50 sunblock & a massive wide brimmed hat).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Maldives, and Baros in particular, is truly special with the perfect balance of seclusion & tropical wonders to create our romantic honeymoon of a lifetime complete with perfect espresso moments dotted throughout.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I feel so lucky. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Wow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0Baros Maldives4.285516 73.42778tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-14690988992858432982013-10-03T21:58:00.002+01:002014-10-19T10:28:05.863+01:00Celebratory Meal at Jesmond Dene House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll set the scene... candlelight, waiters dressed in black & white, orange and black trinkets dotted along shelves ... all creating just the right atmosphere of warm & cosy yet still artsy-fartsy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the perfect setting for a romantic celebratory meal. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candlelight<br>
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The menu was full of delicious choices made from local produce all with fancy sounding titles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Local lobster, crab and hand dived scallops plus beef fillet with a full farmers name associated with it served alongside that recent craze of a bit of bone marrow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gazpacho<br><br></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No sooner had we ordered when a cute little foodie freebie arrived at the table. An espresso cup of the most delicious gazpacho I've ever had was brought out as a pre-starter. I don't normally get very excited about soup, but this little cup of cold tomato liquid had so many levels of flavours I couldn't help but want more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWgyFV2szNFKQiL0q8Lykg8NPmMy7yBTQr5Im864pdq4V4RYUuNe2L_lbFRluAG8-fI1xYRjZ9c3FWFp8APdfREuF1Kl97IuT0kPp8oHJyzA0b1EalRk7T3Tp1CZm3N-7hldneBJng/s1600/IMG_3298_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWgyFV2szNFKQiL0q8Lykg8NPmMy7yBTQr5Im864pdq4V4RYUuNe2L_lbFRluAG8-fI1xYRjZ9c3FWFp8APdfREuF1Kl97IuT0kPp8oHJyzA0b1EalRk7T3Tp1CZm3N-7hldneBJng/s320/IMG_3298_edited-1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops with cauliflower</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The starters arrived with foam & frills but full of flavour as well. The scallops were cooked 'just right' with dabs of interesting sauce and sprigs of local veg.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIiMZ2qcHtYmb-ugHPFCX6wlFPx0mIYjdiLDAEH7xPWYwdHMyI_dvcmKzTTNsVL1-wfhVacjDS9qP3NBat6BFiocaKtQxZHx8ja8mWJIKDzd0muNjKg8P56m3AKUk_-M9nKILosBe0g/s1600/IMG_3301_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIiMZ2qcHtYmb-ugHPFCX6wlFPx0mIYjdiLDAEH7xPWYwdHMyI_dvcmKzTTNsVL1-wfhVacjDS9qP3NBat6BFiocaKtQxZHx8ja8mWJIKDzd0muNjKg8P56m3AKUk_-M9nKILosBe0g/s320/IMG_3301_edited-1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster with Ravioli<br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The main dishes were incredibly stylish with swishes of colourful sauce dried on the plate and even more foam. I'm still not sure whether I was meant to utilise the sauce in some way or just admire it? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, it was a beautiful plate of food but it was not lacking in substance, although I have to admit I enjoyed my ravioli more than the actual hunk of lobster provided.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-X25wP_u_-DsTO874FWVwGb8mKsxayj4qhc8zQV55_MyklhRKv5nk_jpRLWXrJsbnYzNTHGfNQMuA1WTecPoOB-qmIr3vjMErRaMCr5zSqDP00GoFMM1Q2ob0lmrZrZQBCbxrYktAQ/s1600/IMG_3306_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-X25wP_u_-DsTO874FWVwGb8mKsxayj4qhc8zQV55_MyklhRKv5nk_jpRLWXrJsbnYzNTHGfNQMuA1WTecPoOB-qmIr3vjMErRaMCr5zSqDP00GoFMM1Q2ob0lmrZrZQBCbxrYktAQ/s320/IMG_3306_edited-1.jpg" width="255"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberry Jelly with cream<br><br></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We then received a little unexpected pallet cleanser (or was it an amuse bouche?) which was tasty and served in a shot glass as well. It does make for a perfect portion size.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17hNa66Hy_AntgaHTZViRuS1QEW2wtlht7X0oMbBLGWp2WY67gf3q7WHxJRxj2zaPYYlQ9qc9SbXz-NPYtirQ5G7SscEpwbEOTuVPF_za6CnOKaYXI8se1qhY6ry8d_RaU7SMDI3_AQ/s1600/IMG_3309_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17hNa66Hy_AntgaHTZViRuS1QEW2wtlht7X0oMbBLGWp2WY67gf3q7WHxJRxj2zaPYYlQ9qc9SbXz-NPYtirQ5G7SscEpwbEOTuVPF_za6CnOKaYXI8se1qhY6ry8d_RaU7SMDI3_AQ/s320/IMG_3309_edited-1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caramelised Apple with Hazelnut sponge</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWatSRiIZ7HaIH7_sszekA2HCh4tY-YWYV6vkvkxq26QJR1TH8JP0XcXGWlsH4Uh6hF0DdrDy47_I68dVLI2iDWVTMhhLAWlAjq4ezmJQzD10RArX5Y_KgoMgaOza_zpHXf-8oGoxjVw/s1600/IMG_3310_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWatSRiIZ7HaIH7_sszekA2HCh4tY-YWYV6vkvkxq26QJR1TH8JP0XcXGWlsH4Uh6hF0DdrDy47_I68dVLI2iDWVTMhhLAWlAjq4ezmJQzD10RArX5Y_KgoMgaOza_zpHXf-8oGoxjVw/s320/IMG_3310_edited-1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Bakewell Tart</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our desserts were rather picturesque making us wonder whether they'll be less tasty, fashion over function in a taste bud sense?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They were almost little colourful scenes with flavour bomb combinations splodged on the canvas. A candied nut paired with a mint leaf, sat near a smoosh of caramel all coming together in each bite to make a beautiful dessert which all the senses enjoyed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Celebrations are meant to be memorable occasions and that is exactly what this meal was, now it's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">time to hit the gym.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-76711625532027519672013-04-14T15:59:00.000+01:002013-04-14T15:59:56.996+01:00Good Food at The Green<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had a couple of meals at this Heworth pub and I've felt the urge to photograph most of them.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is this a sign of having been won over by presentation before a morsel has even passed my lips? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may have been woo'ed the first time by the fancy presentation but the fact I keep coming back means there is delicious substance to this gorgeous looking food.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gEewg8AE2ElxiCg52lmF2-oJvTM8UUfD35tCHg-Fv58nL0En59n9xRMRGMQcnOyyqxz3zdNLUGfEzYzZrh3U1D1fJDNffmCoxRUa2bF0mWKJKeB37qOvibP2j3NZqm6eFiBZG-5u6g/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gEewg8AE2ElxiCg52lmF2-oJvTM8UUfD35tCHg-Fv58nL0En59n9xRMRGMQcnOyyqxz3zdNLUGfEzYzZrh3U1D1fJDNffmCoxRUa2bF0mWKJKeB37qOvibP2j3NZqm6eFiBZG-5u6g/s320/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Gnocchi with blue cheese sauce, rocket, wild mushrooms and walnuts</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Green's menu offers just enough variety to choose from without being too perplexing (a comment aimed at certain members of my family who are flummoxed by too much choice).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also has the added bonus of a changing selection of real ales and local brews which gives it an automatic thumbs up in my book. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not to mention there is always a short but sweet list of delicious desserts to choose from which appeals to my sweet tooth.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTpIx7rLibDIt4J3h9DfsBmFcuZT7EZbiq3owSVt2OzuY8dGTVJDC5rs1SmqdMfFn4HQfa42nIi5T9xSFyYghTKnNXS8njLwqZUZ7tDo2vogCVie53_BmhRF2dBcKV6oBNGMoU8QEvA/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTpIx7rLibDIt4J3h9DfsBmFcuZT7EZbiq3owSVt2OzuY8dGTVJDC5rs1SmqdMfFn4HQfa42nIi5T9xSFyYghTKnNXS8njLwqZUZ7tDo2vogCVie53_BmhRF2dBcKV6oBNGMoU8QEvA/s320/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Cherry Bakewell Tart with Pistacchio Icecream</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A recent conversation we had in The Green, inspired by the presentation of our meal, got me thinking...<br />
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Does overly posh presentation of food put people off?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgSLtNATX2-qGd9OdL7e5lsbVbGCd4dfdejZCvJtb1gVEhAjFlStwZzG94LQJa_xO1zkbdR_4DAG92gbe7fpZ5OfOzN8l3GS-UmS1znWtjN34-jA58reoudqL4PX_5esZKrGlMbDSXw/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgSLtNATX2-qGd9OdL7e5lsbVbGCd4dfdejZCvJtb1gVEhAjFlStwZzG94LQJa_xO1zkbdR_4DAG92gbe7fpZ5OfOzN8l3GS-UmS1znWtjN34-jA58reoudqL4PX_5esZKrGlMbDSXw/s320/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crab Fettuccine with chilli and lemon</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Realistically, if your food looks less like home cooking and more like a fancy art exhibition will you enjoy it any differently?<br />
<br />I find presentation irrelevant to my enjoyment of food but admittedly I am more likely to photograph the good looking dish over the less attractive one. </span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVIQzaXnwIWONHlw8T7GuniotNq5BLMaYYYgEa6IKfadtLcnzgfDR4NWPnC6GzffvgzDUWIHDoJVt2NcaxObWa82UcTnxc25RBsK2ABhr02IjoucrxX9pN24XOr_JEGqKeaGFmeAxAA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVIQzaXnwIWONHlw8T7GuniotNq5BLMaYYYgEa6IKfadtLcnzgfDR4NWPnC6GzffvgzDUWIHDoJVt2NcaxObWa82UcTnxc25RBsK2ABhr02IjoucrxX9pN24XOr_JEGqKeaGFmeAxAA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Fish and chips with mushy peas</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />However, I would quite happily trade fashion for function if it means a bigger portion (is that mini chip fryer basket an attempt at portion control?) but of course this is only relevant if the food actually tastes good. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summary: Don't judge a book by its cover when it comes to food, good food tastes good and sometimes looks the part as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">So, if you happen to be in the area and fancy some decent good-looking grub then remember The Green gets a big old thumbs up from this happy-snapping gal.</span></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0The Drive, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE10, UK54.9493112 -1.55919440000002454.9447517 -1.5692794000000239 54.953870699999996 -1.5491094000000241tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-87748358057273131292012-11-12T21:53:00.000+00:002012-11-12T21:53:57.883+00:00A Secret Garden Meal at The Witchery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Special occasions call for special treatment. So, one crisp Sunday afternoon we treated ourselves to a special meal. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a strongly recommended little place called The Witchery located at the base of Edinburgh Castle.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2WLSKrjmTBXhXf1pzWT1ypNW7r7BKqGrssODa_fiPm9j29bWW4IkVG4BulFay7h4Nmlf95wt2_gm02IdLAPBGHJih1GOgHFVLTiXDu8_zxw9gAr3jeStKkj3N8wt5VjqxfnJXSBdnA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2WLSKrjmTBXhXf1pzWT1ypNW7r7BKqGrssODa_fiPm9j29bWW4IkVG4BulFay7h4Nmlf95wt2_gm02IdLAPBGHJih1GOgHFVLTiXDu8_zxw9gAr3jeStKkj3N8wt5VjqxfnJXSBdnA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was part of a whirlwind Edinburgh weekend which included a few of my favourite things: running, fantastic company and good food. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What more could a girl ask for?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">We found the entrance to the Secret Garden at The Witchery down a quirky little alleyway in the basement level of an old building. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Our lunch venue had timber beams and hanging vines, white tablecloths and many, many candles (which I imagine would have been an amazing addition to the atmosphere in the evening). It felt quite secretive and special.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38sHRelj7gcKANJ8VkuiUMCGAc3Gim8mPNwKqnABCsnqP11bQGNpr0Or6Sn_1paale3sDbaprmede3-qHiGi0qheyOz2mviG-M4Wt9ojmjrAH-SGLcQlrKdMYIxVpdrkNXS8nazZtPA/s1600/IMG_3545_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38sHRelj7gcKANJ8VkuiUMCGAc3Gim8mPNwKqnABCsnqP11bQGNpr0Or6Sn_1paale3sDbaprmede3-qHiGi0qheyOz2mviG-M4Wt9ojmjrAH-SGLcQlrKdMYIxVpdrkNXS8nazZtPA/s320/IMG_3545_edited-1.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This place was highly recommended by online reviews (ie: Tripadvisor) for providing delicious dishes made from high quality local ingredients. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was excited about trying the Three Course Set Lunch which looked as though it offered a glimpse into their amazing menu at only a fraction of their a la carte price. I do enjoy a bargain! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The set menu also helped to narrow down the selection which was a bit mind-boggling. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbkp-nmxKNMToGN3VK0uQ_-ZI6puNfbF4Bnh0vHWgMFiBVyYNRx-dPfAmTzUyQqGPyFTy05YPWNQB3kvux0I6wNEq1WIehpMqqh5smqOQLF3xSa7RKMFEyDbfUX4VYvrZ_ClDWWlPrg/s1600/IMG_3548_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbkp-nmxKNMToGN3VK0uQ_-ZI6puNfbF4Bnh0vHWgMFiBVyYNRx-dPfAmTzUyQqGPyFTy05YPWNQB3kvux0I6wNEq1WIehpMqqh5smqOQLF3xSa7RKMFEyDbfUX4VYvrZ_ClDWWlPrg/s320/IMG_3548_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my first course I chose the Salt Cod with Crostini and Potato. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Served on a black slate, the creamy potato lump with two crostini masts poking out was a slight disappointment. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure what I expected but I could not taste anything that was noticeably definable as salt cod (nor could I remember what vegetable I was eating). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, the only flavor coming through was from the fresh dill. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The identity of this velvety smooth puree remained a mystery until I saw the menu again at the end of our meal...ah yes, potato.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNmrfkmKBqzhPTjPCT3o35XxgOxWu1KO6BjbkpUWuMjxGaR8h33gAimWN1Inmzww7qrUqQEp3MJB8a4bzlbcvbGZ293n11peoVj5CW1I6f2sm81HRmvVeIfM3cOBK9oC0JXhmG9VKXw/s1600/IMG_3550_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNmrfkmKBqzhPTjPCT3o35XxgOxWu1KO6BjbkpUWuMjxGaR8h33gAimWN1Inmzww7qrUqQEp3MJB8a4bzlbcvbGZ293n11peoVj5CW1I6f2sm81HRmvVeIfM3cOBK9oC0JXhmG9VKXw/s320/IMG_3550_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Across the table, my lovely dinner date was tucking in to his picture perfect first course. I wanted to reach across and steal it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Roast Partridge with a Scotch Quail Egg was right up there with what the reviews had said about the level of quality food to expect. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It had flavour combinations and textures which all came together perfectly in the forkful I tasted. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">I was having some serious food envy but I had two more courses to make up for a less than perfect first course. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">My second course of Pan Roasted Mullet with Celeriac was centred on my plate like a fish fillet planet surrounded by mini roast potato moons (drizzled with a delicious rich mustard cream sauce). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">I was back in the running with this course. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was curious to see the second course choice on the other side of the table, Braised Ayrshire Beef Cheek with risotto and greens. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not some</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> grinning bovine head straight from a horror movie. Instead it was a succulent hunk of tender beef on top of creamy risotto with an amazing tasting gravy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dessert was up next and it was the best course yet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an unusual twist, suppressing my sweet tooth, I opted for the cheese plate. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the choices available, I decided on an incredibly stink-tastic soft goats cheese. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh boy did it whiff! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each biteful was so delicious when combined with the fig jelly, chutney and oat cakes. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, the Knickerbocker Glory which arrived looked amazing with it's glassy sugar accents and brightly coloured syrup. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To summarise, the highlight of my meal was definitely the horrendously whiffy cheese course which was the envy of my table. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even with this superb course forever etched into my taste bud memories, my first course of bland potato mush, which was unmemorable for the most part, </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">has tainted my overall Witchery experience. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, if I win the lottery anytime soon I will be heading back to sample their a la carte menu with my bushel basket full o' cash.</span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, UK55.953252 -3.18826755.8821325 -3.3461955000000003 56.0243715 -3.0303385tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-76824104489536517472012-09-02T18:19:00.000+01:002012-09-02T18:19:23.845+01:00It's All Greek to Me....or German?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having recently returned from a sunny week spent relaxing in Kos I can now say that I enjoy a hot & sunny vacation, on occasion. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up until this point I have been someone who dives into the shade as soon as the sun peeks out from behind a cloud and have preferred sticking to cultural city breaks rather than poolside lounging. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm now the gal lathered in factor 50 who happily wears a humongous wide brimmed sun hat, scooting my sunbed to readjust as the parasol shade moves throughout the day. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Now moving on to the delicious side of the vacation....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXqVvocvYFBTnvV1moQb6h5_RqqVndErwQqKmBdfBIBUPhg8ZwraGLIkRqAw1ltg9eZKMc__ZkNQ_1UzI5lb6PmYekmUjJxHoX9kLy_IJMJnCOyKyYlRj4rV4ztPs98ZLa2YOAaUWQw/s1600/IMG_3077_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXqVvocvYFBTnvV1moQb6h5_RqqVndErwQqKmBdfBIBUPhg8ZwraGLIkRqAw1ltg9eZKMc__ZkNQ_1UzI5lb6PmYekmUjJxHoX9kLy_IJMJnCOyKyYlRj4rV4ztPs98ZLa2YOAaUWQw/s320/IMG_3077_edited-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">The well catered hotel subscribed to my ethos of the glory of cake and afternoon tea. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Each day at 4.30 a selection of cakes and hot beverages were laid out and allowed us to partake in a caffeinated sugary energy boost.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">There was also an air-conditioned Coffee Bar on site (think walk-in freezer). Not only did it offer espresso based drinks and yet another selection of sweet things to tickle our taste buds but it was also a very welcome blast of cool to help us in our daily battle against melting in the Grecian heat (30+ C / 90+ F). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">I freely admit that I was quite giddy when we found this place.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Of course we ate proper meals as well as cake. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Every meal offered a large selection of grilled fish, skewered meats, and Mediterranean vegetable dishes as well as the familiar stodgy carb fest (french fries & spaghetti bolognese) for those who were creatures of habit. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Random German dishes could also be found sprinkled in amongst the Greek delights. Various Schnitzel, gherkin salads, cabbage dishes and rye bread meant my buffet plate was truly internationalised at each meal. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">The uniting factor for each of these meals of course, was that they always included sweets of some kind. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Vacation is the time to indulge, so why not have a sugar ball infused waffle with your breakfast muesli & fruit? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Why not pair up your healthy dessert of fresh melon with baklava & creme caramel? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Why not indeed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Long live fun in the sun or should I say a warm welcome to it finally, whichever the case may be.</span></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0Kos, Greece36.8925871 27.287792636.8671886 27.2483106 36.9179856 27.3272746tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-72689608534539089252012-07-08T12:46:00.001+01:002012-07-08T12:46:32.314+01:00Favorite Meal Out in Tours: Le Turon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any excuse for a good meal really. Perhaps for a half birthday, a monthiversary or maybe one week has passed since I bought a particular pair of shoes and yay, no blisters. Whatever reason to make it a special occasion works for me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One week into our visit to France, and our last night in fabulous Tours (what, no new shoes to celebrate?) we decided to dine at Le Turon. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'd already experienced La Souris Gourmand, the strongly recommended fondue place down the street with the mice & cheese theme running throughout, even in their toilets. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we opted for another recommendation hoping it would be just as enjoyable. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Le Turon was listed in the top five restaurants in Tours by reviews on TripAdvisor and it definitely sounded like it would have a delicious selection of local dishes. </span> </div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were seated at one of four tables on the street and enjoyed our bubbly aperitif complete with tapenade snackage while we perused the impressive Menu Gourmand. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is always amusing to order from a menu in a language other than your own. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily we seemed to manage alright with the language barrier and we even successfully ordered scallops, one of my favorites. Someone seemed to know a lot more French than he originally let on to knowing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These were the most amazingly delicious scallops with chorizo and lime. They just melted in your mouth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Across the table, the local pate with a blop of fruit chutney and crostini was being enjoyed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My main dish was a winner as well. Giant prawns with coconut rice and creamy sauce complete with quenelles of green stuff. We had no clue what they were made from but I suspect it was of the vegetable family. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beef with chunky chips and cream sauce, also accompanied by the green quenelles, was enjoyed as well. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can happily report that there was not a speck of green mystery stuff left on our plates at the end of the meal. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it was time for dessert. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahh.....the desserts.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMQpesxyy7qwYhQ71I1HYuia2h-2yz0XHMFI5ZBV1BMPzaH2B5UW_HsFGoc-gOIbhmIgFyhyphenhyphen0czxBACSU6JyQT4AWVz002Cyp9GaeyP-dXizQXLU_GPli2vam9WJKdER8nLs6EnNweg/s1600/IMG_2658_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMQpesxyy7qwYhQ71I1HYuia2h-2yz0XHMFI5ZBV1BMPzaH2B5UW_HsFGoc-gOIbhmIgFyhyphenhyphen0czxBACSU6JyQT4AWVz002Cyp9GaeyP-dXizQXLU_GPli2vam9WJKdER8nLs6EnNweg/s320/IMG_2658_edited-2.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was nearly too beautiful to eat (OK, nothing is that beautiful) but it was definitely crying out to be photographed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fruit coulis and custardy creme backdrop to a warm apple mixture tucked inside the crepe with caramel ice cream plopped on top. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the perfect dessert for my taste buds after such an amazing meal. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoe2OGfPSHZn7pQKDP8F9Ui5ovoD21LL8BdVMIKR-8A4ZAbaIrgfS64ruRPL28xLzOiuPyTRZkTFZ6nu29d49c0hencbCepaZrd6QgGV8hVfRd92RU13GHLvNns-gA8Np4nMfV84kBQ/s1600/IMG_2662_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoe2OGfPSHZn7pQKDP8F9Ui5ovoD21LL8BdVMIKR-8A4ZAbaIrgfS64ruRPL28xLzOiuPyTRZkTFZ6nu29d49c0hencbCepaZrd6QgGV8hVfRd92RU13GHLvNns-gA8Np4nMfV84kBQ/s320/IMG_2662_edited-2.jpg" vca="true" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had I not chosen the apple crepe I might have indulged in this chocolate option, b</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ut as I did not taste it myself I cannot comment on anything other than its glorious appearance. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do have it on good authority that it was very much enjoyed and received a big thumbs up. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkckgAzgh5JvE0V_WS_FTKVzkHH9ZOsk8g4Sl7neTYES88kEIOFHE9hNuE-o0KaI0nOlvCA9Blw4NNo3ld9ANYNaGngj4_pnyh9auV3CS6dTEnLI5RWzbsT3jj3HT3ZSHMIIH0Fhe56w/s1600/IMG_2642_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkckgAzgh5JvE0V_WS_FTKVzkHH9ZOsk8g4Sl7neTYES88kEIOFHE9hNuE-o0KaI0nOlvCA9Blw4NNo3ld9ANYNaGngj4_pnyh9auV3CS6dTEnLI5RWzbsT3jj3HT3ZSHMIIH0Fhe56w/s320/IMG_2642_edited-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food that is good enough to photograph always makes me smile and Le Turon sure provided its fair share of photogenic food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It lived up to the positive reviews and even though </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thinking that the variety of wine enjoyed throughout the meal helped make my opinions extra enthusiastic, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a special meal to be had in Tours.</span></div>
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</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com094 Rue Colbert, 37000 Tours, France47.3960565 0.691396547.393369 0.686461 47.398744 0.696332tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-18581616837822244492012-06-25T21:11:00.000+01:002012-06-28T14:37:18.628+01:00Pierre vs. Patrick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx_BfkMPI64VCU03aTcPBAeF3gvNEWkxe4eb9l0pvtTlRYacgsQBFLKTiApx5k_m0fmVrzDmbvyuvq8ci0B8pyw4x8d7YP10KrbJLjIUeI8uyrnuNIPV05vGaP08xbnypnrFfDIiybw/s1600/IMG_2277_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx_BfkMPI64VCU03aTcPBAeF3gvNEWkxe4eb9l0pvtTlRYacgsQBFLKTiApx5k_m0fmVrzDmbvyuvq8ci0B8pyw4x8d7YP10KrbJLjIUeI8uyrnuNIPV05vGaP08xbnypnrFfDIiybw/s320/IMG_2277_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Macaroons are a very popular favourite for those of us inflicted with a wicked sweet tooth. These sweet morsels of awesomeness are the perfect combination of pretty and delicious.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">They make you smile even before you’ve had the tiniest taste. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8GcBUcYg1UZpCjmEnDZOiWarPGyiU3mqphfYJO3DqYfjXHf8Nz48fHQooPGhKkosadyfy5uXI3CxbmBV40SM4ORpu3xLTjg98oZcFpITEAvtM5Z3KCThwUmdSjo_tfEeDwEtdhWDkQ/s1600/IMG_2272_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8GcBUcYg1UZpCjmEnDZOiWarPGyiU3mqphfYJO3DqYfjXHf8Nz48fHQooPGhKkosadyfy5uXI3CxbmBV40SM4ORpu3xLTjg98oZcFpITEAvtM5Z3KCThwUmdSjo_tfEeDwEtdhWDkQ/s320/IMG_2272_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I was fortunate enough to be in France recently, and depending on which source you cite, it is the home country of one of the prettiest types of macaroons around.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The coconut variety is the first type that pops into my mind when hearing the word macaroon which is probably my American heritage coming through, but I am actually referring to the delicate pastel creations made mainly from egg white and ground almond.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u><a href="http://www.pierreherme.com/"><span style="color: #274e13;">Pierre Hermes</span></a></u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">We ventured out in the pouring rain to hunt down these brightly coloured highly recommended little nuggets of deliciousness from well known chain patisserie Pierre Hermes.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqks_esXxW0l5EPvDEHfXuQGxNMh5trXTjKWDTmhUWrTnJcbEYjQeVxzefFfcDpbOBewxP0x6-rpHHnCbrfOtGijiOF-4Fr4Mb7A5gQfqSupFXJrmuw-rcZQuqrQTJUkiN1W_Y91Zug/s1600/IMG_2254_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqks_esXxW0l5EPvDEHfXuQGxNMh5trXTjKWDTmhUWrTnJcbEYjQeVxzefFfcDpbOBewxP0x6-rpHHnCbrfOtGijiOF-4Fr4Mb7A5gQfqSupFXJrmuw-rcZQuqrQTJUkiN1W_Y91Zug/s320/IMG_2254_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Unfortunately my main memory of these will be the slightly off-putting air of snootiness that overwhelmed the tiny shop front where we bought them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I had spied a multipack which I thought would maximise the tasting opportunity and before I realised it I was given the pre-packed box o’ macs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Yes, it came complete with a little menu booklet with each of their macaroon flavours listed and </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I wrongly presumed the box consisted of a “one of each” idea. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdvT8QJZKr0pLyYTJB8ucjglYNCW9rkyqxbbQ987WPG0-waw5PG1hxKOi6wsga3U8nSQ1IiTPTyZBkDRzK5iWboLg1aiUdgLW6h1mabkNcB4bKHdL3mHEJDBoe20UlEoSfC2SqEbI9w/s1600/DSC_0164_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdvT8QJZKr0pLyYTJB8ucjglYNCW9rkyqxbbQ987WPG0-waw5PG1hxKOi6wsga3U8nSQ1IiTPTyZBkDRzK5iWboLg1aiUdgLW6h1mabkNcB4bKHdL3mHEJDBoe20UlEoSfC2SqEbI9w/s320/DSC_0164_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">But no, there were duplicates which was a big letdown. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">To be honest, they were delicious, but I was not entirely sure which flavours I tasted since the ones in the box didn’t easily match up to the ones shown in the menu. So I was slightly disappointed (and slightly confused). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Due to the rain, the original plan of eating the macaroons on a park bench was scuppered and in fact, they were eaten sitting in our pokey little fourth floor hotel room. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The fluorescent lighting wasn’t optimum for the photos but indoors or outdoors, I really can’t complain since it was still Paris!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://experience-macaron.com/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Patrick Midgeon</strong></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">A beautiful selection of sweet and savoury flavours was available in this brightly coloured one-off cafe shop in Tours. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The friendly assistants were seemingly happy to let customers take their time to mull over the choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8TEkQm60SHJainWoRKdQwt3zxSnTkFdnZVG78QKKps4O8qFE74bZBi2i2OkC8QjQ1xIHdCAsvOmi6qRg8K3eY-RdiFaTvaVG5Hkni0FwOjeCfIS9jTxyRmHAxG9rn3wwMbfytWgROw/s1600/IMG_2357_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8TEkQm60SHJainWoRKdQwt3zxSnTkFdnZVG78QKKps4O8qFE74bZBi2i2OkC8QjQ1xIHdCAsvOmi6qRg8K3eY-RdiFaTvaVG5Hkni0FwOjeCfIS9jTxyRmHAxG9rn3wwMbfytWgROw/s320/IMG_2357_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I couldn’t help but stand in front of the display case slack jawed, staring as I hemmed and hawed over which flavours to choose. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Let me tell you, do not go into a shop like this when you are hungry – you may end up walking out with far too many items!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I was especially proud for being so restrained (having felt sick from eating far too many the previous day in Paris) and decided on just a few unique flavours to taste including savoury ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The choices included Fois gras and fig, Mint Chocolate, Pistachio and Tomato & Basil. The last one had a glittery swish of red edible paint which was pretty but made a bit of a mess with red blotches of glitter all over my hands. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWDgoMTKHJs6AJlHhhVmMgHIy1vy9FLMex-v7wqpwFf1M6ibd6aWeV2WavkAcgGYT1i3l0FlvFS1MG1o3Ql9gtYgE7HOvHueFL2Ix_93t0OCOKP9DHJZAtSmEFgdMotI9SD-jAn-jpg/s1600/IMG_2373_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWDgoMTKHJs6AJlHhhVmMgHIy1vy9FLMex-v7wqpwFf1M6ibd6aWeV2WavkAcgGYT1i3l0FlvFS1MG1o3Ql9gtYgE7HOvHueFL2Ix_93t0OCOKP9DHJZAtSmEFgdMotI9SD-jAn-jpg/s320/IMG_2373_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">These were eaten al fresco next to an open air riverside bar on a sunny yet cool afternoon in Tours (no rain, yay!) with a cute bandana wearing puppy frolicking nearby. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The macaroons were amazing, but the surroundings in which these particular beauties were enjoyed added an extra element to the whole experience, d</span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">efinitely a taste sensation to be remembered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">To summarise: I’d never turn down the opportunity to enjoy some macaroons of any kind whether simply as eye candy or as a tasty treat, but if I had both of these shops in front of me to choose from (oooh, one can dream!) I’d go with Patrick Midgeon every time.</span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-79570960903517491452012-05-17T18:52:00.000+01:002012-05-17T19:12:14.126+01:00The Cherry Tree, Jesmond<div class="separator" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">In order to celebrate a special occasion in a truly special way one must do something different from their ‘norm’ and for me this means indulging in a fancy meal.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I am the first to admit that posh places make me a bit nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I would much rather spend an evening in a get-your-own-utensil hodgepodge combination of tables & chairs establishment where my loud American voice blends into the background rather than visiting a restaurant with flatware perfectly placed on blindingly white linen where you don’t want to interrupt the smooth jazz tunes by speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I’m also happy to admit that I am the simpleton who likes to eat dessert with a teaspoon and not even touch the huge spoon lined up ‘just so’ above my plate. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Contrary to the above, I am also a very open-minded individual and would always give a place a try at least once if the opportunity presents itself. I reserve actual judgement until after I’ve indulged my taste buds. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">So, when the chance to celebrate a very special occasion gave me the opportunity to try this little gem of a place in Newcastle who was I to say no?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was looking forward to the indulgence, even if I was nervous about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.thecherrytreejesmond.co.uk/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>The Cherry Tree</strong></span></a> was a lovely restaurant and I’ll be damned if I wasn’t going to take photos of everything I tried. Why not? It was extremely photogenic food. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok5qCBYFXQE4D49rgARErrPgXCtClPsTanCN1TODzb_qjERa5Pn5a2vbRSuc5pmPz64F9IlSZ8T2zX7qiqtSga53sUBZoZnlwtJheJJA0TEDKZqgrjP8gjoytPCsyh2TKISpuejcL5g/s1600/Beet+Risotto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok5qCBYFXQE4D49rgARErrPgXCtClPsTanCN1TODzb_qjERa5Pn5a2vbRSuc5pmPz64F9IlSZ8T2zX7qiqtSga53sUBZoZnlwtJheJJA0TEDKZqgrjP8gjoytPCsyh2TKISpuejcL5g/s320/Beet+Risotto.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The beet root risotto was amazingly pink, with shaved bits of parmesan and hints <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of leafy green while the tempura shrimp was crispy and succulent all in one delicious bite. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bRDmgiynH2JRxNuqJOoPiPRvdE8Gvgm5Uk6ybOvbZzcIknS10qCF-bVzZYqoylB8EbTRPe8lSAPk8eL88KBPWHYnHBRPD6E3_zivBMMeCmPzVUJTtzzR4Qq423IuxcSOzyFv3CSXmw/s1600/Tempura+Shrimp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bRDmgiynH2JRxNuqJOoPiPRvdE8Gvgm5Uk6ybOvbZzcIknS10qCF-bVzZYqoylB8EbTRPe8lSAPk8eL88KBPWHYnHBRPD6E3_zivBMMeCmPzVUJTtzzR4Qq423IuxcSOzyFv3CSXmw/s320/Tempura+Shrimp.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHmc214HBRLu-SLBIf5AYWrh1rX0lVURyBrrQ2YmLWrn_waBdS4e7XXYlxJdcqo23Yx83iPt5VlkqKQYNsVKxCo_vbgMKVlHg7_7xkMT3Si1e-KLIK-IV_nhtm_q1J8lclASYcsLpBw/s1600/Fish+Meal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHmc214HBRLu-SLBIf5AYWrh1rX0lVURyBrrQ2YmLWrn_waBdS4e7XXYlxJdcqo23Yx83iPt5VlkqKQYNsVKxCo_vbgMKVlHg7_7xkMT3Si1e-KLIK-IV_nhtm_q1J8lclASYcsLpBw/s320/Fish+Meal.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The fish dish came elegantly stacked on top of the creamiest puree accompaniment and the marbled slice of coarse pate arrived with a flourish of salad and chutney. </span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What fun it must be to create these dishes! </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GUuAp7FMGcAXgRqKrL4PJnfhn2lwWmTDBX4-48AZMUlkUE0lhDMafjgXitj_1O0lKC7LTKMl5O298fImxwxSE28-DkQyIhHCbceZxWPbEi8iRMOAeJMZSzOYrflKiBuk22-2Wu2H4w/s1600/Coarse+Pate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GUuAp7FMGcAXgRqKrL4PJnfhn2lwWmTDBX4-48AZMUlkUE0lhDMafjgXitj_1O0lKC7LTKMl5O298fImxwxSE28-DkQyIhHCbceZxWPbEi8iRMOAeJMZSzOYrflKiBuk22-2Wu2H4w/s320/Coarse+Pate.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, no meal</span> would be complete without the most mouth-watering pudding of all time. This is my first choice when it comes to British desserts</span>. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YAHrlxgbfvkPUKFHSQHUfiICFrImJYH4qgrfqBZNAm469OHoWx39eykiJvsk0otDTCqb3X3AE0VN-6u572HVzo-sQeyVA49p1DURw98K3U5JWfrMr0LMGgUK6wiW90n3tnB8arVtJg/s1600/Sticky+Toffee+Pudding_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YAHrlxgbfvkPUKFHSQHUfiICFrImJYH4qgrfqBZNAm469OHoWx39eykiJvsk0otDTCqb3X3AE0VN-6u572HVzo-sQeyVA49p1DURw98K3U5JWfrMr0LMGgUK6wiW90n3tnB8arVtJg/s320/Sticky+Toffee+Pudding_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com09 Osborne Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 2AE, UK54.9881216 -1.605794854.9858441 -1.6107303 54.9903991 -1.6008593tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-70037341303483673032012-04-09T11:29:00.000+01:002012-04-09T11:29:38.860+01:00Artisan Express, Gateshead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHlXqYhr_qhYu0q716e-QWaZIEoOTiSf53EeOGKCnZ9KxOaOPTsqCaOhk_21tRQx3WDOdbhxwGPiuyJdJshbrmx2xWxkce8gbrTK8sJg0VUr42RHpUN0UO5okvgnb_6XH1yDMqeMRlA/s1600/artisan2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHlXqYhr_qhYu0q716e-QWaZIEoOTiSf53EeOGKCnZ9KxOaOPTsqCaOhk_21tRQx3WDOdbhxwGPiuyJdJshbrmx2xWxkce8gbrTK8sJg0VUr42RHpUN0UO5okvgnb_6XH1yDMqeMRlA/s320/artisan2_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Tucked away in the railway arches on the Gateshead side of the high level bridge, it is quite the little gem of a coffee shop. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.artisanexpress.co.uk/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Artisan Express</strong></span></a> is my kind of place – it is cosy, welcoming, and the service comes with a smile. Contrary to national chains (which have their place, don’t get me wrong) this is a one off with a unique & local flare. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0fDLdIcXZK74MD9tUlRH1mc7j3f7XMVCXkeom4jaOax2PegIJQ2KQvM70zDKl-6Y_aJwv4NSKNvkSxIK5xxuuFTRiAv1kSQ6r3J3sKFFYxdaRv3-eJ3gKNg5undBKUwl-2UReJF__A/s1600/artisan7_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0fDLdIcXZK74MD9tUlRH1mc7j3f7XMVCXkeom4jaOax2PegIJQ2KQvM70zDKl-6Y_aJwv4NSKNvkSxIK5xxuuFTRiAv1kSQ6r3J3sKFFYxdaRv3-eJ3gKNg5undBKUwl-2UReJF__A/s320/artisan7_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Of course it didn’t hurt that I happened to visit on a lovely sunny afternoon which gave it an extra warm & friendly glow.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The Mars Bar Slice and the Caramel Shortbread Square arrived at our table on sweet little china plates, while the Levu Latte(a latte with 3 shots) was served in a large white ceramic cup. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In contrast, my dainty Macchiato came served in a funky silver & glass espresso cup. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm6-sgRCYoeh0S_H97eoSyt28nPBN8A3l3342Aiip7q5DTAv-S2fBULmW7ZxAeDwysRMbdWeASHGB_MRgUPyjavhNrzYoAsKqYLUI3-PL3GKC0rX92KKZNkqJ3sGTDTes814E_Xw4Xw/s1600/artisan8_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm6-sgRCYoeh0S_H97eoSyt28nPBN8A3l3342Aiip7q5DTAv-S2fBULmW7ZxAeDwysRMbdWeASHGB_MRgUPyjavhNrzYoAsKqYLUI3-PL3GKC0rX92KKZNkqJ3sGTDTes814E_Xw4Xw/s320/artisan8_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I watched as other drinks were skilfully made at the espresso bar and each drink had its own individual personality. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The unique decor is reflected in the furniture as well combining large comfy cushions, cosy couches and wicker chairs with leather foot rest cubes. Whatever your mood may be, there is plenty of seating to choose from to suit.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I envision many an afternoon will be spent by folks relaxing, reading their newspaper or chatting whilst sipping their handcrafted coffees and tasting some local treats. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Worth a visit for sure the next time you are near Gateshead!</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK54.95268 -1.60341154.916207 -1.682375 54.989153 -1.5244469999999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-38025860321845109022012-03-26T22:41:00.000+01:002012-03-26T22:41:19.138+01:00Pumpkin Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDNVNDGTNLEh7tMaua1psGrRSo1qzfPhsJWVDTSdfUCWLaxlF1HXyWcpvqmwI4LmVcv-woAQkkCuH-jiz5dRdSBBoIvCsYkQ0xgtNB2IlwOME8cmWiFojn1ro0vtNr9BAlaZASoCB1Q/s1600/IMG_1663_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDNVNDGTNLEh7tMaua1psGrRSo1qzfPhsJWVDTSdfUCWLaxlF1HXyWcpvqmwI4LmVcv-woAQkkCuH-jiz5dRdSBBoIvCsYkQ0xgtNB2IlwOME8cmWiFojn1ro0vtNr9BAlaZASoCB1Q/s320/IMG_1663_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In recent visits home to the states I have had pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin (filter)coffee, pumpkin spice Hershey Kisses, pumpkin preserve on toast, pumpkin ice cream, and of course pumpkin pie. The delicious list of pumpkin related foods grows every time I visit, yet many Brits I know have not had the chance to try pumpkin flavoured anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yZiRliczeBaCMhgUmrI1f-xE_BHJbjzhzcWzdN504vpEOe45G-wC-zCPGQpud-z-ld4MReHcJpbNCxjYJUH6qS8hj8JV8HOfplt8IK6vieTrSU933tBYtTSdBSCnDurZESEI72PioQ/s1600/IMG_1653_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yZiRliczeBaCMhgUmrI1f-xE_BHJbjzhzcWzdN504vpEOe45G-wC-zCPGQpud-z-ld4MReHcJpbNCxjYJUH6qS8hj8JV8HOfplt8IK6vieTrSU933tBYtTSdBSCnDurZESEI72PioQ/s320/IMG_1653_edited-1.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully Fenwicks Food Hall here in Newcastle seemingly has a love of American foods. They always seem to stock those odd American treats such as Marshmallow Fluff, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Pop Tarts, Lucky Charms cereal, Bisquick Pancake Mix and all variations of Jelly Belly jelly beans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since they are imported items these normally reasonably priced sugary delights cost a ridiculous amount over here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However much it may cost, I am just thankful to be able to purchase a can of Libby’s Pumpkin to bake some of my favourite pumpkin flavoured treats. These Pumpkin muffins have been well received by both friends and colleagues who have taste tested them, so they remain on my list of favourite recipes.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvgLzeBgF7sP1twdRchyphenhyphenNzEAuwbZkes4pkDAtV7lahHHl8GHMyw_CxRSSZdhV50yPoVX9OOHvlZQj2yVKPsjwVK3wdGd65ccH4_vNEtHKGmCk4HpaahyKbtlWfpAVI2fw9qGW5OJm5Q/s1600/IMG_1669_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvgLzeBgF7sP1twdRchyphenhyphenNzEAuwbZkes4pkDAtV7lahHHl8GHMyw_CxRSSZdhV50yPoVX9OOHvlZQj2yVKPsjwVK3wdGd65ccH4_vNEtHKGmCk4HpaahyKbtlWfpAVI2fw9qGW5OJm5Q/s320/IMG_1669_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are uniquely flavoured but not offensive although I think it is difficult to describe them to someone who has never had pumpkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I will say that t</span>hey taste best still warm slathered with cream cheese accompanying a cup of coffee but are equally delicious for afternoon tea with a cuppa (and don’t forget to make sure your pinky finger daintily points up). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever the flavour you really can’t go wrong with homemade muffins.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Pumpkin Muffins</u></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(from Muffins Fast and Fantastic, Third Edition 2001 by Susan Reimer)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 10-12 standard-size</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9oz(255g) plain flour (with self-raising flour, omit baking powder: do not adjust bicarbonate of soda)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp (5ml) baking powder</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp (5ml bicarbonate of soda</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ tsp (2.5ml) salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp (5ml) ground cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ tsp (2.5ml) each of ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4-6oz (110-170g) fine white granulated sugar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4-5 fl oz (120-150ml) milk or water</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 TBSP (30ml) honey</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half of a 425g tin of pumpkin – that is, 7 fl oz (200ml) the remainder can be frozen in an airtight container</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 fl oz(90ml) vegetable oil or 3 oz(85g) butter, melted</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2-3 oz (60-85g) chopped walnuts or raisins</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare muffin tins. Preheat oven to 375-400 F (190 -200 C) for a conventional oven, Gas Mark 5-6.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a large bowl, sift together: flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, spices and sugar.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a separate bowl, beat egg with a fork. Add milk/water, honey, pumpkin and oil/melted butter. Stir well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour all of liquid mixture into dry. Stir just until combined and no dry flour is visible. Add walnuts/raisins during the final strokes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spoon batter into tins. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until tops spring back when pressed gently.</span></div>
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</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-81089751206436218212012-03-04T13:20:00.000+00:002012-03-04T13:21:32.248+00:00Pancakes for Brunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">A Sunday morning spent making thick American-style pancakes to smother in maple syrup and enjoy for brunch is my kind of weekend morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Throw in a glass of fruit juice and share it all with loved ones and you’ve created the winning combination of great food & great company. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgHDMV02pCCBrwub98KidLuu-_bKkiNNTuThN5It0zTp3ocm3O11ZxA-zKRT57sm_DbT0D6Oke3BUBjpeUegQIpxw22rMWEV17cdKknKP55t1ESvVgOvZm8q6qB1Yr0_P0xt7lFweJw/s1600/Pancakes0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgHDMV02pCCBrwub98KidLuu-_bKkiNNTuThN5It0zTp3ocm3O11ZxA-zKRT57sm_DbT0D6Oke3BUBjpeUegQIpxw22rMWEV17cdKknKP55t1ESvVgOvZm8q6qB1Yr0_P0xt7lFweJw/s320/Pancakes0.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It’s not difficult to achieve since pancakes are pretty straight forward to make. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">All you need is the simple ingredients put together in the correct quantities and combined with the right technique.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxCAl-KciO4ZrPsE11xeovd_O5dqeFz8Nx8fdXlS2skd8UUlGta_BqIBCIySjpiaMpCX2NxNyHiT34NMA_OaCJN_Ju4CbUok8fjoDi3ws5grE3wHDmZKvA1HaTQWpzK2G3txrbvUqfA/s1600/Pancakes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxCAl-KciO4ZrPsE11xeovd_O5dqeFz8Nx8fdXlS2skd8UUlGta_BqIBCIySjpiaMpCX2NxNyHiT34NMA_OaCJN_Ju4CbUok8fjoDi3ws5grE3wHDmZKvA1HaTQWpzK2G3txrbvUqfA/s320/Pancakes1.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I’ve included links to two simple recipes below for reference.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The main difference is that American pancakes use a thicker batter than their British counterpart (which is more like a crepe then the cakey American-style pancake, in my humble opinion). </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgn2kMpBpyq2f-LqYTFgSSNyyFiEAMfbOgFwq03KnsS4J58MMt-iJmfq4djAO_T2QnscwL1D7MjgrWCUMzF_SggdKdWrM4yLA04PCJZLjyC5LHKAaXsl3EajAe9KviILxWn8sMQ0HDw/s1600/Pancakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgn2kMpBpyq2f-LqYTFgSSNyyFiEAMfbOgFwq03KnsS4J58MMt-iJmfq4djAO_T2QnscwL1D7MjgrWCUMzF_SggdKdWrM4yLA04PCJZLjyC5LHKAaXsl3EajAe9KviILxWn8sMQ0HDw/s320/Pancakes2.jpg" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I love the fact that each recipe uses similar ingredients but produces a completely different result. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Whichever type of pancakes you prefer, why not go ahead and make yourself some this weekend? </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #274e13;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">American Pancake recipe:</span> </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/fluffyamericanpancak_74828"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/fluffyamericanpancak_74828</strong></span></a></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">British Pancake recipe:</span> </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/basicpancakeswithsuga_66226"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/basicpancakeswithsuga_66226</strong></span></a></span><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-62400193080212077672012-02-17T20:03:00.000+00:002012-02-18T22:12:04.005+00:00Another Make & Mend Market<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It may already be obvious, but my favorite Saturday of the month is the one on which the </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/8254673140/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Make & Mend Market</span></strong></a><span style="color: #274e13;"> is held at the Grainger Market in Newcastle upon Tyne. </span></span><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXJmJur1xerP32VvtnLpnV7BumAFsXZdZbyDBnJYyCI81Ad8-zeuOAEdgMghQ064EBcD1hSiZYonc8VqQJBS-5mWH2q80aKhjPifPriJkcTTPp8nqTIZq2sbrdzKlgJmejzk0eUawoQ/s1600/Poor+Girl's+Kitchen+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXJmJur1xerP32VvtnLpnV7BumAFsXZdZbyDBnJYyCI81Ad8-zeuOAEdgMghQ064EBcD1hSiZYonc8VqQJBS-5mWH2q80aKhjPifPriJkcTTPp8nqTIZq2sbrdzKlgJmejzk0eUawoQ/s320/Poor+Girl's+Kitchen+Cookies.jpg" width="232" yda="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #274e13;">cookies from </span><a href="http://www.poorgirlskitchen.co.uk/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Poor Girl's Kitchen</span></strong></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is simply because on these Saturdays I get to choose some beautiful (and tasty) treats to indulge in with no guilt what so ever (well...in theory there is no guilt). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatUB9Ksocuqa9NNcGRC8RPHzTPluV0Fj4GxmkZ94MHp9e5dacDjbFE-4F283wBiDrC_VH_YN2aBvRPD8tOU9pmHhefAKlbf9-Y4-LCd2LvOOOyzf6XKezhG2cqavZ-bpCWA11DwdoUw/s1600/Guinness+Baileys+Pet+Lamb+Cupcake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatUB9Ksocuqa9NNcGRC8RPHzTPluV0Fj4GxmkZ94MHp9e5dacDjbFE-4F283wBiDrC_VH_YN2aBvRPD8tOU9pmHhefAKlbf9-Y4-LCd2LvOOOyzf6XKezhG2cqavZ-bpCWA11DwdoUw/s320/Guinness+Baileys+Pet+Lamb+Cupcake1.jpg" width="214" yda="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.petlambpatisserie.com/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><strong>Bailey's Cupcake</strong></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">I practically start drooling when I enter the market hall on these magical days as I imagine what delights I am about to set my eyes on. The stall holders never let me down and for this I am always grateful. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBFFQxPHV-RlXwZfht6HTTEffKwy_fZsAsJcW5GmiCI_WmBYnNXgDwRtpWqInL90YgE3qz6WR3YwmhZ2Puyn0H41OeXlmbbMpBUZKpHpPKlmJuHy0_hyphenhyphenJ09IW5ympFD4AJwpelOUKvw/s1600/Vanilla+Pet+Lamb+Cupcake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBFFQxPHV-RlXwZfht6HTTEffKwy_fZsAsJcW5GmiCI_WmBYnNXgDwRtpWqInL90YgE3qz6WR3YwmhZ2Puyn0H41OeXlmbbMpBUZKpHpPKlmJuHy0_hyphenhyphenJ09IW5ympFD4AJwpelOUKvw/s320/Vanilla+Pet+Lamb+Cupcake2.jpg" width="242" yda="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.petlambpatisserie.com/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Vanilla</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">Cupcake</span></strong></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">The homemade treats are both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. I tend to focus on the edible delights, but let me tell you, there are amazing crafts, artwork, vintage items, quirky doodads and much more for anyone who ventures in to explore the stalls. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOcgou1RYhr65hFGLdhcf_qrjiOYdvZ1ik7g4Z3N5h3GoLYU6aofp0AoKXkuwM6TBwcW1HidTtHQr14Pbijj1wci6cs7hS7pXie8Ef5M5DeWg34BNYPX0izCl7TWqk9jLvUed3J9H-w/s1600/Jammy+Dodger+Cupcake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOcgou1RYhr65hFGLdhcf_qrjiOYdvZ1ik7g4Z3N5h3GoLYU6aofp0AoKXkuwM6TBwcW1HidTtHQr14Pbijj1wci6cs7hS7pXie8Ef5M5DeWg34BNYPX0izCl7TWqk9jLvUed3J9H-w/s320/Jammy+Dodger+Cupcake2.jpg" width="214" yda="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.petlambpatisserie.com/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Jammy</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">Dodger Cupcake</span></strong></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is quite a little gem of a market, and one to keep watch out for and make the effort to get to since it is only held in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grainger_Market#Grainger_Market"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Grainger Market</strong></span></a> once a month. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;"> </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK54.978252 -1.6177854.9053525 -1.7757085 55.051151499999996 -1.4598515tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-68806124701683361102012-01-16T17:10:00.000+00:002012-01-16T17:10:16.823+00:00A Weekend at the Hotel Du Vin<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little decadence is a big treat and a weekend away in festive Edinburgh is a great opportunity to try some of the local specialities. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogasFL9U4VCu3NtMwdxZoaSXsYaet2fcVNL0fh5GHwIM_IDQPXxidxouZaPHfdp7ixn251pUL77LUGfRt6Z9yW2Uhf7Fis89ouZbSZcbAhyYWNs-WnQqTBxfVoYxRVmo7-WBMTGW7jw/s1600/IMG_0629_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogasFL9U4VCu3NtMwdxZoaSXsYaet2fcVNL0fh5GHwIM_IDQPXxidxouZaPHfdp7ixn251pUL77LUGfRt6Z9yW2Uhf7Fis89ouZbSZcbAhyYWNs-WnQqTBxfVoYxRVmo7-WBMTGW7jw/s320/IMG_0629_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fried Duck Eggs on Haggis</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staying at the </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hotelduvin.com/hotels/edinburgh/edinburgh.aspx"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Hotel Du Vin</strong></span></a><span style="color: #274e13;">,</span> </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">described on its web page as "Nestled deep in Edinburgh's Old Town and housed within a former city asylum" was a treat in itself. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was an eery feeling in the twists and turns of the corridor as though you might be sharing the hotel with former residents. The random deep nooks and crannies in the exposed stone walls didn't help matters in this particular department. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLzhDlxJmXNZACFKaMt57HgWog6dV6PzuVpxCUfCzWPpY1XYSWn3yiQyOCNbMKlYATdZUeLfJR_IaXTLkibbCGTwbhQqkT8C5oFSuWS-pnau4w4qHXlju4UxqwKPMpnkQmr5bYXAxAw/s1600/IMG_0534_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLzhDlxJmXNZACFKaMt57HgWog6dV6PzuVpxCUfCzWPpY1XYSWn3yiQyOCNbMKlYATdZUeLfJR_IaXTLkibbCGTwbhQqkT8C5oFSuWS-pnau4w4qHXlju4UxqwKPMpnkQmr5bYXAxAw/s320/IMG_0534_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mini oat muffin with butter</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fancy-pants monsoon shower, fluffy over sized robes and underfloor heating in the bathroom plus the amazing breakfast was the icing on the cake (let me tell you I felt pretty darn spoiled and it wasn't even my birthday!). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Along with the 'let's stuff ourselves' breakfast on offer, the Nespresso machine was an unexpected extra bit of culinary fun in the hotel room (who expects to fall in love with a coffee-maker while on a weekend city break?). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOouBxubL8HYuk-dJE6Ehxwuu1eEq9ZZCP5YJZdUzUwpKOJLgG7Fc9a7ZovdsdpQoR5h0VNDVz4tGBoKHx7OQem5BjMG4hURfVoiuK7pxuTK4b9P2xTHobs8uWyIHgIAjD2Vjtmw1xQ/s1600/IMG_0529_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOouBxubL8HYuk-dJE6Ehxwuu1eEq9ZZCP5YJZdUzUwpKOJLgG7Fc9a7ZovdsdpQoR5h0VNDVz4tGBoKHx7OQem5BjMG4hURfVoiuK7pxuTK4b9P2xTHobs8uWyIHgIAjD2Vjtmw1xQ/s320/IMG_0529_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nespresso!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">Consequently I am now debating which cute colourful Nespresso machine will share my kitchen counter with my toaster & kettle, roll on January sales! </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK55.953252 -3.18826755.8821325 -3.3461955000000003 56.0243715 -3.0303385tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-14902896824318190742011-11-30T18:33:00.000+00:002011-11-30T18:33:24.254+00:00Thanksgiving<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanksgiving is one of those unique holidays which most Americans look forward to and which we try our best never to take for granted. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uNMVtYFre3lF9dZdkDvO-DBVyP0EkXcEIjk0tgDbdtkXgUSj9h6HrKt1M4izNeegJ8A3F_mLGoYLyC9qlgKRQx9NFHlr8D8hWGeQ8PE9OHrU3vjIgNj0WdV5Zes2TH3-mQ1M-ViGJw/s1600/Mini+Pecan+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uNMVtYFre3lF9dZdkDvO-DBVyP0EkXcEIjk0tgDbdtkXgUSj9h6HrKt1M4izNeegJ8A3F_mLGoYLyC9qlgKRQx9NFHlr8D8hWGeQ8PE9OHrU3vjIgNj0WdV5Zes2TH3-mQ1M-ViGJw/s320/Mini+Pecan+Pie.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a holiday revolving around being thankful for what we have, being surrounded by family and close friends, and not a single gift is exchanged(except maybe a hostess gift or two). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am always so grateful when I am able to spend it back home with my family and this year is one of those special years. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't yet graduated to being the main cook on Thanksgiving (what a scary thought that is!) but I like to contribute something to the table. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a member of the family who enjoys baking (and there are quite a few of us) I decided to make a dessert and in my eyes there are two main Thanksgiving desserts: Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of these traditional desserts was already spoken for but no one had baking rights to the Pecan Pie yet, so I was quick to claim it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I envisioned little individual pecan pies, a muffin-sized pie to be exact (I'm slightly obsessed with muffins) the perfect portion that no one can say no to really. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S5_N4WFGR7qyhHccqCZINN6aZdYGvvxVCtBgHZ3P2VjCp2zWFCSNqGc6U3fqCRSay-ibWbQWVtL8_a9_m37018YPwlK2Ce94EthdYb5AyzwVKif9B3Ya1QDNhHo8s7tSaflwLa-O8Q/s1600/Mini+Pecan+Pie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S5_N4WFGR7qyhHccqCZINN6aZdYGvvxVCtBgHZ3P2VjCp2zWFCSNqGc6U3fqCRSay-ibWbQWVtL8_a9_m37018YPwlK2Ce94EthdYb5AyzwVKif9B3Ya1QDNhHo8s7tSaflwLa-O8Q/s320/Mini+Pecan+Pie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I set about finding a recipe that I could mutate. I found a recipe for Mini Pecan Pies on the Myrecipe.com web page which was from Southern Living magazine November 2008. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The recipe used a package of frozen tart shells which I decided could easily be substituted with my clever unbaked pie crust plan. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long story short, I followed the Southern Living recipe for the pie filling and created my own little plan for the crusts. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dad supervised as I hesitantly put the muffin pan with the half-baked crusts filled with delicious pecan goo into the oven and 25 minutes later.....voila! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the recipe, which I've slightly adapted, from Southern Living November 2008:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mini Pecan Pies <span style="font-size: x-small;">(adapted from Southern Living NOVEMBER 2008)</span> </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></h3>
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<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 cups chopped pecans</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup dark corn syrup</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 large eggs, lightly beaten</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons melted butter</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/8 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">two unbaked, ready rolled pie crusts</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some flour for sprinkling on the crusts</span></li>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial;">You will need: muffin tins totalling at least a dozen</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Unroll the crusts. Dust some flour on both sides of each pie crust. Using a wine glass turned upside down as a rough estimate cut rounds out of the crusts. I was able to get 7 or 8 from each crust, although I did get creative and have to mush together the scraps and re-roll them to get the last round. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Push the rounds gently into the muffin tin, being careful not to put any holes through the dough as you press them in, the edges may overlap or be somewhat wrinkled as it is pressed into the tin but this is OK. Bake in the oven (without the filling) for roughly 10 minutes at 350ºF just to part bake but keep watch so it doesn't burn. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Stir together sugar and corn syrup in a medium bowl. Stir in pecans, eggs, and next 3 ingredients.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Spoon roughly a TBSP of pecan mixture into each crust. Ensure there is a good amount of the liquid in each and not just pecans since the liquid is what binds the filling together. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Place muffin tin with filled individual crusts into the middle rack of the oven.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Bake at 350ºF for 25 to 30 minutes or until set. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Remove to wire racks, and let cool completely (about 30 minutes). Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.<br /> </span><br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-48592435107619754252011-10-30T17:14:00.000+00:002011-10-30T17:14:53.690+00:00Coffee at The Basement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68Zn7NTmO_ZknNVf1BellcHDeyEIaROo0G4X0Uoi4R_gD5jg-Tqrswhh1DhxZTtUCjiWDRAW9D0-Le182rUWZPQKSINw4spcEE-womPqqys1q696ETAxm0aBIOf2O8h6XrNRPAQqQ0w/s1600/basement+2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68Zn7NTmO_ZknNVf1BellcHDeyEIaROo0G4X0Uoi4R_gD5jg-Tqrswhh1DhxZTtUCjiWDRAW9D0-Le182rUWZPQKSINw4spcEE-womPqqys1q696ETAxm0aBIOf2O8h6XrNRPAQqQ0w/s320/basement+2_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">A sign in the window advertises that this interesting looking coffee shop has “Pumpkin Lattes”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who am I to deny myself from taste testing the one and only pumpkin latte available in Newcastle upon Tyne? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Located in Carliol Square, the relaxed atmosphere is apparent as you walk downstairs into the spacious coffee shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Music quietly plays in the background as the friendly barista greets you. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It feels like I’ve been transported back in time to my teen years and landed in a suburban basement to hang out on a Friday night complete with a pool table and combinations of random furniture dotted around. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGMrW6n2lL79yHz4pF4v4wXS2fVbb9VtKZGSCoPnXViISh-qk9DYd1xM9X3vtaj1sRDq8MrC-nOWbbDVcY0tPXaALsYBu-2d_u6jUMItg62HanHmu6Skt42pq9xNwCWTOoIBE29vHsg/s1600/basement+3_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGMrW6n2lL79yHz4pF4v4wXS2fVbb9VtKZGSCoPnXViISh-qk9DYd1xM9X3vtaj1sRDq8MrC-nOWbbDVcY0tPXaALsYBu-2d_u6jUMItg62HanHmu6Skt42pq9xNwCWTOoIBE29vHsg/s320/basement+3_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">There is even a little stage in one corner with a musician’s stool and a microphone which must be for “Live Music Fridays” advertised on the blackboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I was very excited to have my pumpkin latte and was indeed quite impressed with it. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I was even more impressed with the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_fog"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">London Fog</span></strong></a>” (Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup) that I had the pleasure of tasting for the first time.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">That drink is definitely going on my list of things to order again, yum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-30617815075693692592011-10-24T21:19:00.001+01:002011-10-24T21:19:55.131+01:00Sugar Cookies<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The sugar cookie is such a simple and versatile cookie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfectly delicious on its own or it can be made extra special using cookie cutters. Once decorated they can be a special treat suitable for any tea party!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I decided to make these particular sugar cookies for a Tea Party themed Baby Shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8Uoub_WA5Qp1jYgpfTC19ZLRjUSsVnRi1EdFFY5zJIV9AfZjhIrJfHMx_XaQnjYvbyQGjg0h6XuUJlvDnTVhiHhRg54j8eljIg_7FUWDgGmBqsjKPGmkkDLg9ytiTuOUEPj43p0PuQ/s1600/Before+Sugar+Cookies+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8Uoub_WA5Qp1jYgpfTC19ZLRjUSsVnRi1EdFFY5zJIV9AfZjhIrJfHMx_XaQnjYvbyQGjg0h6XuUJlvDnTVhiHhRg54j8eljIg_7FUWDgGmBqsjKPGmkkDLg9ytiTuOUEPj43p0PuQ/s320/Before+Sugar+Cookies+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had chosen the teacup and teapot cookie cutters specifically for this purpose and I’m sure I will get plenty of use out of them in future too (Tea Party themed cookies from now on!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I have to admit that it was a little frustrating when the baked cookies came out of the oven looking less than ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPHeHfYFnoxDZDS6F_4K_Ql7mLQIHDIui0_ZgZ7cMk7SNZSfptF8gOdUCFpBLtpQqZsqztISpN3D9wZV9SLkizUczTRZKNXUS2xblcm9tRenw_Zk9Wlk5tJWnNjEyxds3OdK5ctBqjw/s1600/sugar+cookies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPHeHfYFnoxDZDS6F_4K_Ql7mLQIHDIui0_ZgZ7cMk7SNZSfptF8gOdUCFpBLtpQqZsqztISpN3D9wZV9SLkizUczTRZKNXUS2xblcm9tRenw_Zk9Wlk5tJWnNjEyxds3OdK5ctBqjw/s320/sugar+cookies+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had spread out quite a bit and were not particularly looking like they were heading to a tea party but luckily I was planning to add icing touches to embellish the finished cookie. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mission was to force the brain to assume they were destined for a tea party through the creative use of sugar and an icing pen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JgKucDRj0WZaXP651ffBu6cnTtrjX2a4BYKi45aZavMKe7SRyh5xy6BiMoY17_-HytwrHr20gBuMO1KmLeyiea3NSTkfMVeHsI91-g0gUn1WqEQBPvayfXaaMnJj-jnZ8bTurL9kZg/s1600/Tea+Party+Sugar+Cookie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JgKucDRj0WZaXP651ffBu6cnTtrjX2a4BYKi45aZavMKe7SRyh5xy6BiMoY17_-HytwrHr20gBuMO1KmLeyiea3NSTkfMVeHsI91-g0gUn1WqEQBPvayfXaaMnJj-jnZ8bTurL9kZg/s320/Tea+Party+Sugar+Cookie+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had made an impulse buy of an </span><a href="http://www.clasohlson.co.uk/Siteseeker/Search_o.aspx?q=icing+pen"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>icing pen</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> (for the bargain price of only £3.99) on a little lunch time excursion to Clas Ohlson. I’m loving it and have put it to good use with these cookies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfESAFHzZLXeUjY64eNxABUQzuoMoF4fPcVKllJ6jdsqyLSRWR7nEVVSs2c1xkDTfSUuUpepqG1f5NvW6RlYkIdou779O9nfY6cQ6VyflzKsXFAurqGKxJN_UGgT4KsAIFvRs4YBPlQ/s1600/sugar+cookies+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfESAFHzZLXeUjY64eNxABUQzuoMoF4fPcVKllJ6jdsqyLSRWR7nEVVSs2c1xkDTfSUuUpepqG1f5NvW6RlYkIdou779O9nfY6cQ6VyflzKsXFAurqGKxJN_UGgT4KsAIFvRs4YBPlQ/s320/sugar+cookies+5.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am already envisioning Christmas cookies with sprinkles and icing galore!</span></div>
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<span class="value"><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recipe from </span><a href="http://joyofbaking.com/SugarCookies.html"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Joy of Baking</strong></span></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="bod"><span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes about 36 cookies.</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
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3 cups (390 grams) all purpose flour </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">1/2 teaspoon salt </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">1 teaspoon baking soda </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">2 large eggs</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until combined. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the flour mixture and beat until you have a smooth dough. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate</span> for about one hour or until firm enough to roll.</span></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. </span></span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span>Remove one half of the chilled dough from the refrigerator and, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch (1 cm). Keep turning the dough as you roll, making sure the dough does not stick to the counter. Cut out desired shapes using a lightly floured cookie cutter and transfer cookies to baking sheet. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span>Place the baking sheets with the unbaked cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to chill the dough which prevents the cookies from spreading and losing their shape while baking. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span>Note: If you are not going to frost the baked cookies, you can sprinkle the unbaked cookies with sparkling sugar. </span></span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span>Bake cookies for about 8-10 minutes (depending on size) or until the edges are just starting to brown. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="bod"><span>Frosted cookies will keep several days in an airtight container. Store between layers of parchment paper or wax paper.</span></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-27322502066905358982011-10-16T21:02:00.001+01:002011-10-16T21:02:29.068+01:00Tyneside Coffee Rooms<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlq3k7wi7qdpluwAwdl6r-3EDTEtPOm5Rj4pccDNox9el04pDzy8q4IVaF8FXAjOHCpoQ9NPFWoFAdQp5jrrqKRDn8UBDk6mUeEPjsyw6qlloHksiVDWwW3pdgMdn_G6rMpIYUYlDgQ/s1600/DSC_0009_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlq3k7wi7qdpluwAwdl6r-3EDTEtPOm5Rj4pccDNox9el04pDzy8q4IVaF8FXAjOHCpoQ9NPFWoFAdQp5jrrqKRDn8UBDk6mUeEPjsyw6qlloHksiVDWwW3pdgMdn_G6rMpIYUYlDgQ/s320/DSC_0009_edited-1.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Far: Banoffee Cake with Caramel Frosting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fact: there are some fantastic places to have coffee in Newcastle. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I can appreciate the technical skill and extreme dedication to customer service that it takes to create a half-caf extra shot, extra hot, skinny caramel macchiato to the same standard each and every time, and I do indulge in a handcrafted beverage from the worldwide chains every so often quite happily. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">However, I can also appreciate a uniquely cosy one-off coffee shop that makes a helluva cuppa served in a chunky painted mug and whose decor comes complete with mismatched chairs, lumpy throw pillows and a take one/leave one book shelf in the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of these wonderfully unique places is the <a href="https://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/about-us/food-and-drink"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Tyneside Coffee Rooms</strong></span></a> on the second floor of the Tyneside Cinema. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPyxMUXj3HAg-3i1wquabhbHM5aEuBF2tNkoHwZePnZ2mTyjbI3APjIgSfDoJfr9Eg6mY3qCpDg5LgCtYGhOkK6y-9tblinpf5n93FX7xZdRh1lxUSBFP94uTQfoE_sZwfDesjWh3yw/s1600/DSC_0013_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPyxMUXj3HAg-3i1wquabhbHM5aEuBF2tNkoHwZePnZ2mTyjbI3APjIgSfDoJfr9Eg6mY3qCpDg5LgCtYGhOkK6y-9tblinpf5n93FX7xZdRh1lxUSBFP94uTQfoE_sZwfDesjWh3yw/s320/DSC_0013_edited-1.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Blueberry cake with cream cheese frosting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, so it doesn't have mismatched chairs or lumpy pillows, but it has fabulous red velvet seats with a greatly varied menu and they always seem to have a delicious selection of cakes (which come in very satisfyingly large portions!). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only do they serve coffee but they also have a wide variety of tea and the loose teas are even served in funky tea cafetieres that perch on top of your cup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It’s a great place to pop in and grab a cuppa to sip over good conversation, or to have lunch before a big shopping expedition in town. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I especially like the fact that there is movie memorabilia, factoids and photos in an exhibition in the corridor on your way into the coffee shop. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The Tyneside Coffee Rooms is definitely a one-off coffee & cake experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK54.9778404 -1.612916554.9413899 -1.6918805000000001 55.0142909 -1.5339525tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-45409431280334121232011-10-07T19:09:00.000+01:002011-10-07T19:41:12.945+01:00Chocolate Photo Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Chocolate is a treat in all of its forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether it be an indulgent hot coco moment, a sinfully rich & gooey chocolate dessert or just a candy bar fix from the vending machine during the work day, each is a special little moment to be enjoyed in its own way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuGXvRfY5wIWn010xLqpxgLqXklgNuj6O_fdZTK7NhShAdwRizjzdanvvzsnI6jdeHwBd97DwPS9YAa1mdzrPEQG0W4liRiDoTZo37V5rxNIiXIoOCMj1Yhh1ErlEYSCKvQHUkRlAjA/s1600/DSC_0076_0963_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuGXvRfY5wIWn010xLqpxgLqXklgNuj6O_fdZTK7NhShAdwRizjzdanvvzsnI6jdeHwBd97DwPS9YAa1mdzrPEQG0W4liRiDoTZo37V5rxNIiXIoOCMj1Yhh1ErlEYSCKvQHUkRlAjA/s320/DSC_0076_0963_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So last year when the opportunity arose to partake in an extraordinary chocolate selection box at an amazingly bargain basement price I jumped at the chance. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was one of those fabulously priced trial offers for a certain high end chocolate company’s tasting club (the shop that has a name which sounds like it may actually be somewhere to rest your head overnight on a bed made of the delightful treat ). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was truly just too good of a deal to pass up. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I, of course, had to have a little photo shoot with my chocolates before I allowed myself to indulge in their deliciousness.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Li7w532XS2D6PWhj947Yw97EWvAPpLd_XxXjT0au06mbFY0RvzAsVzULI_guvzy87P1kANr3w9cRMz26lcrfgK822HOou3wA4hvt26rQC41w7YtgYxhnAK6tW2K07hksfrCMLFPcQ/s1600/DSC_0190_1077_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Li7w532XS2D6PWhj947Yw97EWvAPpLd_XxXjT0au06mbFY0RvzAsVzULI_guvzy87P1kANr3w9cRMz26lcrfgK822HOou3wA4hvt26rQC41w7YtgYxhnAK6tW2K07hksfrCMLFPcQ/s320/DSC_0190_1077_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were indeed the prettiest chocolates I have ever experienced and they tasted pretty fantastic too which is an impressive bonus. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had both style and substance, a combination I can happily sink my teeth into. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I can genuinely say that up until that point I had never had so much fun taking pictures of food. I think it was one of the very first times I tried my hand at actually styling food. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the shoot I did my best to savour each and every bite of these decadent morsels but if I recall correctly the box didn’t last very long. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you blame me?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-6307371501253443452011-10-01T15:10:00.000+01:002011-10-01T15:10:16.826+01:00French Toast Casserole<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It may be purely an American thing to make a casserole that is not savoury but whatever you choose to name this dish it is not a disappointment for something special of a sweet & stodgy nature.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7ydhxDu8K55ggm4v7cspelHXJGzlEdlt4iUnyQZPvokVAc_Gj3I1g7KDoNdrbLLRlPwyUeXE0Q4YWLCosRwuWTRVzHRwaJylUj1mIKo7zrf1kR7-KW4Dwe_8zX5o0w4d1pkUOxHSdQ/s1600/french+toast+casserole+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7ydhxDu8K55ggm4v7cspelHXJGzlEdlt4iUnyQZPvokVAc_Gj3I1g7KDoNdrbLLRlPwyUeXE0Q4YWLCosRwuWTRVzHRwaJylUj1mIKo7zrf1kR7-KW4Dwe_8zX5o0w4d1pkUOxHSdQ/s320/french+toast+casserole+2.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It is probably best to refer to the meal where this dish is served as brunch otherwise you are flat out having dessert for breakfast. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to the idea of having dessert for breakfast, and in fact some of my favourite breakfasts are probably considered desserts somewhere in the world (waffles smothered with syrup, bagels with fruity cream cheese, porridge with dried fruit and drizzles of honey...) but for the sake of appearing healthy let’s just refer to this as the perfect brunch dish. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">My mom found this recipe a couple of years ago and prepared it for our family Christmas Brunch that year (see how that sounds? Brunch is just fantastic!). </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Simply put, it was awesome. It is now in my ever-growing repertoire of tried & tested recipes.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Basically it is a giant finger-licking portion of delicious French Toast (or Eggy Bread as it is called in the UK) that has been smothered in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> a </span>sticky combination of syrup, pecans and brown sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is then baked to perfection so each bite has a bit of crunch followed by the soft sweet insides.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmbMqkjRcX6ZXv9y8FztZMNjO7lOax7IbQriGwerywwHIB2ZbahXinNVYQu6t2fyqAN3BFxbkwoFiLccsS0aOQ_GsXLYGfhKbHUYGAGkcWGBXBvk1MCQiTVd3EjenLdQ4KlGHDnD9UQ/s1600/french+toast+casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmbMqkjRcX6ZXv9y8FztZMNjO7lOax7IbQriGwerywwHIB2ZbahXinNVYQu6t2fyqAN3BFxbkwoFiLccsS0aOQ_GsXLYGfhKbHUYGAGkcWGBXBvk1MCQiTVd3EjenLdQ4KlGHDnD9UQ/s320/french+toast+casserole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It is pretty simple to assemble and well worth a try! Your sweet tooth will definitely thank you (even if your waistline wants to disown you). </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Below is the original recipe that my mom typed out for me from the newspaper article where she discovered it. The article credited the recipe as being adapted from Virginia Willis' Bon Appetit, Y'all.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It is worth noting that recently I made a half batch (since I didn’t have a football team to serve it to) in a brownie pan and it worked quite well and made two large portions or 4 petite ones. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span><u>French Toast Casserole</u> (makes 8 servings) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">4 TBSP (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">1 loaf brioche (any sweetish white bread will do) sliced roughly 1 1/2 inches thick </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">8 large eggs, lightly beaten</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Pinch Salt</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Confectioners Sugar</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Maple syrup</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a 9x13 inch baking dish.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Arrange bread slices overlapping in the dish.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and salt. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Pour mixture over bread, and let it soak in. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Top bread slices evenly with pecans or walnuts.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Meantime, take casserole out of refrigerator and let sit at room temp for 20 minutes.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Bake casserole until browned and set, 30 to 45 mins. Let cool slightly on wire rack. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Sift confectioners’ sugar over casserole, and serve with syrup. </span></span></span></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-38671963929910795082011-09-24T16:31:00.000+01:002011-09-24T16:31:08.376+01:00South Shields: Colmans Fish and Chips<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greasy fingers, the smell of malt vinegar, ketchup dribbling down your chin, the sounds of the seaside, a giant seagull trying to steal your chips... </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFsC0cUfAnWEvOIO1U_t-ERiaa1tKyc2Dp2RH4adtsFQWgEcUGydOhmrU0gYP54tOnwD8182L6Bacea0lfeaxfuAD30eRcBFGFsq4hYVDTJ6Lt7zeVLwq78xpxACJAod37OoTT2W1NQ/s1600/DSC_0404_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFsC0cUfAnWEvOIO1U_t-ERiaa1tKyc2Dp2RH4adtsFQWgEcUGydOhmrU0gYP54tOnwD8182L6Bacea0lfeaxfuAD30eRcBFGFsq4hYVDTJ6Lt7zeVLwq78xpxACJAod37OoTT2W1NQ/s320/DSC_0404_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://www.colmansfishandchips.com/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colman</span>s</span></a>, South Shields</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suppose the above description is more relevant to grabbing some fish & chips to wander along the coast with but that is what I envision when going out for this famous British meal. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This particular time, however, I sat in the white tiled seaside themed restaurant of the Award Winning fish & chip establishment known as <a href="http://www.colmansfishandchips.com/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Colmans</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">.</span></strong> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFYRbdYq3oMeF4V26zyIKd1I_dEcBF3nvLkgPOAhw1-Py07IdPfCF34IrGMPXq-HOhbpmz3NJdVl4P8QWz-Uj-2P63Xua9zyh998_fNh5Esc4PKSENHaZtkdZiNdd9U-R_U-Z2VT4Cg/s1600/Steam+Train.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFYRbdYq3oMeF4V26zyIKd1I_dEcBF3nvLkgPOAhw1-Py07IdPfCF34IrGMPXq-HOhbpmz3NJdVl4P8QWz-Uj-2P63Xua9zyh998_fNh5Esc4PKSENHaZtkdZiNdd9U-R_U-Z2VT4Cg/s200/Steam+Train.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are plenty of good fish & chip shops in the North East of England (<strong><a href="http://candyismyfriend.blogspot.com/2011/09/whirlwind-taste-of-northeast.html"><span style="color: #274e13;">see previous post</span></a></strong>) because we are so close to the sea but some stand out a great deal more than others. </span></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1336932578"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.colmansfishandchips.com/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Colmans</span></strong></a> which bills itself as <span style="color: #274e13;">“<span class="tag">Famous for Fish & Chips since 1926”</span></span> is located in South Shields and has a restaurant attached to their extremely popular take away shop. On my visit there it was chock full of groups of older folks and whole families getting their mid day meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We still managed to get a table quickly and soon we were joining in on the eating of delicious fish & chips. We then had the rest of the day to explore and enjoy. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSoojeuwGsEUTcutx6ytTHOGBF8PvOJMowITFPyIyrzeo2fRMEHIRoLU7Ei_7Hi1d523j60lnpSkpnPpMS1eZD-KJd1-DQJmeK8c0EPZ-ghUvBD-48jO827YGaL1haCNBP4b_kwb90A/s1600/steam+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><strong><img border="0" hca="true" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSoojeuwGsEUTcutx6ytTHOGBF8PvOJMowITFPyIyrzeo2fRMEHIRoLU7Ei_7Hi1d523j60lnpSkpnPpMS1eZD-KJd1-DQJmeK8c0EPZ-ghUvBD-48jO827YGaL1haCNBP4b_kwb90A/s320/steam+train.jpg" width="320" /></strong></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><strong><a href="http://www.miniaturerailwayworld.co.uk/Lakeshore.html"><span style="color: #274e13;">Lakeshore Railroad</span></a>, South Shields</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course when in South Shields you have to head over to check out <a href="http://www.miniaturerailwayworld.co.uk/Lakeshore.html"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Lakeshore Railroad</span></strong></a> for a ride or just to take snaps (like some of us who obsess over getting a picture of the steam looking “just right”). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">A gentle ride around the park on the <a href="http://www.miniaturerailwayworld.co.uk/Lakeshore.html"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>mini steam train</strong></span></a> is the perfect thing if you are feeling rather roly-poly after finishing off your huge plate of carby goodness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">And who knows, maybe after the digestion lethargy has finally passed you might even fancy a go at the amusement arcade across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0South Shields, South Tyneside, UK54.9957966 -1.427705254.9593626 -1.5066692 55.0322306 -1.3487411999999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-72110882578712142642011-09-17T18:47:00.000+01:002011-09-17T19:07:22.256+01:00Make and Mend Market Treats<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we have a little eye candy from the most recent <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=8254673140&v=wall"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Make & Mend Market</strong></span></a> and </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of each and every item seen here. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2burT1yDJa_fZQJZKnzLm9V_ZhorKd5yQ8ynkIetd0GnM4cAeisl41411e_qknZNjZ3LR6XHrWGvLcpXK4-HzEdpF4QW56kC2EnezyuFKCnZh6aAFGAvkDuH4mc8-5XkxI_HCPPsMMA/s1600/PGK+Lemon+Dream+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="224" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2burT1yDJa_fZQJZKnzLm9V_ZhorKd5yQ8ynkIetd0GnM4cAeisl41411e_qknZNjZ3LR6XHrWGvLcpXK4-HzEdpF4QW56kC2EnezyuFKCnZh6aAFGAvkDuH4mc8-5XkxI_HCPPsMMA/s320/PGK+Lemon+Dream+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Lemon Dream from Poor Girl's Kitchen </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.poorgirlskitchen.co.uk/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Poor Girl’s Kitchen</strong></span></a> had an array of tempting goodies to choose from and I had to really hold myself back from getting one of everything. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was even lucky enough to be the enthusiastic winner of four delightful <a href="http://www.petlambpatisserie.com/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Pet Lamb Patisserie</strong></span></a> cupcakes of my choosing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I had to do in order to win the tasty quartet was to be the first fan to visit their stall in the Grainger Market and yell (yes, yell) out the secret password.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisltlN-e5mg7M9dvsg1WMx5L8d1hwDRe4Lnk2XDiYQA0aWOZ2WOJJXaQRGJ9BoqZfBkFGTQWhUkJKLxCbqCjKStXUDocnKSc4K8SYhyYTlYXB3wAeGTyluZ0Pgn2QO24-pCbEb6HDSXg/s1600/DSC_0530_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisltlN-e5mg7M9dvsg1WMx5L8d1hwDRe4Lnk2XDiYQA0aWOZ2WOJJXaQRGJ9BoqZfBkFGTQWhUkJKLxCbqCjKStXUDocnKSc4K8SYhyYTlYXB3wAeGTyluZ0Pgn2QO24-pCbEb6HDSXg/s320/DSC_0530_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Caramel Bar from Poor Girl's Kitchen</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I was out of the house early already for park run and also near enough to the market venue anyway, I figured why not give it a try?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After finishing park run, I jogged my way through Newcastle town centre (won’t be doing that again anytime soon, yikes!) over to the market, checking via my phone along the way to see if they had released the secret password.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was nearly at the entryway to the market when the password was finally announced. I kept up the pace until I was standing directly in front of one of the Pet Lamb ladies who was sitting calmly at their stall. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxigGuBMktJOT-P6hKNG05Wzlr6Lv_ccKJ7XYqIyVaLaK8ouvbE23hoESlyFhLja-7lnwhlfvAZ1h9RAZqEVDGHl7jHArHOiQu5qp4aYZkMpN-HsS2J9AI9_ySMsI5lGuXkK7byA_qBQ/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxigGuBMktJOT-P6hKNG05Wzlr6Lv_ccKJ7XYqIyVaLaK8ouvbE23hoESlyFhLja-7lnwhlfvAZ1h9RAZqEVDGHl7jHArHOiQu5qp4aYZkMpN-HsS2J9AI9_ySMsI5lGuXkK7byA_qBQ/s320/cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Cupcakes from Pet Lamb Patisserie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I quickly asked if it had already happened and when she said no, I couldn't help but smile knowing I was about to be super-duper embarrassed and then I proceeded to yell out: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“MUFFIN TOP!” </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having successfully won, I just grinned like an idiot whilst choosing my cupcakes and I don’t think I stopped grinning until well after I had eaten the majority of my treats accompanied by a cup of tea in the comfort of my own home. </span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-44835090980785474822011-09-13T19:41:00.000+01:002011-09-13T19:41:24.157+01:00Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3XfoKxuXN1sF6L5I6wkL2up0e6oEaBsMKnM9vcKy2WaxuNVQ3NWe6T1_sikghEcMDSfClwmT6uP1C3pL_yn9qSHv0C8_R2Hq0HKt83by_fZ6eAyeM-Q0RKrXve_7XC8axa1K7RidGw/s1600/Cinnamon+Pull+Apart+Bread+Loaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3XfoKxuXN1sF6L5I6wkL2up0e6oEaBsMKnM9vcKy2WaxuNVQ3NWe6T1_sikghEcMDSfClwmT6uP1C3pL_yn9qSHv0C8_R2Hq0HKt83by_fZ6eAyeM-Q0RKrXve_7XC8axa1K7RidGw/s320/Cinnamon+Pull+Apart+Bread+Loaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Deliciously sticky & sweet, this hodge-podge of cinnamon sugary layers can only be described as seriously satisfying especially straight out of the oven. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #274e13;">As soon as I saw this recipe on </span><a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/08/23/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread/"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Brown Eyed Baker’s blog</span></strong></a><span style="color: #274e13;"> I knew that I definitely had to find the time to make it, but that thought was only second to my drooling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #274e13;">This is my kind of bread and</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of freshly brewed coffee on a lazy Sunday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Calibri;">It took me a full afternoon to patiently prepare my kitchen so that everything would come together nicely. I carefully removed any traces of cats from the work area and banned them from the kitchen for the duration (which I think they were none too pleased about). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I scrubbed the counter top and laid out my tools (rolling pin, mixing bowl, measuring spoons, etc...) followed by each ingredient lined up in the proper order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jFDCBneECeKFs0tZTccs2qJzMmD8cVYeNrw3PgJOoA7vUDp_fZu6vAV4gu-Y7z4iW-si9eGZjqSHJcQAJPq8A8yazu4D9Xfjc1qvISvQQvnJZ-5KsHKztsUxCtaLE1cOV6GbG_NuHQ/s1600/Cinnamon+Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jFDCBneECeKFs0tZTccs2qJzMmD8cVYeNrw3PgJOoA7vUDp_fZu6vAV4gu-Y7z4iW-si9eGZjqSHJcQAJPq8A8yazu4D9Xfjc1qvISvQQvnJZ-5KsHKztsUxCtaLE1cOV6GbG_NuHQ/s320/Cinnamon+Bread.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Calibri;">My mom has always maintained that she thoroughly enjoys baking bread from scratch mainly because she loves the kneading process. I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of kneading since it makes my hands ache a bit, but luckily this bread only requires the dough be deflated and kneaded only a little bit (you have no idea what fun it is to punch...sorry “deflate” dough until you’ve had a go). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The finished result is pretty darn impressive looking and tasting, which is definitely a winning combination. E</span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Calibri;">ven though the process may have made my kitchen look like the losing end of a flour fight followed by a cinnamon sugar explosion, it was worth every sticky sweet moment! </span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18063397578880660.post-46363601966756418822011-09-10T16:23:00.001+01:002011-09-10T16:23:52.476+01:00Whirlwind Taste of the Northeast<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I had a whirlwind visit recently from an old friend who had never been to England before and was only going to be in the Northeast for a single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLgNdgxnCB23jgKW5P6WCcCHpO6vu5yc9lO8lZMhXZoDXIqi61LlnEU3-SbLcXPwn1GRaKjl3wSdKUT_bQKcISp1VDNbPYQ8txvtHNo_EnQTDZU7r2d8s_anHy_eTL4wE7uDPg8kqtg/s1600/DSC_0079_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLgNdgxnCB23jgKW5P6WCcCHpO6vu5yc9lO8lZMhXZoDXIqi61LlnEU3-SbLcXPwn1GRaKjl3wSdKUT_bQKcISp1VDNbPYQ8txvtHNo_EnQTDZU7r2d8s_anHy_eTL4wE7uDPg8kqtg/s320/DSC_0079_edited-1.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><strong>Marshalls Fish & Chips</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt obliged to show him not only the visual highlights of the area (<a href="http://melissaonthetyne.blogspot.com/2011/09/flying-visit-from-old-friend.html"><strong><span style="color: #274e13;">see my non food blog entry</span></strong></a>) but also a few of the culinary highlights. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">We headed to the seaside to enjoy fish & chips, complete with mushy peas, in its natural surroundings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had our typically British meal at Marshalls in Tynemouth which came very highly praised by a friend. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">From now on I will be the one strongly recommending Marshalls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neither one of us had room in our stomach to completely finish our tasty meals but it was so good we just wanted to keep trying. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh398LiJ_PeVMYADhJE5mmF84kwElUHnl4b0L7epTk7LxCp3tKZoQU04VLu2IMEdBDYHHNDJXKTF6V4ATYH7xFjHk-aIBNfM98Ct_-hJb3BjpGH24im4hXYHIHMtnP9fKgqQxMBj8Ss7g/s1600/DSC_0042_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh398LiJ_PeVMYADhJE5mmF84kwElUHnl4b0L7epTk7LxCp3tKZoQU04VLu2IMEdBDYHHNDJXKTF6V4ATYH7xFjHk-aIBNfM98Ct_-hJb3BjpGH24im4hXYHIHMtnP9fKgqQxMBj8Ss7g/s320/DSC_0042_edited-1.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><strong>Tasty treats</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This could have been because they serve quite generous portions, or it could have had something to do with the delicious selection of sweet things we had just enjoyed whilst sitting on a breezy bench along the coast. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We chose these little beauties from a lovely bakery along the main road to the Priory in Tynemouth, which unfortunately I don’t know the actual name of but I know exactly where it is for future.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was an unfortunate cake casualty due to the slightly slippery strawberry tart not coming with a warning label of some sort or perhaps simply because one of us was a bit over excited about eating it and got a tad bit clumsy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Luckily we had two other treats waiting in the wings to indulge in. Phew!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpK6tPfMFCfaGIEsqoz0P7PPxnXNMf9y_ENMKtr4r_X2neoq11xSKhRpvaSVrNaETQMvN1Jx1xaGHu1t06di6t46Z8OyU7Q5cdOtvNv4a6AG7U-n907OWJjj9AVdIW0PeYucDlDI9Cg/s1600/DSC_0049_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpK6tPfMFCfaGIEsqoz0P7PPxnXNMf9y_ENMKtr4r_X2neoq11xSKhRpvaSVrNaETQMvN1Jx1xaGHu1t06di6t46Z8OyU7Q5cdOtvNv4a6AG7U-n907OWJjj9AVdIW0PeYucDlDI9Cg/s200/DSC_0049_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><strong>Slippery strawberry tart</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The chubby coconut macaroon with a little maraschino cherry on top was superb. The other item shall remain nameless (just like the bakery, darn it!) because I have no idea what it was called. The anonymous treat was an almond flavoured shortbread-esque bar with dried fruit sprinkled throughout with each end of the square dipped </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in chocolate for an extra sweet touch. So good!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was also a nice selection of real ales enjoyed during this extremely brief visit to the Northeast. The choices available at the Bodega and The Bridge Hotel pubs were fantastically varied from blonde beers to dark brews and all the stages in between. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyPN9BSp3pkGksisn8qUpMHL_xHUyFs_EjUjTZAxcUzmAJ72Bozppd4KjElIZ434jVcdhxzQA2juTRyF6MPrKzZ4RHEVOMkTkHAk_EqsTqzbXX8MiCFuWBygIY_1-86pAOxFBxC4cdw/s1600/DSC_0093_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyPN9BSp3pkGksisn8qUpMHL_xHUyFs_EjUjTZAxcUzmAJ72Bozppd4KjElIZ434jVcdhxzQA2juTRyF6MPrKzZ4RHEVOMkTkHAk_EqsTqzbXX8MiCFuWBygIY_1-86pAOxFBxC4cdw/s320/DSC_0093_edited-1.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><strong>Real ale at Bodega</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evening was rounded out with a four-course meal at The Raj Tandoori off the Bigg Market in Newcastle’s city centre, but unfortunately I did not get a decent photo of the delicious curries we had, but trust me they were very flavourful and got thumbs up all around.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has to be said that all involved parties enjoyed this little whirlwind taste tour of the Northeast, and I personally can’t wait to head back to Tynemouth very soon to discover more sweet treats from that fabulous bakery.</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09285064696274153347noreply@blogger.com0