In heavy rotation around here as we try to eat our way through the pantry before we move
Serves two
1⁄4 cup chia seeds
1⁄4 cup canned mango
3⁄4 cups coconut milk
Stir together and let sit for 30 minutes.
Add fruit on top if desired. More mango for me. Kiwi is also yummy.
Now, what do I do with three kilos of oats?!?
Last night husband and I went over to the new East Street Restaurant in Piccadilly Gardens. I wasn’t in the best mood, having sat through 10 hours of induction but as soon as a plate of food was put under my nose, my grump began to lift.
It was nice to spend the evening together since for the next sixth months, I’ll be working most of them.
Thank you East Street MCR for filling my belly and turning my frown upside down.
*we had the chilli chicken and the chicken satay which were tasty with a nice bit of heat, but the icey cool watermelon was my favourite. So simple but so delicious.
** food free, words and grumps my own doing
Currently suffering death by induction – but a new job calls for new habits.
Giving meal prepping a go since I got into a bad habit of biscuits and chips at my last job.
Coconut mango chia seed pudding for breakfast and a mini mezze spread for lunch.
We had our favourite Leeds couple over to visit this weekend.
Much food was eaten.
I’ve had my eye on the Electro Brunch at Gaucho for a couple of years, but after hearing stories from colleague at work who went recently, I knew I had to make plans to get down there stat. The seating is for two hours and for £50 you get to feast yourself on bottomless food and drink. The french toast was actually a little disappointing albeit the most photogenic item on the menu- everything else however was excellent. The provoleta was my favourite.
We slow walked over to The Gasworks where we were supposed to relax and digest, but somehow we ended up playing Shufl.
Most. Annoying. Game. Ever.
I could not get the knack of sliding those little suckers but it was strangely addictive. I’m already planning a return trip.
We crazy golfed our way around Gary at Junkyard Golf.
Had a much needed tea stop at Home Sweet Home, before going to watch Deadpool 2.
And ended the evening with greasy pizza and chats.
Dress – Oasis
Bag – Tu by Sainsbury’s (a birthday gift from my mother-in-law, last year)
Sandals – The Poet Sandal maker, Athens
I bought this dress 6 years ago, to wear to my university graduation. Since then, it has seen me through some of my favourite memories of my twenties.
I wore it the day husband and I went to buy our wedding bands. We bought cheap silver rings from Argos and went to Beef and Pudding (since closed) for a celebratory dinner, that cost more than the rings combined.
I also wore it on our wedding day. We had our ceremony at a registry office and then a barbecue with family. I changed out of my wedding dress so I could slather my burgers in ketchup and not worry about ruining it.
And yesterday, I wore it to see in a new decade.
(Maybe I’ll learn how to iron my clothes in my thirties?)
Yesterday, I turned 30.
The day started off with a tea and chocolates. Presents were unwrapped.
There were pasteis, warmed slightly and topped with cinnamon. More tea, of course.
Brunch at Fress, with the most spectacular eggs benedict
After some celebratory drinks, a subsequent 2 hour nap and phone calls with family, we ate ourselves into a food coma.
The other day, I was complaining to husband about how tired I was.
So tired in fact, that my words came out all in a jumble and I exclaimed, loudly
‘I pooped myself!’
Not quite the phrase I was aiming for.
But now, husband won’t let me live it down…
The most beautiful light at sunset. No filter required.
What was supposed to be a shopping trip to buy a (very belated) birthday present for my father-in-law, turned into a leisurely dinner with some excellent ramen, and seeing the new Avengers film. Oh. My. Goodness. I loved the film! It was so good and I totally didn’t expect the ending. Although that’s not saying much, really. I never guess the twists in anything. Also, we still haven’t found a birthday present. Must sort that out ASAP.
We took a quick trip to London on Sunday to see Hamlet at The Globe. Liked but didn’t love. The swapping of gender roles was interesting but the woman who played Hamlet was pretty flat and it felt as though she was reading, rather than acting, her lines. We’ve got a few more plays to see over the summer and I’m very much looking forward to them.
It’s not summer yet, but the sun has finally come out and I am SO HAPPY. Eton mess is one of my favourite desserts to throw together because nothing says sunshine like strawberries and cream. Don’t limit messes to warm days though – they taste just as good on the dreary, grey ones as well.
You can play around with this recipe to make it perfect for you. Put more or less meringue in. Mix up the fruits. Whatever you fancy, the mess can take it!
Eton mess, serves 4
1 punnet strawberries (about 400g)
1 – 2 dessertspoons caster sugar (I prefer a tart coulis so I only put one in)
300ml of double cream or whipping cream, depending on how decadent you’re feeling
1 – 2 dessertspoons caster sugar (again, depends on your sweet tooth. I always err on the side of less sugar)
3 meringues nests, broken into chunks
Wash and chop the strawberries into bite size pieces
Take two handfuls of berries and place into a saucepan. Add enough water to just cover the berries. Sprinkle in 1 (or more) dessertspoons of caster sugar.
Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens
Strain through a sieve to remove the seeds and set aside to cool.
Add 1-2 dessertspoons of sugar to the cream and whip with an electric whisk on medium until it forms stiff peaks.
Fold in the remaining strawberries (reserve a few to garnish at the end) and the meringue.
To assemble, I like to pour some coulis to the bottom of my dish and then add the cream mixture on top. You could fold the coulis into the mix or pour on top, if you prefer.
Sprinkle a few strawberries on top to garnish, with a sprig of mint or two.
Enjoy
The weather over the weekend was amazing. We made the most of it.
Al fresco pizza at the new Rudy’s on Peter Street. The chocolate cake was also heavenly.
Impromptu barbecue at a friends house. We ate applewood smoked steak and sat outside until 10pm. I had bare legs and wasn’t cold.
Tea and pastries at The Warehouse cafe
Canal walks
