This heatwave is causing me to become mildly unhinged. Heat-induced insomnia is sweeping across Britain, leaving us to limply negotiate the morning commute thirsty and grumpy, a scrum of clammy hands and moist shoes. And last night the thermostat was showing 28°C in my flat. I found myself huddled over my stove in my swimsuit, … Continue reading
C’est La Fête Nationale! Wherever you are in the world, I hope you have donned your beret, slung a string of onions round your neck and celebrated Bastille Day in style – I spent the scorching afternoon sweating it out at the Bastille Festival at Borough Market, grazing on treats, stocking up on stinky cheese … Continue reading
The weather is continuing to treat us and, judging from the past week, most of the country is subsisting on cider, sunshine and barbecued meat alone. Last weekend, I was in deepest darkest Norfolk for a wedding. On our ‘day off’ we zipped along the country roads, the lanes thick with rolling sea mist and … Continue reading
How amazing is this weather?! The windows are wide open, the winter quilt has been packed away and I have no interest at all in hot food (unless it’s from a barbecue of course – invites welcome…). So now is definitely the time for making ice cream, frozen yoghurt, granita etc before the weather breaks … Continue reading
A blanket on the floor, a spread of mismatching nibbles and treats, and a chilled glass of wine…all in the comfort (and warmth) of your own home – the indoor picnic is the ultimate in faux al fresco dining. It’s a bit like watching outdoor tennis on Centre Court at Wimbledon with the roof closed. Whatever … Continue reading
Another sweet treat today! It was one of my best friends’ birthday a couple of days ago and I’m baking him a cake. This is usually an excuse for me to bake something new that I’ve been plotting or to use a flavour combination that I’ve been craving but the slight twist in this tale … Continue reading
I have just come back from a rather wonderful holiday in Ibiza (apologies to those of you who remain subjected to the British ‘summer’). The weather was glorious and the music banging but the surprise highlight was the excellent food – lively and fresh, it showcased the island’s best produce and culinary imagination with flair. … Continue reading
With the arrival of this year’s Jersey Royals, there has already been many a variation of the humble potato salad in my flat. Hot and cold, minted and parsley-ed, with bacon and without, buttered and naked. And it has to be said, this variation is the least humble of all! Caviar is one of those … Continue reading
Sometimes simple is simply perfect: a white t-shirt paired with navy jeans; steamed mussels in white wine; a G&T; bread and cheese…this tart is one of those times. If you use good ingredients (buy the best quality tomatoes you can find), there is no need to fuss over them and truss them up – these … Continue reading
Raw fish scares a lot of people and makes them miss out on some truly inspired dishes. This (I am ashamed to say) is the reason that during three whole months in South America a few years ago, I did not once try ceviche. We were offered it, we saw it, we feasted on it … Continue reading
pip & little blue 