A Couple of Coffee Stops (broken up by a few monuments)

We kicked off the day with breakfast at a little cafe near our appartment. Apple pastries accompanied by thick, hot espresso shots and warm weather, followed by a stroll round a huge food market. Not a bad start.

We then wondered into town and stumbled across several fairly famous monuments and sites. Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, etc etc. Sadly i left the map where we had lunch so the rest of the day was navigated by the Man Candy who did rather well. 

We rounded the day off with a glance in the Basilica di San Pietro which was a bit mind boggling, then headed back to the appartment. Legs are rather sore.

Morning Paris!

The Man Candy and I have just arrived in Rome, stopping off for a spot of lunch in Paris on the way. Usual blogging will resume after i return on the Sunday, however i thought i would leave you with this photo taken out of the window of the plane. Them snowy peaks are Les Alps don't you know.

Ciao xxx

The Farmers' Market

Here are a few photos of what the Farmers' Market i went to on Saturday had to offer.  It was held at Rode Hall near Stoke which was a bit of a trek away but it was worth it. It was such a lovely set up, the barns were decorated with greenery and bunting, and there was a band playing blues in the sunshine. We will definitely be going again next month. I took full advantage of the free samples that were being handed out. It was difficult not to want to buy one of everything.

 

I think farmers' markets are one of my favourite things to do on a weekend. If you've never been to one, definitely see if there's one near you, they're really enjoyable.

Pea, Lettuce & Tarragon Soup

This is how i contributed to my family's Easter Sunday lunch. Whilst my Dad was working away at getting a fairly impressive main course of Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, greens and celariac ready, i whipped up this ridiculously easy starter. It was perfect because it was so light and fresh tasting, you still had loads of room for the main event.

Ingredients:

Serves 6

40g Butter

6 Spring Onions, chopped

675g frozen peas

Leaves from 4 fresh Tarragon sprigs

225g Romaine Lettuce, finely shredded

1 litre fresh Vegetable Stock

2 tbsp Creme Fraiche

Watercress Sprigs, to garnish

Method:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add onions and cook for 2 mins. Stir in three quarters of the peas, half the tarragon and all the lettuce. Cook for 1 minute. Add the stock, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Whizz the soup in a blender with the remaining tarragon until smooth. Pass through a fine seive into a clean saucepan. Stir in the rest of the peas and simmer gently for 5 mins.

3. Divide the soup between bowls, swirl in the creme fraiche and garnish with watercress. Would be v. tasty served with crusty fresh bread.

Easter Weekend

Happy Easter Weekend! In the spirit of things i made a batch of wheat-free cupcakes with chocolate eggs on top. I wasn't up to the challenge of 'designer buttercream' but i think they do the job quite nicely. I went to a fairly major famers' market this morning and took full advantage of the samples they were handing out. The photos will appear some time on Monday once i get back to the flat and have time to sort through them.

Enjoy the nice (ish) weather and don't eat too much chocolate.

April: 10 Things...

...That Will Always Make Me Smile

1. Getting Letters

2. New Shoes

3. Walnuts and Limes

4. Hot Beverages

5. Nice Ways of Using Books

 

6. Pretty Design Work

7. Flowers

 8. Nicely Set Tables

9. Farmers' Markets (I'm going to one tomorrow).

10. Fluffy Puppies


Have a lovely weekend. x

April Showers

The weather has been particularly uninspiring this week so i am going to purchase a cheery umbrella to lighten the mood. Haven't picked a favourite yet...