sam smith

Back in April we bought the tickets, however Christina and I have memories like fish and completely forgot about them until about a week ago. In true fashion one of us couldn't actually make it so it was my task to find a replacement. I knew exactly who to take. His love for Leona will never fade and his dance moves just seem to go from strength to strength. Joe was my man to join me in watching Sam Smith at the Hammesmith Apollo. 

   

   

                 

It's fair to say Sam was amazing and the buzz in the Apollo was electric, performing on home turf seems to really do it for artists.

            

Yes his songs might be pouring over with heartache and emotion but he performed them like someone who has fallen in love for the first time. Joe and I particularly liked his sassy backing singers doing their best bump and grinding. 

   

   

Sorry for the quality of the photographs, I'm very short and could reach high enough, nor was the lighting favourable. 

I forget how much I enjoy live music events and Sam certainly didn't fail to impress. I now have a list the length of my arm of artists I want to go and see. Banks is number one and I'm kicking myself I didn't get tickets to see her next week in Brixton. I'm also planning on going to a carol service, my vocal chords need warming up again. 

Have a happy week.

L. 

a gourmand's cave

Harrods. A London institution, but one I'm not really a fan of.

I like understated things- fresh cut flowers in vases, a homemade pie, kisses on my forehead and a spontaneous day out. Harrods is the king of flash, shouting from the roof tops; the diamond amongst the crown- it's not really me. However, the food hall, now I'm a fan of that. Split into sections, from meats and cheeses to sweets and groceries this is a little slice of culinary heaven. I can't imagine anyone actually does their weekly shop here but I'd like the think that maybe, just maybe, it could happen one day. 

Let's start with fish. 

   

   

For some unbeknown reason I love fish counters. I certainly don't like the smell but there's something about those glossy critters that get me really excited, like a child in a sweet shop.

   

   

   

Caviar, anyone? 

   

Being a farmer's daughter I always have to check out the meat counter. Yep. All looks delicious to me. Wagyu beef, anyone? 

   

   

   

Moving from the glossy rows of meat, I found the confectionery counters. What girl doesn't like something a little bit sweet? Buy a box of hand picked truffles and I'm a happy little bunny. 

   

These sweet delights are beautiful, and let's just assume delicious also. 

   

Completing the tour of the food halls, is the delicatessen. I love these counters the most. Bowls of olives and tomatoes, artichoke hearts and anchovies, they glisten and shine and scream out to be bought for a winter's day feast in the kitchen. 

   

   

   

Cheeeese, Gromit?

   

   

The best part about visits to food halls is that they always seem to inspire me for my next recipe. These little apple tarts were whipped up at home after my trip, perhaps next time i'll try an almond croissant. 

Last night I watched the wonderful Sam Smith at Hammersmith Apollo. Keep your eyes glued for another post over the course of the weekend. Until then, stay dry and hunker down with a warming soup and loved one. 

L. 

   

hibernation sunday

A sleepy Sunday is simply the best. I haven't had a proper one for a while now as I'm usually pottering around London on errands, diving into coffee shops or exploring hidden treasures with the Yank. But today I found myself with an afternoon to spare. Before parting ways we wrapped up warm and went for a walk around Gladstone Park. What a hidden treasure this is! I didn't think there was a whole lot of things to do in the area however this park provided the perfect start to my lazy Sunday. 

                         

Back in the west and nestled in my little flat I decided there was only one thing that would make this day lazier; fresh brownies, pots of tea and an afternoon hiding under a blanket.

Whipping up a gooey tray bake and filling the flat with delicious smells, this is how my afternoon has unfolded...

                   

                    

May I quickly point out the book? 'A year in Provence' by Peter Mayle came by recommendation of my Yank. It is short and sweet and documents exactly what it says on the tin - a year in Provence. From food and wine, to the tundra winds and redesign of a crumbling barn, this book is like a comforting hug at the end of the day. Pick up your copy and grab a cup of tea. Delicious. 

                    

                    

                    

Wrap up warm mi amigos, we're heading into winter. The perfect excuse for a Sunday hibernation. 

L. 

homemade beef pie

Waking up feeling surprisingly fresh after Lauren's birthday night out, we headed down to the Green for pumpkin spice lattes and an energising walk. We stumbled across Parsons Green's excellent farmers' market and stopped for a peruse. Cue photographs of carrots and potatoes. 

   

   

   

The main reason for our early morning expedition (aside from clearing fuzzy heads) was to head to Parson's Nose to pick up some delicious meat to make a pie. This is a serious butchers with a serious selection of meats; from game to pork to beef. Droooool. 

   

   

   

We picked up 400g of rump steak, diced and ready to throw under a blanket of short crust pastry. 

To make your beef pie for two (ok so we were quite piggy and this could have been for three, stretching four. Maybe) you will need: 

400g rump steak beef, cubed

4 shallots, diced 

A generous glug of claret

Beef stock pot 

2 bay leaves

Jus Roll short crust pastry

Brown off your beef before adding the diced shallots. 

   

Add a little flour, a generous glug of claret, bay leaves and seasoning to flavour. Use a Knorr rich beef stock pot and leave to simmer for 20 minutes. 

Behave and resist tasting! 

                    

                    

In the mean time sort out your pastry top; puff or short, whatever your preference. We went for short crust and a very elaborate stag design. I have never seen such precision go into a pastry design... He excelled himself. 

                   

                    

I added a few leaves and berries before giving it a wash of butter - I would have used a yolk but all eggs were eaten for breakfast; both work just as well.

Once you've created your masterpiece pop him in the oven at 180 for 30 minutes, or until glistening and golden brown. 

                   

                   

Plate it up or simply grab a fork and dive in. Serve with potatoes and peas and with a side of whole grain mustard - simplicity at its best. 

The dish has never looked so clean before!

   

Hope your weekend has been as excellent as mine. And Lauren - a very happy birthday! 

L. 

a saturday kitchen

I haven't done one of these posts for a long time now so it really is much overdue. I have almost settled into my new home entirely now, all I'm waiting on are some prints and a cushion or two, and I'll be showing you around in no time. In the meanwhile I've been perusing frivolous items for the kitchen. I love nothing more than waking up on a Saturday morning, refreshed and excitable, and padding into the breezy kitchen to whip up a few brunch things with a good coffee to boot. Nothing new here! Start the weekend with flowers, they're always happy to see you. 

   

   

Next it's time to have some java. 

   

There's something about making a cafetiere of coffee on a Saturday morning. It's sociable and makes me feel somewhat mature. Gone are the student days of chipped mugs and bitter instant and I'm welcoming that with open arms.

Brunch should be a laid back affair, with morsels to nibble on and share. How about whipping up a little cheese soufflé in this oh so sweet heart shaped ramekin? Brought back to bed on a wooden tray with a sprig of flowers, you'll have your loved one from the first mouthful. 

   

Bowls of mushrooms and tomatoes are a welcome accompaniment, along with stacks of toast and butter. You won't need to eat til sundown. Make the most of your Saturday. 

   

Having feasted like kings and queens, store all your dry ingredients away in uniform jars. At home our pantry is lined with Kilner jars and I couldn't imagine a better way to keep things in order. 

   

                 

Whilst on my perusal of all thing frivolous I came across this:

   

Beautiful on the side on your work surface; completely non essential. I suggest you bag yours now. I know I certainly fancy something like this by my side. 

Having set yourself up for the day, wrap up in your coats and scarves and head out into the ever colder autumn sunshine. There's nothing better about this time of year. 

Enjoy the last few hours of your weekend.

L.