Category: Writing
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A Foodie’s 24 Hours in Toulouse
It goes without saying, but I’ll write it anyway – France is famous for it’s food. So, what could be on the agenda for a real foodie with 24 hours in Toulouse in the south of France? Out of France’s five major cities – which also include Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseilles – Toulouse is…
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Burrata Salad with Courgette, Basil and Pistachios
At the beginning of the summer, the thought that one day I might be sick of salads was a laughable concept. Fresh, cold and crunchy, salads was everything the weather was not as here in the south of France, the temperature has been balancing on the cusp of 40C for more days than I care…
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How to Make Fluffy Focaccia (and survive a heat wave)
The heat wave came without warning. Although I can’t say the same for the focaccia. That came from an all-consuming craving for salt-crusted cushion-soft bread, and no matter how many heat waves we suffer, there will always be a focaccia in this house. I have not experienced many heat waves in my life. This is…
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I’ve launched something very exciting…
Once you’ve cooked a delicious meal and the smell wafts from the kitchen making everyone ravenous, you try to quickly take a photo to put on your blog or website. But are you disappointed that the picture doesn’t do justice to the food? Calling everyone who completely understands what I’m talking about! I have just…
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French recipe: Spiced Apricot Tarte Tatin
I’ve never kept it a secret that I’m a winter girl at heart. My favourite foods usually involve pastry or suet, I mean, I love lard for goodness’ sake. However, I will admit defeat in favour of summer fruits. This season can claim proud responsibility for the best fruits of the year. One of those…
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The Waterway Review: Gorgeous View, Disappointing Food
Many believe you can’t go wrong with gastro-pub grub. Others, including myself, think that it has a time and a place, ideally at actual gastro-pubs where the main courses cost a tenner, not at canal-side alfresco restaurants. Dining in the sun is in demand once again, and it just cries out for the flavours of…
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Hummingbird Cupcakes with Coconut and Passion Fruit
Hummingbird cupcakes have been my answer to a long cold winter. When I moved to the south of France, I expected skies in the exact shade of blue of a Swedish hunk’s eyes, sun-drenched river banks, warm terracotta soaking up the sun, and me, lounging in my garden leisurely sipping a cocktail. Now, a year…
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Spaghetti with Prawns, Whisky and Mushrooms
In my opinion, it’s not a habit to serve spaghetti with prawns and whisky. Correct me if I’m wrong. To me, whisky is that unfathomable drink, ferociously harsh and unapologetically alcoholic, that lawyers manage to knock back without even a grimace in courtroom dramas. But this unusual combination of spaghetti with prawns and whisky sauce…
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The 4 Best Pickles
There is something utterly charming about France beyond the bicycles, baguettes and éclairs, and that’s their love of jars. Chickpeas, crème fraiche, and my precious pâtés and rillettes all come in elegant glass jars, and it’s just so rustic and homely scraping crème fraiche out of a jar, why don’t we do it everywhere? Recycling…
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French recipe: Crab Soufflés
To conclude February, my food bucket list of 2022 begins, commencing with these light, creamy crab soufflés, an easy yet outrageously decadent lunch for you to treat yourself! In case you missed it, I’ve chosen 10 delicious recipes to make this year – a hopefully easy-to-achieve number, especially as I’ve waited until 27th February to…