Something scrummy at Belgrave Hall

I was lucky to win a competition held on Twitter by Leicester Museum to win free entry & a goody bag to the food fair held at Belgrave Hall in Leicester last weekend. For late September the morning was gorgeously sunny so made a slight detour via the local car book before the fair opened at 11am.
Held in the fabulous grounds of 18th century Belgrave Hall, built by Edmund Cradock between 1709-1713, who sadly soon after it’s completion. Between 1767-1844 the Vann family ran a hosiery business from the hall employing local framework knitters. In 1845 the hall was bought by John Ellis and in 1936 local authority purchased the hall and it was opened to the public as a museum.
The gardens are open to the public for special events, Autumn is just starting to appear and turning the leaves to gorgeous reds & oranges but first back to the food fair
A fantastic variety of stalls selling all manor of delicous foods were on offer, Chillies made into Chutneys and jams, Chilly plants & fresh Chillies that could be bought individually, fresh vegetables, apples, Artisan bread, Olives, Great British Bake Off favourite Baklava, cakes & fudges, & fruity chutney which could all be washed down with locally brewed Tunnel Brewery beer and a choice of Pulled Pork Rolls, Burgers & Sausages.
We couldn’t decide what to eat for lunch so shared a hand formed Picks farm Burger & The Smokehouse Pulled Pork Brioche roll with my daughter #BestOfBothWorlds! Brought some beer home to enjoy too The borders in the garden are filled with fabulous bright yellow Daisy like flowers and shocking pink Asters.  A real riot of vibrant colour.
Not only flowers but stunning wrought iron gates dotted around the garden leading to hidden alcoves and magical other worlds that you can loose yourself in.
Lots of people attended and I hope they all  enjoyed it as much as we did.
Oh and here’s the amazing goody bag, well it’s actually goody boxes! A scummy selection of vegetables and salads plus a rustic basket with fabulous variety of Jams, Pickles, Olive Oil, Balsamic oil, nutty Florentine biscuit & cake.

Fantastic day out and I look forward to the next food fair held in these stunning gardens

National Trust Packwood House – New Garden Kitchen Cafe

A couple of weeks ago I was very excited to receive an invitation from the National Trust to attend the launch of the Garden Kitchen Cafe at Packwood House on Friday November 29th.

The cafe was officially opened by Dame Helen Ghosh – Director General of the National Trust.

Packwood House is located in a beautiful area of the West Midlands just outside Solihull and approximately 20 miles from the centre of Birmingham.

Fantastic selection of cooked meals, soups, puddings, childrens menu, hot & cold drinks, local beer and CAKE!
The menu will feature seasonal produce from Packwood’s kitchen garden and local producers

National Trust & the press enjoying coffee with Dame Helen Ghosh after the official opening.
The cafe has a fabulous homely feel to it with comfortable sofas & chairs centered around am amazing log burner.
A perfect place to pause, relax & admire the stunning surroundings that the cafe is nestled in.
The gorgeous blue and white tiles that line the walls are a new range of Delft, inspired by Packwood that were created with Fired Earth. Such beautiful images, inspired by the originals that can be seen inside the house.

The baby room has a great attention to detail with a lovely mobile hanging above the changing table.
Love the Hungry Caterpillar draw with all the neccessary items for children to also enjoy their visit.

Lucy Reid, General Manager at Packwood House gave a guided your and explained it had taken 4 years to complete the new visitor centre and cafe along with designers Parc Signs Limited and Iwantdesign

There’s a great selection of Jams, Preserves, Chutneys & Honey for sale in the gift shop

I continued onto Baddesley Clinton with Jana who I met this morning and feel like I have known for years.

I cannot wait to go back again for another visit.

More lovely photos of Packwood House Garden Kitchen cafe on Jana’s blog

A taste of Italy in Loughborough, Leicestershire

Today (21/06/2013) the Italian market has come to Loughborough market, Leicestershire.

I am took a few snaps with my compact camera whilst dashing through town. The smells and colours are fantastic, if you have chance before 6.30pm today it’s a must to visit. Such friendly stall holders who were only too kind to permit me to photograph their goods and some had samples…..mmmm Focaccia

 

Chocolate fondant truffles – a treat for Valentines Day

Valentines Day had taken me surprise me this year, so unusually nothing was prepared, ordered or purchased.
Rather than rush out and buy anything, a decision was made to have a hand-made Valentines Day, right from the decorations through to the card and meal.

Paper heart decorations, they look great hanging from string in the window.

Hand drawn and painted card. I’m not an artist but i do love a bit of paint, glue and esapecially glitter

A mamouth Lasagne made with lashing of cheese, red wine & a spoonful of Marmite for richness and flavour.

Now for the tastiest bit….Chocolate truffle fondants, recipe from Dean Edwards shown on ITV Lorraine tv programme. Recipe at the end of this post

Ready for the oven Not as pretty as i would have liked but blimey they tasted good. Will definatly be making these yummy puds again.

Chocolate Truffle Fondants

Ingredients enough for 2 people.

• 100g unsalted butter
• 100g Dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 45g Caster sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 Egg yolks
• 20g Plain flour
• 1/2 tbsp Cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 Chocolate truffles (Lindt Lindor work well)

1. In a bowl placed over simmering water melt the butter and chocolate, set aside to cool.
2. Whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, mix into the melted chocolate. Gently fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, cocoa and salt.
3. Divide the mixture into buttered ramekins that have been coated with cocoa powder. Push a truffle in the centre smoothing the mixture back over.
4. Place on a baking tray and cook in a preheated oven set at 210c /190c (fan oven) for 13 minutes.
5. Leave to stand for 1 minute before turning out onto serving plates.
6. Serve with crushed Amoretti biscuits and ice cream.

I would love to hear if you try this recipe.
Happy baking x