tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37163446510479486342024-03-13T20:57:55.121-07:00Kitchen ChroniclesOf a Country Cook.
Copyright Lotte Duncan 2008lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-38955876870794250822012-01-19T04:52:00.000-08:002012-01-19T05:07:36.073-08:00CAKES, GLORIOUS CAKES!Since Lotte's Kitchen opened on April 30th last year our cakes have gained quite a reputation. Not the bad kind you understand - but the delicious, naughty and decadent reputation that I've been nuturing most of my life.<br />
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Our cakes are different, a little quirky and by no means formal. We love a bit of glitter and we decorate them with abundance.<br />
We can of course tone it down if required, but generally we find that our customers are demanding more glitter and yet more colour to brighten up their days.<br />
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We bake daily and sometimes hourly for the cafe - such is the demand for a slice of cake with a pot of tea. And we also bake to order many times a week for all sorts of celebrations. Below are just a few of the photos we've taken over the last few months - to give you an idea of what we do.<br />
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<b>If you would like to order a cake from us then just give us a ring on 01844 355985 or pop in and see us in Chinnor, Oxfordshire. We can discuss all your cakey requirements and make you a wonderful cake or perhaps some Iced Fancies for any special day - don't forget Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter are just around the corner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8V5Uox3vr0/TxgPYO73XQI/AAAAAAAAA84/nVwDPjFcmKI/s1600/cakes%2B078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8V5Uox3vr0/TxgPYO73XQI/AAAAAAAAA84/nVwDPjFcmKI/s320/cakes%2B078.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX205CxGiG0/TxgPYRG6rdI/AAAAAAAAA9I/du2zmQMVxew/s1600/cakes%2B084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX205CxGiG0/TxgPYRG6rdI/AAAAAAAAA9I/du2zmQMVxew/s320/cakes%2B084.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdkR6iDEeSs/TxgTdNBF4LI/AAAAAAAABAo/tDiwYfXVtQY/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdkR6iDEeSs/TxgTdNBF4LI/AAAAAAAABAo/tDiwYfXVtQY/s320/040.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzxaJqF6Frk/TxgTdlGNswI/AAAAAAAABA4/PtSALBwe1CI/s1600/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzxaJqF6Frk/TxgTdlGNswI/AAAAAAAABA4/PtSALBwe1CI/s320/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B015.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a45cBi9xHOw/TxgTenyi06I/AAAAAAAABBA/5S7Ao46m3fc/s1600/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a45cBi9xHOw/TxgTenyi06I/AAAAAAAABBA/5S7Ao46m3fc/s320/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B031.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3LZVf99yak/TxgVg1frcxI/AAAAAAAABBQ/sEvtUO34gPc/s1600/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3LZVf99yak/TxgVg1frcxI/AAAAAAAABBQ/sEvtUO34gPc/s320/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B035.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcPEFQV4eg4/TxgVhO8Q0pI/AAAAAAAABBg/S8Nv4xxYCWw/s1600/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcPEFQV4eg4/TxgVhO8Q0pI/AAAAAAAABBg/S8Nv4xxYCWw/s320/cakes%2Band%2Bcafe%2B038.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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www.lotteskitchen.com<br />
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</b>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-10512671482507512282011-11-22T02:34:00.000-08:002011-11-22T02:44:29.617-08:00Christmas at Lotte's KitchenI don't want to boast - but I have a 7ft Pink Christmas Tree! There...I've said it!<br />
All too exciting for words...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miwLBdoGA80/Tst5gl_2gRI/AAAAAAAAA6o/gFSKFhHZ1qo/s1600/again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miwLBdoGA80/Tst5gl_2gRI/AAAAAAAAA6o/gFSKFhHZ1qo/s320/again.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a92qe7iW4To/Tst5gwsL-HI/AAAAAAAAA60/Ql9Qht25F5U/s1600/chrismtas%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a92qe7iW4To/Tst5gwsL-HI/AAAAAAAAA60/Ql9Qht25F5U/s320/chrismtas%2Btree.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We have mince pies filled with my special Boozy Mincemeat ready for you to order and Curried Sausage rolls (my secret recipe...available now in my book!)by the hundredweight!<br />
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Not only do we serve delicious food here, we also sell quirky and original giftware and cookware - perfect pressies for Christmas. Lovely brands such as Disaster designs, Bombay Duck, Bath House and Fenella Smith pottery adorn our shelves and there is glitter and lights and pinkness throughout!<br />
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One of my favourite gifts is this gorgeous Bunny Rabbit nightlight - battery powered so it can be carried around at nightime - brilliant! I've sold so many of them and I keep having to re-order - because they are sweet (OK, perhaps a little kitsch!)and a perfect stocking filler!<br />
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Pop by when you have a chance - you won't have to fight with the hoards of other Christmas shoppers on the high street - At my cafe, you can browse slowly and enjoy cake and tea whilst you do!<br />
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See you soon!<br />
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Lotte's Kitchen,<br />
2 Keens Lane,<br />
Chinnor,<br />
Oxfordshire<br />
OX39 4PF<br />
01844 355985lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-51864615861788876612011-07-28T02:11:00.000-07:002011-07-28T14:40:13.361-07:00LOTTE'S KITCHENOoh now, where do I start? <br />
Do I commence with the trouble I had finding a place. Or do I begin with the little seed that was cast in my mind years ago at the tender age of twenty one, just before I got up the duff!<br />
Yes, I think that’s a good a place as any.<br />
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In December 1987 I had just returned from Los Angeles where I had gone on a whim. I’d given up my job, rented out my flat in Oxford, sold my car and flown to this strange, gigantic city which at the time, scared the pants off me. <br />
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My friend Sandra picked me up in her convertible, accompanied by some bronzed, handsome and all American boys; who I instantly fell in love with. I was pale, probably a little flabby and not at all ready for what LA had in store for me.<br />
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I stayed with Sandra, I slept on the sofa at Nick and Greg’s, (two boys I’d worked in Oxford with and who were now chasing the LA movie dream.) the floor of somewhere else, the sofa of somewhere peculiar - in fact I stayed in many places!<br />
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I was earth quaked, burgled, mugged and scared 50% of the time on the streets and buses, but, and this is a huge but – LA shaped me, instilled in me an utter love of America and its people, and gave me more ideas to take back with me than my tiny English brain could cope with. In short, I grew up. <br />
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Over there I helped out in an American Diner – it was a new one, it was retro and it was glorious. The food, right up my street, the atmosphere, bonkers and I felt completely at home! <br />
As I flew back home I decided that I was going to open up a Diner in Oxford. I wrote a business plan, filled it with everything I had learnt and seen in the States and popped it onto a shelf whilst I decided how I was going to finance it.<br />
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Now, my brain does have the habit of embracing tangents – I’m very happy to go off on one regularly – and as I celebrated my 21st birthday on the 19th December (only four days after getting back) I decided I was far too young to settle down and got the map out for Australia and New Zealand. This was to be my next port of call. All I had to do was save some money.<br />
So I got a job – as a nanny.<br />
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Sandra came back to Oxford (where her mum lived) to be with her sister who was about to have a baby. January 14th 1988, I held the new born Gemma in my arms and wished I could have one. I was a little broody.<br />
Be careful for what you wish for – January 14th 1989, I gave birth to my gorgeous daughter Daisy!<br />
So, the land down under was put on hold, the Diner shelved and my life took a very different turn.<br />
One I don’t regret for a minute, but one that changed my plans enormously. I grew up a just a little bit more!<br />
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So rolling on twenty years, a catering company, teaching in local adult education centres, a demonstration business, a house move, twelve years in television, my first cookery book, a glorious daughter grown up, educated and pretty bloody fabulous – I decided that I’d remove the Diner off the shelf, dust it down and take look at it again. The time was right. <br />
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That was two years ago.<br />
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I had a good think. I ate at and visited a few Diners, sat down with my lovely friend Jamie Heininck – interior designer extraordinaire – and drew up plans. <br />
It worried me. The investment was going to be huge, and much, much more than I had in the bank. <br />
I was asking myself a pretty important question too - Was this idea really what I’m all about nowadays?<br />
Not particularly.<br />
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I’m a country bird with a huge love of our culinary history and a pretty good knowledge of it. I’m English – very – and surely it would make more sense to be true to myself and what I stand for.<br />
Elements of the Diner could still be in my new place – perhaps as a Sunday all day brunch, with short and tall stack pancakes, hash browns, delicious waffles, eggs over easy and a Blue Plate Special – though perhaps that would have to be a Pink Plate special in my gaff!<br />
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It was decided, Lotte’s Kitchen was going to be a very English and very me. <br />
Just like dropping my cottage into a new building. It would encompass everything I’d learnt over the last twenty five years; my experiences and travels. <br />
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I did it!<br />
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Lotte’s Kitchen has been open now for three months – it is more than just a cafe/tearoom. Yes, we have a delicious simple menu – scrumptious sandwiches, toasty toasties, delicious Pink Plate Specials and cakes that are decadent to a degree – but we also sell cookware and giftware – original and just a little bit quirky.<br />
As Lotte's Kitchen has grown, so has another side to the business - we now bake and sell our cakes to order for weddings, christenings, anniversaries, birthdays – you name it. My Iced Fancies seduce innocent customers into a sugary, lustful state from which they take hours to recover! <br />
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The atmosphere is relaxed, informal and friendly. My staff are the most wonderful team - you'll always find a smile when you walk through the door.<br />
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We don’t have music blaring through speakers – this is an oasis from the real world, where no one is firing advertising at you, and you can ignore emails and telephone calls. Come over, sit on our pink sofas, drink the best coffee for miles around and smother yourself in cake. <br />
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<b><i>Please click on the link below for a fabulous 360 degree view of Lotte's Kitchen</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.bsp360.com/view/lottes_kitchen/">http://www.bsp360.com/view/lottes_kitchen/</a><br />
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Lotte's Kitchen<br />
2 Keens Lane,<br />
Chinnor<br />
Oxfordshire<br />
OX39 4PF<br />
01844 355985lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-47407555336867742672011-02-18T01:40:00.001-08:002011-02-19T14:17:59.715-08:00Thame Food Festival September 24th 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqBI6u5-Yb0/TWBBkQPE5wI/AAAAAAAAA4U/9rpcADTSHpE/s1600/wide-shot-2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="126" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqBI6u5-Yb0/TWBBkQPE5wI/AAAAAAAAA4U/9rpcADTSHpE/s320/wide-shot-2010.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Yes, I know it's ages away - but I just had to tell you some fabulous news. I've been asked to become Patron of Thame Food Festival and it really is a great honour. <br />
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I've lived in the area for thirty four years. In 1976, my parents and I moved from Pinner in Middlesex where I spent the first ten years of my life. We arrived with a dog, two cats and ex-battery hen, Matilda to the village of Great Haseley. My parents converted a barn at the top of Mill Lane and we quickly became part of village life. I was so lucky to grow up there - a great community with an extremely safe enviroment. On weekends and holidays, I spent my days in the fields making camps and fooling around with my friends and only came in to eat and sleep. We were safe and sound and I loved every minute of it. I wore wellies everyday until I was fourteen - when I discovered boys could be more fun! <br />
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We always shopped in Thame and over the years I've seen many changes. The high street has survived by remaining independant of many chains and I hope this lasts. In the last few years there has been an enormous food revolution around our small islands and Thame hasn't held back. We are so lucky to have many food shops, restaurants and cafes. I've filmed here a few times over the years at places including, The Farmer's Market, Aga Shop, What's Cooking and A Piece of Cake for ITV and the BBC and I've always been so proud to have known and been part of Thame for so long. It really is the most beautiful market town.<br />
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I've watched Thame Food Festival grow over the last three years and last year I was completely blown away by how much bigger, better and well supported it was. So many stalls selling delicious produce, great workshops, demonstrations and plenty to eat and drink, see and do. So when the committee asked me to become Patron of the festival, I took seconds to agree. <br />
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We aim to grow the festival and each year make it an even bigger success. We want to become the Abergavenny and Ludlow Festivals of the south east! In fact, we'll be better!<br />
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If anyone is interested in being an exhibitor this year or indeed want to be part of Thame Food Festival in some other way, then please get in touch with the organisers. They would love to hear from you.<br />
Please have a look at the website and blog on the link below. It's full of wonderful pictures of last year and also has a great video - you may spot me on it! Although, forgive me, I was having a particularly bad hair day - I just didn't realise it until I saw the film!<br />
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Looking forward to seeing you there!<br />
Lotte x<br />
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<a href="http://www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk/blog">http://www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk/blog</a>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-37288314109821093512011-02-10T02:20:00.001-08:002011-02-10T02:25:06.161-08:00Lovely Review of my book on the web.....If Cath Kidson was famous for cooking...<a href="http://www.thegoodwebguide.co.uk/food-wine/book-reviews/cookbook-classics/lottes-country-kitchen-lotte-duncan/13226">http://www.thegoodwebguide.co.uk/food-wine/book-reviews/cookbook-classics/lottes-country-kitchen-lotte-duncan/13226</a><br />
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<b>Chuffed to bits with this one....<br />
x</b>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-56835145058961784482011-02-01T07:44:00.000-08:002011-02-01T14:57:28.703-08:00McLaney Burn's NightEvery year, always and without fail we celebrate Burn's night in the lane. It's an excuse to behave like children, drink far too much than is sensible and of course eat some delicious Haggis - among other delights.<br />
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And every Year, always and without fail we feel utterly appauling the next day - but I have to say it really is worth every aching head and interesting bruise (Crossing the lane in the dark, full of wine is a dangerous past time! Not for the faint hearted). <br />
We are really very fond of each other, and a neighbourhood party on a freezing January night really cheers us up.<br />
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There is also a little bit of fund raising that goes on in the background too. Any money left over from the food and drink kitty is put to a good cause. Be it the children's village cricket club, football club, or the Twinnie's nursery. This year however, we decided to use the money to fund our own speeding campaign in the lane.<br />
We are quite frankly sick of the eejits who treat our little lane as a rat run. Of the large lorries - way beyond the legal weight tonnage - who end up taking out trees, verges and my WING MIRROR in the lane by their over excited Sat Nav.<br />
I am personally sick of the people who really don't give a monkeys about our children and older generation that use the lane to stroll to the school bus or shops. When asked to politely slow down, we are usually shown variations of the fingered salute or told to 'something' off! Nice.<br />
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A few weeks ago we got together and privately purchased some '20 mph' stickers for our wheelie bins. On rubbish day, we stuck them on and placed the bins outside our cottages. Oh, but we were proud. Little green soldiers, lined up on a mission. The red, white and black signs boldy directing the drivers to drive a little more carefully. <br />
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Did it work?<br />
Not entirely sure - but our next stage of the plan will hopefully make more of an impact. Funded by the silly night on the tiles, our customised wooden signs will soon be placed in the verges, on the trees and in our front gardens. <br />
We are planning our slogans, short and sweet at the moment. '20 is plenty', that sort of thing. Personally I favour 'Don't live here? Well don't drive down here!' but I'm wondering if this isn't a little unfriendly!<br />
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So, as with all of our previous Burn's nights, we eat a different course at a different house. This year, I started it all off with Fizz and nibbly things at mine. We moved to Caroline and Nick's for the starter, Phoebe and Dave's for the main, some of which was prepared by Robyn and Simon, and finally we fell through the door of Rob and Julia's - for pud... and cheese....and whisky.<br />
A little later, we all fell through our own front doors and some of us actually made it up the stairs before falling asleep!<br />
<br />
First and most importantly, the Burn's night cocktail - guaranteed to set the pace for the evening. This year, I sprinkled some edible glitter into a champagne flute, added some of my evil-home-made plum vodka and then filled what space was left in the glass with cheap pink fizz. Marvellous. And hic.<br />
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My nibbly things were nice and substantial - my version of that instant cheese fondue - the baked camembert. It was removed from it's packaging, placed back in the bottom of the box, wrapped in foil and cooked at Mk6 200c for 20-30 mins until all soft and floaty to the touch - when pressed, feels a little like a waterbed! While this was cooking, I sliced an onion and cooked it slowly in 1oz butter and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup until soft and caramalised. I then scooped the lid off the cheese and spooned the onions on top.... Scrumples.<br />
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I added some capers and tons of chopped parsley to my little garlic bread nibbles - a strange looking paninni bread I picked up at Waitrose a while ago. Found them in the bottom of my freezer and thought ... why not? The capers added an intense saltiness to the bread, which was dipped in garlic butter - not spread - so as to ensure a crispy and buttery nibble!<br />
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My third dish was a fennel seed spelt pancake, topped with creme fraiche mixed with diced beetroot and chives. This was then adorned with a slice or two of cooked smoked salmon, a little bit of beetroot and some gold edible glitter! Why glitter? Well because I can I suppose - and because I like it on....everything!<br />
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And so to the rest of the meal...please excuse the hazy photos - the lighting was softer and so was my grip on the camera... ( I blame the plum vodka)...<br />
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Delicious Cullen Skink care of Caroline...<br />
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Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, with the supporting cast of the very wonderful underated curly kale with heaps of butter....care of Phoebe, Dave, Robyn and Simon...<br />
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Reading the 'Ode to the Haggis'.... badly.<br />
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Now, I don't have any pictures of our time at Rob and Julia's. Only one of the pud.<br />
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Two reasons. Number one - I was so in love with the Raspberry Roulade, I completely forgot to take any other photos. And number two? I fell asleep shortly after I ate it!lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-8598218882175344772010-12-31T03:36:00.000-08:002010-12-31T03:46:32.872-08:00Here's to 2011....I have a theory. Sit down, come in close - I would like to expand on it for you.<br />
I fear you may think me a little bonkers, but I do believe it's true..ish.<br />
<br />
2009 - looking at this number, it seems cuddly. Curvacious zeros and a circular 9. But the 9 has a whip in it's tail and that is exactly what happened to me in 2009 - my butt got whipped. It was the height of the economic downturn....need I say more!?<br />
<br />
2010 - Well I went into this year with far more optimism. I was writing my book and enjoying every moment of it. My daughter graduated from university with a 2:1 in Classics - I'm <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TR2_nZh5fpI/AAAAAAAAAy4/aHhsLAJlkeI/s1600/DSC05116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TR2_nZh5fpI/AAAAAAAAAy4/aHhsLAJlkeI/s320/DSC05116.JPG" /></a></div><br />
a proud mum of a very clever girlie.<br />
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Other areas of my professional and personal life were ticking along very nicely thank you. Looking at the date, it has a couple of zeros looking a bit cuddly, and then number 1 - a nice straight line...driving everything forward. Or so I thought - 2010 was me driving things forward as much as possible, but on occasion that bleeding zero just kept taking me around in a circle every so often. A bit mean of it really.<br />
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However 2011 - Look at it! Two 1's - two straight lines gunning us all on forward in a very positive manner.<br />
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All hail 2011 - it's going to be a marvellous year. Yes, we have to pull our belts in, but that won't do us much harm - we think we need a lot more than we actually do. There are various issues all of us have to deal with - but I firmly believe it's going to be good.<br />
<br />
As I come out of two particularly difficult financial years (being honest here... bear with me!)I feel proud that I've managed to keep the roof above me (it was touch and go), I didn't default on anything and yes, I had to sacrifice a awful lot to do this. But that was something I was happy to do.<br />
My cottage is beautiful, but there is only my income holding it together and sometimes it's hard.<br />
<br />
I've learnt so much in the last couple of years - but my main lesson?<br />
<br />
Family, friends, a love of food, wine and get togethers, will keep you going when you really don't think you can take the next blow. They all helped me and for that I am enormously grateful.<br />
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I have some very exciting times ahead. Lots happening and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to 2011 with more enthusiasm than the last few years.<br />
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<br />
Thank you to everyone who has bought my book this year - it means an awful lot to me. I love the idea that people are reading my words and cooking my recipes. For many years, I've longed for someone, somewhere to say they've done a 'Lotte' as opposed to a 'Jamie', 'Delia' or 'Nigella'..and now people are, and it's bloody fantastic! Big thanks and a Big X to you all!<br />
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I wish you too, a very Happy New Year and hope that it is everything you could possibly wish for.<br />
And if in doubt - Drink Gin! Works for me.<br />
xlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-65712525721315750112010-11-09T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-12T01:03:34.013-08:00New York, New Porkers..<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNl0BeNJUSI/AAAAAAAAAyo/GT4a3bY7ovw/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B237.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNl0BeNJUSI/AAAAAAAAAyo/GT4a3bY7ovw/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537584785465626914" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNl0BIFXt5I/AAAAAAAAAyg/Zq99nAzN3yM/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B245.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNl0BIFXt5I/AAAAAAAAAyg/Zq99nAzN3yM/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537584779527436178" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNl0AmShelI/AAAAAAAAAyY/LEvK7Bw7T8Y/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B244.JPG"><img style="float:right; 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margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlw9zeQK_I/AAAAAAAAAwI/C0dmGZC98Mg/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537581423920163826" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlw9byhNqI/AAAAAAAAAwA/JMzLeXNezEM/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B186.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlw9byhNqI/AAAAAAAAAwA/JMzLeXNezEM/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B186.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537581417562715810" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlw81NuvQI/AAAAAAAAAv4/6On9b4gRz9Q/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B188.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlw81NuvQI/AAAAAAAAAv4/6On9b4gRz9Q/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B188.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537581407207865602" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvLl_icOI/AAAAAAAAAvw/8Krl8BHwI4w/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B168.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvLl_icOI/AAAAAAAAAvw/8Krl8BHwI4w/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537579461796589794" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvLKsxLNI/AAAAAAAAAvo/64BMLKOyQ1Y/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B164.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvLKsxLNI/AAAAAAAAAvo/64BMLKOyQ1Y/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537579454470106322" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvKs8IIFI/AAAAAAAAAvg/pA2NwKhkQfo/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B166.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvKs8IIFI/AAAAAAAAAvg/pA2NwKhkQfo/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537579446481461330" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvJvwjlNI/AAAAAAAAAvY/XE4hk0qI8D8/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B178.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvJvwjlNI/AAAAAAAAAvY/XE4hk0qI8D8/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537579430058366162" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvIwG596I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/5bUKiPJCe4I/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B182.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlvIwG596I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/5bUKiPJCe4I/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B182.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537579412972238754" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlslJQKOvI/AAAAAAAAAvI/wAFA-olteKk/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B157.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlslJQKOvI/AAAAAAAAAvI/wAFA-olteKk/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537576602223393522" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsknQdpCI/AAAAAAAAAvA/iD9WT1R3ePI/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B156.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsknQdpCI/AAAAAAAAAvA/iD9WT1R3ePI/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B156.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537576593097860130" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsj78m3WI/AAAAAAAAAu4/vZdXsYS0DnA/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B171.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsj78m3WI/AAAAAAAAAu4/vZdXsYS0DnA/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537576581471853922" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsjZr4xDI/AAAAAAAAAuw/dM309PmCkkk/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B162.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsjZr4xDI/AAAAAAAAAuw/dM309PmCkkk/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537576572274918450" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsirp_y7I/AAAAAAAAAuo/SnhiyGck3vk/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B154.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlsirp_y7I/AAAAAAAAAuo/SnhiyGck3vk/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537576559918959538" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrHU8TFeI/AAAAAAAAAug/hGug6NdxqkI/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B151.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrHU8TFeI/AAAAAAAAAug/hGug6NdxqkI/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574990453609954" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrG0kPnVI/AAAAAAAAAuY/MlYnpuLHNAQ/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B150.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrG0kPnVI/AAAAAAAAAuY/MlYnpuLHNAQ/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574981762784594" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrGRjZHBI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/HV5-_4AZ16U/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B148.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrGRjZHBI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/HV5-_4AZ16U/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574972363971602" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrF66DRFI/AAAAAAAAAuI/B1VS4vj3z1I/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B146.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrF66DRFI/AAAAAAAAAuI/B1VS4vj3z1I/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574966284993618" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrFfzX2cI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Gho_kJ8sYUM/s1600/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B147.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TNlrFfzX2cI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Gho_kJ8sYUM/s320/New%2BYork%2BNew%2B%2BYork%2B147.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574959009225154" /></a><br /><strong>Because that's what we were - all of us. We ate and drank our way around this amazing city. One day we had two lunches...why? Because we could! <br /><br />No excuses, hands held up in surrender - we were piggies and porkers - no dish was safe, no restaurant untouched. We came, we saw and we ate New York out of house and home.<br /><br />There was another reason we were there. To film for a Food Network show which will be screened next year....It's a special British show of a very popular and high rating American food series and we're, not allowed to tell you any more - you'll just have to wait and see!<br /><br />We all got on so well, having never met before. And we all loved the fact that each was a foodie and so therefore every day was a pilgrimage to the hallowed ground of a food venue, and of course, this involved vast amounts of food..and perhaps a smidgen of wine.<br /><br />We ate at The Standard in the old meat packing district, Red Cat in Chelsea, Carnegies ... somewhere near Time Square I think, A snitzel street food truck, and The Lamb's Club.<br />Then of course there was the walk around Union Square Farmer's Market and the stroll across Brooklyn Bridge. We had snacks and copious amounts of fresh mint tea - a Tristan special as we now like to call it. Really, don't ask!<br />We were spectacularly looked after by the lovely Jess (travel mummy) and wined and dined by Nick Thorogood, both from Food Network UK. <br />A truly fabulous time was had by all and this week, just doesn't have the same feeling about it. Where is my hourly meal? Why is there no traffic noise and bustling bodies skirting around each other in a hurry to get somewhere, and with such purpose?<br /><br />As I sit and write this, the only sound is that of a howling gale outside my office window and of my ridiculous cat Honey who has decided it's time to be fed. There are no New Yorkers enquiring as to where my accent is from. No one is telling me to have a good day... and I'm hungry... for a large portion of something naughty, indulgent and American - and probably covered in cheese.<br />I want to be back in the city that never sleeps....and yes, it really doesn't - I know that from experience now, because as I ever so casually slipped/stumbled out of the 'Please Don't Tell' speakeasy bar somewhere in the city - at 'lord knows a clock'(it was a little hazy!) the streets were still busy with revellers, dog walkers, street cleaners and rubbish collectors. This bar was incredible and fabulously cool, and you can only get to it from inside a Hot Dog joint...and then through a secret door in a fake telephone box! We ate squidgy hotdogs and drank friendly cocktails here after we filmed the show. <br />So, here are the photos...far too many to label, but suffice to say, you can see we had a glorious time.<br /><br />Finally, I'd like to introduce you to the boys...via their nicknames...ones which we devised during the trip.<br /><em>Sir Henry</em> - easier to pronounce than his real name after a couple of cocktails!<br /><br /><em>Count Juan Carlos</em> - easier to say than his real name - sober! <br />We all get it wrong.<br /><br /><em>Street Boy </em>- Because he sells stonking pies....on the street markets...duh!<br /><br /><em>Pudding </em>- Because it suits me - hopefully not due to the size of my bum, but more to do with my love of making a pud!<br /><br />Enjoy.</strong><br /><br />xxxlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-91430819510765785872010-11-08T00:59:00.000-08:002010-11-08T01:08:43.499-08:00Sharon BoltonThis lady can write. Pretty much proved by the fact that she has three bestselling novels - something I can only aspire to. <br /><br />So when Sharon asked if me she could blog about my cookery book, I must say I was rather over come by it all. And then when I saw what wonderful things Sharon said about MY writing... I had to go and lie down in a darkened room - with a friendly Gin and Tonic! <br /><br />Thanks Sharon.... you are a complete star.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sjbolton.com/blog.aspx">http://www.sjbolton.com/blog.aspx</a><strong></strong><br /><br />If you would like to buy my book - Amazon is good. Click here <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2ezdyod">http://tinyurl.com/2ezdyod</a>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-68576662839964823162010-10-31T03:18:00.000-07:002010-10-31T03:25:55.589-07:00Banana CakeDaisy's Banana Cake is perfect chilly day fodder. With the nights drawing in, and nippy, frosty mornings, I find it is yummy for breakfast, elevenses, teatime and...go on then, bedtime too with some hot,scrumptious, rich and creamy cocoa. <br /><br />Please have a look at this blog, (my recipe is on there) Maria is indeed a domestic goddess...I love her blog and I love, that she loves my daughter Daisy's banana cake!<br /><br /><a href="http://thegoddesskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/banana-cake.html">http://thegoddesskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/08/banana-cake.html</a>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-39669279252267662682010-10-20T04:07:00.000-07:002010-10-20T12:51:28.485-07:00Lovely Boy!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL7QKL335CI/AAAAAAAAAt4/kX944P-hivk/s1600/71966_481872925379_750015379_7521413_7657457_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL7QKL335CI/AAAAAAAAAt4/kX944P-hivk/s320/71966_481872925379_750015379_7521413_7657457_n%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530086265861956642" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/35t2pwp">http://tinyurl.com/35t2pwp</a><br /><br /><strong>A wonderful write up by my dear, dear, gorgeous and scrumptious friend Craig Rowe!<br />It was indeed a fabulous evening!<br />Watch Craig Rowe on QVC...he's a star!<br />x</strong>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-86419364494474974172010-10-19T00:56:00.000-07:002010-10-19T02:11:13.048-07:00Apple Heaven<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z4sXVhxI/AAAAAAAAAtw/ddT9uEdiZ0Q/s1600/apple+press+060.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z4sXVhxI/AAAAAAAAAtw/ddT9uEdiZ0Q/s320/apple+press+060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529674747997423378" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z4Wb7ZqI/AAAAAAAAAto/iiArxxlLFHE/s1600/apple+press+058.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z4Wb7ZqI/AAAAAAAAAto/iiArxxlLFHE/s320/apple+press+058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529674742111102626" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z4M5PTsI/AAAAAAAAAtg/Q07tWuSpc7k/s1600/apple+press+061.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z4M5PTsI/AAAAAAAAAtg/Q07tWuSpc7k/s320/apple+press+061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529674739549687490" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z34SYkVI/AAAAAAAAAtY/eSRC5p4Malw/s1600/apple+press+068.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z34SYkVI/AAAAAAAAAtY/eSRC5p4Malw/s320/apple+press+068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529674734018007378" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z3j5eceI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/5ZnC3GRx9Uc/s1600/apple+press+067.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Z3j5eceI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/5ZnC3GRx9Uc/s320/apple+press+067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529674728544825826" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y_Q9MplI/AAAAAAAAAtI/JqcxYLmj_uw/s1600/apple+press+066.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y_Q9MplI/AAAAAAAAAtI/JqcxYLmj_uw/s320/apple+press+066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529673761387488850" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-9x_l_I/AAAAAAAAAtA/8rnbia4Ut9k/s1600/apple+press+064.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-9x_l_I/AAAAAAAAAtA/8rnbia4Ut9k/s320/apple+press+064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529673756240222194" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-uRFAbI/AAAAAAAAAs4/lfjq9HcK3JA/s1600/apple+press+077.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-uRFAbI/AAAAAAAAAs4/lfjq9HcK3JA/s320/apple+press+077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529673752075633074" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-e-UIOI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Wzl3Pa_u-_4/s1600/apple+press+062.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-e-UIOI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Wzl3Pa_u-_4/s320/apple+press+062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529673747970400482" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-GMGsmI/AAAAAAAAAso/XumuRW3UnZk/s1600/apple+press+071.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Y-GMGsmI/AAAAAAAAAso/XumuRW3UnZk/s320/apple+press+071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529673741317354082" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1WtHT8NRI/AAAAAAAAAsg/U_8IbRQR1ZQ/s1600/apple+press+086.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1WtHT8NRI/AAAAAAAAAsg/U_8IbRQR1ZQ/s320/apple+press+086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529671250537624850" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Ws_o6bWI/AAAAAAAAAsY/PyMREqPXhhY/s1600/apple+press+087.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Ws_o6bWI/AAAAAAAAAsY/PyMREqPXhhY/s320/apple+press+087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529671248478104930" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Wssf3-BI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/EaBnwkcpIBI/s1600/apple+press+090.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Wssf3-BI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/EaBnwkcpIBI/s320/apple+press+090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529671243339921426" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Wsa75UjI/AAAAAAAAAsI/fpUUNeRIkIU/s1600/apple+press+091.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1Wsa75UjI/AAAAAAAAAsI/fpUUNeRIkIU/s320/apple+press+091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529671238625612338" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1WsJFX7FI/AAAAAAAAAsA/d-wZI2WUrrg/s1600/apple+press+093.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TL1WsJFX7FI/AAAAAAAAAsA/d-wZI2WUrrg/s320/apple+press+093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529671233833528402" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mother Nature really is a bit of a poppet.She has come up trumps this year and ensured that every blossom on my beautiful apple trees have yielded fruit. What a star!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm not sure quite how it happened...perhaps the lack of a late frost...or maybe the abundant rain last year. Whatever the reason - I've had an Appley year. <br /><br />My eating apple tree for example - most years this old rickety tree only gives me a couple of dozen apples. Little ones which are bullet hard and stick to the roof of you mouth and dry your lips when you try to eat them.<br />This autumn however, my wonderful tree has produced at least three or four hundred apples, all sweet, juicy, rosy and shiny. What a clever thing. <br />Now,there is a rumour that when a tree does this, it's possibly a bit of a swan song, but I'm holding out hope that Mother Nature isn't going to be that mean, and this dear old tree is just in a voluptuous part of yearly cycles.<br /><br />My cookers are still dropping daily. I'm about to make my last batch of chutney and then I'll leave the rest to the birds and fluffy things that jump over the fence of the bottom field, into my garden for a nibble. <br /><br />A couple of weeks ago, on a very sunny warm October day, my neighbours and friends got together for an apple pressing day. We've all had more apples than ever, and this seemed the best way of using up natures bounty instead of leaving it to rot. <br />We hired a local apple press, stood it in my garden and started pressing. It was a mini co-operative. Everyone chipped in £5 for the hire, all helped press the juice and then we shared the delicious nectar between us all. Fabulous.<br /><br />Lordy, so much juice. Surprisingly sweet (even from the cookers) and absolutely delicious. We poured it into into old milk cartons and bottles,then froze most. (It keeps in the fridge for about 3 days un-pasteurised...longer if you pasteurise yourself). I find freezing best though.<br /><br />The rest? <br />Well I've filled two demi-johns with apple juice and they are bubbling and fermenting noisily next to my Aga. I'll give it a bit longer, bottle it up and in six months we'll all get together for a Cider and Sausage night - I fear this potential evil brew might make the evening a little messy...but enormous fun!lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-78625488864389784992010-10-14T06:03:00.000-07:002010-10-14T06:10:01.225-07:00Blogged In Norway........Who'd have thought it! <br />The most exciting thing for me is seeing the translation! Soon I fancy, I'll be speaking fluent Norweigan food speak!If that makes any sense at all !<br /><br />Thanks Maria...I'm so glad you like my book and recipes enough to write about them.....You're a star!<br /><br /><a href="http://marias-saltogsott.blogspot.com/">http://marias-saltogsott.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Have a look... Xlottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-45371091874780732882010-10-11T00:42:00.000-07:002010-10-11T00:43:26.716-07:00Lovely review by Helen Peacocke in The Oxford Times<a href="http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/leisure/8435066.Lotte_shows_how_it_is_in_a_fine_new_recipe_book/">http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/leisure/8435066.Lotte_shows_how_it_is_in_a_fine_new_recipe_book/</a><br /><br />Here is the link to a fabulous review .....many thanks Helen, it's lovely.lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-61160356649179099872010-10-04T00:43:00.001-07:002010-10-04T00:49:04.260-07:00Julie/Julia....Caroline/Lotte<strong>If you have a mo to spare, do take at look at this new blog... Mrs Smithshire is blogging my cook book a la 'Julie/Julia'...<br /><br />I love it!</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://smithshire.wordpress.com/">http://smithshire.wordpress.com/</a>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-39305366897961675272010-09-29T01:49:00.000-07:002010-10-08T04:14:23.104-07:00Another stonking book review...<strong>Thank you Nicola for a lovely review...(see below)...here is a large plug for her fabulous website <a href="http://www.raggedyanngirl.com/">http://www.raggedyanngirl.com/</a><br />it's called Raggedy Ann Girl in a Barbie Doll World, and it's brilliant!<br /><br /><em><strong>Lotte's Country Kitchen - a book review </strong></em><br /> <br /><br />Let me begin by saying that I have dozens of cookbooks. And a very small bookshelf. I already have to do a seasonal rotation four times a year to accommodate them all, so to get a permanent place on my shelf, and become splashed with the traces of the favourite recipes within, a cookbook has to be very special. Lotte's Country Kitchen is a shoo-in. Author, broadcaster, blogger and self-confessed 'nutty bird', Lotte Duncan has produced something I had thought impossible - a real country cookbook with accessible, interesting, fun and non-stodgy recipes. Food that fills you up and nourishes your soul. Recipes that are as much of a pleasure to cook, as they are to share with loved ones. Menus that will impress your 'tasters' without leaving you a frazzled heap on the kitchen floor. Food that people love. This is real cooking for real people. From the delightfully stimulating salmon, leek and spinach lasagne to hedonistic hot cross bun chocolate and rum pudding, there is something here for every taste, every hunger and every occasion. Even as a non-meat eater I still found plenty of choice and, believe me, I've read many a 'country cookbook' that relied solely on meat for savouries and suet for desserts! Now, I'm not going to suggest that Lotte's Country Kitchen is ideal for the constant dieter - that's not the point of the book. There are lighter options on offer but none of that all-very-healthy-and-pretty-but-leaves-you-hungry arty kind of food that takes hours to prepare and five minutes to consume. Who wants to be the hostess who leaves guests hungry and reaching for the biscuit tin as soon as they get in? Lotte's guests leave her home satisfied and so will yours. There is comfort food like the marvellous Mum's macaroni cheese, as well as posh nosh in the form of salmon, orange and bronze fennel pate. The decidedly grown-up plum vodka (which gives a fabulous kick to a mulled wine) is in perfect contrast to the gratuitously girlie Mr Darcy's pink glittery macaroons.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Helpfully the book is divided into chapters each of which are devoted to a month, so it is quite possible to join Lotte on a year-long exploration of seasonal ingredients and seasonally appropriate dishes. But I defy anyone not to rush right in to whipping up January's enticing nutty treacle tart. There are also lots of helpful tips and lovely snippets of life chez Lotte too. The photography is excellent, the recipes easy to follow, there are instructions for conventional ovens and Agas and, unlike most cookbook reading experiences, you’ll actually find yourself laughing out loud as you go! <br /><br /> <br /><br />But I'd like to offer a little warning. If you're one of those Bree Van der Kamp types, for whom perfection is everything, who has a huge granite topped kitchen with sleek surfaces and gliding draws and an array of barely touched gadgets on the counter top. If you need to be a domestic goddess a la Nigella (who I love, by the way, but no-one really lives like that, do they?) then you need to take in a huge breath, scrunch up those shoulders, let them go again and r-e-l-a-x before opening this book. "Lotte's Country Kitchen" is no place for anyone that takes themselves too seriously! This is one cookbook that will bear the splashes of the food you cook for a long-time to come!<br /> Lotte's Country Kitchen is available now in the UK and from November in the US. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br />All about Nicola Rippon </strong>Derby-born Nicola Rippon is a freelance writer. She has been a regular contibutor to the "Derby Telegraph" and "Derbyshire Life & Countryside". She is the author of a number of books of both local and national interest, including "Derby Our City (2001) and "Derbyshire's Own" (2006); and is the co-author of "Goodey's Derby" (2003). In 2001 she wrote and co-produced the highly-acclaimed film "Derby: A People's History".Educated in Derbyshire at Dale Primary and Littleover Schools, she is a long-suffering Rams season ticket holder. Her latest book "The Plot to Kill Lloyd George: The Story of Alice Wheeldon and the Peartree Conspiracy" was published in 2009 and she is still ridiculously excited that she can search for herself on Amazon! With a number of exciting projects 'in the pipeline', two cats to follow around and a vegetable patch to tend, Nicola is grateful for this opportunity to vent and muse on this blog.lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-14948848214106922532010-09-23T06:27:00.001-07:002010-09-23T07:07:00.372-07:00Burning the Summer Away...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteSCvAhTI/AAAAAAAAAr4/j6Iff6WIPaQ/s1600/iphone+074.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteSCvAhTI/AAAAAAAAAr4/j6Iff6WIPaQ/s320/iphone+074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520109432337368370" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteSNm8EoI/AAAAAAAAArw/1JF20GHcxew/s1600/iphone+075.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteSNm8EoI/AAAAAAAAArw/1JF20GHcxew/s320/iphone+075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520109435256312450" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteRiO4FzI/AAAAAAAAAro/J1clgfJhQhI/s1600/iphone+076.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteRiO4FzI/AAAAAAAAAro/J1clgfJhQhI/s320/iphone+076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520109423612663602" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteRpBauaI/AAAAAAAAArg/hyPPepsjM-c/s1600/iphone+077.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJteRpBauaI/AAAAAAAAArg/hyPPepsjM-c/s320/iphone+077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520109425435261346" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdK_5lIUI/AAAAAAAAArY/mOhVxyHZdxo/s1600/iphone+071.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdK_5lIUI/AAAAAAAAArY/mOhVxyHZdxo/s320/iphone+071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520108211805692226" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdKRzYjZI/AAAAAAAAArQ/eF4733d8wGM/s1600/iphone+070.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdKRzYjZI/AAAAAAAAArQ/eF4733d8wGM/s320/iphone+070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520108199431671186" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdJvBA48I/AAAAAAAAArI/XkcSL2Obg2Y/s1600/iphone+069.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdJvBA48I/AAAAAAAAArI/XkcSL2Obg2Y/s320/iphone+069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520108190093599682" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdJegKU8I/AAAAAAAAArA/Tec3cjdN6mg/s1600/iphone+068.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdJegKU8I/AAAAAAAAArA/Tec3cjdN6mg/s320/iphone+068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520108185660838850" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdJPhMjZI/AAAAAAAAAq4/e3SrPKmEeFs/s1600/iphone+066.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtdJPhMjZI/AAAAAAAAAq4/e3SrPKmEeFs/s320/iphone+066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520108181638647186" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcPuIVHAI/AAAAAAAAAqw/qbClQ04AJns/s1600/iphone+065.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcPuIVHAI/AAAAAAAAAqw/qbClQ04AJns/s320/iphone+065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520107193423436802" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcPJrqX8I/AAAAAAAAAqo/VsvlDcAsOMc/s1600/iphone+064.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcPJrqX8I/AAAAAAAAAqo/VsvlDcAsOMc/s320/iphone+064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520107183639519170" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcOxqSECI/AAAAAAAAAqg/EIKkUvxPFI4/s1600/iphone+062.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcOxqSECI/AAAAAAAAAqg/EIKkUvxPFI4/s320/iphone+062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520107177191280674" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcOiEPZOI/AAAAAAAAAqY/ntsTGK3iKi0/s1600/iphone+057.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcOiEPZOI/AAAAAAAAAqY/ntsTGK3iKi0/s320/iphone+057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520107173005190370" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcObTPJhI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/kY6j5AGT51k/s1600/iphone+052.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TJtcObTPJhI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/kY6j5AGT51k/s320/iphone+052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520107171189040658" /></a><br /><strong>Last Saturday we all got together for the last fire pit of the year. <br /><br />Much wood and tree bits were burnt, including the first of my autumn cut back. We cooked the food from the Fire Pit Chapter in my book....Lamb with garden herbs, Flatbreads, Cheesy Mustard Pull-Apart Bread,Vegetables in Foil and Sausage and Bean Casserole. <br />We drank far too much than is probably sensible....ate too much pudding - Jamakewell Tart and Chocolate Mess (no pictures of this unfortunately - it was too dark by the time we ate it..and I was probably a bit too tidly to hold the camera!)....And generally said goodbye to Summer and hello to the cold mornings and chilly evenings of Autumn.<br /><br />I believe (for it is a little bit hazy) that we may have heralded it in rather well ! <br /><br />It really was a wonderful time - a warm fire brings people together. It comforts us, cuddles us and keeps the wild animals at bay. It enables us cook delicious food, gives us the ability to tidy up the garden and when sat around it, makes us all just stop, relax and take time to chat and laugh until we need the loo!<br /><br />At some point, towards midnight, a couple of us snoozed, one or two snored and those still conscious, loaded on the logs and kept us all warm.<br /><br />My poor head paid tribute to our fireside ramblings and sloe gin drinking around the toasty fire the next morning. But I wouldn't have it any other way.<br /><br />If you want to try cooking on a Fire Pit..all you need is my book (Lotte's Country Kitchen) for the recipes, some quite bonkers friends (we all have a few of those) and some wood and matches. <br />Plus of course a fit young man to dig it out....my favourite bit!<br /><br />Everyone must help though (that's the best bit).... this can be building the fire, cooking the flat breads or simply icing the cinnamon rolls (thanks Alice, Olive and Maddy)!<br /><br />You can buy my book at all good bookshops or pop onto Amazon and order it there.<br /><br />Let me know how you get on!</strong>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-58972595129561990142010-09-13T01:39:00.000-07:002010-09-13T02:58:03.440-07:00My Book Launch!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3sxqpWz0I/AAAAAAAAAqI/eHWsfd8lB-c/s1600/holiday+and+book+launch+038.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3sxqpWz0I/AAAAAAAAAqI/eHWsfd8lB-c/s320/holiday+and+book+launch+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516325456604221250" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3sxPEmsZI/AAAAAAAAAqA/ojTyfWCdXv0/s1600/holiday+and+book+launch+041.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3sxPEmsZI/AAAAAAAAAqA/ojTyfWCdXv0/s320/holiday+and+book+launch+041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516325449202315666" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3swgsPp_I/AAAAAAAAAp4/WeMW4BcEb6Q/s1600/holiday+and+book+launch+042.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3swgsPp_I/AAAAAAAAAp4/WeMW4BcEb6Q/s320/holiday+and+book+launch+042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516325436752111602" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3swQdcoqI/AAAAAAAAApw/uAttt8fmoEE/s1600/holiday+and+book+launch+043.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3swQdcoqI/AAAAAAAAApw/uAttt8fmoEE/s320/holiday+and+book+launch+043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516325432395080354" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3svhnnmUI/AAAAAAAAApo/6m9ngBRuIMU/s1600/holiday+and+book+launch+048.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3svhnnmUI/AAAAAAAAApo/6m9ngBRuIMU/s320/holiday+and+book+launch+048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516325419821275458" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mgyxx04I/AAAAAAAAAno/0eEZBiExy-Y/s1600/59012_468076306114_653311114_6530822_704519_n%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mgyxx04I/AAAAAAAAAno/0eEZBiExy-Y/s320/59012_468076306114_653311114_6530822_704519_n%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516318569659487106" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mglGAsXI/AAAAAAAAAng/oZ-z4j4CWTY/s1600/Lotte12.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mglGAsXI/AAAAAAAAAng/oZ-z4j4CWTY/s320/Lotte12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516318565986251122" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mKP896aI/AAAAAAAAAnY/uh3c7F5nfac/s1600/Lotte11.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mKP896aI/AAAAAAAAAnY/uh3c7F5nfac/s320/Lotte11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516318182354053538" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mJ-p-J9I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/NjwLp3ZnH-o/s1600/Lotte10.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mJ-p-J9I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/NjwLp3ZnH-o/s320/Lotte10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516318177710974930" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mJkYoIWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/7ijHMTLyamM/s1600/Lotte08.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mJkYoIWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/7ijHMTLyamM/s320/Lotte08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516318170658906466" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mJeoVcXI/AAAAAAAAAnA/xsVJW5T5Q-c/s1600/Lotte07.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mJeoVcXI/AAAAAAAAAnA/xsVJW5T5Q-c/s320/Lotte07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516318169114177906" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mI1hRAxI/AAAAAAAAAm4/x9DURK9xA5s/s1600/Lotte06.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3mI1hRAxI/AAAAAAAAAm4/x9DURK9xA5s/s320/Lotte06.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516318158078673682" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3lkwNof6I/AAAAAAAAAmw/o_1-sfKhI-o/s1600/Lotte03.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3lkwNof6I/AAAAAAAAAmw/o_1-sfKhI-o/s320/Lotte03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516317538178858914" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3lkb9qOQI/AAAAAAAAAmo/2LoLU_8ahcA/s1600/Lotte02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3lkb9qOQI/AAAAAAAAAmo/2LoLU_8ahcA/s320/Lotte02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516317532743153922" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3lkPywXGI/AAAAAAAAAmg/vjnx4Qlp36I/s1600/DSC01250web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3lkPywXGI/AAAAAAAAAmg/vjnx4Qlp36I/s320/DSC01250web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516317529476193378" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3ljyzLDDI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Ran8_IYxnnk/s1600/DSC01206web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3ljyzLDDI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Ran8_IYxnnk/s320/DSC01206web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516317521693314098" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3ljhd-JqI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Syczr3hL-Xw/s1600/DSC01187web.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TI3ljhd-JqI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Syczr3hL-Xw/s320/DSC01187web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516317517040985762" /></a><br />As you can see, I really did have the best time. I felt truly blessed to be surrounded by seventy of my lovely friends. Family were there too, including my now, infamous baby brother who took rather a liking to my book! Jamie...a little chap with wonderful taste. He soon realised Thomas the Tank Engine wasn't on page six and tossed it aside, but we got the photograph before he did.<br /><br />A wonderful time was had by all.<br />I fear I may have come over a little emotional in my speech - I do hope I didn't go on too much. I seem to remember a couple of people with glassy eyes, but I'm hoping that was the Champagne!<br /><br />So a big thank you to all my friends and family, to Lara 'Loo' Holmes the book photographer, to Luise and Brian of The Book House in Thame where the launch was held and to .... well all of you who have bought my book so far!<br /><br />Big Thanks and Big Kisses.lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-7712716007413477572010-08-27T01:02:00.000-07:002010-08-27T01:04:46.673-07:00And another lovely review...Thanks Sandra...Great blog and wonderful review....Tales from the Riverbank.<br /><br /><a href="http://t.co/r5eS5zT">http://t.co/r5eS5zT</a>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-50418568088505942272010-08-20T03:02:00.000-07:002010-08-20T03:08:12.814-07:00Link to...<strong>A lovely review from a fellow foodie blogger. <br /><br />Thanks, Gretchen.<br /><br />Culinaria Libris, a brilliant title for a great blog..which puts my design, or should I say lack of it, to shame. Gretchen's got pretty pictures and things all over hers! <br />I fear I may be a little jealous!<br /><br />Anyway, here it is...great reviews of many books...but I like mine the best!<br /><br /><a href="http://culinarialibris.blogspot.com/2010/08/can-i-borrow-cup-of-sugar.html">http://culinarialibris.blogspot.com/2010/08/can-i-borrow-cup-of-sugar.html</a><br /><br />Lotte.</strong>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-15808501886150493292010-08-17T01:16:00.000-07:002010-08-17T07:34:18.736-07:00The Angel in Long Crendon...Ladies Day<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLdj6gb6I/AAAAAAAAAmA/_rzGRCnEJ4I/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLdj6gb6I/AAAAAAAAAmA/_rzGRCnEJ4I/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506296465642778530" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLdUTkOZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/WA7EewIlURs/s1600/The+angel+and+stuff+056.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLdUTkOZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/WA7EewIlURs/s320/The+angel+and+stuff+056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506296461452917138" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLdEQ0fDI/AAAAAAAAAlw/9JHu6AYQpsk/s1600/The+angel+and+stuff+054.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLdEQ0fDI/AAAAAAAAAlw/9JHu6AYQpsk/s320/The+angel+and+stuff+054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506296457146432562" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLckVR_AI/AAAAAAAAAlo/J3zqKQ9-WCE/s1600/The+angel+and+stuff+044+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLckVR_AI/AAAAAAAAAlo/J3zqKQ9-WCE/s320/The+angel+and+stuff+044+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506296448575208450" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLcbL2MzI/AAAAAAAAAlg/iOnJBD-RU0E/s1600/The+angel+and+stuff+039+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TGpLcbL2MzI/AAAAAAAAAlg/iOnJBD-RU0E/s320/The+angel+and+stuff+039+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506296446119719730" /></a><br /><strong>A week or so ago, The Angel held another 'Ladies Lunch' - hosted by myself and Marcia. <br /><br />I didn't think that early August would be terribly popular - surely everyone would be on holiday? How wrong I was. <br /><br />Sixty ladies booked and turned up for the day. (The most ever)<br /><br />Sixty ladies came to eat recipes from my book, cooked by Trevor and his brigade of chefs.<br /><br />Sixty ladies sipped and quaffed food-matched wine by Marcia Waters. <br /><br />Sixty ladies had a fabulous time.<br /><br />And so did I. <br /><br />In fact, such a good time, that on signing my books, I may have made a few 'wine-induced' mistakes. Sorry Carol. Oops and all that! <br /><br />If you want a delicious time out, I can highly recomment The Angel. You can even stay the night there.<br /><a href="http://angelrestaurant.co.uk">www.angelrestaurant.co.uk</a><br /><br />And if you want some wonderful wines then go no further than Marcia Waters, MW.<br /><a href="http://www.mw2wines.com">www.mw2wines.com</a><br /><br />And...if you want some yummy recipes....well,(I insist!) you need look no further than my new cookery book. Have I mentioned this before??!! See review below and by all means feel free to buy one or...two!<br /><br />And if you do go to The Angel, then pop into Thame (Market town next door) and visit the fabulous Bookhouse. <a href="http://www.thebookhousethame.co.uk">www.thebookhousethame.co.uk</a><br /><br />You can buy one there too.<br /><br />See above - dodgy picture of me by my book in the shop.<br /><br />Sad eh? <br /><br />Well yes, a little...but proud!</strong>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-66770570221045463772010-08-02T03:54:00.001-07:002010-08-17T07:37:37.764-07:00Lotte's Country Kitchen Cookery Book - out now!<strong>This is a lovely review by Chrissie Walker who has a fabulous website called www.mostlyfood.co.uk<br />Brilliant, honest reviews of both books and restaurants..infact anything foodie.<br /><br />Thanks Chrissie...so good, I just had to blog it!!</strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TFakCKjnJjI/AAAAAAAAAlY/49TOTCNn1fk/s1600/136666922%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TFakCKjnJjI/AAAAAAAAAlY/49TOTCNn1fk/s320/136666922%5B4%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500764351980054066" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Lotte’s Country Kitchen</strong><br /><br />I review many cookbooks in the course of a month but this one has had me waiting in eager anticipation. It has arrived, and is just what I had both expected and hoped.<br /><br />Lotte Duncan will be a familiar face to those who watched and loved the much-missed Good Food Live on the UK Food TV network. She demonstrated delicious dishes and presented the show when Jeni Barnett was away. She has also hosted her own series. She is well-respected in the British food industry, being a skilled professional and a remarkably nice person - those two virtues not being a commonly found ensemble in the world of Media. She is also a rose addict but I am sure that is her only vice.<br /><br />This stunning book is a paper representation of the lady – it’s pink and pastel-coloured – and the photography by Lara Holmes is superb. The location scenes are in fact shot at Lotte's chocolate-box cottage from where she runs her celebrated cooking school. Her kitchen is quintessentially Lotte with patterned cups and cake stands, two cats and an Aga. Yes, indeed this volume considers the owners of that great iconic stove, with every recipe giving Aga-appropriate directions. Lotte runs classes to demystify the beast.<br /><br />The book looks terrific but a cook does not cook by looks alone. The recipes need to be good, quite simply they need to work, and these do. The dishes are scrumptious, simple and sensible. It’s British cooking at its finest. There are classics with a twist (Mince Pies with Orange and Almond Pastry) and some departures. Spicy Flatbread might not seem very British but present it wrapped around some marvellous lamb and you have the epitome of evolved British cuisine. A reflection of our contemporary tastes. This is no dry old-fashioned tome.<br /><br />I am waiting for September to try Lotte’s Winter Tonic Jelly. Her Dried Berry Scones will be a delicious vehicle for that, but Lotte’s Salmon, Pea and Mint Fishcakes are already a regular lunch chez nous. Serve with home-made tartar sauce and feel like a pro. Making mayonnaise isn’t rocket science but it always gives me a kick when it works. Lotte gives tips on mayo retrieval should disaster strike.<br /><br />Try a few of Lotte Duncan’s recipes and you’ll have confidence in her judgement when it comes to the unlikely sounding Chicken and Anchovy Trust-me-pie. It’s probably well named, as the combination of poultry and oily seafood might not, at first, sound enticing. Consider anchovies as merely a seasoning. They impart an agreeable salty tang rather than evoking the memory of kippers. You’ll not be disappointed and nor will your guests.<br /><br />Raspberry and Rosewater Cream Tart is an easy dessert. You have permission to use commercial pastry, and that is reassuring for the less experienced or for those of us who are strapped for time. It’s as pretty as a picture and the ideal end to a summer meal. The rosewater gives a delightful hint of exotica rather than a slug of “evening in Paris”. It’s the sort of recipe which I seek out. Looks sophisticated but little effort to prepare.<br /><br />Lotte’s Country Kitchen is gift quality but it’s far from a coffee-table volume. It’s a cookbook that will serve you well through the months. A book to admire but definitely to use. Its pages might well become smeared with meat juices and a splash or two of gin but that’s the way it should be and I am sure Lotte Duncan will take it as compliment. She is that kind of girl.<br /><br />Cookbook review: Lotte’s Country Kitchen<br />Author: Lotte Duncan<br />Published by: Absolute Press<br />Price: £20.00<br />ISBN 9781906650285<br />s<strong></strong><strong></strong><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/2axrdgm">http://tinyurl.com/2axrdgm</a> CLICK HERE TO BUY.lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-61174552920696416992010-07-12T04:12:00.000-07:002010-07-12T09:10:21.690-07:00Cluckerty Cluck<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TDr82hxbX4I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/tmVMOgczcQ8/s1600/images%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 120px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TDr82hxbX4I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/tmVMOgczcQ8/s320/images%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492980709240561538" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TDr82N6lORI/AAAAAAAAAlI/JHUNdT3Edo0/s1600/068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TDr82N6lORI/AAAAAAAAAlI/JHUNdT3Edo0/s320/068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492980703910246674" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TDr814frwaI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Y3cbn_s9nDY/s1600/flowers+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/TDr814frwaI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Y3cbn_s9nDY/s320/flowers+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492980698160284066" /></a><br />I'm think I'm going to get some chickens. Been on my mind for a while now.<br />I've cleared away an area full of scrappy shrubs. It's still shaded and nicely tucked away by my patio. I think they'll be happy there.<br /><br />I used to have a pet chicken called Matilda. She was rescued from a battery farm in the seventies and came to live with us in the country. Matilda survived for a long time after, was quite the character and when she finally passed away, received an obituary in our village newspaper. <br />She was often seen trotting along the pavement and on occasion she found her way into the back of the post office van. The postman oblivious, only realised he had a stowaway when her head popped up in his rear view mirror. She never caused an accident, but I think it was close once or twice!<br /><br />Now..what to get. <br /><br />I've always had a thing about Buff Orpingtons. They are matronly fluffy ginger coloured chickens and I know they would stand up to my cats. Very feisty old birds!<br /><br />In fact, bit worried now...have a feeling I'm going for a Buff only because they resemble so closely, Honey - my Labrador sized cat with an appetite to match.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />I shall call them Mary, Mabel and Martha!lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-17335735073185081592010-05-28T00:28:00.000-07:002010-05-28T01:09:07.833-07:00Oh Happy Day!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_96CD7M0OI/AAAAAAAAAko/qzdGOQYTK0w/s1600/084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_96CD7M0OI/AAAAAAAAAko/qzdGOQYTK0w/s320/084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476229847737749730" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_96Bah21BI/AAAAAAAAAkg/tT5TFMQDxTA/s1600/088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_96Bah21BI/AAAAAAAAAkg/tT5TFMQDxTA/s320/088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476229836625597458" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90fnKRnUI/AAAAAAAAAkY/8nKz_GISBZg/s1600/garage+and+fire+pit+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90fnKRnUI/AAAAAAAAAkY/8nKz_GISBZg/s320/garage+and+fire+pit+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476223758342659394" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90fHtT_wI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/5McvYX0yNj8/s1600/garage+and+fire+pit+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90fHtT_wI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/5McvYX0yNj8/s320/garage+and+fire+pit+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476223749899681538" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90eUAUFlI/AAAAAAAAAkI/yh9X9SLbMLU/s1600/garage+and+fire+pit+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90eUAUFlI/AAAAAAAAAkI/yh9X9SLbMLU/s320/garage+and+fire+pit+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476223736020735570" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90eKkZq6I/AAAAAAAAAkA/rDZpiBLj_Q8/s1600/garage+and+fire+pit+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90eKkZq6I/AAAAAAAAAkA/rDZpiBLj_Q8/s320/garage+and+fire+pit+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476223733487741858" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90dsGD34I/AAAAAAAAAj4/KIaNfhhco2w/s1600/garage+and+fire+pit+009+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S_90dsGD34I/AAAAAAAAAj4/KIaNfhhco2w/s320/garage+and+fire+pit+009+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476223725307420546" /></a><br /><br />This is what life's all about. <br /><br />The sun is shining, you have friends and neighbours in your garden with plenty of wine. The roses; just starting to bloom, parade themselves and their scent in a rather provocative way and there is just enough dappled shade to protect you from one of the hottest days this year...so far!<br /><br />We even had a garden fairy.<br /><br />Sigh. <br /><br />What a happy day it was. We lit the fire pit or should I say, Simon 'chief fire starter' lit the fire. I watched. Man's work.<br /><br />We drank wine, ate nibbles and waited for our meat to cook. We had a shoulder of lamb marinated in all my garden herbs (and a few of Carolines), we had a pork and chorizo meat shape. Both baked on the embers of the fire.<br /><br />Phoebe, Dodds and Robyn bought salads and pud. Nicky bought nibbles and drink. Julia, just when we didn't think we could fit another morsel in our mouths, produced a stunning cheeseboard and plonked it on the rug.<br /><br />'Okay, just one more little bit of cheese, then I'll stop' was the chosen mantra of the early evening.<br /><br />Then out came some coffee and Caroline's famous white chocolate, almond and cherry nibbles.<br /><br />Oh, it was glorious.<br />Scrumptious food, wonderful friends and the perfect early English summer's day. <br /><br />All scented; magical, twinkly and pink with roses and fresh young flowers. <br />Sunny and friendly and just what we all needed. <br /><br />A time to relax and just be. <br /><br /><br /><strong>AND JUST BEFORE I GO - I HAVE ADDED TWO MORE DATES TO MY SUMMER ENGLISH COUNTRY COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS. HELD IN MY COTTAGE AND GARDEN. JULY 9TH AND <br />JULY 16TH. PLEASE GO TO MY WEBSITE www.lotteduncan.com for more details.</strong>lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716344651047948634.post-21765202848362097052010-05-06T06:09:00.000-07:002010-05-06T06:38:50.812-07:00A Little Tease.....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LEhV8sbCI/AAAAAAAAAjw/_jxWTqZgbB0/s1600/fire+pit++dig+2+and+hen+night+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LEhV8sbCI/AAAAAAAAAjw/_jxWTqZgbB0/s320/fire+pit++dig+2+and+hen+night+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468148974687644706" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LETWqppzI/AAAAAAAAAjo/pKoXNbM25F4/s1600/fire+pit++dig+2+and+hen+night+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LETWqppzI/AAAAAAAAAjo/pKoXNbM25F4/s320/fire+pit++dig+2+and+hen+night+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468148734362232626" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBmXE56_I/AAAAAAAAAjg/8YnZVHaalbc/s1600/098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBmXE56_I/AAAAAAAAAjg/8YnZVHaalbc/s320/098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468145762354981874" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBl2GwkAI/AAAAAAAAAjY/t3mNOHjVxc8/s1600/080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBl2GwkAI/AAAAAAAAAjY/t3mNOHjVxc8/s320/080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468145753504387074" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBlhh1XPI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/qUH4WRM49Fs/s1600/073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBlhh1XPI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/qUH4WRM49Fs/s320/073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468145747980803314" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBlDpVRpI/AAAAAAAAAjI/JKcIicDvCow/s1600/076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBlDpVRpI/AAAAAAAAAjI/JKcIicDvCow/s320/076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468145739959191186" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBk1jB5GI/AAAAAAAAAjA/QqwJvW7as48/s1600/flowers+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__KsLY9HAx50/S-LBk1jB5GI/AAAAAAAAAjA/QqwJvW7as48/s320/flowers+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468145736174658658" /></a><br /><br />.... From my book...<br /><strong> 'Lotte's Country Kitchen' out in June. <br />Published by Absolute Press. </strong><br /><br />MAY<br /><br />What a truly glorious month May is. Late spring is a truly beautiful time. The air is warming up, the leaves on the bushes and trees are still that lovely bright acid green, and all of my blue and purple herbaceous plants are doing their thing.<br /><br />OK, better get this on the record. My name is Lotte Duncan and I am an herbaceous plant addict. There I’ve said it. It’s good to get it off my chest.<br /><br />I can’t help myself. I walk past one in a garden centre and I buy it. I see one in a magazine and it becomes a mission to hunt it down. I have two extra flower beds in my garden because of my addiction. I’m well on my way to a third.<br /><br />I’ve tried, really tried to get my problem under control. But I can’t. I buy them mail order; I purchase them at farmer’s markets. I virtually mug old ladies who might be stretching their hand towards the one I want. <br /><br />My name is Lotte Duncan and I’m not clean of my addiction. I never will be. As long as there is a pretty herbaceous plant winking at me and tempting me in their direction, I’ll succumb. I’m weak and I’m feeble and I’m not entirely sure I care…<br /><br /><strong>Pink meringues with clotted cream and strawberries<br />Makes about 12 meringues</strong><br /><br />2 large egg whites<br />110g/4oz caster sugar<br />a few drops of red food colouring<br />clotted cream and fresh strawberries, to serve<br />icing sugar and pink edible glitter, to decorate (optional)<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 120˚C/fan oven 110˚C/gas mark ½.<br />AGA 4/3/2 dr Simmering oven,<br /><br />Line a baking sheet with baking parchment or a non-stick liner.<br /><br />Place the egg whites in a medium mixing bowl and whisk them until they are very stiff (see Lotte’s tips), not floppy or runny, but really stiff!<br /><br />Whisk 2 teaspoons of the sugar in and whisk again until the egg whites are really stiff. <br /><br />Now your meringue is stable enough to fold in the rest of the sugar and a few drops of the colouring, with a large metal spoon. Add enough colouring to make your meringues a candy pink the colour fades a little once they are cooked so be brave with the colouring. Do this gently so you don’t knock any air out – you’ve just spent a long time whisking it in!<br /><br />Next use a piping bag, fitted with a plain nozzle, to pipe an even number of tablespoon-sized mounds of meringue, spaced well apart, on the baking sheet or you can simply use a tablespoon to plop some down.<br /><br />Bake the meringues for about 2 hours. After 1½ hours, gently pick each meringue up and turn it on its side, then return them to the oven. This will dry out your meringues nicely. Transfer the cooked meringues to a wire rack to cool completely.<br /><br />No more than an hour before you are ready to serve the meringues, pair them up and sandwich them together with a spoonful of clotted cream and a couple of sliced strawberries. Dust with a little icing sugar or even some pink edible glitter and eat enthusiastically.<br /><br />Lotte’s tips<br />You can use a balloon whisk for making meringues, but life really is a little easier if you have an electric one, because the most important thing about making meringues is to initially whisk the egg whites until they are very stiff indeed before you add any sugar. This is where so many people fall down. They don’t whisk enough to begin with. As soon as you add sugar to whisked egg white it loosens and loses some of its bulk, so you need to make sure they are really stiff before you do.<br /><br />The meringues can be made well in advance as they will keep for 10-14 days in an airtight container.lottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13189734129424463923noreply@blogger.com0