Food Glorious Food

I would really like to  take full credit for this beautiful spread but I wasn't the cook but one of those invited to taste test . With that said I did remember to get the recipes...once I actually asked for them.

Herby Tomatoe Salad

6 tomatoes 

1 medium red onion

Dressing

Big hand full or parsley and coriander minced.

2 cloves of garlic minced, 

Good glug Balsamic viniger

Good glug of Olive oil

Squash Salad
1 butternut squash , peeled and cut into long pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
250g pearl barley
300g Tenderstem broccoli , cut into medium-size pieces
100g SunBlush tomatoes, sliced
1 small red onion, diced
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp small capers, rinsed
15 black olives, pitted
20g pack basil, chopped

Dressing 

5 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove , finely chopped

Pepper Parcels
½ red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
4 baby courgettes, halved and sliced
16 small cherry tomatoes
16 small black olives
200g feta cheese
2 tbsp shredded basil
olive oil
4 red peppers , halved, seeds removed

Grilled Portobello
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 large portobello mushrooms
2 thick slices beefsteak tomato
2 ciabatta rolls, toasted
2 slices red onion
2 handfuls rocket

Cougette Salad
2 large courgettes
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
1 tbsp clear honey
2 tsp poppy seeds
1 small garlic clove , crushed
salt and pepper , to taste

In my own opinion, I have left the best to last
Schug
1 pound of peppers (you can mix it up, but go red or go green for bright, consistent color)
1 head fresh garlic, peeled
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
Black pepper and sea salt to taste
Olive oil to cover

Hope you like them. Let me know what you think.

TTFN

MagpieSpirit

New Lampshade from Cath Kidston

Apologies for that late post but Cath Kidston is to blame or rather the fabulous Cath Kidston lampshade workshop that they held this evening.

The whole event was well worth the 20 minute wait on hold the day of the ticket release back at the start of this month and the cost of the ticket.

I went to the Marylebone store with my crafter-in-crime partner, you've seen her hands and kitchen in the soap making post.


Our tutor this evening was the amazing Georgie of Sew Over It.

I would type out all the instructions but a quick internet search looking for lampshade making kits found kits that come with paper instructions inside. If you need additional help search youtube for "Lampshade Making".

p.s. if this is truely your first time making your own lampshade, I would suggest inviting a friend around for abit of a craft evening and you both making lampshades. You will be so greatful for the extra hands!!

TTFN

MagpieSpirit

Dry Wipe Board

This is so easy to do that you can be done in less than ten minutes.

You will need:

-A picture frame (any shape or size you wish)
- A remnant of fabric, wallpaper or wrapping paper.
-Dry wipe marker with sponge lid


Put desired paper inside the frame, close frame and you are done. Now you can write and wipe the surface of your dry wipe board to your hearts content.

TTFN

MagpieSpirit

Plum Chilli Jam

Here's a great recipe that is good on scones, cheese, meat and toast, an all-round jam.

Ingredients :

• 1kg red plums
• 500g Preserving Sugar
• Juice of 2 Lemons
• 2 Red chillies - mild kind
• 25g butter

Step 1. Half and stone the plums.

Step 2. Finely slice the chillies. I recommend de-seeding them at this point. Use a teaspoon to scrape the seeds out. Instead of slicing, I used my kitchen scissors.

Step 3. Cook gently until the plum skins are soft.

Step 4. Mix in the sugar, stirring the pan until it has dissolved.

Step 5. Add the chillies and then bring to the boil and boil until the mixture has reached setting point.

Step 6. Add the butter and stir into the pan.

Step 7. Pot into sterilised jars, seal.

At this point you can label or boil jam in jars which creates a firmer jam, then label.

Can be eaten immediately but I recommend leaving for 2 weeks before consuming. You can leave the jars in the fridge for up to 6 months if left unopened.

TTFN

MagpieSpirit