Mussels in White Wine

Since the New Year began, I vowed to myself that I would try and eat more sustainably. I watched an episode of Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feasts and heard them talking about mussels and how sustainable they are, and that we English don't eat them enough. The French do, and why shouldn't we? We fish for them along the whole of the British coastline and produce 35000 tons of them, but most of them get exported to other countries. Since they are so cheap and delicious and nutritious (high in vitamin B12 and lots of protein), why not enjoy them ourselves? I found mine in Tesco at the fish counter for only £2.50 for a large net, which is an amazing price for evening feast!

Here's my simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1 net of mussels (go to Tesco and buy theirs for less than £3)

1 onion, thinly chopped

1 small glass of white wine

Olive oil

A handful of chopped parsley + extra to garnish

Sourdough bread to serve with

Method

1. Pour your mussels into a colander and wash with cold water until it runs clear (you may need to do this several times).

2.Scrape off any barnacles (the white bits) with a sharp knife. This is quite hard to do, so just leave some if you can't get them off- as you can see, I had trouble!

3. Throw away any cracked shells, and tap any that are open, and if they don't close, they are dead and should not be cooked. Also, pull off any that have beards (the whispy bit poking out of the shell). If you pull towards the pointy bit of the shell, it's easier to remove. 

4. In pan, fry the chopped onion in a little olive oil, once transluscent, tip in the mussels, parsley and white wine. Put on the lid and steam for 3-4 minutes. You can tell if they are cooked by checking if the shells have opened. According to the BBC Food website, those that have not opened are ok to eat, as long as you can open them easily.

5. Remove from the heat once steamed and ladle into a big bowl to share. Serve with some crusty sourdough bread, or any bread of your choice. 

Do you eat mussels regularly? Will you eat them more now that you know they are sustainable and from British shores? What's your view on sustainable eating?

January Book Haul

I always find that January is about books; buying new books to give you inspiration for the year ahead; looking over books you were gifted for Christmas, or buying the books you wished you had received. 

This Christmas I didn't receive as many books as I usually do, but those I did get, I absolutely love. Here is a 'haul' of those gifted/bought by me this month.

1. How to tell if your cat is plotting to kill you, by The Oatmeal

This hilarious cartoon-style book was given to me for Christmas by my Husband's younger brother. I was really grateful for this one, as I do always wonder if our cat is secretly plotting... 
But yeah, this book contains a series of cartoons of different scenarios where the cat always comes out on top..naturally. It's published in America and was written by Matthew Inman, who writes at theoatmeal.com and lives in Seattle. You can buy it on Amazon for £5.99.

2. New York through a Fashion Eye by Megan Hess

This one was also a Christmas gift, bought for me by my Husband. I actually didn't think he would get it for me, as it was just something I said I wanted randomly one day. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but it's basically a travel guide to New York, focusing on places that are considered fashionable by the fashion elite. I like it mainly for the beautiful illustrations, and so I can reminisce about our Honeymoon there. Available on Amazon for £10.49. 

 

3. Middle Class Problems by Benjamin Lee. 

This is one I bought for myself as I'd seen it before Christmas and really wanted it, but stopped myself from buying it! It's actually hilarious as it contains quotes from people collected from Twitter that sound particularly 'middle class', such as: 'I've eaten too many M&S croutons on an empty stomach and now I feel sick' #milddisaster and 'smashed my favourite champagne flute. Nightmare'. 
Basically they're a whole load of first world problems which make me lol! Especially those I can relate to! Available on Amazon for £4.99.

4. The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide

This cute little book was bought for me for Christmas by my good friends, Dave and Merethe, who now live in Norway. One of the Sunday Times top ten bestsellers, it should be good. I haven't got around to reading it yet as I'm trying to finish another one, but I can't wait to since it's about a cat! From reading the blurb, I understand that it's based in Tokyo and is about two freelance writers who are a couple, and one day this little cat invites itself into their lives.. I get the idea that I may learn something from this book, or I may end up in tears! I will let you know! Available on Amazon for £6.49.

5. A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde

My sister bought me this book for Christmas, and I think I know why, because it's set by the sea- reminding me of where I was brought up! It's definitely a romance, and looks perfect to read in the summertime when on holiday. I haven't read it yet, but I will, as every now and then I love a good chic lit! Available on Amazon for £10.49.

6. How to Find Love by Veronica Henry

I bought this one for myself before Christmas and still haven't read it! It was when we were in Stow on the Wold at this cute little bookshop, and I just knew I had to have this title when I saw it. I love books, and I know I have already found the love of my life, but I still like to read romantic books, especially when they're based in bookshops!! A Sunday Times bestseller, its about a girl called Emilia who has returned to live in her hometown village in the Cotswolds (another reason why I wanted to read it since this is where we live too!).. I won't tell you anymore, but I'll let you know if it's any good. Available on Amazon for £3.85.

7. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

I bought this one for myself in Wh Smith one day whilst on the way back from work. The title caught my eye, and a quote on the front by Steven D Levitt says 'A lifetime's worth of wisdom'. I mean, how I could I not? The author is also a winner of the Nobel Prize, so that's also saying something. The book is about how we make the choices we do in life. It's recommended to read slowly as apparently it could change the way you think. I thought this would be a good read for my commute to work. Available on Amazon for £7.69.

8. The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell 

I had seen this book before and thought it had looked good. And when I saw it in The Works in Birmingham during its closing down sale, I went ahead and bought it. I've been getting into all things hygge recently, and so I think this would be a great read to see really how the Danish people are so happy. Available on Amazon for £6.29.

9.  Hello Dubai by Joe Bennett

I really cannot wait to read this one! I also bought this one during The Works closing down sale in Birmingham, and I'm so happy I saw it. Joe Bennett is a hilarious travel writer, one that I'd read when I was 16, and even then I found it funny, despite not really being able to relate to much. He reminds me a bit like Bill Bryson. Also, we're off to Dubai in August, so another reason to be excited to see what he's got to say about the place! Available on Amazon for £7.99.

10. The Campervan Coast by Martin Dorey

Another one from my The Works haul. I love camping, as I always went as a child during the summer holidays. I would really love to buy a VW Camper, and so this just inspires me a little. It not only features recipes to when camping, but also camping tips, VW maintenance tips and places to visit in the UK. I now need an excuse to use it! Available on Amazon for £18.14.

11. India by Pushpesh Pant 

This one was bought by me with my Homesense voucher that was given to me by my lovely Husband. I adore Homesense, especially for it's choice of books priced excellently. I think I picked this extensive recipe book of Indian food up(1000 recipes) for £15. Bargain! I know what I'm going to be eating for a while... Available on Amazon for £20.37.

12. Pornburger by Mathew Ramsey

This is a book that I bought for my Husband for Christmas, as he's a massive burger fan. When we got out to eat, if there's a burger on the menu, he's getting it! Now this book contains some pretty artery-blocking recipes, but you know, once every now and then can't hurt, can it?? Not for the fainthearted.. Available on Amazon for £12.71.

Please comment if you've received any of these titles - what did you think of them? Also if you've done a January book haul, please share as I love reading them!

Teapigs Matcha Review

Teapigs Matcha super power tea drink - perfect for those people who are undertaking the always broken, health-related New Year resolution. I'm not one of them, but I was excited to see these appear on my doorstep after returning from holiday just after Christmas. 
It turns out that Teapigs have decided to create a matcha drink, powered with a tea high in flavonoids (a great antioxidant) that is perfect for those who have to commute and don't have time to have their morning matcha tea fix. I do actually commute a 45 minute journey every morning, so I thought this could be for me. 

The Taste Test

Apple flavour

First I decided to take the apple flavoured one to work with me. After teaching a morning of lessons I thought what could be better than my matcha apple tea drink?? Unfortunately it wasn't for me, but my colleague loved it. It's not that it tastes strongly of matcha (I don't even know what that tastes like), but it just tasted too much like those 'from concentrate' apple juices kids drink. Don't let this put you off though because if you like those juices, then this is a perfect way to get your matcha without knowing it. 

Score: 5/10

Elderflower flavour

I'm a big fan of all things elderflower. I'm always that person who chooses the elderflower presse when it's on the menu when eating out. I wasn't disappointed at all with the way it tastes in the drink; it really does just taste like still elderflower cordial, you know the Belvoir one?? 

Score: 8/10 

All of the drinks are available at: Selfridges, WH Smiths and Wholefoods. 

Have you tried this drink? Do you like matcha?

Disclaimer: This is not a paid for post. The product was sent to me for review but all opinions are my own. 

Learning with Larousse: Pickled Quince

Who even eats pickled quince? That's what I've been thinking. 

The only way I can describe the fruit is that it's really odd. It constantly looks bruised and looks gone off when you peel it (trust me, I googled it and it generally looks like that!) 

Pickled quince, on the other hand, is also a strange one. Because I have vowed to try new things for this blog series, I was willing to give it ago, no matter how much I thought I wasn't going to like it. Let's just say that it's a required taste. Its texture is similar to a pear and the taste is stronger than a pickled onion. The 'acetomel' syrup mixture really needs to be sweeter, in my opinion. Acetemol is a sweet and sour mixture used for preserves, most likely in the past - do any of you still use this?

The word comes from two Latin words: Acetum (vinegar) and mel (honey).

As the Larousse book did not give a recipe, I did some research and decided to follow Nigel Slater's Pickled Quince Recipe, which used cider vinegar and golden granulated sugar, which I replaced with honey. Here's what I did...

Ingredients

750ml Cider vinegar

200g honey

2 Medium sized quinces

12 juniper berries

8 black peppercorns

1 bay leaf

You will also need one large, sterilised Kilner jar. Please my mincemeat recipe on how to sterilise jars. 

 

Method

 1. Add the cider vinegar to a stainless steel pan and pour in the honey, juniper berries, black peppercorns and bay leaf - bring to the boil. Once at a boil, bring to simmer.

2. Peel, half and core your quinces and cut them into slices. 

3. Place the slices into the vinegar and cook for 20 minutes, or until soft enough that a skewer goes through. 

4. Once cooked, carefully place the slices into the sterilised jar and pour over the liquid, then seal with the lid. Leave to cool. These will keep in jar, I believe for months since its a preserve, however once opened I would only keep for a couple of weeks. 

As you can see, I tried to help myself like it more by serving it with some Lancashire crumbly cheese, however this was definitely the wrong choice - the cheese is tangy in its own right! Ha. Maybe cheddar would work better...

Have you ever tried pickled quince before? What was it like? How could I make this recipe better?

19 Bloggers to Bookmark, Read and Follow in 2017

In December last year I shouted out on Twitter, asking for people who were partaking in Blogmas. I was planning a post, listing all the people who I recommend to watch (unfortunately life got in the way). The advantage of doing this was that I discovered many new bloggers on the way. You may know some of these already or maybe you don't, but I always love discovering new bloggers to read, so here's some to start you off. 

I'm thinking of doing this post every month, so if you want to be included in next month's post, please let me know. It's all about spreading the love on this blog!

Note - it was really hard to categorise these blogs, as most of them post a variety of topics. I've done the best I could!

A bit of Everything

The Little Magpie
Glamorous 24 year-old English Literature graduate, Amy Spencer, blogs away about mainly fashion but also incorporates travel/lifestyle and beauty into her posts too. Her OOTD's are great inspiration. 
http://www.thelittlemagpie.com/

Sophia Meola
Sophie's posts are of the helpful kind (7 top tips for staying organised and 104 blog posts to keep you inspired) and her photos are so pretty, I envy them! She was also shortlisted for several blog awards in 2013/14. 
http://www.sophiameola.co.uk/

Laura Hadley
Liverpudlian Laura is down-to-earth in her posts about fashion, beauty and lifestyle - one to watch!
http://www.laurahadley.co.uk/

See the Stars
I love the freshness of Sarah's blog. Her Sunday summary's are a interesting round-up of her week and makes good reading. I also love that she has a category for 'Disney' and 'TV'! 
http://www.seethestars.co.uk/

Dainty Alice
With her ever-growing blog, Alice's posts are mainly beauty with a touch of lifestyle. She also blogs about her favourite books (mainly fashion based). 
http://www.daintyalice.com/

Sweet Allure
When reading Tarnya's posts, I feel like I'm speaking to a friend. Her posts are beautifully photographed and range from what to watch on Netflix, to a cheeky little Lush haul.
http://www.sweetallure.co.uk/

The Flower that Blooms
Written by two sisters, Lauren and Rachel this blog is down-to-earth, bright and lively. The posts vary from beauty to lifestyle. They are both advocates of cruelty-free beauty products too. One to watch!
https://theflowerthatblooms.wordpress.com/

Food, Lifestyle and Travel

The Curvaceous Vegan
I love Amie's straightforward outlook in life. She shouts about mental health and writes posts on some interesting topics (latest one on diet culture is a good read). Oh and she makes so pretty delicious vegan foods too. Win win. 
http://www.thecurvaceousvegan.com/

Nettle and Blackberry
Imii's beautifully photographed blog covers all three categories, but it's the travel section which I love the most. It's that she doesn't she focus on foreign travel, but also the beauty of our little island. Makes me want to do a staycation. 
http://www.nettleandblackberry.com/

No Space for Milk
Mainly focusing on mental health and well-being, Rachel's posts are well-thought out are again, like talking to a friend. I'm definitely going to become a dedicated reader to this one. 
https://nospaceformilk.com/

Food Alert

Jess and Josh Cook
I've been following Brighton-based, Jess and Josh's, for a while now, and you should too. Their posts mainly feature restaurant reviews and comfort food perfect for a winter's eve. 
https://jessandjoshcook.com/

Sneaky Veg
Blogging about all things veg-related, Mandy is the go-to gal. I've been reading Mandy's blog regularly, and her veggie recipes that are developed with her kids in mind, are great for those parents whose kids struggle to eat veg. 
http://www.sneakyveg.com/

Easy Peasy Foodie
Another one of my regular reads, Eb's traybakes are JUST. I don't even think I need to finish that sentence. Eb cooks with an Italian influence and she doesn't disappoint. Her beautifully photographed meals just make you want to cook up a storm. 
http://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/

Hijacked by Twins 
One of the CookBlogShare round-up ladies, busy Mum Kirsty is an inspiration to all Mums. Her recipes are healthy and low-cost. The perfect one to follow if you're feeling the pinch this year. I just love her ideas!
http://www.hijackedbytwins.com/

Recipes Made Easy
Jacqui's blog is foodie heaven. Her meals are beautifully styled and are usually inspired by British or French cuisine, with a twist. Basil ice-cream anyone?
http://recipesmadeeasy.co.uk/

Ren Behan Food
If you're looking for nourishing, on-trend meals, then this blog is for you. Ren is a food writer, having written for jamieoliver.com and Good Food, she continues to inspire me, oh and also makes me hungry!
http://www.renbehan.com/

Yumsome
Well-travelled and vegan, this blogger is cooking up some interesting dishes based on the many places she has lived (currently it's Slovenia). From vegan nutella cream liqueur, to vegan mincemeat, you'll never fail to find inspiration for dinner. 
http://www.yumsome.com/

Literature, Lifestyle/Writing

Rachel Pattinson

Written by my dear friend, Rachel, her blog is mainly musings of being a writer, and the difficulties she sometimes faces. Despite the gripes, her blog always puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh. Being a massive LOTR fan, it also features the odd LOTR gif too. 

http://www.rachelpattinson.com/

Poppies in October
From books to advice, I just know that Poppies in October is going to become a regular of mine to read this year. Her posts are so well thought out, and cover topics such as Top Life Tips and new Mental Health Interview series. 
http://www.poppiesinoctober.co.uk/

Why I Took a Break from Blogging

The blogging world is fast-paced and sometimes it's hard to keep up with the demands it brings. In the back of my mind there's always the nagging thought that I must do more for my blog, and that I'm not doing enough. Some of the most common thoughts are:
I must be more organised with my posts
I must make a plan
I must do more on instagram
I must make my photos better
I need better lighting equipment
I must get more 'into' Twitter 
I must be more Twitter active
I must cook more interesting recipes

These are, unfortunately, never-ending.

So back in late November, I took it upon myself to make a plan (a massive excel spreadsheet to be exact) and plan exactly what I was going to cook and bake for the next few months. Oh I knew what we'd be eating up until January - no surprises in this house! If I did this, I thought, I'd be completely on top of things and would be able to prepare bits of recipes in advance and really be organised, especially with Christmas coming around the corner as well. I'd also decided to do Vlogmas. I had all my posts planned for that too. I'd even started writing some. I'd even started chatting to people on Twitter (tackling one of my goals). Vlogmas began and I'd made a Christmas cake, Christmas puddings and mincemeat; all ready for the next few weeks. I was so prepared.

Day 2 of Vlogmas arrived and I submitted my post like normal. Unfortunately, that evening my Husband and I received some bad news about his Grandma - She wasn't well. So of course we travelled to Italy the next day on the first flight we could get. Two days later, we travelled back to the UK, only to then immediately travel back again as we found out whilst we were on the flight home, she'd sadly passed. The next day we returned to Italy for the funeral.

I realised afterwards, that from the moment we received the bad news, nothing else mattered to me more than supporting my Husband and his family. My blog went completely out of my mind, even after weeks of planning and preparation. It really goes to show that even if you are dedicated to doing something and have been preparing for it for weeks, family always will come first.  

Since this happened, I haven't written a single blog post. I'm not saying I've been put off blogging because obviously I have no reason to be, I'm just feeling a bit out of the loop - anyone else ever feel like that? 

I also don't quite know where to start. Because I work in Birmingham, a 45 minute train journey from where I live in Cheltenham, the evenings are often tiresome and I can't be bothered. However... 

I've decided that I don't want my blog to be a must in my life, because in life, you never know what is going to come around the corner. I want to enjoy life, living in the now, rather than in what future blog post I should write. I'm not saying i'm not going to be posting consistently anymore, but i'm going to be posting a lot less that I have in the past few months. I'm going to put less pressure on myself to be perfect. And I hope the posts I do post, will be of a better quality (rather than me rushing it) - because that's what matters really, doesn't it? 

Some things will stay the same however: I'm still going to be carrying on with the Learning with Larousse series, as I find it really interesting to be learning new techniques whilst sharing it with you guys. I'm also still going to be reviewing products and telling tales of the places we visit.

I don't want this post to seem like a downer because I see it more of a positive - don't let your blog own you - you own your blog instead. 

P.S - you can expect a round-up post of bloggers to read in 2017 in the next few days. It's a post I was meant to post in Dec but wasn't able to - hope you like it! If you want to be included, let me know in the next day. 

Have you ever had an epiphany like this before? Have you ever noticed how much your blog owns you when you step away from it for a few days?