feel the love

I'm not one of those cynical singletons who rejects the notion of love and romance... but what's a girl to do when she finds herself home alone on february 14th?

Sorry? What was that? Drink cocktails and eat crisps? Oh, ok then...

Especially for the lovely Cottage Cheese, here is my Valentine cocktail:

Misty Bitch (taken from "the cocktail - 200 fabulous drinks" by Jane Rocca)
30ml vodka
30 ml Campari
1 lime
splash of pink grapefruit juice

Mix vodka and campari in a highball glass. Add fresh lime to taste and top with pink grapefruit juice. Oh how i love thee...

And how wonderful of the clever people at Tyrrells to bring back their "lovely chips" in time for this special day. Their "strawberry, sweet chilli and white wine potato chips" are the most heavenly creation and i'm almost through a whole bag already...

For each case sold, 10 % of the sales price will be donated to Breast Cancer Haven, so get them at Waitrose while you can!

And my final treat of the day will be a cup of "love" tea from Pukka. I couldn't resist the packaging... With a relaxing blend of rose, chamomile and lavender in an "organic blend to warm your heart", i'm looking forward to a night filled with sweet dreams...

birthday extras

I know my Birthday was over a week ago, but i haven't really had a chance to post since then, and i wanted to share with you some of my lovely food-related presents! And i do love an extended Birthday...

My wonderful guest blogger Biba from Inspiration Bubble sent me a parcel containing not one, but three delicious presents! The first was this adorable vintage crochet apron which i absolutely love:

Next was this lovely book on soups and vegetables by Marie-Pierre Moine, published in 1994, which I can't wait to cook from:

And last but not least was "the cocktail, 200 fabulous drinks" by Jane Tocca which she knew i had been coveting since she featured the cover illustration on her blog!

I am currently studying this beautifully illustrated book for my February cocktail of the month, which i think is going to have to be something romantic with Valentine's Day just around the corner. My current favourites are the aptly named "Valentine" and "Misty Bitch"! Watch this space to see which wins. This will obviously require some thorough research, not to mention taste tests...

I also had a get together with my gorgeous friend Suzanne. Having studied Spanish and lived in Spain together, we both adore all things hispanic. Suzanne also knows how much i love recipe books, so Movida by Frank Comorra and Richard Cornish was the perfect present:

This really is an amazing read. The recipes and photos are truly inspirational and i can't wait to try some of the recipes.

So i think that's my birthday done for another year but i now have a whole year of cooking and eating to look forward to!

eye candy

This is kind of like a guest appearance from me, Biba! As Lisa is having a rather busy week to put it politely, i thought i would pop over for a lovely brew and some cake, then post some eye candy while i'm here!

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I'm far from a proper foody recipe kind of person, maybe because my main focus on food is what is looks like not what it tastes like - which, yes i know is wrong wrong wrong!!

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But these cupcakes below are soooooooo pretty who cares what they taste like. Maybe this is why i stick to interiors ;)

pics via flickr NOT made by moi

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birthday celebrations

Well, what can i say? I have the best family ever and they spoilt me rotten! Friday night was a sumptuous feast of tapas (marcona almonds, serrano ham, chorizo, manchego, prawns and bread) followed by THE most amazing fillet steak EVER! My brother Dom (a very good cook) was in charge of preparing it, and i believe the whole fillet had been marinated in olive oil, fresh rosemary and garlic, then pan-fried and put in the oven to finish off. It was then rested, sliced and served to everyone's personal preference, and it looked so succulent, most of us went for the perfect rare (vegetarians please look away now...). Served with proper chips, a spinach salad and a home-made roast tomato sauce. Amazing...

Dessert was just as delicious. My talented Dad makes a mean ice-cream and tonight's was coffee and turron flavoured from Casa Moro. A real caffeine hit in a bowl, and served with heart-shaped Granny Boyd's biscuits (made by Dom) from Nigella's HTBADG.

And as if that wasn't enough, i even had a birthday cake! This is Mum's area of expertise and she made a gorgeous orange semolina cake, featured in this month's Delicious magazine.

Recipe's to follow!

So what with delicious food, nice wine, fantastic company and lovely presents (not to mention seeing my gorgeous nephew Ben), i couldn't have wished for a better Birthday!