ENGLISH MUM

Posted by English Mum | Feb 21st, 2011

Go flipping crazy with Betty Crocker this Pancake Day

So yes I’m still away, but I just had to remind you that it’s two short weeks until Pancake Day and I’ve teamed up with Betty Crocker to make sure everyone has as much fun as possible and to get the whole family flipping in the kitchen!

I know it’s tough when you’re busy, but it’s so important to get the kids into the kitchen – and what better time to start learning a few essential kitchen skills than on Pancake Day. You don’t even have to make up the batter – Betty Crocker do a ‘Shake to Make’ pancake mix that you can have ready in the cupboard – you just have to add water and shake the bottle. Absolutely no ‘oh no, we’ve run out eggs’ excuses, then.

Not only have Betty Crocker introduced a whole load of ‘flipping tips’, to make sure we’re flipping like the professionals by the time Pancake Day comes along, but they’ve also enlisted the help of super ‘stunt mum’ (love that title), Kati, who has created this amazing video guide to perfect flipping:

So get practicing, then. I’ll be expecting the perfect pancakes by March 8th. To download Betty Crocker’s Ultimate Pancake Flipping Tips, visit bettycrocker.co.uk/pancake, or check out facebook.com/bettycrockeruk

Posted by English Mum | Feb 18th, 2011

Our amazing trip to Thomson’s Sensatori Resort Mexico, and packing for holidays, with a little help from The Online Stylist

So it’s just one more sleep until we jet off for our fabulous holiday in Mexico!

It’s an amazing opportunity – we’re going to check out Thomson’s 5T Sensatori Resort Mexico (it’s a funny link – scroll down).  Located on Bahia Petempich beach, the spa hotel and resort is Thomson’s flagship Sensatori property in a long haul destination.  There are six restaurants in the property, and I’m planning on visiting each of them at least once – especially the Mexican restaurant… well, when in Rome, eh?

I’m not just visiting for the luxury though, oh no…  The Sensatori Resort Mexico has achieved ABTA’s coveted Travelife Gold standard.  The businesses with this award ‘display a very high commitment to sustainability. They encourage others to get involved, constantly seek new opportunities for improvement, and actively communicate their progress to others’ and I’m looking forward to seeing this sustainable approach to hospitality in action.

While we’re there, we’re going to have the most amazing experience: a visit to the villagers of Chumpon to see first hand how their new ‘jungle jams’ project is getting on.

Thomson recently helped this co-operative of Mayan women to set up their own jam-making business.  They supply local hotels and tourism businesses and the best thing is that they can earn an income without moving away from their village.

I promise I’ll take tons of photos (and maybe even a vlog *cough*) so you can hear all about our big adventure.

But wait – what to wear to such a fabulous location?  Being somewhat fashionably-challenged, I’m very lucky to have a most gorgeous and stylish friend in the form of The Online Stylist, and – excitement! – she’s written a blog post just for me to give me lots of advice for my trip:

‘Dear Wardrobe Mistress’  - The Online Stylist

It’s a hand luggage only affair – we’re only going for seven days and we’ve got to fly from Dublin to Gatwick to catch our flight.  This has caused a bit of head scratching, and sadly the inflatable dolphin has had to go back in the cupboard, but I think I’m there.  Plus, of course, travelling light isn’t just handy for avoiding the dreaded luggage carousel, if a third of holiday makers left that extra 25% of unused luggage at home it would save 7,537 tonnes* of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere each year.  This equates to taking a staggering 2,216 cars family cars off the road each year.**

Here’s my guide to packing light for a week away, with fantastic suggestions by the Online Stylist:

Clothes:

Daytime: hopefully I’ll be on the beach, so I’m taking two bikinis (one drying, one to wear – see below), a couple of cover ups (check out the gorgous kaftans in the Online Stylist article), vest tops, t-shirts (I’ve just been told that the lovely chaps at EcoCreeper are going to send me some of their fabulous 100% organic t-shirts), and a pair of linen shorts. I’d usually take a denim skirt, but weight is an issue (the bag, not me.  Cheeky).

Shoes:

Don’t go mad.  I don’t wear heels, as I look like a drunken giraffe when I do (it’s something about the leg to body ratio – don’t ask), but will be taking a pair of sparkly sandals to do me for evenings.  Add my flip flops (below) for the daytime, some Converse trainers for travelling and for our trip and I’m done.

Beachwear:

The best people to talk to about the world of swimmers are the lovelies at Figleaves.  They always know what’s going on, and I grilled gorgeous Hayley to find out what’s going to be big this summer:

‘In terms of this season, green is a massive beach trend – across all shades lime to grass!’  So these Havaianas from Office should be just perfect:

Hayley mentioned that ‘floral prints were also big news on the Miami swimwear catwalk’, which is good as I have a flowery bikini from Next, and that ‘the nautical theme is always a good bet’, which is also a bonus because it just so happens that I already own Monsoon’s ‘Stella’ stripy tankini top.

I’ve got plain blue bikini bottoms, but they do the complete set too.

Lastly, ‘…the fashion catwalks were big on bright colours, clashing bold shades’, which is fantastic if you want to mix and match a little.

Evening:

dresses are the order of the day – nice and light to pack, easy to wear and you can choose what suits you, from a cover-all maxi dress to a little strappy cotton number.  I got this beauty from Asos.com (free delivery, even to Ireland.  Magic).

I also got a gorgeous stretch jersey wrap from Zara, which I shall be using as an extra layer on the plane and a quick cover-up on the beach, plus I’ve got a cardi in case it’s nippy.  I’m going to do as I’m told and wear lightweight trousers for travelling and also for our trip into the jungle.  Sadly, I haven’t got the bottom (or the budget) for Houlihans, so I got some linen ones from Vero Moda instead.  I hope the Stylish One approves.

And so to packing.  Here’s my top tips:

Roll don’t fold – everything’s going to get squished, but if you roll a couple of items together, it minimises creasing.  Hang it all up in a steamy bathroom when you get there and it’ll soon uncrease.

Stuff all the little edges with your underwear (keep it neutral) and add a sun hat.

Stick your shoes in plastic bags to stop them making your clothes dirty, and pack them next to the wheels at the bottom (if you’ve got wheels).

Electrical items:

Don’t forget the appropriate travel adaptor, and all your chargers – in our case, that’s about 20 with all the phones, iPods, PSPs, laptops, etc…

Skip the straighteners. In fact, skip the hairdryer. Most hotels provide them and if there’s not one in the room, you’re bound to be able to borrow one at reception.  Pack some hair clips and be creative!

Toiletries:

Remember that everything in your hand luggage has got to be under 100ml.

Make use of multi-use items. My favourite is Dr Bronner’s liquid soap, which can be used for everything from shampoo and shower gel to washing your smalls. You can even use it as toothpaste (the minty version is obviously best for this!).  They do a travel size of 59ml too.

Decant!  It’s always cheaper to buy bigger sizes, so buy travel bottles (check out www.icklebockles.co.uk) and decant into 100ml measures.

Don’t take the mini antiperspirant sprays, they’re a waste of money and don’t last the week.  I like the solid antiperspirant sticks, but if you prefer a roll on, take one of those.

Pack wet wipes. They’re great for freshening up when travelling, and taking make-up off when you get there too.

Before you fly, split your make up and toiletries into a couple of different clear bags. Remember each bag can’t be more than 20 x 20cm and must seal at the top.

I’ve been using Marks and Spencer clear toiletry bags with no problems for several flights, but in Cologne they made me throw them away and use plain ziplock bags, which was annoying.

Towels:

The decision on whether or not to take a towel will depend upon where you’re headed.  I got a fabulous thin hammam wrap/towel from The White Company that doesn’t take up much room but does the job.

Suncream:

I’m sure you can buy 100ml suncreams and after sun lotions, but honestly, if you’re headed to the beach, you know you’re going to need loads more than that – at least 1 bottle per person per week, in fact – so I’m going to buy them at the airport – that way I can buy decent sizes.  My friend, Poppy’s Mum told me recently that she buys ALL her toiletries when she gets to the resort.

Add your camera, sunglasses, a bit of jewellery, a bag for the beach and a small first-aid kit (this will depend on the age of your travellers – I got a little ready-made one from Boots and just top it up when necessary) and you’re done!

My little luxury is a gorgeous travel candle to make the room smell nice (I adore the Jo Malone shop at Dublin airport – I wish I could live there).

So that’s me, then.  I am packed, waxed and ready.  I’ll see you very soon xx

*Based on 1/3 of Thomson’s airline, Thomson Airways passengers packing 25% less luggage. Fuel and carbon calculations based on popular mid haul route flying 223,724 hours.

**Source:http://communicationcentre.thomson.co.uk/2010/07/21/packing-tips/

Posted by English Mum | Feb 16th, 2011

The fresh bread bakeoff: the entries

So thank you to all the intrepid bakers who entered the Fresh Break Bakeoff.  There are some really great entries here – from complete novices to some very accomplished bakers!  Have a look at all the great entries and I’ll be letting you know the winner of all the Marriage’s goodies very soon!

Posted by English Mum | Feb 14th, 2011

A little Valentine’s Day wander around the internetz

I’m not feeling very romantic today so I thought I’d give you a quick roundup of some lovely places to visit for some Valentine’s inspiration:

We’ll start our little culinary journey at The Glutton’s, with her gorgeous ♥ Apple and Salted Caramel Tart Fine ♥

Then it’s off to the lovely Babaduck’s to check out her rather gorgeous Tarte D’Amour.

Next, you must visit Cake in the Country and marvel at her Lady and the Tramp inspired spaghetti and meatballs

Then, we’re off to my lovely friend Julia at A Slice of Cherry Pie, for an oldie but goody – her lovely cinnamon hearts

… and Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be Valentine’s day without cupcakes – not particularly romantically inspired, these gorgeous Tropical Cupcakes from lovely Lucy the Teen Baker, would certainly hit the spot.

The incredibly talented Jules from The Butcher, The Baker has made these amazing Rolo cupcakes for her man.  They look utterly gorgeous – he’s a lucky fella!

Elra’s beautiful meringue hearts with citrus curd cream are almost too pretty to be eaten!

And last but not least, I’d like to suggest my very easy heart-shaped lemon and almond cake for your delectation…

If you’ve made something gorgeous for Valentine’s Day, do leave a comment and a link – I’d love to have a look.

And finally, here’s a romantic Valentine’s poem, from my wonderful sons:

Roses are red

Violets are blue

I’ve got a knife

Get in the van

Posted by English Mum | Feb 10th, 2011

Mr Nutty, the Mean Girls and the Croydon facelift

Poor Mr Nutty the cockerel.  He doesn’t have much luck.  Having been bullied by other cockerels in his last place of residence, I think he finally thought he was going to get the chance to live the live of Riley, presiding over his own set of ‘hoes’ (thank you, Twitter, for that little beauty).

Alas, it was not to be.  Whether the already patchy bald bit was too tempting, or whether the girls just really are mean, the head-pecking has started again.  Mr Nutty’s lush Las Vegas showgirl head-dress has been reduced to something more akin to an Elizabethan ruff, whilst the top of his head is now completely red and bald.

And it’s not that he’s a bad cockerel or anything.  Mr Nutty seems to be well-liked amongst his little flock.  He takes his protector duties very seriously and is often to be seen goose-stepping (chicken stepping?) round the garden, his little oddly-shaped harem in attendance.  He’s funniest in the veg patch, where he scrapes the ground away to uncover all manner of yumminess, then stands proudly back whilst  his ladies get the pick of the tasty morsels.  When I see it, I always imagine him going ‘g’wan girls, tuck in’.

Here he is with his rather odd-looking babes (sorry you can’t really see him here, I think he was scratching his bottom at the time).  You can also see Holly, far right, who has morphed from quite a cute little chick into some sort of prehistoric turkey/velociraptor hybrid, bless her:

I don’t think it’s spite, particularly, I just think when they’re all huddled up in the hen house together at night, those naughty girls just can’t resist a little peck at his newly emerging feathers.

Anyhoo, something had to give, and #2 had the bright idea of pulling up Mr Nutty’s remaining feathers into something akin to a pony tail, to protect his bald bit while his new feathers get a chance to grow.

Mr Nutty took some serious chasing, and when we finally grabbed him, an unseemly struggle ensued.  I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to hold a furious chicken while trying to tie his head feathers into a pony tail (no?  Thought not), but it’s not easy.  First I got it too tight, so his eyes were bulging, and the poor thing couldn’t blink (kind of like a chicken version of the Croydon facelift), then it was too loose and pinged off.  Next attempt was secure enough, and not too tight, but a bit wonky.  By this stage, Mr Nutty was very ‘pinged off’ himself, so we decided we’d leave him with the slightly off-centre hairdo.

I think he looks rather rakish.  What say you?

Posted by English Mum | Feb 9th, 2011

The soup swap: Erica’s French onion soup with cheese crostini

So last week I was lucky enough to receive a rather lovely parcel from British Onions.  There were onions, naturally, tons of onions, but there were also some very unusual extras:

So what to make with all these lovely onions?  Well, one of my favourite recipes is my lovely friend Erica’s French onion soup (don’t let the name fool you, it may be a French recipe, but it’s British onions all the way!).  I make it all the time, varying the cheese on the crostini with everything from lovely Irish Glebe Brehan to good old Wexford Cheddar (I live up the road from Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, so I get plenty of variety).

In order to wangle this soup recipe off Erica, I had to swap one of my own (oh, she strikes a hard bargain).  I’ve gone for my ever-useful fragrant chicken soup.  If you want to sneak a peak, head over to Erica’s blog, LittleMummy.com.

For the onion soup, you’ll need:

A variety of onions (Erica adds leek as well, which gives a lovely texture): I use 4 or 5 depending on their size: red/white/shallots, whatever you have

3 cloves garlic

1.5 – 2 litres beef stock (depending on how many you’re cooking for)

A couple of fresh Sage leaves (or a large pinch of dried)

For the crostini you’ll need:

French bread (a little stale is best – Ciabatta or sourdough work well too)

Mature Cheddar (or any cheese that melts nicely)

Worcestershire Sauce

So for the soup:

Soften the onions really slowly on a low heat with a knob of butter and a glug of olive oil.  Erica warns that you mustn’t let the onions ‘catch’ on the pan and brown.  ’You want a soft ball of onions that’s almost mush’.

Add the sage and beef stock and simmer for half an hour. Season to taste.

For the crostini:

Slice the bread thickly, rub with olive oil and either toast on a griddle or bake in the oven.  Cover with cheese and grill.

Serve the cheesey crostinis in the soup with a twist of black pepper and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce (I got some old-fashioned Mushroom Ketchup in my kit from British Onions – it works really well in this recipe too).

Posted by English Mum | Feb 7th, 2011

The January roundup: this month I have been mostly…

Sooo January’s been and gone (thank goodness) and as usual I’ve been testing, scoffing and generally nosing about at what’s new, so you don’t have to.  You can thank me later.  First, then, I’ve been…

Coveting…

…these gorgeous pieces of kitchen art from artunderamonkey.co.uk.  I’m really taken with this one:

but I think my fave is the Golden Syrup:

There are loads more pieces of original art, all price-capped at under £500.  Check out their website for more!

Getting all romantic…

…planning a Valentine’s dinner with this cute heart shaped pasta from Find Me A Gift.  It’s just £1.99 in the sale too.  I did taste it and actually it’s really nice – so not just a gimmick.

Mashing it oop…

…with my new OXO smooth masher.  It’s got a nice soft grip and it’s incredibly easy to make nice lump-free mash.    My lovely friend Liz was recently admitting her love for her potato ricer, but I can’t get on with ricers at all.  I am, however, a total convert to my new masher.  The OXO Good Grips Smooth Masher is available from a selection of good retailers, priced £12.26.  Bargain.

Tasting the love…

… with the new Diavola sauce from Sacla’, who have teamed up with rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio  and his foodie father, Vincenzo, to create a new range of sauces. Whilst possibly not great for a first date, I can vouch that the Diavola sauce, a pretty fiery mix of garlic, chilli and tomato would get your Valentine’s day evening off to a hot start!  Check out http://www.dallagliobysacla.co.uk/recipes for some great recipes too.

Going all bubbly…

… with Bottlegreen’s white grape juice.  I’m happy to report that it’s gorgeous.  Really light and refreshing with a nice elderflower taste.    Both flavours are available from Waitrose and Sainsbury’s at £2.29 a bottle. Great if you’re celebrating but want to stay off the alcohol.  It’s worth checking out their website as they actually do a really nice range of drinks that are a bit nicer than your average bottle of pop.

and lastly, after all this eating and drinking, I should mention that I’ve also been…

Testing…

…new Nip+Fab Tummy Fix, and while I’m not sure it’s a ‘wonder product’ and bearing in mind that I’ve been losing a bit of weight anyway, I’m happy to report a much smoother tummy.   I’ve been using it for about 6 weeks now and whether it works by just firming the skin, or whether it actually goes any deeper, I don’t know, but apparently Boots have been selling over £1000 units a minute of this cream!

Posted by English Mum | Feb 5th, 2011

Taralara’s extremely gorgeous walnut teabread

My lovely friend Tara, over at Sticky Fingers, was talking this morning about her walnut teabread.  I was fascinated as it doesn’t contain any butter, but still looked really moist and delicious.  I had to give it a go (well, you do, don’t you), and can confirm that it really is very gorgeous.  And, if it lasts that long, is equally as nice cold with a chunk of crumbly Cheshire cheese.

Because the Death Wish Child has an aversion to walnuts, I had to use almonds, but it works just as well.

If you want to have a go (and you must) click here to find Tara’s Walnut Teabread recipe .

Posted by English Mum | Feb 3rd, 2011

The Friday video: SHUT UP!

Sorry for the wobbly video, but I thought you’d like to hear Mr Nutty in full ‘doodle’. Have a great Friday!

Posted by English Mum | Feb 1st, 2011

English Mum’s Fresh Bread Bakeoff

So recently I showed you my simple recipe for  easy step by step bread.  I had a lot of comments from people saying they’d quite like to have a go – so now’s your chance!  The newest, shiniest bakeoff is here – and it’s all about fresh bread!  What do you fancy baking?  A nice crusty loaf?  Some shiny conker-brown bagels?  Sticky buns?

The Rules

As usual, we laugh in the face of rules.  As long as you actually bake something bready, take a picture and send it to me (with a link if you have a website), you’re in.

Photos need to be emailed to me at: english [dot] towers [at] gmail [dot] com, with a brief note saying what your bakey masterpiece is and how you’d like to be credited.

Entries must be received by midnight on Feb 14th, St Valentine’s Day.

Cheating

As usual, a bit of healthy rule-breaking is to be embraced and any creative wavering from the theme will be acceptable.  As long as there’s a suitably waffly and entertaining reason why, I’ll let you off.

The Techy Stuff

If you’re a blogger, please link back to this post, and if you’re a tweeter, please use the hashtag #freshbreadbakeoff. If you’re neither, then just ignore this bit completely.

The Prize

The lovely chaps at Marriage’s Millers (www.flour.co.uk) have very kindly offered to provide a prize of a range of their fabulous quality flours, plus some scrapers, so you can bake bread like a pro!  The entries will be displayed in one enormous blog post (this bit causes a total hysterical meltdown in my non-technical brain, but don’t worry, I’ll get over it).

The Judge

The fabulous Hannah Marriage knows absolutely everything there is to know about flour, bread and baking and has foolishly agreed to be the judge.  All bribes and dodgy approaches to be made directly and not via this blog.  The judge’s decision is final.

So that’s it, then.  You’ve got loads of time, plenty of inspiration, and some very ambiguous rules.  Let’s get baking bread!