Farmers market munchies

Hello Everyone!

How are you doing? Hope you are all well, yes? good!

Well I'm feeling better now was feeling a bit poorly ("Aww", thank you for the concern lol). So I went to the only cure for sickness - Honestly I think Doctors should recommend it - Heinz Cream of Chicken Soup. I have been having this when I'm sick ever since I was a kid makes me feel all warm and toasty inside.

This week I would like to dedicate my blog to my local Farmers Market in the little Town of West Malling.

So for those of you who don't know or didn't read my Bio (Fores-shame) I currently live in Kent which is known as the garden of England - and why yes it is very green a pretty and there are a lot of farms and fresh produce producers around.

So once a Month, the last Sunday of every month, the close down the High Street and we have a market.

It was a bit grey and rain but as a family we ventured out. 

For a small market they do sell a lot of stuff of different varieties. I do normally love McCarthy's bread but by the time I got there they had already sold out of the roasted pepper focaccias bread (Super sad faces in our household I can tell you)

And my favourite cookie stall "Thomas Cookies" was there, I even have a loyalty card saving up to get a free cookie which will probably be on my next trip!

And stall selling meat, fish, cakes, Indian food, drink and even a knife sharping dude - But as I don't normally carry my kitchen Knifes out with me I couldn't really use the service lol :)

Total side bar issue, as my blog wouldn't be my blog without me go off on a tangent! But the West Malling Tesco have totally upped their America Food Game - Reminds me of holidays and fun Although it is mostly verging on the sweet side could really do with a couple of savories like Mac-n-Cheese that orange kind you only get state side yummy.

Back to the market, we had a great time looking at all the stalls and having a chit chat with the producers think I might have to periscope it next time.

I got some lovely treats to enjoy at home.

the first was an onion bhaji - I was so useless and didn't get the name of the stall I promise if they are there next time I will get a snap and the name and they where doing curry also, so will need to try that.

Oh and of course got cookies - 3 to be exact, 2 chocolate chip ones for the Hubby and I had the oat and raisian one, I pretend as there's oat and Fruit technically it a health food lol - Well all I know is they are so tasty, very moist and chewy - Glad I only see him once a month as the diet is already awful so the last thing I need is ready access to more cookies. 

Sorry for the gratuitous shot of my bitten into cookie, but my god it was scrummy!!! mmmm cookies

We picked up some precious porkers sausages, they had some out for people to try. I thought they were great, the Husband thought they were great, but the total seal of approval came from the little one we gave him a try and he wolfed it down, he even wanted a second bite.

So with that resounding success of a tasting we had to get a pack, also the good thing is the pig are hand raised and really looked after which is good and is reflected in the taste.

We even got some Scotch Pies form Sussex Pies

Now I've never had a Scotch Pie that wasn't in Scotland, but I'm alway up to try new things.

So we have it the way the Hubby family who are Scottish have them with beans on top. 

And I can say it taste exactly the same (might even be a bit better) as the pies I have had north of the boarder. 

The Hubby gave his scottish side seal of approval too :) 

Picked up some fab meringues too, didn't get the name of this stall either but in my defence I was going to but at that point the heavens opened so need to get to cover to get the little one out of the hail - yep the spring weather in the UK has been utter crap. 

have to say it was a nice meringue crunch on the outside and a bit chewy on the inside the only issue I had was it was supposed to be chocolate but didn't taste chocolaty at all.

And the last item on my list was some lovely Rasberry Gin (Had to get the small one as they sold out of the bigger) although the lovely suppliers Wild Spirits of Kent will definitely have some more in at the next market yay.

had it with some soda water and it was lovely Although glad I got the small one as it went down far to easily lol 

So a great trip to a great little market, and its always good to buy local and you're helping a small business and your also helping the environment,  as you not getting the food miles you get from some products you pick up in the supermarket.

so if you have a farmers market near you please go have a great time exploring and you might even end up with a few lovely little treats like me :) 

Piggies, Shooting and the North Pole

Another very busy week... No wonder the doctor says I'm run down.

So last Friday it was my Nephew's birthday so we spent the day in Peppa Pig land part of Paulton Park theme park.

After 2+ hour drive from where we are it started off as a bit of a grey old day but we persevered and headed to see the Pig.

Have to say it was a great day out. So good for young children. There was lots of rides to amuse them. Had fun running on all the kiddie rides.

 Peppa's big balloon Ride.

Windy Castle Ride and a big hit  Daddy Pigs Car Ride.

Also the Soft play area which was helpfully split into section so the little one could play without the fear of being mowed down by the bigger kids.

plus loads more rides attractions and parks.

Have to say was very good value my ticket was around £25 and I bought a couple of souvenirs and some lunch and was pleasantly surprise at the cost of it all.

Would give it a big thumbs up and recommend it to young families as a relatively (remember I go to Disney a lot so that the bench mark) inexpensive brilliant day out.

Saturday we went to farm where my dad does his pheasant shooting for their clay day.

I personally am probably a hindrance with a fire arm so left that up to the Hubby.

Also having dyspraxia I do worry about handling loaded weapons as I'm not the most co-ordinated of people which was apparent as I fell walking across the field. It was compounded by the fact I was carrying the little one. I managed to fall to my knees before I eventually lost my grip on him. Luckily the ground was soft. But it was pretty scary and after I made sure he was okay a few tears but hugs soon made him better. Started to feel frustrated and stupid at the whole thing.

I know it just an accident and these things happen to everyone even people without dyspraxia, but then I have "what if it was worse" though running through my head for most of the rest of the day. Making me feel even more guilty than I did in the first place.

Having dyspraxia has effect my choices as a parent as I refused to use the baby sling/carrier when he was young as I was afraid of falling over when he was attached and he probably spent more time in the pram. As when we where going anywhere new I didn't really like carrying him if I was on my own and when we went shopping it was the Husband responsibility to transport the car seat to the trolley then back again.

The older his got and the more active and mobile hes got as made me less worried although with days like this don't think I'll go again unless I better prepared and have more help when he's running about the place.

Apart from the fall the rest of the day went without a hitch and we from a lovely range type cooker, (So jelly one day I would really love one of these)

event was rounded of with Boar Sausages.

They were super duper local as they farm we were shooting on was where the boar are raised. Super delicious and I can buy them from the local farmers market.

On Sunday in between going to the park to let the little one run off some steam in the nice weather I got some cooking done.

I made a lovely spicy chicken dish. Basically getting some skinless, boneless chicken thighs throwing them in a cooking dish, breaking an Oxo cube over them and sprinkling chilli power (a little or a lot depending on how spicy you want it) then just throwing in Red Onion, button Mushrooms and baby tomatoes before putting it into a high over (200 degrees) for around 25 minutes.

Monday Morning as the Hubby had work in the afternoon we decided to trek all the way to The North Pole, well the Wateringbury one :).

It a really lovely pub very kid friendly as they have a fab garden out the back. The also have a section off Dog Garden as well which is good if you have a boisterous pet you want to keep away from the play area.

Their food is great have eaten there on a few occasion and I've never had a bad meal. It was the first time eating for the little one. I got him a kids meal which he enjoyed some of. But he's still not eating loads so his father and I got to enjoy the rest along with our fab sandwiches. (Would have had order from their main menu but we were a little pushed for time, just another excuse to go back). Although saying that considering how big the sandwiches are and how lovely the homemade chips are accompanying felt so full after eating.

That afternoon I also made some dessert bars. I found a wonderful recipe on Google+ from the Mrs with the Dishes  blog of  Blue Berry Pie bars.

I have converted the recipe into UK measurements if anyone in the UK would like to give it a go as it was simple but effective as they look great and taste fantastic.

Crumble Mix
125g of Butter
100g Sugar
50g Brown Sugar
250g Flour

Yogurt Mix
1 egg
190g Plain Yogurt
65g Sugar
3tps Vanilla Extra
2tbsp Flour

Fruit
350g Blueberries
65g Sugar
2tps Lemon Juice
2tps Corn Flour

Mrs with the dishes has a great step by step guide to making these. But in essence Mix all the Crumble mix ingredients together in a bowl then get your hands in and rub them together till you get a nice crumble consistencies. in your foil lined tray put 3/4 of the mixture to form the base of the dish. Then mix all the yogurt ingredients together and pour on top of the base (jiggle the mix to get an even spread).

Mix the fruit with the sugar, lemon juice and corn flour together stick with it as it becomes a bit gloopy add the fruit on top of the yogurt mix.

Then with the 1/4 of the crumble mix distribute evenly on top of everything and bake in a 180 degree oven for 55 minutes.

Blueberry Pie Bars

I also put a twist on the recipe and made Chocolate Cherry Pie Bars. I used 25g less flour in the crumble mix to add 25g of coco powder. I added crumble Twirl chocolate to the yogurt mix and on top of the cherries which were used in of the Blueberries.

I took both in to work and they were both a big hit, but I think the Blueberry ones where the favorite as the were the first to go.

Liberty's and Sausages

So yesterday I had a meeting near Oxford Street as I got there a bit earlier so I thought I would pop into Liberty as I've always loved the shop. When I was little I thought it was a magical place with all its nooks and crannies we always take a look in especially round Christmas when it was extra lovely.

I love the fact that when it was built it was meant to look old, but now due to it being built in 1875 it is old. So you've got the double history and double soul in the place. The feel of the weather beaten wood from the ships that have absorbed the knowledge of the high seas and the years of shoppers from all ages looking at the spectacular wears. I not much for the supernatural but that places has a mystique about it that is wonderfully eerie (Although I would not like to be there after dark on my own) lol.

I am also a huge fan of the show currently my two favourite shows are Liberty's of London on Channel 4 and Posh People on BBC 2. I think I love all the glamour and the idealistic lifestyle. I lead a relatively run of the mill life (albeit with a couple of Crazy antics thrown in) I'm do okay financially but I am far off rich and I'm fascinated by how the other half live. Some people think they lead feckless lives and its wrong to spend £1000 on a T-shirt or 30k on a dog's bed (honestly I saw one for that price in Harrods a few years back). But I'm still undecided, obviously there's the Jealous aspect of that argument do we criticises because we are on the other side of the fence; and would be behave any differently if we had the money.

Also I think its also a part of cutting your cloth to suit your means. I spend what I can afford on Clothes so if I had more I could spend more. So by that reasoning if I have millions I would be top to toe in Designer fashion lol.

but I digress I was in the store to look at there lovely displays. In the Scarf hall they have a wonderful ship mast which is perfect for the history and the look of the store. Really wanted to climb up the rigging dressed in a flora print with a matching eye patch.

I had to get the view from above and below. It worked especially well with the festive Christmas coins strung up around it and between the floors. Like gold doubloons stolen from a Spanish Galleon.




I also had a look at the light display in the second atrium when I stopped by the 4th Floor carpet hall.




Didn't realise it was going to be featured in last nights programme :). But I love it, it is definitely like a Moroccan Bazaar. Think it especially Apt to visit round Christmas as you can pretend you're in a panto. Think the staff are missing a trick and not getting into the holiday theme and dressing as the cast of Aladdin lol...


As I was in a shop I though I'd make a purchase. I really wanted some Nancy's Nail scented top coat. Although not sure if it a good look to go round smelling your nails all day :). Alas they had sold out which is a shame as I'm not sure when I can get back to pick some up.



But as I didn't want to come out empty handed I went to their Christmas shop and got this little fella. Who is bound to brighten up the festivities in our household. Although I haven't thought of a name. (So any suggestion would be appreciated) :).


Managed to see the Christmas lights down Regents Street. Hmm not really a big fan of such blatant sponsorship on the lights but I suppose that how they get the companies to pay and it probably better than not having them at all.


I stopped outside BBC Broadcasting hHouse as they were having a Sausage fest I bought myself a Uncle Henry's Firecracker Sausage. OMG it was A-Mazing. I do like sausages and this was one of the best.  If you're ever in Lincolnshire definitely pop on by as it is definitely a treat.



I was also asked to try a random bit of sausage from of the stalls and rate it out of 10. It was a herb one and that too was so good. I got a little too into it and proclaim that "I was enjoying it a bit too much" which is something you should never say with a sausage in your mouth. My husband found it hilarious as we watch the "One Show" and my mug popped up. He proceeded to tell all our friends of Facebook. I just thank god no one at work watch it as it been all morning and I've had no comments phew.

But if any of you guys want to watch my now amazing 5 second of fame I sure its on the BBC Iplayer according to my friends brother on FB it's about 18 mins in.  Although I am talking with my mouthful which of course is the height of bad manners and should not be emulated lol.