North of the Boarder so Food is in Order :)

I'm back from Scotland and it was an amazing week.

It did start out with a bit of a long car journey of 8 hours - I know if you're reading this in America that nothing but in the UK we covered nearly the whole country.

But the little one was amazing through out the trip 

The foodie part of the trip started early we stopped at Westmorelands service station which is an independent service station serving local produce. It's so yum, much better than the chain stuff you get by the side of the road.

We got to Scotland around 9pm. So put the little one to bed and got ready for the next day.

We awoke to a bit of a chilly morning but raring to go. As we were staying at the in-law house right near Loch Lomond we decided to take a jaunt to the shore.

In the afternoon we went to visit with my husband nana, she was actually in fine form she'a nearly 90 and isn't very well

but she was laughing and joking and got a kick out of meeting the little lad. So We have 4 generations of one family having a nice afternoon tea.

Well I had Irn Bru which is a truly Scottish drink and it is really if a slightly acquired tasted

We Got back to the house and started to plan for the next day as the main reason for being up there it was our Son's 2nd birthday, we have reached the terrible twos lol..

We had a great day started in the morning with a room full of gifts as usual we all went (especially the Nana) over board

As at that age sometimes they prefer playing with the box rather than the toys.  

He did like all his gift but I think he liked the balloon best (thanks nana). 

His Nan also got him his amazing car cake. 

It was a lovely sponge filled with butter cream and jam 

Only had a couple of slices, the sponge was so light and fluffy and the filling was so rich.. I would tag the bakery but the Mother in Law arranged it all so I don't have the details which is a shame as I would highly recommend it.

So for his birthday we spent the morning in Pirate soft play on Loch Lomond shores.

Then we went to Lunch we stopped at The Queen of the Loch for a small lunch lol - the portion sizes were amazing I had a medium the other half had a large.

A fantastic, generous portions and very filling Carvary.

 To wash it down the MIL and I had a glass of fizz, well it was a celebration.

Then in the afternoon a return trip to the Loch 

To take him to the Sealife Centre it's not a very big aquarium but it is fun.

We saw Otters 

We saw Sharks 

We touched Star Fish 

And saw loads of weird and wonderful creatures.

So after all that fun when we got home we had one very happy but a tired little solider. Even though last year we were at Disney I think this was a fantastic birthday perfect for him he got to do all hid favourite things. Running about like a crazy at soft play then an afternoon of discovery. Hope my next birthday is a fun :)

With all the important things out of the way visiting great Nana and the birthday we wanted to get out into the countryside so the following morning we headed further north to explore.

We drove up to Glen Coe a stunning part of Scotland if you ever visit you need to add this to your list of places to stop off and have a look and just breath it in. with working in London being out in Nature is very good for your soul sometimes.

After the "Coe" we drove up to Fort William 

where we stopped for Lunch at  a love restuarant called Cobbs it had a lovely working fire place as even though it was very Sunny (which is a bit strange for Scotland - honestly if you visit pack a mac) there was a chill in the air.

I ordered Haggis Lasange well I was in Scotland.

I actually like Haggis and tend not to really think what in it but it proper traditional food which I think is all was great in the country of origin.


The little one even enjoyed a few fork fulls - must be the Scottish blood coming out lol.

On the way back to the car even though it was cold we stopped for Ice-Cream at a lovely little store called Henry's,  I had "Fruit Salad", They had loads of weird and wonderful flavours, mine was so sweet but so yummy.

after we had been replenished by the stop - also have a cheeky Vodka and coke bought for me. I think it was more a way to make sure I could drive as the roads were very twisty and I kept offering.

We took a trip up to the Glenfinnan Viaduct  it the train bridge that they used in the Harry Potter movies - Especially the "Chamber of Secrets".

I could just imagine the Hogwart's Express thundering by taking the kids back to School. Probably a very popular sight on the 1st September.

Also if you look behind you from the viaduct is a beautiful Loch - Loch Shiel. With the sun dancing on the water and the tree all changing colour to their autumn hews it was a magical place to be.

So quiet so peaceful well until my Son wanted to find the biggest rocks he could pick up and throw them into the loch and looking very pleased with himself when he did :).

As it was a bit of a trip back when we got in we feed the little man and decided to grab a take away for the rest of us a lovely Kebab and chips - might not seem a great food choice but after a long day getting something a bit naught but filling and with the little one in bed accompanying it with a beer help to wind-down

The next morning after the little one's poor Nana had to climb over the garden fence retirive his ball, ah the joys of children. Not only did make her immaculate house like a bomb site with the toys everywhere, his favouite thing to do would be to tip up the ball pit, he make the poor woman clime into brambles as well. I of course was in a supervisory  position and was taken the photo for H&S reasons lol

My husband and I while the little one played with his nan took a walk out to get some Fritters.

You get these from most Fish and Chip shops in Scotland and a must try if you go to Scotland looking for Food.

They are huge slices of potato deep fried in batter, okay not the healthiest but put on some salt and vinegar leave for a few minutes to let it soak in and honestly you are in for a really nice treat.

To work of that treat we took to the pool at the local hotel Cameron House we go there every time we visit as that where we had our Wedding Rececption after being married in Lush (which is also on the Shores of Loch Lomond) it such a nice hotel and if you want a great place to stay with fantastic Loch views and very comfy beds and beautiful decor it the place to be.

The pool and spa is wonderful too and I've been informed they have a great Golf course but as that not my thing can't really give an opinion.

We had fun though and the little one was a bit of a daredevil and insisted on going on the slide at least 10 times (with his daddy of course).

The next day our final day (Sad Face) we took a trip down to the Loch Lomond Farmers Market - As you know from previous post I am a sucker for a farmers market as I love fresh local produce and I also like process stuff to, who am I kidding I just like food ;).

It wasn't a massive market but in a great location and did have a couple of interesting stalls.

I got some lovely Scones from Erincroft Bakery 4 fruit and 2 chocolate and banana.

Some stuffed peppers

and even a Aberdeen Angus beef burger which was scrummy

On the way home we took a detour to the loch to get another bit of Loch Lomond greatness it was such a beautiful day and the loch was almost glass still

The little one and my other half enjoyed throwing rocks again into the stillness and laughing at every splash.

We dropped the stuff off and head out to go and see an Highland Cow.

I love these cows, they are so big and fluffy and their hair is exactly like mine when I get up in the morning.

The little one as they are a bit big and imposing was a bit unsure to start up with but soon warmed to their cute faces.

When we got back i dived into one of the scones i bought it was Banana and Chocolate - 30 seconds in the microwave and it was utterly delicious so need to get the recipe and make them with a bit of butter smeared on top you are in for a delectable dining experience.

The last thing on my Culinary trip which is a must for Scotland is a Scots Pie

Just a mince pie from the looks but with the pasty being a bit crunch around the pie but softer on top it a really luscious tasty again back to good traditional food but if it cold and you've been out in the element it a perfect thing to get your strength back up.

So all in all a great trip, it was so nice to get away and have some family time and was nice for the little one to spend time with his Scottish Nana. With all the open space and outdoor things to do with him can tell it going to be a firm favourite for him over the coming years and next time I go I want to make it all the way up to Loch Ness and see if I can find a monster.

A Tale of Two Buns

Or Scone (as in Cone) Vs Scone (as in Gone)

Personally I prefer scone as in gone.. As when you put them in front of me they tend to be gone lol.. 

So not much going on in the dyslexic cooking household this week. Well considering the madness of last weekend it's nice to take it a bit easy.

I'm glad for the quiet weeks as it help me keep up, as even though I write this blog weekly, being Dyslexic and a mum I find sometimes hard to keep up. Other Dyslexic will know what I mean, organisation and writing are two thing we find difficult so to combine the 2 in a blog is no mean feat. So feeling proud that I managed 46 post so far. When I hit a year I'm going to be super proud so let hope I keep it up.

Any way so the weekend was filled with baby cold, I had a slight sniffle and the husband was knocked down by the dreaded man flu dun dun dar.. Aw bless as he did have to do a couple of late night with the little lad. As I've said before the struggle of having a young child is not being able to get to rest when you want or in case of being ill need. When they're up you are up and you need to be on it you can't just plop them in an corner and ignore.

Although we did manage to have some fun, as the folks were away at the Country Landowners Association (CLA) Game Fair  we used there house for a impromptu BBQ. Just the usual fare of burgers and Sausages nothing earth shattering. Although I did manage to break out my new Drinks Holder.

It held my Gordon Gin and Schweppes tonic very well :)

Not sure if I've mention this before but I am a huge fan of Flamingos they remind me of the sun and holidays a bit like my favorite flower the Bird of Paradise.  I sure the main reason I like them is that they are not Native to the UK so have always had a air of the exotic.

When my folk did arrive back my mum brought back a tasty treat a Yorkshire Fat Rascal from Bettys a famous Tea Room in Harrogate.

I loved the little face it had on the front and as the Husband is allergic to nuts it was left to me and my mum tucked in.

It was so yum, filled to bursting with currants and mixed peel. It traveled really well considering it been in the car for the 3 hour trip back. So now Bettys is definitely on my list of places I need to visit.

so that was the first Scone of the week.

The second one came again courtesy of my folks. As for their 40th Wedding anniversary my brother and I bought them a Fortnum and Mason Picnic at the top of The Shard. They gushed about having an amazing time which was great. Also from the photos it did look lovely.

They were lucky in having it on a really clear day which helped; as London is such a beautiful city a perfect eclectic mix of the Really Old and the Really new and all the other building in between.

Not to prattle on too much, but London is a fantastic city and if you've never been you should visit. Yes it is expensive I won't lie, although you can have a fab time and see so much just having a walk about discovering all the treats this sprawling city has to offer.

So after their great day I picked them up from the station to hear about their good time. They brought me back a mini treat a couple of Fortnum and Mason scones with jar of Strawberry Jam.

This was nommy too, it was so light and fluffy and in the same bite rich and creamy.


Not sure which one I liked best though??!?!? hmm I've decided as one was a fruit Scone and was was a plain scone it was unfair to rate one above the other. I have come to a conclusion they were both the best scone I've had in a long time.

Only problem is the diet has gone right out the window as I also managed to slip in a Starbucks Chocolate Cream Frappuccino so I think my trip to Slimming World will be a disaster this week.

Oh well it just means I will be spending the weekend cooking lots of healthy recipes so my post will be filled with lots of nice home cooked things next week...