The Botanical Kitchen
Recipes, travel and the occasional rant
Have you noticed that tulips are everywhere at the moment? I’ve been about and about today and noticed all sorts of different varieties. They are about the only plants that have come up at my allotment too. The first thought that has come to mind has been to wonder if they are an edible variety. Many […]
When I first started blogging one of the first blogs I read regularly was Miss Foodwise. It was just a beautifully written and photographed blog with many, many recipes I wanted to actually eat. So I have been a fan of Regula Ysewijn long before meeting her at a food blogging event and I have enjoyed hearing […]
Truth be told I had not planned much time in Miami. The high rises and gritty crime scenes in many a movie and TV show really didn’t leave me wanting to spend time in the city. For us it was a convenient stop down from Orlando to Key West and so we’d booked just two nights. […]
It’s nearly time for the London Marathon. My training has gone well in the main. I had a bit of a lapse this week as I’ve not been feeling well. Truth be told I’m struggling a little on the food side. I hit my fundraising target within a few months of signing up, my training […]
Are you fed up of chocolate yet? I’m not but I’m getting there. Even my girls couldn’t finish their stash yesterday. There is a bowl of odd bits of shell and Lindt Bunny bottoms. I know it will all get eaten but it’s nice to have the excess to do a bit of baking with. This […]
The first step towards planning our annual holidays is to buy the relevant Lonely Planet. We are still pretty independant travellers despite now having two tweens in tow and it’s still the only guide book that lets us get away from the usual packages and tourist trails. The second step is flicking through the Lonely […]
I am so lucky to have two beautiful girls. Currently out “spending their book tokens” AKA shopping in TK Maxx to buy Mummy some odd bowls and plates for food styling. They know me so well. Truth be told, I don’t need cards or any gifts from them. Seeing them change and grow is gift […]
It’s a freezing, wet, windy day in North London. I tried various things to get properly warm this morning and had countless cups of tea but nothing seemed to hit the spot. There was much paperwork to be done but I sought refuge in the kitchen instead of the office. It’s the warmest place in the house. […]
The sun has been on good form in my little corner of London recently. The parks seem greener, the blossoms seem to be out in bloom again and even the frost looks inviting. I hope it is a taste of the summer sunshine to come as I am most definitely a summer girl. I blame the fact that […]
Risotto is a staple in our house. It’s simple to make, cheap and filling. My ‘technique’ was learned from TV Chefs. Jamie Oliver comes to mind. You soften the onions in butter and olive oil, you add the white wine, then the rice and slowly, slowly the stock. That’s how you make it right? Well let me tell […]
Idly flicking through my Twitter feed over New Year I came across an article entitled Top 10 Countries to Visit In 2016. I never pass up travel inspiration so I scrolled down the list and was surprised to discover Wales noted at number 8. I always forget Wales is a separate country. It’s just 2 motorways […]
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a supperclub. The last one was actually Asma Khan’s Jai Ho Supperclub. Asma has become a good friend and I am so proud of her success at The Sun and Thirteen Cantons pub in Soho, London. If you haven’t been then do pay her a visit […]