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A Day in the Life

My Week In Picture Lockdown 3.0 Week 7

28th February 20211st March 2021 - tara Leave a comment

What a difference a week can make. The weather here in Devon has been dreamy and it well and truly feels like spring is around the corner. I have been noticing lighter mornings as well as lighter evenings. It is only a few more weeks until the clocks change and then the winter will feelRead more

Tara Makes - No Churn Ice Cream Sandwiches

Tara Makes – No Churn Ice Cream Sandwiches

27th February 2021 - tara Leave a comment

The sun has finally come back out after a long and dreary winter. Yes, it may still only be the end of February but spring really does feel like it’s on the way. There is actual warmth in the sun when you dodge the shadows and the days are beginning to draw out. So, thisRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 6

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 6

21st February 202128th February 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Happy Sunday friends. Can you believe another week had gone by? It’s been half term for me from most of my ballet classes and normally I would have gone away somewhere but obviously not this year! Last year Steve and I went on a rather soggy break to Falmouth for a few days and discoveredRead more

Snowy Walks & Hot Chocolate

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 5

15th February 202115th February 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Happy New Week! Firstly, let me apologise for not posting “My Week In Pictures” last week. Literally, nothing of note happened apart from my recipe for Rose & Chocolate Macaroons. I guess that’s going to be the case in a global pandemic. This week however I have done stuff! Yey! It’s all been in a CovidRead more

Tara Makes - Beetroot Borscht

Tara Makes – Beetroot Borscht

13th February 202113th February 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Happy Saturday friends. I thought I would share with you my version of Beetroot Borscht that I made for my bubble lunch date last Sunday. For those of you that have never heard of borscht before, think of it as an Eastern European minestrone. A hearty soup that uses odds and ends of vegetables inRead more

Tara Makes - Rose & Pistachio No Churn Ice Cream

Tara Makes – Rose & Pistachio No Churn Ice Cream

9th February 202113th February 2021 - tara 1 Comment

I know it’s probably the coldest week of the year so far but that doesn’t stop me wanting ice cream for dessert. Plus, it’s the prettiest pud and might be an ideal Valentine’s Day sweet treat this weekend. You could whip up a batch on Saturday evening for it to be ready in time forRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 4

Rose & Chocolate Macaroons

5th February 20215th February 2021 - tara 1 Comment

This recipe has been on the cards at Tara’s Busy Kitchen HQ for a while in all honesty. I purchased the desiccated coconut long before Christmas but just didn’t have the time to make a batch what with everything else going on. I suppose on top of that our house was already full of festiveRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 4

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 4

31st January 202131st January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Hello all and happy Sunday. It’s been an odd week don’t you think? I overheard someone say on a zoom group class I was taking earlier that she was suffering from lockdown fatigue. Maybe that’s a thing because I most certainly for the best part of the week have been feeling a bit low. IRead more

Quick Spiced Lentils - Dahl Inspired

Quick Spiced Lentils – Dahl Inspired

29th January 202129th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

It’s that time of year that calls for comfort food. It’s cold, it’s grey and on the most part pretty soggy outside. So I reach for gentle spices and recipes that make me feel warm from the inside out and incredibly satisfied. Food that feels like a big hug from your Nanna, do you knowRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3 Week 3

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3 Week 3

24th January 202125th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

It’s been a funny old week here. Firstly, I have been on my own as Steve has been working away. Don’t panic! It’s all within the Covid laws – testing and a work bubble has been created. Professional musicians are allowed to rehearse which has meant that for the whole week I have been atRead more

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Tara Smith | Foodie & Content Creator

tarasbusykitchen

Devon-based food & travel content creator exploring top UK restaurants, cafes & vineyards. Sharing tips from the South West & beyond

B E H O N E S T … does anyone else accidentally B E  H O N E S T … does anyone else accidentally spend all their fun money on bread and pastries? 🥖🥐

This morning I stumbled across the cutest little artisan bakery in a tiny Somerset village - Barrington Bakery - and walked out £15 lighter but ridiculously happy. 

Honestly? Zero regrets. If loving proper sourdough bread, hand-laminated buttery pastries, and a great artisan bakery is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Because let’s talk about real joy for a second:
✨ Thick slices of well-baked sourdough - toasted just right, slathered in good salted butter (literally drooling right now!)
✨ Pair that with a coffee and a moment of peace. 

That, for me, is absolute heaven. Right up there with cats, good wine, and slow mornings. Somewhere between the crackle of a perfect crust and the melt of a flaky pastry, my heart is fully content and my wallet is fully surrendered 

If you’re not as obsessed with sourdough, pastries, and artisan bakeries as I am… what do you spend your hard-earned dosh on? Share below. 

What a treat to stumble on @the_barrington_bakery on my way home from Somerset this morning. 

(And if you are… welcome, you’re among friends 🥖❤️)

#ArtisanBakery
#SourdoughLove
#PastryLovers
#FoodieLife
#somersetfoodie
D A T E N I G H T C O V E R E D . . From candl D A T E  N I G H T  C O V E R E D . . 

From candlelit corners to relaxed plates done exceptionally well, these are my go-to date spots in the South West for all budgets.

As a Devon-based foodie with a deep love for seasonal eating, local produce and the finer things (on a very real self-employed budget 😅), I’m always seeking out places that genuinely go next level. Whether that’s outstanding food, thoughtful service, a carefully curated wine list or a memorable experience.

Every spot here is either independent, proudly small, or part of a mindful, values-led group - businesses that put heart, hospitality and quality first, and stay true to an ethos I really believe in. No faceless chains, just places that care. I have to know where my hard earned dosh is going .. you know what I’m saying? Support your local businesses, friends. 

These are my personal recommendations for anyone planning a romantic night out, a first date, a celebratory meal… or a solo dining moment (because I fully support dating yourself ✨). I know V Day is approaching and if you do like to go out that day/night you better get booking now. Places can fill up fast.

Please save this for later, or share with someone you want to take on a date. Or, maybe just to drop a subtle hint to your significant other that it’s about time you had a date night!! 😅

Lastly, tell me your favourite South West foodie/date spot. I’m always hungry for new recs. 

Have a fun time deciding where to go.. 

Love Tara xx

#SouthWestFood
#DevonFoodie
#DateNightIdeas
#UKFoodGuide
#IndependentEats
#SeasonalDining
#FoodieOnABudget
#SoloDiningClub
#SupportSmallUK
#WestCountryEats
M Y L I T T L E H E A R T T O H E A R T Exeter M Y  L I T T L E  H E A R T  T O  H E A R T Exeter recommendations 💌

If a friend came to visit me in Exeter, this is exactly how I’d show them around.

Think independent bakeries, local foodie spots, and a really good glass of wine. Supporting small businesses always feels better, doesn’t it?

I love days that start outdoors, wander through the city, and end somewhere cosy. And honestly, some of my favourite moments don’t cost much at all - fish and chips on the quay, BYOB, watching the water and catching up properly. To me that’s simply dreamy but maybe not in this weather! 

There’s something here for every budget, every taste, and every kind of mood. Exeter has my heart, and this is how I’d share it. 

I couldn’t tag every business as insta only allows 20 per post but if you see one you want to know more about then drop me a message and I will get back to you as soon as I am able. 

Also, if you have any other recommendations for me I am all ears.. I am always on the look out for new and exciting places. Please share in the comments. ♥️

Sending love, Tara xx

#ExeterFoodie
#VisitExeter
#ExeterEats
#IndependentExeter
#ExeterBakeries
#SouthWestFood
#ExeterQuayside
#UKFoodGuide
#SupportLocalUK
#ExeterLifestyle
H O T C H E E S Y P I C K L E D I P - A simple H O T  C H E E S Y  P I C K L E  D I P - A simple recipe for entertaining. 

Calling all pickle lovers… this dip is about to blow your mind 🥒🧀

Creamy, cheesy, smoky and gloriously tangy - this hot cheesy pickle dip is my secret weapon for effortless entertaining. It’s the kind of midweek girls’ night appetiser that gets the rosé flowing, the conversation buzzing, and everyone asking “wait… how did you make this?”

✨ Hot Cheesy Pickle Dip Recipe

You’ll need:
• 300g sour cream
• 200g cream cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 100g grated scamorza (or mozzarella)
• 100g mature cheddar, grated
• 60g chopped pickles
How to make it:
•Add the chopped pickles to a heatproof dish and set aside
•In a saucepan, gently heat the sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder and ⅔ of the cheese until melted, smooth and giving serious cheese-pull joy
•Pour the hot cheesy mixture over the pickles
•Top with the remaining cheese and grill until bubbly, golden and irresistible (about 4–5 minutes)

Serve with crackers, breadsticks, crudités… and honestly, more pickles if your heart desires 🥒

This is exactly my kind of hosting. Simple, no-fuss, crowd-pleasing food that lets me spend time with my guests instead of being tied to the stove. Perfect as a pre-dinner party starter that gets taste buds tingling and sets the tone for the night.

✨ Save this recipe for your next get-together
✨ Share it with a fellow pickle or cheese lover
✨ And trust me you’ll be making this again & again. 

Love Tara xx
#PickleLovers #CheesyDip #EasyEntertaining #DinnerPartyFood #GirlsNightIn #FussFreeRecipes #DevonFoodie #EntertainingAtHome #PartyAppetiser #CheesePull
G R E Y S K I E S , W E T P A V E M E N T S & a G R E Y  S K I E S , W E T  P A V E M E N T S & a cake that tastes like sunshine 🍊

If you need a reason to turn the oven on during blood orange season, this is it.

I made this blood orange cake on a wild, windy weeknight when friends were coming for dinner. Honestly there’s nothing I love more than creating joy in the kitchen & sharing it with people I care about. 

Cooking for friends is my favourite way to say I appreciate you.

This cake is deliciously moist, soaked in a spiced blood orange syrup & absolutely perfect as a dessert with a dollop of crème fraîche. The tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully & makes every bite feel balanced & bright.

As an Exeter-based content creator & foodie who loves eating with the seasons, this one feels extra special - blood orange season is right now and it deserves celebrating.

Save this for later, make it for someone you love, & tell me who you’d share it with.

Blood Orange Almond Cake
Ingredients
• 200g caster sugar
• 150g ground almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Zest of 2 blood oranges
• 4 large eggs
• 200ml neutral oil
Syrup
• Juice of 1 blood orange
• 75g sugar
• 8 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
To decorate
• 1 blood orange, segmented
• Crème fraîche, to serve
Method
Heat oven to 180°C and line a 20cm round tin with parchment.
Mix sugar, ground almonds, baking powder and zest.
Whisk eggs and oil in a separate bowl.
Fold dry ingredients into wet.
Bake for 45–60 minutes until golden and set.
Bring syrup ingredients to the boil, simmer for 3 minutes, then cool.
Cool cake for 20 minutes, turn out and generously spoon over syrup.
Decorate with blood orange segments and serve with crème fraîche.

Gifted @turtledovelondon use code TARASBUSYKITCHEN20 for a lovely discount 

#BloodOrangeSeason
#SeasonalBaking
#ExeterFoodie
#UKFoodCreator
#CookingForFriends
#WinterBaking
#AlmondCake
#EatSeasonally
#FoodAsLove
#DessertInspo
IF T O D A Y F E E L S H A R D .. Just remembe IF  T O D A Y  F E E L S  H A R D ..

Just remember: someone is voluntarily doing Dry January 😬🍷

If you are seeing this trial reel I’m a South West foodie with a passion for good wine, local food & living deliciously.

Come find me for restaurant recs, wine love & zero judgement.

Follow along - life’s too short for bad food and empty glasses.

#SouthWestFoodie
#WineLoverUK
#FoodAndWineLife
#UKFoodBlogger
#FoodieReels
#DryJanuaryHumour
#GoodWineGoodFood
#EatDrinkExplore
#FoodContentCreator
#RestaurantRecs
T H I S I S Y O U R S I G N to eat with the sea T H I S  I S  Y O U R  S I G N to eat with the seasons. ♥️🧡

If you need a reminder to eat with the seasons, this is it. Bright, juicy blood oranges are at their absolute best right now, and this simple winter salad is my favourite way to celebrate them. I get a little bit obsessed so they feature heavily in both savoury and sweet dishes and at all meal times. I bloomin’ love blood orange season. Especially when it’s grey as f**k outside right now! 

How to make it:
Finely chop baby gem lettuce and pile it into a bowl. Top with sliced raw fennel, juicy blood orange segments, salty black Kalamata olives, toasted flaked almonds and a generous sprinkle of chopped chives.

For the dressing, use the juice left from segmenting the oranges, add a teaspoon of honey, a glug of good olive oil, salt and pepper - and a few drops of lemon juice if you like things extra zippy. Toss gently and serve straight away.

Fresh, crunchy, sweet, salty and full of life - this is seasonal eating at its best. Serve with a big hunk of cracking sourdough that you spread thickly with salted butter. Mega yums! 🌿

For those new around here - when I’m not in the kitchen creating recipes like this, you’ll usually find me out and about discovering the most delicious places to eat across the southwest of England. Seasonal food, local produce and good plates … always.

Save this recipe and tag me if you make it - I think you should by the way! 🤍

Love Tara xx

#BloodOrangeSeason #SeasonalEating #WinterSalad #SouthWestFood #SouthWestEnglandEats #SeasonalRecipes #LocalFoodLovers #FreshSimpleFood
R O C K F I S H - E X M O U T H This Might Be th R O C K F I S H - E X M O U T H 

This Might Be the Best Lunch Spot in Exmouth 🍷🐟

ad Yesterday I visited Rockfish in Exmouth and honestly… all was right in the world. The sun was shining, we had a window seat overlooking the ocean, a chilled glass of Seahorse Rosé, and nowhere else we needed to be.

Our wonderful server Sophie couldn’t have been better - full of knowledge, happy to answer every tiny question about the menu, and her recommendations were spot on. We opted for the Rockfish set lunch, which is incredible value, and added a few extras to the table because… who can resist? A soft bread roll with anchovy mayo and the famous Disco Scallops - sustainably caught using a low-impact pot method where little LED lights gently attract them into the pots - no dredging & no damage to the seabed. I mean, who wouldn’t want disco scallops on their table? 

The set lunch is 2 courses for £23.95, and it seriously delivers. We both started with the Firecracker Prawn Cocktail - retro, indulgent and proof that prawn cocktails deserve a comeback. Succulent prawns, classic Marie Rose sauce and crisp iceberg lettuce.

For mains, I had beautifully steamed mussels in white wine, bay and garlic, while Polly chose Torbay whiting with chips - golden, fresh and served with unlimited chips, which honestly deserves its own round of applause.

And if you’ve got room, do not skip dessert. The crème brûlée is outstanding, and at £5, it’s an absolute yes.

✨ If you’re searching for the best seafood restaurant in Exmouth, with ocean views, sustainable seafood and exceptional value, Rockfish Exmouth should be at the top of your list.

Save this for your next Exmouth lunch date & tag who you’d bring. 

#RockfishExmouth #ExmouthFoodie #ExmouthEats #SeafoodLovers #VisitExmouth
W H E N Y O U ‘ R E H A V I N G A T O U G H W H E N  Y O U ‘ R E  H A V I N G  A  T O U G H  W E E K ….but you don’t do drugs 🍪

I’ve always believed good food is a legitimate coping mechanism - especially when it’s buttery, crumbly and eaten straight from the counter. As a South West based foodie, I’m forever hunting down great places to eat and drink, testing recipes, and generally romanticising life one bite at a time… but today? Today is all about the cookies.

If you also survive rough weeks with good food, strong coffee and a sense of humour, you’re my people.

Follow along for South West food finds, café hopping, comfort baking, recipes and plenty more edible joy.

#FoodieHumour
#SouthWestFoodie
#CookiesFixEverything
#ComfortFoodCulture
#EatDrinkRepeat
T H E R O S E A N D C R O W N - T R E N T Som T H E  R O S E  A N D  C R O W N - T R E N T 

Some places just hold stories 🤍

Yesterday Steve and I found ourselves back at The Rose & Crown, Trent - not our first visit… maybe our fourth over more than a decade together. I’m pretty sure we had lunch here as one of our first dates all those moons ago! 

A traditional Dorset country pub tucked into the prettiest little village, serving great ales, lovely wines and all the cosy pub charm you could hope for. We missed lunch by about 10 minutes (classic train delays) but thank goodness for the all-day bar snacks - after teaching ballet + barre and hopping on a train from Exeter, I was ready.

Provence rosé (dry + lush), salty spicy nachos with homemade chips and fresh toppings… honestly, exactly what I needed. We stayed for a couple of hours soaking up the vibes, wishing we didn’t have to leave.

Next time? The full menu, for sure - and maybe even a night in one of their cosy rooms. Wood fires inside, a beer garden out back for summer days, and that unmistakable proper country pub feeling.

If you’re a Dorset foodie, or anywhere near Sherborne or Yeovil, this one deserves a spot on your list 🤍

#dorsetfoodie #dorsetpub #villagepub #exploredorset #villagelife
S O M E D A Y S you get a bit of bad news and you S O M E  D A Y S you get a bit of bad news and you just need something comforting.

Not complicated. Just good food made with care.
I went out craving pizza, then remembered these frying-pan flatbreads I used to make. No oven, no tomato sauce - perfect for a quiet night cooking for one.

The dough is as simple as it gets:
175g self-raising flour, 175g Greek yoghurt, ½ tsp baking powder.

Mix, roll, fry in a pan with a little oil. 

I topped mine with basil pesto, peppery leaves (rocket, watercress, spinach) and mozzarella, then seasoned with salt and black pepper and finished with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

A glass of Après Provence rosé felt spot on - fresh, light and herby. It cuts through the richness of the mozzarella and pesto and echoes the lemon and greens, keeping everything bright when I didn’t want anything heavy.

Even when it’s just me and the cat, I still like to cook myself something I really want. Cooking for one isn’t a compromise - it’s a way of looking after yourself.

Tara xx

I’m a Devon / South West England foodie who loves simple recipes, minimal ingredients, good wine and food that quietly nourishes the soul.

If that sounds like your kind of comfort, I’d love you to follow along 🤍

18+ | Please drink responsibly Ad / gift @apresprovence 

#cookingforone 
#ComfortFood
#SimpleRecipes
#DevonFoodie
#FoodAndWine
D O E S  T H I S  V I R A L “C H E E S C A K E “  live up to the hype? 

I’m trying the internet-famous Japanese 2-ingredient cheesecake so you don’t have to. If you love Greek yoghurt and Biscoff biscuits, this experiment already sounds promising, but viral recipes don’t always tell the full story.

Most versions of this recipe use clip-top yoghurt pots, but the Greek yoghurt I had in the fridge came with a pull-back lid, so I decanted it into a couple of pretty bowls instead. If you know me, you know good crockery is never optional. I definitely romanticise meal times way too much.. ✨

The method couldn’t be simpler. You dollop thick Greek yoghurt into a bowl, stuff it with as many Biscoff biscuits as possible, cover it, and refrigerate. The biscuits absorb the yoghurt and are meant to transform into a cheesecake-style dessert.

I’m sticking to the original two-ingredient recipe, although I’ve seen versions with banana, strawberries, or even jam. Overnight chilling is supposed to be best, but realistically I only had a couple of hours before teaching again, so we’re testing it early.

The moment of truth .. it most definitely doesn’t taste of cheesecake but man, it’s good. Save this to try later and let me know what you’d add to yours.

#2IngredientCheesecake #tryingsomethingnew #BiscoffDessert #GreekYoghurtRecipe #ViralFoodTest
I N E V E R T H O U G H T T H I S W O U L D W I  N E V E R  T H O U G H T  T H I S  W O U L D  W O R K  in a million years… but it does ✨

Air fryer boiled eggs with a hot honey cheesy crumpet might just be my new favourite weekend breakfast idea. 

Simple, comforting and made for slow mornings.
Two room-temperature medium eggs and a cheese-topped crumpet go straight into the air fryer - no pans, no fuss. Seven minutes later you’ve got perfectly runny eggs, a golden crumpet and that sweet-heat drizzle of hot honey bringing it all together 🧀🍯

I used beautiful local ingredients from @cornishcheeseco and @steweeggs because good quality makes all the difference. This is the kind of easy air fryer breakfast that feels indulgent but fits real life.

Serve with a pot of tea, a good book and whoever you call family - cats included 🐈🐈‍⬛

Comfort food for the weekend, exactly how it should be.

Save this for your next slow weekend breakfast and let me know … runny or hard-boiled eggs?

Follow for more simple, nourishing comfort food made with good ingredients 🤍

#WeekendBreakfastIdeas
#AirFryerBreakfast
#ComfortFoodWeekend
#SimpleFoodIdeas
#SupportLocalFood
D E A R L Y B E L O V E D .. we are gathered he D E A R L Y  B E L O V E D 

.. we are gathered here to get through this thing called life .. 

Everyone talks about their amazing childhood friends, but what about those connections you make while navigating adulthood? These unexpected friendships are the true treasures of grown-up life. I was only chatting to someone the other day about this. My childhood/school friendships are few and far between but those I have met through dance, this crazy app and mutual friends really are the basis of my core friendships. 

Who’s been your go-to ally in this adulting journey? Share your story! 

#AdultFriendships #LifeConnections #navigatingadulthood #princefan #connections #tryjanuary
D R Y J A N U A R Y , reset culture, new year pres D R Y J A N U A R Y , reset culture, new year pressure…
Or: good friends, fresh air, one great bottle and seasonal snacks. 

Balance, in > Burn out, out

Tag the friend you’d share this moment with ♥️

#WineInTheWild
#DevonLife
#JanuaryDoneRight
#SupportIndie
#SouthWestLiving
E V E R Y O N E ‘ S A G A I N S T A L C O H O E V E R Y O N E ‘ S  A G A I N S T  A L C O H O L … but who was with you through the highs and the hard bits?
Broccoli? 🥦 

Let’s just say it’s more likely to be a glass of wine on the beach with your best mate, right? 🍷🌊

This is your reminder that wine isn’t about excess - it’s about moments. Wind-tangled hair, sandy boots, winter sun, and a shared bottle picked up from an independent wine merchant who actually cares. Wine in the wild, seasonal snacks, deep chats and laughter by the sea in Devon - proof that the best times are simple, affordable and rooted in good company.

I’m a South West wine lover through and through: supporting indie businesses, eating with the seasons and choosing quality over quantity every single time.

Grab a bottle from your local wine shop, take it somewhere beautiful and tag who you’d share wine in the wild with 🍷

#WineInTheWild
#DevonLife
#SouthWestWine
#BeachWine
#WineLoversUK
#SupportIndie
#IndependentWine
#SeasonalLiving
#FriendsAndWine
W E E K E N D I N G , D O N E W E L L 🍷🌊 W W E E K E N D I N G , D O N E  W E L L 🍷🌊

Wine on the beach in Exmouth, thermals on, sun dipping low and doing its best winter impression of summer. A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc shared between friends, a weekend debrief that turns into laughter, deep chats and putting the world to rights. Ziggy living his best life chasing balls, strangers stopping to chat, and that salty sea air reminding you that joy doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

I’m a Devon-based wine lover with a real focus on supporting local businesses, and honestly? This is proof that having a good time with friends doesn’t need to cost the earth. Skip the overpriced dinners and January splurges - pop into your local wine merchant, grab a banging bottle, wrap up warm and enjoy it out in the wild instead. Same memories, better views, happier wallet.

Winter sun, good wine, great company. More of this, please ✨

Support your local wine shop this weekend, pick a bottle you love and take it somewhere beautiful - tag who you’d share it with 🍷

#ExmouthBeach
#DevonLife
#DevonWine
#WineOnTheBeach
#SauvignonBlanc
#WinterSun
#WeekendDoneRight
#SupportLocal
#LocalWineMerchant
#WineLoversUK
#CoastalLiving
#BeachDays
#SimplePleasures
#GoodCompany
#DogFriendlyLife
#UKStaycation
#JanuaryJoy
#AffordableLuxury
#FriendsAndWine
#PuttingTheWorldToRights
T H E C O A S T A L B E A V E R 🦫 Not every T H E  C O A S T A L  B E A V E R 🦫

Not every great bagel has to be the best bagel you’ve ever eaten… and that’s okay. 

📍 The Coastal Beaver, Exmouth

A lovely little indie coffee shop serving great coffee and homemade bagels - simple fillings, done properly.

I went for the vegan brunch bagel: smoked tofu, smashed avocado and tomato chutney.

Was it New York–level? No… but we’re not in NYC! 

What it was though? Chewy, soft, well-made bagel with a filling that hit all the right notes - smoky, salty, sweet, with creamy avocado pulling it all together. Properly tasty and very satisfying.

And the coffee? Exceptional.
Perfectly made to my taste, and served by the friendliest barista who happily talked me through his favourite bagel picks. Add in the chilled, welcoming atmosphere and a slow brunch spent chatting with a lovely friend… honestly, that’s what makes a place special.

This is exactly the kind of spot I’m always being asked about - good brunch in Exmouth is hard to find, and this one is 100% going on my brunch recommendation list. I’d happily revisit.

Have you tried The Coastal Beaver yet?

Save this for your next Exmouth coffee stop, and tell me your go-to brunch spots. I’m always on the hunt👇🏻

#ExmouthBrunch #ExmouthCoffee #DevonFoodie #IndieCoffeeShop #BrunchInDevon #VeganBrunch #BagelLovers #SupportLocalUK #CoffeeAndBagels #SouthWestEats
H E R E ‘ S Y O U R P E R M I S S I O N S L I H E R E ‘ S  Y O U R  P E R M I S S I O N  S L I P  to romanticise January 🍾

Apparently it’s Champagne & Chip Day… and honestly? I didn’t fact-check it - I just trusted my heart.

Crispy salty chips, freshly grated Parmesan, mayo for those who like to dip and a cold glass of champagne is a match made in heaven. I mean… who doesn’t love posh cheesy chips? Or, any cheesy chips for that matter! 

January can be bleak, so I’m choosing simple joys, good food, and any excuse to pop a cork.

No recipe. No rules. Just chips, cheese, bubbles, and happiness.

From a Devon-based foodie who firmly believes that great wine doesn’t need a special occasion - just a good snack that leads to a better mood 🥂

Would you try this combo? Or am I enabling you? (Both can be true.)

Save this, try it tonight and tell me - champagne and chips - yes or yes? 

#ChampagneAndChips #JanuaryJoy #SimplePleasures #DevonFoodie #FoodAndWinePairing #ChampagneLovers #ComfortFood #FoodContentCreator
Y O U K N O W I’m all about using up every las Y O U  K N O W  I’m all about using up every last thing in my pantry. Especially after Christmas didn’t quite go to plan this year 😅. 

No food delivery, no extra shopping, just love and a mission to zero waste deliciousness in my Exeter kitchen.

So when my lovely friend Polly popped over for drinks, I whipped up these little puff pastry goats cheese & currant jelly tarts using only what I had in my fridge and pantry. 
I combined:
•Ready-rolled puff pastry (cut into 8 squares)
•A dollop of currant & rosemary jelly (cranberry sauce works too!)
•A round of goats cheese
•A drizzle of honey + egg wash on the edges
Baked at 180°C for 15–20 mins, then topped with extra honey + herbs you have to hand - chives, parsley, thyme or rosemary work well.

They were devoured with a chilled bottle of The Ned Pinot Rosé - a lovely Marlborough rosé from New Zealand that’s bursting with strawberry, raspberry & floral notes and crisp, refreshing acidity that perfectly balances the creamy tang of goats cheese and sweet jelly. So yum! 

Whether you’re on a pantry challenge or just love creative cooking, this is the ultimate crowd-pleasing nibbly dish to share with friends and a chilled glass of something. 

Cheers from me in Devon where I create delicious morsels with love and laughter from my Exeter kitchen. 

ad / gifted @thenedwine 

Tag someone you’d share these with.👇🏻

#ZeroWasteCooking
#PantryChallenge
#DevonFoodie
#ExeterKitchen
#LeftoverMakeovers
#GoatsCheeseIdeas
#EasyPartyFood
#RoséAndTarts
#FoodCreativity
#NoShoppingWeek
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© Tara Smith 2022