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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

Saturday Brunch

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 2

17th January 202117th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Hello all. We seem to have made it through another week in lockdown so let’s give ourselves a pat on the back for that. it’s challenging and we are all doing a great job. However we get through the week and whatever we do is alright. If you want to spend a day in your PJ’sRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 1

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 1

9th January 20219th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Here we go again! Lockdown 3.0 started on Tuesday here in England. I did manage to get one evening in of live ballet classes with my primary-school-age children before resuming online from Tuesday which was lovely. A chance to reconnect with the children albeit briefly. Obviously, with lockdown 3.0 I haven’t been out and aboutRead more

Let It Be Sunday - My Week In pictures #4

My Nine Best Things Of 2020

30th December 202030th December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

2020 has been challenging for all. Work has been sparse for some and non-existent for others. Loneliness for many has become a real issue. There have been constant challenges thrown our way that has meant we have had to adapt and adopt new ways of thinking, working, socialising and exercising. For me, 2020 has givenRead more

Let It Be Sunday - My Week In Pictures #3

Let It Be Sunday – My Week In Pictures #3

13th December 202013th December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

Happy Sunday friends! Are you feeling festive yet? With less than two weeks to Christmas I feel like I should be but I am not. I am excited for Christmas but I certainly don’t have that festive warm feeling yet. It may be because we don’t have our tree or it maybe because I don’tRead more

The Postal Pantry Co - Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

The Postal Pantry Co – Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

15th August 202015th August 2020 - tara Leave a comment

My love of Italy is well documented as is my love of Italian food. Quite often Italian recipes are incredibly easy to prepare with flavours that pack a punch. The key being good quality ingredients and a sprinkle of love! This recipe is no different. Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is one of those simple recipes thatRead more

The Secret Garden Cafe – Exeter

20th July 202020th July 2020 - tara 2 Comments

There are many places I have discovered during my lockdown walks including hopefully my new home! (eek!). I have walked and walked and walked every day uncovering new places that I simply wouldn’t have known existed if we hadn’t have been confined to home pretty much for the last 4 months. The Secret Garden CafeRead more

Places To Eat - Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke

Places To Eat – Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke

17th March 202017th March 2020 - tara Leave a comment

I know at these uncertain times a blogpost about eating out might not be of much interest to you but you know what? It’s worth a read anyway. We all need to keep our chins up and plan fun stuff for when all of this virus stuff is over and we can finally get outRead more

New York – My Little Guide To The Big City

7th December 20191st January 2020 - tara Leave a comment

New York is one of those cities that you never get tired of exploring. I have been lucky to visit four times over the course of my life and have never had the same holiday twice. The city, like so many others, is constantly changing and evolving which makes visiting so exciting. It’s been atRead more

New York City

My November

1st December 20191st December 2019 - tara Leave a comment

November was a pretty special month for me. I got to travel to New York City with my sister Estella and my stepdad Tim to see The Pineapple Thief play at Sony Hall. For those who don’t know, my other half Steve plays in a band and that band, The Pineapple Thief are on tourRead more

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Sunday Bunday - handmade by the wonderful @eatmyfo Sunday Bunday - handmade by the wonderful @eatmyfood.today and delivered to my door in time for Sunday brunching. Thank you for braving the precarious icy slush situation on my road to get these beauts to me. Much appreciated after a night in The Lyngarth Arms! 😉 
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#localfood  #homemade  #vegan  #farmtotable  #fresh  #foodies  #streetfood  #eat  #tasty  #dinner  #organic  #foodblogger  #foodgasm  #instagood  #chef  #restaurant  #cheflife  #travel  #healthyfood  #foodlover  #local  #delicious  #yummy  #foodstagram  #foodphotography  #instafood  #foodporn  #foodie  #food  #eatlocal
(Ad) Last nights supper was quite an affair thanks (Ad) Last nights supper was quite an affair thanks to talented chef @samuel.billson of @no5exeter - restaurant quality three courses delivered in a socially distanced manner to my front door. How wonderful is that? Obviously right now we can’t go out and support our favourite independents by visiting their beautiful venues so getting a home delivery is the next best thing. The No5 at Home service offers delivery or pick up weekly on Friday and Saturdays. Just get your order in by midnight on Wednesday to secure your booking. 
The three courses arrive in recyclable packaging all portioned out for you to prepare. There is a little light cooking involved but don’t panic! Sam has provided a recipe card for each dish. I ordered celeriac & Apple soup which was an easy heat in the pan situation, the hake needed pan frying with accompaniments in the oven but all came together in 10 minutes and dessert could be microwaved. If like me you don’t have a micro-wa-vey (Think Nigella here!) you can easily adapt with a warm oven. Obviously the food was stand out (I’m not just saying that because it was a freebie) but I think in terms of value for money you couldn’t do better; 3 courses for £21.50, (A small delivery charge is added) If you want to see how I got on check out my Instagram stories but be quick! If you want a sneak peak at No5 then head to my saved stories. I was lucky enough to be able to visit prior to their launch and put together a little story to show the venue off! It’s too late to order for this weekend but check out the menu for next week. It will be different but I should imagine equally delicious.
Did you know that this Sunday 24th January is Nati Did you know that this Sunday 24th January is National Peanut Butter Day? Neither did I until recently and boy am I glad I do now! That means I can double up on my peanut butter consumption in celebration! 🥜☺️ If you love peanut butter as much as I do then you might want to check out my latest recipe for Peanut Butter Mousse. It uses just 4 ingredients; double cream, peanut butter, icing sugar and vanilla extract and it’s absurdly easy to make. Head on over to the link in my profile so you can make it in time to celebrate on Sunday. #nationalpeanutbutterday
Hands up who else eats peanut butter everyday? 🙋🏻‍♀️ It works well in savoury dishes and I particularly love it mixed with marmite on thick toasted sourdough after I finish ballet in the evenings. I know many might turn their nose up at that combo but seriously it’s the perfect savoury hit! But, I am not here to talk about savoury ways to eat peanut butter I am here to tell you about how good peanut butter is stirred into sweet treats like cookies & cakes but also in my new recipe for Peanut Butter Mousse. This weekend I have been trialling this delicious dessert in time for National Peanut Butter Day that happens to be next Sunday. So far on my stories you guys are 100% up for me sharing the recipe in time for the big day next weekend so keep watching this space for details. It needs just 4 ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to whip up plus chilling time. I think you are going to love it! 🥜
Simple pleasure come with molten cheese interiors! Simple pleasure come with molten cheese interiors! Try putting a little bit of the inside on the outside so your guests (guests? Who has guests these days!🤪) know what’s inside their toastie. A little spicy sausage, a few sage leaves, a piece of ham .. let me tell you... the ham and robust herbs go kinda crispy in the butter whilst the sandwiches toast and it’s a joy to behold! That textural thing is always a winner when it comes to food.. oozy cheese, crunchy corners and crispy, toasted saltiness in the form of ham, sausage herbs or anchovies! Omg - anchovies, I haven’t tried anchovies yet and why on Earth not!? They are literally my favourite thing. I am now craving a pizza inspired toastie with olives, tomato, capers and anchovies! When’s lunch?? 🙌🏻 Also, do you think I could make a toastie with left over Christmas mince meat and serve it as dessert with a scoop of ice cream? Votes in comments please.. yes or no? Shall I try? 🤷🏻‍♀️
Going out to get takeaway coffee is such a thrill Going out to get takeaway coffee is such a thrill these days. (Or in this case a rather yummy beetroot latte💗) Let’s face it, having the briefest conversation with someone other than those in your own household is a joy to behold. Thank you to all of the people I have spoken to this week other than Steve, and by all of the people I mean like 3. The lovely folk at @thepresshouseexeter and the lady in @zukiscaffetteria who gave me my latte for free because my loyalty card was full. Lord, I felt like I was winning at life in that moment I can tell you! 🤩
The prettiest of floofs, a socially distanced walk The prettiest of floofs, a socially distanced walk with a chum, hot chocolate and fresh out of the oven cardamom buns. Not a bad Saturday morning I must say. 🐶
I love anything personalised and it’s even bette I love anything personalised and it’s even better when you can eat it! You all know I love my food and proper bread with thick spread salted butter has got to be one of the simplest joys. Even better when the bread is still warm from the bakers oven and the butter begins to melt into the nooks and crannies of a well made sourdough. 🤤
At the end of last year the wonderful people at @st_sidwells started a crowdfunder to enable them to move to larger premises and so expand and offer more community driven projects. Alongside the bakery creating more amazing nutritious bread and affordable sweet and savoury treats, the cookery school will move into the new larger space too. I was one of 154 supporters who donated to the crowdfund to help make the move a reality and today I went to pick up my personalised loaf. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that the Bakehouse is now open on Sidwell Street just across the road from its old premises. If you fancy supporting a worthwhile business at this crazy time and beyond get your weekly loaf here. Not only are you supporting a local bakery but you are ensuring that people young and old, regardless of background or circumstance  have access to fun and affordable cooking lessons. 🥨
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 #community  #nonprofit  #giveback  #charity  #youth  #support  #volunteer  #local  #earthfever  #gettyimages  #givingback  #bread  #パン  #sourdough  #手作りパン  #bakery #perdonalised  #dough  #exeter  #inexeter #devon  #cake #homebaking  #cooking  #cook  #chef  #おうちごはん  #homemade  #料理
Golden hour with my precious girl. Lockdown 3.0, D Golden hour with my precious girl. Lockdown 3.0, Day 1. 🧡
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© Tara Smith 2020