Tuesday 15 April 2014

tomato and marinated fennel salad


 
This came about by pure luck.  I was raiding the fridge for some lunch inspiration today.  I had intended on making a tuna salad when I came across these beautiful heirloom tomatoes.  I didn't buy them so it was a lovely surprise.  They obviously found their way back after a weekend away with friends where we each took turns cooking a meal.  Somehow they were packed in my bags.  I love the fact they were.  They were so pretty I had to get out my camera.  I sliced them up and mixed them with a fennel bulb which I marinated in vinegar.  It was a combination perfect for summer.  I wanted to add another element of colour so grated some radishes with little pink tufts of flavour.  The radish and the fennel are a match made in heaven. 
 
 

 

 



 
Ingredients:
 
  • Assorted tomatoes
  • 1 fennel bulb
  • 3 spring onions
  • 4 grated radishes
  • feta cheese
  • white wine vinegar
  • olive oil
Method:
 
1) Slice the fennel and pour vinegar over so that it just covers the fennel, season with salt and pepper and leave for 30 mins.
 
2) Slice the tomatoes, spring onions, and sprinkle over the crumbled feta and radishes.  Add  the fennel.
 
3)  Season with olive oil and the remaining vinegar from the fennel.
 
 
 


Thursday 10 April 2014

vintage sugar rose


It's edible.  It's sweet.  It's pretty and yes, my first attempt at a sugar rose.  A little amateur I know but I have to say I do love it.  I love the subtle shades of pink and the overall vintage style but I especially loved creating it.  I attended a vintage rose workshop last night, 3 whole hours may I add, but what a therapeutic and enjoyable evening. 

Working with sugar paste is something very new to me and certainly has its challenges.  It dries really fast so you have to work quickly, which is part of the thrill I guess.  I have found a new hobby.  I can't wait to head down the flower market for some real inspiration and learn to make more.

Workshops and other cake classes are held by the lovely and very talented Lorynne Heynes of Petite Pantry.  You contact her here and for more inspiration check out her Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/petitepantry

Lorynne also has an online shop where you can buy all the tools required to make this rose or any other unique cake related supplies.  I'm talking clear lace embellished crystal lollies or edible icing sheets with vintage prints - AMAZING.  Definitely worth a visit...  http://www.cakecraftbristol.co.uk/