Thursday 31 December 2015

New Year's Cocktail Recipe: Baileys Flat White Martini

Baileys Flat White Martini Recipe for New Year's Eve

Just what is it about Baileys that seems so Christmassy? Is it simply the fact that drinking what is ostensibly alcoholic cream just isn't acceptable the rest of the year? I'm not sure. I do know that I don't tend to choose creamy cocktails when I'm out and about, but as soon as December hits, I am all about that boozy creamy deliciousness. I must confess my favourite creamy cocktail is the classic combo of Baileys and ice... okay, that doesn't strictly count as a cocktail, but why mess with a classic?

This is an excellent NYE cocktail, though. The espresso means that it's the perfect pre-drink to give you energy for the evening ahead, and a damn sight more tasty than a Red Bull concoction. Shudder. And even if you're not a coffee fan - like me - the creaminess of the drink means it's not overpowering. I'm currently sipping mine down before I go and get ready - expect some creative makeup experiments from me tonight.

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Wednesday 30 December 2015

Recipe: Baileys and salted caramel chocolate trifle

Salted caramel and Baileys chocolate trifle for New Year's Eve

Friends, I have a sad story for you today. You see, for the longest time, I didn't think I liked trifle. The mess of different things together, the creepy way the cold custard wibbled... I didn't think it was for me. Then one day, I tried a trifle, and realised that fundamental rule of food - that if all the components are good, the finished product will be awesome.

I haven't looked back, but this year is the first time I made my own trifle. But while I do enjoy a traditional trifle these days, I'm still not sure why you'd choose it if you could have something chocolatey instead. So the logical next step? Chocolate trifle. I found this recipe in Good Food magazine about a month ago, and as soon as I mentioned "Oh, it includes brownies soaked in Baileys," not making it for Christmas was unthinkable. My sister would have disowned me, Matt would have dumped me, my parents would have put me up for adoption. So, you know, it's for my own good.

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Tuesday 29 December 2015

Christmas breakfasts

Christmas decorations with real tree, red and gold star baubles
Christmas breakfast with Brioche Pasquier, pastries, brioche, pain au chocolat, croissants, nutella, strawberries
Christmas decorations with real tree, handmade red and gold baubles

So Christmas is over for another year, and now we're in that weird in-between period where some of us have to work and the rest of us float around like lost teenagers, suddenly with no idea how to get dressed before noon or wash any dishes. For the next few days, chocolate is still a reasonable option for breakfast and, while the fridge isn't as impressive as it was a few days ago, there's still enough leftover meat and cheese to ensure some epic sandwiches.

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Wednesday 23 December 2015

Dear Santa... My Christmas wishlist.

Essbeevee Christmas 2015 Wishlist

Oooh it’s nearly here, it’s nearly here! What have you asked for? I am fascinated by other people’s lists (I loved Poppy’s super honest one) and because the whole reason why I write a blog is because I assume other people find me as fascinating as I find myself, here’s what I am asking for...
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Sunday 20 December 2015

Review: Honest Christmas Burger and Meat Liquor Christmas Menu

Honest Burger London Christmas Menu Seasonal Food

Now, if you know anything about me at all, you’ll know that I love me some Christmas themed food. I’d probably love Easter and Halloween themed food too, but no one really seems to DO that as much, apart from chocolate. It’s a shame. Let’s make it happen, world.

Throughout December, I’ve been enjoying working in a busy town centre a little too much. So many M&S and Pret seasonal sandwiches to work my way through! It’s been wonderful. As well as Christmas sandwiches though, there are also Christmas burgers to consider. I’ve already talked about the ones at The Snug, of course, but with London only a stone’s throw away, I had to try a couple.

The Honest Christmas burger was top of my list. Actually, ANY Honest burger was – I still hadn’t been, even though I kept hearing wonderful things... especially about those rosemary chips. Well, I can confirm that the chips are indeed fabulous. Proper chip shop, squishy chips – NOT FRIES – sprinkled with a rosemary salt. A few were on the saltier side, but it all evened out in a happy tasty lunchtime.

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Wednesday 2 December 2015

Review: Honey & Co, Warren Street, London



A couple of weeks ago, my friend Anne suggested that we tried out Honey & Co on Warren Street, London. I hadn't heard of it before, but I took a look at the menu and was sold. Just take a look. You want to go now too, don't you?

It's a tiny, cafe-style establishment, which sells hearty Middle-Eastern food with delicious, fresh ingredients. While it's not vegetarian, it absolutely could be - either you're confused at that statement, or you totally know what I mean. Vegetables are a big part of the menu, and although there are plenty of meaty stews, I don't feel like it's the key component. I had a purely vegetarian meal (because that's what I fancied) and it was wonderful - I feel like this is a place that knows their veggies.

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