At the weekend, we said goodbye to Calvin and my heart is breaking.

Although he wasn’t my dog, he was the closest thing I ever had to a sibling – he was my furry brother.

When I lost my mum five years ago, one of the things that worried me most was what would happen to Calvin. As it turned out, I needn’t have worried at all. He went to live with one of his ‘aunties’ someone who already adored him and who went on to love him beyond measure. He couldn’t have landed in a more perfect home.

Although I didn’t see him often, there was great comfort in simply knowing he was there. He was one of the last living links to my Mum, a familiar and reassuring presence in the world. Knowing he was happy, loved and living his best life brought me a great deal of comfort over the years.

When I think of him, I’ll always remember how much he loved catching a ball and how every successful catch was followed by a celebratory back roll. I’ll remember how he loved a good Party Ring. Mum treated him to one after dinner every night and I’d like to think those biscuits are what kept his teeth so brilliantly white! And I’ll remember how he always made me laugh, snapping at the air while I gave him a blow dry.

I know everyone thinks their dog is the best, but Calvin really was the OG Best Boi.

In fact, I only saw him last week. We all commented on how happy and healthy he looked. We truly believed there was so much life left in this beloved old dog. None of us knew it would be our last visit, which somehow makes this loss feel even harder to comprehend.

I may not have lived with him but he never stopped feeling like family. He was my fur brother, a keeper of memories and a connection to my Mum that I always treasured.

I’m so grateful to our dear friends, Natalie and Simon and Sandra and Ray who gave him such a happy life and loved him as fiercely as we did. What a gift that was.

He may have been Mum’s – and then Natalie’s – dog, but he was my fur brother too. I’m so grateful for all the joy, companionship and unconditional love he gave me.

As John Grogan wrote, “The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.”

Run free, sweet boy. Give Mum a cuddle from me.

I’m all ready to jump into June but not before I’ve taken a quick look back at the yay of May with a quick taking stock post. Why don’t you grab a cuppa and join me?

Baking: These banana and chocolate cookies – recipe coming soon.

Making: Lots of salads – it’s been the weather for it.

Cooking: Some cracking recipes from Emily English’s new book – So Good Express.

Eating: Some fantastic Lebanese food at new local eatery Beruitna.

Drinking: Gin and tonics.

Sharing: The delicious recipe for this Easy Ginger Caramel Fudge.

Joining: Sherry and friends for this month’s edition of In My Kitchen.

Catching: Up with dear Min on her UK travels, what a treat!

Showing: Min and the formerly tennis, now golf player all round my lovely town.

Hosting: Some of my favourite friends.

Enjoying: Some QAT (Quality Auntie Time.)

Getting: The steps in with Teddy, my little walking buddy.

Watching: Off Campus. I’m obsessed.

Listening: To Scouting for Girls – did you expect anything else?!

Remembering: My mum – I can’t believe she’s been gone 5 years.

Visiting: The burial orchard where we scattered her ashes.

Squeezing: In a visit to see my fur brother Calvin. It’s so good to see him living his best life.

Wondering: Where the time goes…

Buying: Clothes in a smaller size and it feels good!

Enjoying: Being a two dog family when little Wookie came to stay.

Melting: In the end of May heatwave.

Dreaming: Of aircon but investing in a new Meaco fan instead!

Stopping: To smell the roses.

Just like that, May is over. Thanks for joining me for another monthly catch-up. What was the highlight of your month? And what are you most looking forward to in June?

It seems like it’s been a hot minute since I joined Sherry and friends for our monthly virtual kitchen get together so how can it be June already?! Half way through the year, no less! As there’s no time to waste, I shall hop to it and show you what’s been happening In My Kitchen.

My auntie came to stay at the start of the month and bought an enormo-challah from her local Jewish bakery. By golly it was good. So good in fact that it was all gone by Monday! In case you’re wondering, the reason why I only have a picture of half of the loaf is because we’d already started eating the other end. We literally could not wait to get stuck in.

I’m still over here fangirling over Em the Nutritionist (as always LOL!) Her new cookbook came out – appropriately named So Good Express – because it is so good and has lots of fabulous recipes specially designed for the time poor person.

I once told a former friend how much I love cookbooks and she scoffed that cookbooks are for old people. If that’s true, then I’ll happily grow old – preferably surrounded by stained pages, handwritten notes and good food. Some people simply mistake enthusiasm for age, don’t you think?! Em’s cookbooks are my best and I take such delight in working my way through them. I’ve already made quite a few things from Em’s newest tome, I especially loved these Almond Croissant Oats – they really taste like almond croissant in porridge form!

This Spicy Chicken Crunch Bagel is one of our new faves – you can find the recipe here. It also works really well with tuna!

I shared my recipe for the Thermomix Ginger Caramel Fudge that was such a big hit round here.

I also baked quite a bit for friends and neighbours. I have neighbours who give me rhubarb from their garden. I bake it and give it back – this time in the form of crumble. It’s a win, win!

Not food related but definitely the cutest thing to hit my kitchen this month, Hoowookie the toy poodle (pictured here with Teddy Roosevelt who looks enormous in comparison!) She had a staycay while her pawrents had a vacay. It was such a treat to host her.

Wookie’s mum is such a thoughtful and generous gift giver. As well as bringing a bag of gifts on her arrival, she also bought us some traditional sauces from the Canary Islands. Of course the best gift of all was having Wookie to stay!

I picked up these Prawn Cocktail Bloody Mary crisps from Waitrose and they did not disappoint. As their name suggests, they taste just like prawn cocktail with a little kick – the perfect summer munch!

In other news, we added a new bin to our growing collection. We already have 3 – one for regular waste, one for paper and cardboard recycling and one for metal and plastic recycling. Well, now we have a food waste recycling bin too – lucky it’s small otherwise we wouldn’t have room on the drive, LOL! We have a caddy in the kitchen for food scraps and a bigger outdoor caddy that we put the filled caddy liners into ready for collection. I am more excited than I should be about this new string to our recycling bow!

So now that I’ve told you what’s been happening in my kitchen, I’d love to hear what’s been happening in yours!

Do you have food waste recycling too? Are you a lover of cookbooks?

If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know our holiday rule is simple: if we can’t bring Teddy Roosevelt (and on this trip, his gal pal Belle,) then we’re not going.

Luckily, in North Norfolk, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dog-friendly dining. We took one for the team (and a few extra coastal strolls) and rounded up our Pick of the Pups – the very best places where dogs are genuinely welcomed, not just tolerated.

Lord Nelson Pub, Burnham Thorpe

Find it on Google Maps

Steeped in history, the Lord Nelson is a cracking village pub in Burnham Thorpe best known as the birthplace of Horatio Nelson. Fun fact – his father Edmund Nelson was the rector of All Saints Church, which is just a short stroll away if you fancy a post-lunch wander.

When we book (and we highly recommend you do) we picture a gentle 20 minute countryside walk from Burnham Market. Reality however is usually dictated by the weather and in true British style, when it’s raining sideways, that means the car wins! Thankfully, it’s only about a five-minute drive.

This is a pub that has something for everyone. There’s a large family (and dog) friendly garden, the food is fabulous, the welcome is warm and the service is friendly. There’s an extensive menu and everything we try is delicious.

The homemade pie with seasonal vegetables and Woodforde’s ale gravy usually comes with mash but I can’t go past the skin on chips. The pie is a standout!

Dogs are genuinely made to feel at home here – Teddy receives plenty of attention, though he does look mildly betrayed when we discover the treat station on the way out. Don’t worry, he makes up for lost time.

After dinner, we check out the Nelson map museum located in the old office opposite the pub. It’s a fascinating space filled with fun facts, interesting information and a lorry load of images. We leave feeling like fully-fledged maritime historians!

Eric’s fish and chips

Find it on Google Maps

You’ll find Eric’s tucked away at Drove Orchards which is a permanent market set on a working farm where 165 varieties of apples and pears are grown. It’s a bit of a destination in itself with an ecelctic mix of shops, food stalls and seasonal treats all dotted around the site.

On our evening visit, most of the other units are closed which actually makes Eric’s feel like the main event- and rightly so!

Alongside Eric’s fish and chips, Drove Orchards is also home to Eric’s Woodfired Pizza and a dangerously tempting ice cream parlour both of which we’re bookmarking for next time.

We have already set our hearts (and appetites) on Eric’s mostly because we can’t leave without trying one of the famous deep fried jam sandwiches – they’re Norfolk legends!

Ordering is easy, there’s a full size menu at the window and there’s an electronic display showing wait times and order status which keeps things moving smoothly even though it’s busy. Dogs aren’t allowed in the restaurant itself but there is plenty of dog friendly seating outside where they’re very welcome – this works very well for Teddy and Belle. There’s even a playground for the two-legged kids to enjoy!

When Eric says large chips, he absolutely means it. One large portion is easily big enough for the 4 of us and feels like excellent value. For mains the guys go for haddock while the girls get the scampi. Everything is freshly cooked, portions are generous – this is chip shop comfort done right.

Teddy and Belle wait patiently to try a little bit of the haddock. It turns out they’re big fans of fish!

Then comes dessert. We start cautiously sharing a deep fried Mars Bar – a first for all of us. It’s exactly what I imagined – warm, molten and extremely sweet – sharing is definitely the right decision!

The real curiosity is the deep fried jam sandwich and the one we’ve all been waiting for. It’s flatter than a traditional sandwich, covered in sugar like a jam doughnut and it tastes like a jam doughnut too – soft, sweet and slightly indulgent. While we’re really glad we tried it, it’s probably one of those ‘once is enough’ experiences.

Thornham Deli

Find it on Google Maps

Thornham Deli is a bit of a local institution with locals and holidaymakers alike and even on a grey, rainy day it’s positively buzzing. There’s seating outside (not that there are any takers on the day that we visit,) and inside, the front section of the cafe is all dog friendly which works perfectly for us.

Despite it being a very busy and a very wet Saturday, we don’t end up waiting long at all for a table. While you’re waiting, it’s worth having a wander around the lifestyle shop attached to the deli – it’s packed with stylish, slightly eclectic homewares and gifts. Definitely one of those places where you go in for a coffee and come out wondering if you need a new cushion or cutting board.

Once seated, we all opt for the Deli breakfast – Burton’s butchers pork sausage, smoked bacon, free range egg (scrambled, fried or poached,) tomato, baked beans and mushrooms with a choice of toast . It’s one of those proper breakfasts that really hits the spot after a big beach walk.

There are plenty of vegan and gluten free options on the menu too. The real highlight for the pups though is the dog menu – yes, you heard that right – with a choice of chicken, sausage, bones, and even doggy ice cream. Teddy Roosevelt and Belle are fully in their element here especially with the puppuccino and biscuits which disappear very quickly.

If you’re just passing through, there’s also a click-and-collect option, which is a nice touch for takeaway coffees or deli bits.

We don’t quite manage to explore the deli counter properly this time (which I slightly regret), but it looks absolutely packed with fresh pastries and homemade bits I’d happily take home. There’s also a freezer full of ready meal which definitely gives buy now, thank yourself later energy.

On the way out, we make sure to check out the dog station – it’s well stocked and very much appreciated by its four-legged customers.

The Hoste Arms

Find it on Google Maps

Established in 1651, this pub is right in the heart of Burnham Market, though some might say it is the heart of Burnham Market. It’s one of those places you inevitably end up in at least once (usually more) during a stay in the village. It’s had a bit of a glow up since we visited and the grade ll listed building is looking better than ever!

There’s plenty of seating both inside and out and it’s pretty much always busy, whatever time of day you go. The bar area is especially cosy and very dog-friendly which suits us perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more formal, there’s also a restaurant side with a more extensive menu and dogs are welcome in there too, which is always a bonus.

We don’t quite manage to eat here on this trip (purely down to lack of stomach space, not desire), but we do make very good use of the bar on a couple of occasions for drinks and a proper sit-down.It’s also worth noting it’s open seven days a week and serves food on Sunday evenings which in North Norfolk feels like a genuine bonus rather than a given.

From cosy pubs to deli breakfasts and fish and chips by the coast, North Norfolk really is a brilliant place to holiday with dogs.

If you’re planning a North Norfolk trip, you might also like our Pick of the Pups guide to the 3 best dog-friendly beaches in the area.

Do you prefer to self cater or dine out when you’re on holiday? Have you got any north Norfolk dog friendly options to add to the list?!

David has this thing that whenever we have a city break, he loves to find bars that feature on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. I don’t know how it started, but this is how it’s going. Now, not all of these bars make the World’s Top 50 but they all make our cocktail cut and as you will see Paris has no shortage of incredible cocktail bars.

Little Red Door

Find it on Google Maps

This cosmopolitan bar in the Marais hides behind – you guessed it – the Little Red Door! Often featured in the World’s 50 Best Bars list, it’s one of those places you’ve probably heard about before you even go.

We pop in early, just before dinner. When you arrive, you wait outside until the host opens the door and takes you inside to the speakeasy-style bar. We’re seated and served a small welcome drink while we look through the menu. The cocktails take classic favourites and give them a twist, using local and seasonal ingredients. I thoroughly enjoy my Rhubarbarama (right) with Rhubarb, thyme, Macvin, Clairin and Grey Goose Vodka. The vibe is cool but relaxed and we really enjoy our drinks – this is a great place to kick start the evening.

Copper Bay

Find it on Google Maps

We stop by for after drinks and really like the nautical theming, laid-back atmosphere and friendly bar staff. The menu is full of cocktails with a twist and the bartenders are more than happy to help us with our drink decision making.

I choose the house Bloody Mary (left) – made with tomato consommé instead of tomato juice. It’s the lightest and most refreshing Bloody Mary I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a few!)

The Cambridge Public House

Find it on Google Maps

Think traditional English pub with a creative cocktail list and you’ve got the Cambridge Public House, number 20 on The World’s 50 Best Bars. They even serve classic pub grub but we have to refrain as we are on our way to dinner.

We start with a beer (it is a pub after all) before moving on to check out the cocktail menu. Again the drinks are well priced at €14 or just €7 for the smaller demi version. We love the interior, the atmosphere and the drinks. The standout here is David’s Cigarette After Sex (left) with Agua de Jamaica, sloe gin and mezcal. Let’s face it, it deserves a mention for the name alone!

Bar Nouveau

Find it on Google Maps

You’ll find this bijou bar tucked away in Le Marais and it comes in at 17 on the World’s 50 Best Bars for good reason. The space is small and so with just six drinks, so is the cocktail menu but that’s all part of the appeal.

Staff are super friendly and the booze forward cocktails are up there with the very best. David loved the Ramos – grain, vanilla yoghurt, peat and St Germain. This place is cool yet intimate but be prepared to queue at peak times. I promise it will be worth the wait.

Prescription Cocktail Club

Find it on Google Maps

Think intimate, cosy and just a little theatrical – Prescription Cocktail Club is a great spot for creative cocktails in an intimate setting. The menu is varied and the bartenders really know they’re craft.

We pop in for some pre-dinner drinks and the place fills up quickly. Space definitely feels like it would be a premium later in the evening but that just adds to the atmosphere. I’m very happy with my Cherry Bomb (right) with Plymouth Gin, Green Chartreuse and cherry cordial. This is a great spot to start the night.

We’ve only just scratched the surface of Paris’ cocktail scene but we loved each of these bars. They all have their own personality and it’s that – and the cocktails obvs – is what makes exploring them so much fun. The best part? I’m always looking for new bars to add to my list!

Do you prefer classic cocktails/mocktails or drinks with a twist? What are your favourite cocktail bars in Paris?

As always, all drinks were independently paid for and all opinions are my own.

There’s something dangerously moreish about this ginger caramel fudge. It’s sweet, buttery and creamy with all those lovely deep caramel notes from brown sugar and syrup, but then the ginger kicks in and gives it a little warm zing that keeps you coming back for “just one more” piece. Honestly, it is impossible to resist.

Truth be told, I’m not exactly president of the Ginger Fan Club, but my father-in-lieu (as opposed to law because he’s not married to my MIL) definitely is. He came for a pre-birthday visit recently and I wanted to make him a special edible treat.

I got the idea while wandering around Waitrose, aka my favourite supermarket where I spotted some ginger fudge. I had a quick look at the ingredients and realised they were very similar to my usual fudge recipe just with some stem ginger added so I thought I’d have a crack.

And crack it I did!

This fudge is sweet, creamy and properly caramelly with ginger powder and chunks of crystalised ginger giving it just the right amount of warmth. It was a big hit with Bryan and everyone else too. Even I was doing sneaky little fridge visits for one more piece.

As for the cutting… every single time I make fudge, I somehow fail to cut it into equal pieces. I prefer to think of it as rustic.

It reminds me of being in primary school with Mrs Munday teaching us fractions. I was sitting next to my bestie Jasmine – still one of my best pals to this day – showing her my new erasers instead of paying attention. The 80s’ were so wholesome – collecting fun erasers could keep you entertained for hours.

Mrs Munday clearly did not share my enthusiasm for erasers because she turned puce and shouted that if I kept playing with my erasers, I’d never understand fractions. Sadly, she was right.

I kept playing with the erasers and I am still terrible at fractions. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Exhibit A: these pieces of fudge. I measured them out with a ruler no less and somehow every single piece is still a different size. LOL!

So if you fancy a fudge that is creamy, caramelly but with a little gingery kick to stop it becoming too sweet, this one is for you. It is so easy to make, perfect for gifting and even better for keeping hidden in the fridge for yourself!

Are you a ginger fan or would you rather stick to classic caramel fudge? And more importantly, can you cut fudge into neat equal pieces or are you as hopeless at fractions as I am?!

Ingredients

170g white chocolate

1 can sweetened condensed milk (not skim)

160g brown sugar

120g butter

75g golden syrup

50g glucose syrup

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

50g crystallised ginger, plus 1 tablespoon extra

How to

1. Line a 20x20cm tin with baking paper. I like to brush the tin with water first, it helps the paper stay in place.
2. Break up chocolate and place in TM bowl and chop for 5 seconds on speed 9. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. Add the condensed milk, sugar, butter, syrups and ground ginger to the TM bowl and cook for 8 minutes at 100C on speed 3 with the measuring cup OFF. (This is really important because you don’t want condensation dripping on to your lovely fudge.)
4. Scrape the sides and the bottom of the TM bowl with the spatula.
5. Cook again for 20 minutes on Varoma temperature on speed 3 again with the measuring cup OFF.
6. When the caramel has finished, working quickly add the chopped chocolate to the mixture and combine for 10 seconds on speed 4.
7. Check the chocolate has melted – if necessary mix again for another 5 seconds on speed 4. Then add the 50g crystallised ginger and mix for 5 seconds on speed 4.
8. As soon as the ginger is mixed through, carefully pour the mixture into the tin, then scatter over the remaining crystallised ginger, gently pressing it down if necessary.
9. Leave the mixture to cool and then pop into the fridge until set (at least 3-4 hours.) Cut into small squares and devour!

This is Part 2 of our Northumberland whistlestop tour. If you missed it, you can read Part 1 here → A Whistlestop Tour of Northumberland: Castles, Coast & Market Town (Part 1)

Picking up where we left off… let’s get stuck in, shall we?

Alnwick

Last time we left you in Alnwick, having checked out the amazing Barter Books, spotted the stunning castle and arrived a little too late to check out the renowned gardens. Fortunately, I am a bit more organised where food is concerned and have booked us a table at the popular Market Tavern. It comes highly recommended by our Airbnb host who had me at “proper Northern food.”

The pub is hugely popular with dog-friendly areas and a vast menu that has something for everyone. Upon arrival the pub looks a bit bijou but don’t let appearances fool you, the building stretches all the way book to a large dining room. Service is super friendly – Heather and Richard are from London and can’t believe how jolly everyone is – and although the food takes some time to arrive (the place is packed,) it’s well worth the wait. My mussels are some of the best I’ve ever eaten!

Side note: Pubs and restaurants in Alnwick are extremely popular so it’s well worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment especially in spring and summer.

Warkworth

The next morning we head to Bertram’s in the village of Warkworth for some brunchy sustenance. Cafe by day, bistro by night, this dog-friendly spot is a great pick for breakfast. We book ahead (again) and quickly see why it’s popular.

We’re so hungry, we forget to take any food photos but the guys go for the big Northumberland breakfast, I opt for smashed avo on toast and Heather has granola and berries (note – this is considerably smaller albeit just as delicious as the other dishes.)

Warkworth Castle

There’s a lot to love about Warkworth, not least that there’s free parking all day, every day around the village square. Warkworth is famous for it’s commanding medieval castle and the river that runs through the village. There are clearly marked riverside walks as we’re a bit pushed for time, we head straight for Warkworth Castle. It really is a sight to behold especially with all the daffodils in bloom.

Admission is around £10 for adults, (slightly cheaper if you book online) and free for English Heritage members. As usual, a walk around the outside is enough to satisfy our historical curiosity and before long we’re back in the car and heading to the coast.

Amble

Next stop: Amble. Sitting on the River Coquet estuary, it’s got a cute harbour and more seafood shacks than you can shake a stick at. It’s a little more touristy and a little less quaint than we’d hoped but we have a browse in the souvenir shops and take a little stroll. The main reason we’re here is to check out the puffin cruises.

Coquet Island Puffin Cruise

It’s still a bit early in the season to spot puffins but we’re keen as mustard and cautiously optimistic. Tickets for a one hour puffin cruise cost £20 per person and it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment. The cruises run daily (weather permitting) with weekly schedules confirmed each Sunday – you can check their Facebook page for the latest info or give the friendly crew a ring. Today, we’re heading out on one of the smaller boats which takes just 12 passengers. It’s worth noting that there are some steps (with a handrail) to access the boat. Once aboard we set off on our intrepid puffin hunting adventure…

Now I hate to disappoint but we don’t actually see any puffins. Don’t be too sad though because we see a lot of seals! There can be up to 600 here in early summer and they love nothing more than lounging on the rocks like they own the place which I guess they kind of do (at least for part of the year anyway!)

As we circle the island we get an amazing view of the grey seals and being naturally inquisitive a few come surprisingly close to the boat. They honestly remind me of Teddy, only with less fur and longer whiskers!

We also get a great look at the Coquet Island lighthouse which was built in 1841 on the remains of a Benedictine Monastery. Incredibly, you can still spot parts of the original structure, the unpainted stones at the base of the lighthouse form part of a scheduled ancient monument. The last lighthouse keepers left the island in 1999 and it’s been automated ever since. Today, the island is now a safe haven for wildlife including puffins, terns and seals and only RSPB wardens are allowed to set foot on it.

The puffin cruise (even sans puffins) feels like the perfect way to round off a really fabulous 36 hours in Northumberland. Seals, sails and smiles – that’s my kind of happy ending!

From castles and coastlines to cosy cafés and quirky bookshops, Northumberland completely wins us over. We’ve only just scratched the surface, and it’s safe to say we’ll be back – next time with a bit more time, and maybe a few more castle interiors… maybe.

Have you ever visited Northumberland? What were your highlights? If you were planning a short trip like this, would you take a packed itinerary or a more relaxed, wander-and-see approach?

As always, all food, drink and experiences were independently paid for and all opinions are my own.

Well, April flew by in the blink of an eye. It was short but sweet – spring sprung, visitors visited and there was much fun in the kitchen. I am really ready for the yay of May but not before I take a quick look back at the month that was. Why don’t you grab a cuppa and join me?

Baking: This Rhubarb and Banana Loaf – so good!

Making: This ginger fudge for Bryan’s birthday. Recipe coming soon!

Cooking: And eating my way through my @emthenutritionist cookbooks. Can’t stop, won’t stop!

Drinking: This green beer – it was green but not mean!

Having: A very low key and relaxed Easter.

Going: To London for the day for a super fun bottomless brunch with my mate Bev.

Joining: Sherry and friends for this month’s edition of In My Kitchen.

Sharing: The recipe for these No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Pots.

Watching: Dan Levy’s Big Mistakes on Netflix. What a treat!

Listening: To Scouting For Girls, as always.

Seeing: The Choir of Man on a neighbours’ night out. Such a great show!

Loving: That the stage is a working bar so you can grab a drink and meet the cast before the show.

Hosting: The outlaws for a few days – it was lovely.

Enjoying: Countryside walks with Teddy.

Taking: The obligatory “blue box” photo in the grounds of Burghley House.

Liking: Longer, lighter evenings.

Disliking: The news. Nothing new there then.

Appreciating: Being able to take dinner photos in good light.

Selling: All my clothes that I don’t wear or don’t fit on Vinted. It’s like a full time job, LOL!

Getting: My 10,000 steps in with Teddy.

Worrying: About some of my friends who are going through it right now.

Wishing: I had a magic wand to make everything better.

Wondering: Where the time goes…

Looking: Forward to the yay of May.

Did April treat you well? What season is it where you are? And tell me, what are you looking forward to in May.

As months go, April was short but also sweet (at least in my kitchen wise) and here we are on the first day of May. How did we even get here? It feels like someone pressed the fast forward button on 2026 or is it just me?! Apart from the anticipation of all that a new month holds, the first of the month means it’s time to catch up with Sherry and friends, share what’s been happening in my kitchen and catch up with what’s happening in everyone else’s. Let’s get stuck in, shall we?!

First up, David belongs to his favourite craft beer pub’s Beer Club – kind of like a wine club but for beer -and every month collects a carefully curated six pack of different beers. I was thrilled to help him try this one – it tasted exactly like the candy shrimps and bananas I used to love when I was a kid!

In other news, I shared the recipe for these No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Pots. They are so yummy and so easy – bonus points for not even having to turn the oven on!

Rhubarb season is upon us and I for one could not be happier. I have unlimited access to my friend Nick’s rhubarb patch on his allotment and I’ve been putting it to good use. First up, is this Rhubarb and Banana Loaf – it’s incredibly moreish. I love the surprise chunks of rhubarb throughout the loaf. Nom, nom!

Still on the subject of rhubarb, I made these single (but very generous) serve apple and rhubarb crumbles. The beauty of these babies is that the crumble is made of two ingredients – butter and shortbread biscuits. So easy and soooo good! These have been big hits with my guests this month.

Talking of guests, we had the outlaws to stay which was lovely. Of course, I made my chicken pot pie which always pleases and feeds a crowd (and yes, when it comes to feeding, anything more than 2 is a crowd in this house!)

The outlaws took advantage of our relative proximity to Stansted Airport and went on a side trip to Madrid where Bryan celebrated his birthday. I was going to make him a birthday cake but instead I made him birthday rocky road – a fully loaded ginger version – because ginger nuts are his all time favourite biscuits. As he was turning 77, I chopped the rocky road to make his age in numbers. It went down a treat!

I also made a ginger version of my famous (at least to my friends and family) fudge. Bryan the ginger lover loved it, so did everyone else. I’ll share the recipe soon.

David’s mum bought us some sweet treats from Madrid – this coconut coated in caramelised sugar was irresistibly good.

I am having such a delicious time working my way through my @emthenutritionist cookbooks. We have eaten Em’s recipes almost exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner since October and I’m 20kg down and am thrilled with that. This Thai Red Coconut Gyoza Soup is one of our favourite recipes – you can find it here.

I am also loving daylight savings and being able to take semi-decent dinner photos again! Oh the joy! I tried Em’s salmon with sauce vierge (it literally means virgin sauce,) and it was perfect for the warmer weather we’ve been enjoying. I have been cooking salmon fillets in the air fryer and it’s been an absolute game changer! In case you’re wondering, I air fry my salmon for 8 minutes at 200C – perfect results every time!

In other news, Basil (my unoriginally named) Basil plant is still alive, for how long, I can’t be sure. Hopefully, I’ll be able to provide photographic proof of life next month – he’s really not looking his best now!

Anyhoo, that’s a wrap for this month. Let me know what’s been happening in your kitchen in the comments! I’m all ears.

Just when I thought my banana bread recipe collection was complete, rhubarb season rolled around and proved me wrong.

We’re lucky that our house backs on to some allotments and one of them belongs to our friend Nick who grows the most incredible rhubarb (he swears it’s because it’s right next to the compost.) He very kindly lets me help myself, so Teddy and I often wander over – he has a good sniff while I pick a few stalks.

Of course, it’s only fair to return the favour so I turned Nick’s rhubarb into this loaf and dropped it round to him. A fair trade, I think. He sized it up, mentally divided it into four and was very happy with his quarter-a-day plan.

Joking aside, this loaf is such an easy and delicious bake and one I’ve come back to so often recently because it’s perfect for using up those odds and ends – one egg, two small bananas and just a handful of rhubarb. This recipe is proof you don’t need much to make something worth sharing.

Please don’t skip the step of ‘flouring’ the rhubarb unless you want it all to sink to the bottom of your loaf. A quick toss in the flour helps keeps the pieces nicely distributed throughout.

Also all good things come to those who wait and that’s especially true with banana bread. As tempting as it is to cut into it straight from the oven, it’s worth letting it cool completely so it can firm up properly (and slice nicely too.)

This really is the perfect recipe to have in your repertoire when rhubarb season rolls around. And if you happen to have a generous rhubarb supplier nearby, even better!

Have you ever paired rhubarb with banana before? And are you a “save a slice for later” person, or more of a “cut it into quarters and tuck straight in” like Nick?

Ingredients

110g rhubarb, chopped into 1-2cm chunks

220g plain flour

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 heaped teaspoon cinnamon

75g butter, melted

150g caster sugar

1 egg

2 small, ripe bananas

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon demerara sugar, for sprinkling

How to – Traditional

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a small loaf (23 x 13cm) tin with baking paper.
2. Take 1 tablespoon of the flour and put into a small bowl with the chopped rhubarb. Toss to coat and set aside.
3. In a medium size bowl, mix the rest of the flour, bicarb, salt and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Then add the melted butter, sugar, egg and vanilla and mix together.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix gently until just combined.
6. Fold in the floured rhubarb.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake for 65-70 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. If the loaf is browning to quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
8. Allow to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

How to – Thermomix

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a small loaf tin (23 x 13cm) with baking paper.
2. Weigh the flour into the TM bowl. Take 1 tablespoon of the flour and put into a medium sized bowl with the chopped rhubarb. Toss to coat and set aside.
3. Add the bicarb, salt and cinnamon and mix for 5 seconds on speed 5. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Don’t worry about washing the TM bowl.
4. Add the butter to the TM bowl and melt for 3 minutes at 60C on speed 2. Check that all the butter has melted.
5. Add the sugar, egg, banana and vanilla and mix for 10 seconds on speed 4.
6. Add the dry ingredients and mix for 8 seconds on speed 4.
7. Fold through the floured rhubarb with the spatula.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake for 65 -70 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. If the loaf is browning to quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
9. Allow to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely – this helps firm up the loaf.