Oh my goodness, how long is it since I last blogged! I’ve been enjoying an extended holiday season in Southwold and North Norfolk. I should have got blogging last week, but my son made friends with a gang of kids at the Norfolk cottage, while there was no looting – he is only 3, he did go to bed later than ususal and gave me little time to relax in the evening. I’ve got myself together now we’re back at home and here are some of holiday food highlights.
First of all a big thank you to Gill at Cupcakes To Your Door, who asked me to test the delivery of her cakes. Basically, this involved me being sent cakes, photographing them for Gill and yes, eating them! It’s a hard life! While we were away in Southwold Gill sent us a delivery of cakes and it was a happy coincidence that they arrived on my birthday – no forward planning at all! The photographs were taken on the beach, where we opened the parcel and enjoyed our cakes with a cup of tea from the harbour kiosk. Gill made my George some special Teddy Bear cakes, thanks so much!
We took our Campervan with us on holiday and this meant plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic and a fresh cup of tea. Everyday my Dad went out to buy fresh sandwich ingredients and I packed up the van so that while we were out I could make the sandwiches. It became my mobile kitchen. We found it easier than trying to get the sandwiches made as well as packing everything for the day ahead – I had a lot to organise already with my son only just out of nappies – lots of spare clothes to pack!
While in Norfolk we made a trip to Cookies Crab Shop. I wrote about them last year and you can read that blog here. They smoke their own fish and you can eat in their tiny restaurant or take away a platter which we call ‘A Smoked Fish Tea’. It is the healthiest take away I’ve ever eaten.
Another highlight was visiting Hindringham Hall for the first time. Its moated gardens are open every Wednesday from April to October.
The Lady of the house has opened a tiny tea shop in an out building and provides her beautiful collection of china to be used. We were enchanted by the mismatched selection we used and even my 3 year old son appreciated the crockery.
Finally, a regular place for us to visit is the Stiffkey Stores, which is, of course, in Stiffkey. It is run by a young couple and we first found this gem 2009 when our baby boy was only 11 weeks old. The shop is unique, crammed full of unusual and very pretty gifts, as well as serving tea and cake. I tried their Peanut Butter Blondie, I never used to eat peanut butter but thanks to Sainsbury’s for asking me to try their Feed Your Family Meal Plan, which included peanut butter and toast for breakfast, I now love it. I will definitely be researching this delicious ‘blondie’ and trying to make my own version soon.
You can take a look inside the shop by visiting their facebook page and checking out their photos.
Do you have any holiday food highlights?
