Weekly Love: Week 115
Wow a lot has happened since I last wrote a Weekly Love intro. I’ve been working on so many exciting projects that should be coming up in the next few months for you all. I’ve also filmed my first ever cooking video in collaboration with the team at Voucher Codes, and I simply can’t wait to get the footage! With that, other food events (see below), and some politics and other business things too, my first week was mental, so this week I’ve just been trying to spend some time in my flat, catching up with university work and getting really stuck into my dissertation research. On that track, I’m going to be spending a lot of time in the research library of The Globe Theatre next week, so to go food recommendations on Southbank would be much appreciated!
1. The perfect Sunday brunch at Jamie Oliver’s Recipease in Notting Hill. Review to follow, probably on Friday. | 2. Getting ready in black tie for the first time in forever. The dress is pretty old and from L.K. Bennett and the necklace was made by a small independent designer in Villefranche in the South of France. | 3. A little snapshot of my current cookbook rotation including my latest acquisition, Gizzi Erskine’s Skinny Weeks & Weekend Feasts, James Morton’s Brilliant Bread that I am still obsessed by, One by Florence Knight which I have not made a single thing from that was not delicious yet, The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook which I think has to be my most used cookbook, and The Joy The Baker Cookbook that I still have at the top of my pile a year on. | 4. Spending the afternoon with Costa Coffee trying out some of their up and coming Christmas drinks. Here we have a simply divine raspberry chocolate torte and a Salted Caramel & Cream Latte. All Christmas drinks available November 7th, Hot Spiced Apple with Star Anise & Cinnamon Stick available from next Saturday (26th!) | 5. From the day with Costa, a simply perfectly cooked starter of roasted scallops at Gauthier. | 6. In the studio with voucher codes. I can’t wait to share the video with you all!
- James Morton talks a bit about the process behind going from the Bake Off to his book, Brilliant Bread. (You can find me review and a recipe from it here.) He also blogs about how awesome is is to bake bread in pots. This is something I need to try in the AGA at some point.
- How The Great British Bake Off has changed Britain.
- As National Chocolate Week draws to a close, Flavour First sits down with Angus Thirlwell to talk about growing cocoa and his company Hotel Chocolat, who are my favourite chocolatier. I actually met him at their Christmas preview last night, and if anything I am even more impressed with what the company are doing with the cocoa growers on their St. Lucia estate.
- The history of Happy Hour.
- I usually don’t fall for editorials anymore, but this one from Elle Russia is pretty special.
- Joy The Baker explains to us the difference between Baking Powder and Bicarbonate of Soda. Also, Natural vs. Dutch Pressed Cocoa Powder.
- Fantastic food blog Lookbook Cookbook features fun gluten, dairy and soy free desserts being enjoyed by models. Not your average food photography.
- Tania’s photos are reasons enough to visit Borough Market.
- Searching for her Meringue post, I stumbled across the ‘Foundations’ page of one of my favourite baking blogs Poires Au Chocolat, were Emma does step by steps for kitchen basics like rubbing in, making rough puff pastry and chocolate ganache.
- Lucy took some absolutely beautiful photos in Stockholm.
- A new brunch spot I’ve earmarked for my next trip to LA: Salt Air in Venice.
7. The sun going down after an afternoon lazing around pubs in Richmond. This was the view of the river outside The White Cross, who do an amazing tempura squid. | 8. A decedent warm brownie dessert with raspberry sauce and the most amazing ginger ice cream at another brilliant Richmond pub, The Shaftesbury Arms. I also recommend their Venison & Pork burger. | 9. Relaxing after class with a glass of Sancerre and Waitrose Magazine. | 10. A box with every chocolate sold at Hotel Chocolat, retailing at £350 at their Christmas preview. | 11. A quick rub for chicken thighs made with five different herbs, lots of garlic and fresh chilli. | 12. Words of wisdom on the London Underground.
- These photos of the Amalfi coast are simply breathtaking, and remind me why it is one of the best places I have ever visited, and why I really want to go back again.
- The amazing Joy The Baker now does video with her first web show, Bonkers Awesome. In the brilliant first episode she goes behind the scenes at Los Angeles’ Clementine Bakery to make their signature chocolate chip cookies. (US only, but she told me she’s working on that.) Also, she helps make someones wedding cake in another episode I learnt a lot from.
- And yet more Joy The Baker, she travels with her own Carry-on Kitchen. I love her even more.
- How to survive a shopping trip to Forever 21. Honestly, I’ve just given up.
- Lessons from a Florentine farmers market.
- How to choose the right red wine to drink.
- If you live in Paris and you need a Mexican food fix, Candelaria is where you need to visit.
- When I was living in LA I made it up to the Getty Villa, but I never actually made it to the Getty Museum. Judging from Rose’s photos, I need to make it a priority on my next trip. Also, another thing Rose has written about that I never made it to, First Fridays on Abbot Kinney.
- 6 Peruvian Dishes You Really Need To Know About.
- Benedict Cumberbatch and Jimmy Fallon do Alan Rickman impressions.
- Carrie has teamed up with Nikon to help us all get to know our DSLR’s a little better.
- Into The Gloss talks to Emily Schuman about the history and some of the business behind her uber successful lifestyle blog Cupcakes & Cashmere.
What have you been enjoying this week, and what do you have planned for the weekend? London for me this weekend, hanging out at a friends birthday drinks on Saturday, then brunch with one of my best friends in Hoxton on Sunday morning, with plans to meander around to Columbia Road Flower Market afterwards!
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