You're having a laugh...

If you're anything like me, then you'll have been a happy bunny over the past few days - enjoying the gorgeous late (very) summer weather, in London.  I was beginning to think that the s(ummer) word no longer had a place in our vocabulary.

Well,  September was also back-to-school time.  Even if that no longer features significantly in your life, think again... It can prove great fun and a brilliant source of autumnal/winter inspiration, to take a step back and consider (that old cliché) evening classes.  There's so much to choose from... 

An option I can heartily recommend, is to go for a stand-up comedy course.  I signed-up for classes, a few years back, at Richmond's Parkshot with excellent tutor, Tony Kirwood.  We were a very diverse bunch of students, ranging in age from 17-70(!); every class was a great laugh (combined with some high anxiety levels...).  It was a brilliant way to inject some sunshine into the grey winter months. 

Although I never had any intention of going on the circuit (oh no - not for me - I'm far too much of a 'corpser') I wanted to try my hand at topical comedy writing and I loved it...  The class put on a very well-received end-of-term show and one of the group - Jude Mahon - made it to the finals of that year's Funny Women competition.

Berried Treasure...

Normally, I’m quite a purist and prefer to blend my own smoothies tailoring them to my taste, mood and ingredients. But, there are times when practicality takes precedence… The other day, out-and-about, late afternoon and all I’d eaten was a piece of fruit. So, thirsty and a little hungry, at the same time, I searched for a snack.

At the supermarket, an intriguing variant caught my eye.  Innocent’s breakfast thickie wasn’t a guaranteed winner but I gave it a try and was happy I did! Lusciously berried, not-too-sweet; the raspberries and blueberries married perfectly with probiotic yogurt and oats.

I’ve been familiar with Innocent since their inception; I love their fun, no-nonsense, practical, healthy approach, quirky sense-of-humour (and tasty products). I admire their quite unique and innovative business model, how they haven't been spoilt by success or strayed from their orignal ethos and how they give back to deserving projects.  A delicious inspiration!

Moorish meanderings

Anyone wandering through the Market Place in Kingston upon Thames yesterday, could have been forgiven for rubbing their eyes and thinking they had been magically transported to the streets of North Africa. Enticing spicy aromas assailed the nostrils, rhythmic beats accompanied the scents, groovy handmade leather goods beckoned, as did prettily embellished bowls and impressive, brightly coloured, earthenware tagines.

Pleasurable, whether you wanted to relieve your hunger pangs with a portion of meat or vegetable tagine (the food looked and smelt tantalising) or simply felt inspired to pick-up a packet of authentic ras el hanout spice mix, to create your own Moroccan-influenced delights - at home...  

Beautiful, sunny weather enhanced the Moorish experience.  It was a fittingly memorable ending to the Kingston Food Festival's annual three-week run.  I'll miss it!  If you're in the area, this time next year, prepare to have your appetite whetted...

Market Driven - part two...

My market-themed weekend continued on Sunday with another one-off event, also held in celebration of the Kingston Food Festival. This time it was Fairtrade-focused: a joy - on many levels - highlighting some local foodie stars including Riverside Vegetaria (who produced the most delicious aubergine dip, as an introductory taste experience of their restaurant delights…); Montezuma's also did a roaring trade with white and dark chocolate samples to tantalise the sweet-toothed visitor. Neighbourhood allotment growers were on hand to inform, inspire and offer tastes of their freshly-picked produce.

I spent a very happy time exploring (and sniffing-out) the wonderful fresh herb stall, with myriad varieties (rare and mainstream) for cooking and medicinal purposes. The chocolate mint and lemon balm were especially fragrant… I left with some wonderful oregano, and a pretty chilli plant, to enhance my autumn dishes and add to my herb garden repertoire.

Market Driven - part one...

On Saturday, as part of the Kingston Food Festival (which runs until 20th September) I had the happy experience of discovering a wonderful, one-off, Farmers' Market in the pretty Ancient Market Square. It seemed to be a great success; a real pleasure to see, and taste, seasonal produce, from artisan producers and growers located within 100 miles of the M25.

I was thrilled to find my favourite russet apples on sale (first of the season and totally scrumptious, with a very crisp texture and slightly 'nutty’ taste). I also relished some wonderful fresh Buffalo cheese - amongst the best I have ever bought or savoured - expensive but well worth it.

Other appealing stalls included the chilli stand with pretty plants and a range of fresh varieties; fabulous goats cheese from petite crottin to larger examples - plain, herbed, ash-coated and peppered.

Note to organisers: please, make it a regular event here!