@GAZETTE_ #sundaybrunch

After our girly sleep over at my flat, we woke up to out tummy's rumbling. So after our tradition morning teas and coffee we headed over the bridge to Gazette Brasserie in Battersea. Tucked away off the river front this little french restaurant offers up some of the best breakfast I've had in a while. Plonking ourselves down outside in the sunshine we were eager to start ordering.

Just as exciting as the food were the drinks! Gaby ordered 'Liquid Sun'(Carrot, Apple and ginger tapioca pearl). It was heaven, I have to make this at home.

I was so impressed by their personalized glass water bottles for the tap water. So simple and chic, as the french generally are, it was a lovely touch and made even the water look irresistible. 

Rosie stuck to a virgin Blood Mary and I went for an old favorite, green tea. (Hopefully it will flush out the toxins from my previous bad behavior ;-) ).

However I was truly jealous of Sops drink. 'The next morning' (Apple, mint and ginger). She accidentally ordered 'The morning after' which left us in fits of giggles and the waiter feeling a little confused. 

We all went for eggs in some form. I ordered Cocotte Tomate Cerise, but opted for poached eggs instead of fried, because poached eggs feel a little more special. Gabs and Sop had Cocotte Champignons and Rosie went for a crepe filled with spinach, goats cheese, egg and tomatoes.

As the food arrived we all all went quite and totally focused on the job in hand....EATING. For me this is a sign of really good food. 

And look wouldn't you go quiet or these!!! I loved that mine came in a rustic red saucepan to match my tea pot. 

We scraped out plates, saucepans etc clean. Completely satisfied and comfortably full.

I'm 100% coming back here asap and I have a small feeling the other girly's  felt the same.

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Sands End Street Party SW6

This Saturday the Sands End Pub held its annual festival. I couldn't think of any other way I wanted to spend my Saturday than listening to a live band, drinking, eating and catching up with friends. 

Saturday Style Monrow Neon Tank, Mulberry bag, Topshop jeans, LK Bennett shoes!

I popped by Georgie's on my way there, which was only a hop skip and a jump away from the festival.

The first thing we came to was the urban beach, a totally genus idea!!! The streets were filled with great stalls offering food, spa treatments e.g a nail bar, games, music and drinks of course. The Elemis Spa Bus was a huge success and had women queuing around the corner. 

The street was teaming people and the vibe was electric with excited energy. Smiling people meeting and greeting and having a good old knees up.

Of course Pimm's was our drink of choice, grabbing a couple of jugs full our thirst was soon quenched. 

Now the Sands End is famous, and I'm talking world renowned for their Scotch eggs. Crispy on the outside with runny oozing yoke in the middle, rich and delicious. They make the perfect Saturday afternoon snack. 

Sands ends photo

However scotch eggs were not the only thing on offer, oh no. The sausage rolls looked extremely tempting, perfectly golden puff pastry encasing a juicy Cumberland sausage.

Of course all meals or savory eats need a sweet ending and Judes offered up some tasty treats. From nutty brownies to the perfect cupcakes and of course their ice cream (lovingly made in Hampshire, aka my home county, mummy is a massive fan).

Whilst wondering around with Miss Al Sopwith we came across a Jamaican stall. Offering a freshly squeezed sugar cane drink. First trying it raw I was intrigued. 

They crushed out the sugar cane and poured the juice into my cup, along with lime, lemon and soda water and ice.

I was told to go into the pub and add a shot of dark rum. I didn't have to told twice. I love to get into the spirit of things. It was so sweet but fresh and zingy, the perfect drink for a street party.

The rain came right at the end of the day which was perfect timing...FEW. So we all rushed inside the pub to carry on our Saturday nights. 

They day was a massive success and smiles were beaming all around. I think I've found a new tradition, I can't wait till next year!!!

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Maxibon

While I was in Spain Chris developed rather a fetish for the icecream treat 'Maxibon'. So I thought lets try and make a home made one in dedication to him.

After a quick dash around Sainsburys I had the necessary ingredients to get started:

• Chocolate,
• Chocolate drops 162g
• Soft Brown Sugar 100g
• Butter 85g
• Eggs 1
• Plain flour 125g
• Bicarbonate of soda 1/2 tsp
• Vanilla essence 1/2tsp
• Cookie dough Ice cream
• Crushed almonds
• A pinch of salt

I started by melting the chocolate over warm water and added the chopped almonds. Then giving them a good mix until they were evening spreed out.

I them Spread the mixture over a tray and placed it into the freezer to set. Also preheating the oven to 170 C / Gas mark 3 and lining the baking tray with parchment.

I creamed together the  butter, brown sugar and caster sugar until well blended.

Then I added the beaten egg until light and creamy and added the vanilla essence.

Folding in the flour and Bicarb until just blended.

Finally I stirred in the chocolate chips. I had to eat a few along the way and of course lick the bowl, chefs treats obvi!!! 

I spread the mixture over the baking parchment and pop it into the oven for 20mins abouts. I can't tell you how yummy it smelt.

Taking it out the oven and leaving to cool came next, but once everything was chilled and set. I began to build or more like sculpt. 

I then cut even shapes out of the chocolate slap and worlds biggest cookie, and whipping out the ice cream I sandwiched it between my cookies and chocolate.

100% indulgent, devilishly naughty and oh so yummy. Bon appetite. 

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