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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Salsa

This salsa is one of my go to things in the summer. So fresh, and packed full of flavour. I love making it for BBQs as a side, or popping it on top of some toasted bruschetta with goats cheese. It pretty much goes with everything and it's so quick and easy.
You will need;1 Lemon1 Red onion2 Spring onions1/2 a Shallot 2 small sweet peppers (never green these are just unripe peppers)LOTS of tomatoesA big bunch of Basil (I'm totally obsessed with this herb it's my go to for cooking) A big pinch of chill salt or normal saltBlack pepper and lots of itOlive Oil 

Simply finely chop up it all or chuck it all in the blender! 

Add a good squeeze of lemon

And season to taste, I love pepper and always add lots, tomatoes love salt it enhances their flavour.

Finally add a good glug of Olive oil and mix it all up!!!

Your done enjoy.....

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BBQ Babes

I was over the moon when my Facebook popped up with a message from Gaby saying, 'BBQ at mine Wednesday night.'I didn't have to think twice about it. I was there.With itchy feet I made a mad dash from work, determined to soak up the evening sun in Gaby's garden and have a good old gossip with my nearest and dearest.

BIG HUGS were issued on arrival and even bigger grins.

With the BBQ wafting smells in all directions our mouths were watering and we soon tucked in.
The sausages we cooked to perfection and Chloe and Al had made the most amazing nibbles, I could have had them all!

Gaby was the prefect host and it was such a nice way to spend a sunny English evening.

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