It has been a long time since my last post - I have been so busy with various things on the go, not mention a few long weekends away. We had a lovely long weekend in Bridlington and then another long weekend in Norfolk - nothing better than being on the coast enjoying fresh fish and chips. I also started a book club a few months go and everyone gets a turn to host the evening which also gives me a chance to try some new recipes - tomato, basil pesto and feta tart, hazelnut puff pastry wheels, butternut and beetroot salad with feta and pine nuts. I love to entertain and I am busy planning a Gatsby inspired evening when the latest version is released on DVD later this year.

Cumin, butternut and carrot soup

I tried a new recipe this weekend - cumin, butternut and carrot soup with a hint of chill 1 large onion chopped finely 3 cloves of garlic chopped finely 1 tsp of ground cumin 1 tsp of ground ginger 1 tsp of coriander 1 red chilli deseeded and chopped (optionally) 1 medium size butternut cubed 500g of carrots cubed 1 1/2 litre vegetable or chicken stock Fry the onion and garlic with frylight in a pan Add the cumin, ginger, chilli, butternut and carrots to the pan Pour the stock over it and bring it to the boil Simmer for 10 minutes but I generally simmer for longer than 10 minutes Pour into a blender and blend until smooth Fresh coriander for decoration I have freezed the soup in 4 individual portions

One year on....

This past week, I have celebrated my 36th birthday, Valentines Day twice just because we could and on Friday, 15th February it was exactly a year since I became a British citizen. I cannot believe that it has been a year since I pledged my allegiance to the Queen.

2013 - a new year

It has been so long - 2012 was a year filled with mixed emotions, hospital appointments and a lovely summer with my mom and fabulous husband. So 2013 brings us hope, new adventures and endless love - bring it on - I know that it is going to be a good year for us!!!