The holiday that never was ...

Last November we booked flights to make a long overdue visit to our dear friends in North Carolina, scheduled for May 2020 ... here's what happened next. 

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Dorset Apple Cake … the verdict

This cake recipe does exactly what it says on the cake tin and then some.

I served it to friends as a dessert with clotted cream – silence is the best feedback in my home – they loved it.

Backtracking the Dorset Apple Cake I found in Lyme Regis was good but a little too sticky and may be too dense. Hand on heart this version was better - it had a delicious richness with just a hint of cinnamon, just right. Sticky, treacly from the muscovado sugar, not too Christmassy but you can't help but think it would be perfect as an alternative if you're not a lover of the heavier, classic Christmas Cake if you'd like an apple alternative this could be the cake for you.

The cooking apples don't taste like cooking apples, they are soft and taste like plump pieces of squidgy toffee apples.

More pluses :

this cake is good warm or cold – serve with vanilla

ice cream, clotted cream, custard or a combination of all

three

it keeps well. I made it on a Friday, wrapped in foil – twice.

By Tuesday it was as good as Friday – just that there were

only two portions left!

In conclusion – I'm not a huge cake eater but I loved this. It's a perfect Autumn comfort blanket with a cuppa on a chilly afternoon.

Photos up next.

My pending tray …

For those who've been used to paperwork of any kind you'll know what I mean – in theory a pending tray holds the stuff that can wait, which you promptly then forget, it gets buried and then becomes urgent.

I have a cookery pending tray which is not as dramatic – it's the stuff I want to cook or ideas I have scribbled down as an outline that I want to develop when I have the time. Part of the contents of my pending tray are ideas and research I've brought back from holidays. One of my favourite holiday habits is to research food or local delicacies before arriving. I don't want to waste time or forget a thing – it's like a picture postcard but with food.

As I've already mentioned earlier this summer we had our first holiday in Dorset – you know because I've droned on and on about the Hive Beach Café. My Dorset research told me about Dorset Apple Cake. I love a mission or a treasure hunt and this sounded just the job - the sort of cake we like – not light and fluffy! It uses cooking apples so not overtly sweet. I'm on the case.

Some time later … it wasn't easy to find but eventually I bought a huge slice from a bakery in the centre of Lyme Regis. It was as described, dark, moist and delicious.

Dorset is a large County and has its fair share of celebrity chefs and their restaurants – I think I prefer researching cake.

Top of the heap in the pending tray!

Hive Beach Café … and finally

We didn't go for lunch but went twice for breakfast. Our gang chose the Chesil Smokeries kippers, the Hive Beach (English) Breakfast and the Vegan Field Mushrooms with melted vegan cheese on toasted sourdough – verdict – yum!

Honestly a week wasn't long enough. There are so many coastal paths to walk – we could have stayed in Hive Beach alone for a week.

A word to the wise … the beaches vary and get mixed reviews. Alot have large pebbles which are difficult to negotiate both for humans and dogs alike.

There are other “branches” :

The Club House

West Bexington

Watch House Café,

West Bay, Bridport

Check out their website – www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk

for comprehensive information

Just before I finish I should mention another gem – Felicity's Farm Shop – the perfect stop off on the way back from Hive Beach to Lyme Regis on the A35 at Morcombelake, DT6 6DJ. An Aladdin's Cave of fantastic local produce – the fruit and vegetables are as fresh as you can get, the bread too and the icing on the cake – this is a rare thing – the best flat white I've ever had in a paper cup! I'm sure you won't be surprised to know that we called in more than once and this is the view you can enjoy sat outside drinking your coffee!

not too shabby!

Www.felicitysfarmshop.co.uk

Hive Beach Café

If you like a relaxed, chill-out kinda thing, this is the place for you.

A small amount of planning is required, they don't take bookings so if you're not an early bird be prepared to queue.

Opening hours are – Sunday and Monday 9.30 – 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 – 8pm.

They open for breakfast – 9.30 – 11am. They re-open for lunch – 12 – 3pm, Late lunch/dinner – 4 – 7pm.

They do exactly what they say, everything is sourced – or caught – locally. I realise you have to like fish, but if you're not that keen you can have poached eggs on toast for breakfast!

I have to say the best poached eggs I've had in years. No moulds or fancy kit, they'd been poached au naturel – the colour of the yolk was stunning and the flavour positively wonderful. I'd go back for the eggs alone. If however you're partial to smoked salmon, try the Smoked Salmon Benedict – outstanding and generous in every way.

I didn't want to let the side down and so couldn't leave without popping in to the shop. I had to buy Rose their home-made dog biscuits (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). H's treat was a mixed carrier of the Hive Beach lager, beer and cider. My treat – no prizes – a copy of the Hive Beach Cookery Book.

you'd have been

disappointed had I not treated myself

It's been a while since I've been enthusiastic about trying out recipes – there are a few so hang on to your hats!

The Holiday Snaps – Part II

A view of Hive Beach Café from the

beach

Inside the Café

The morning catch, complete with samphire

There's a shop!

The Menu

Rose watching breakfast!

Best of all, your view from the Café

It's going to be difficult to top this!

The Holiday Snaps – Part I

… from the beginning with a contribution from Rose too :

The view from the back of the house -

stunning don't you think?

The honey bees loved the lavender on the

terrace

and from Rose :

It's really hard trying to relax but I

found myself a favourite chair

My first visit to Hive Beach and the sea x 2

the cliffs on the left and the sky, sea and sand

More to follow!

Bits and bats and time for a recce!

I'd never been to Dorset and was excited. A smidge of background, just in case you should be tempted to visit. Lyme Regis is actually on the Dorset-Devon border – very convenient for hopping backwards and forwards! It's famous for heaps of stuff. If you fancy yourself as an amateur paleontologist there are fossils on the cliffs and beaches and the coastline, the Jurassic Coast, is stunning. Not for nothing though are there warnings “Do not walk under the cliffs they are dangerous and could cause injury or death”! It does get your attention.

Most famous for me is the harbour wall – “The Cobb” with which I became acquainted from the John Fowles' 1969 novel previously mentioned. Part of the film of the book, made in 1981, is shot in the town.

More recently the television crime drama Broadchurch was filmed mainly at West Bay – not surprising when you see the spectacular cliffs – the Jurassic Coast at its most magnificent.

It's Sunday morning and the weather is set fair – time for our first adventure. Travelling east from Lyme Regis on the A35 towards Bridport we take the B3157 – past West Bay, carry on to Burton Bradstock and we've reached our destination – Hive Beach and the Café!

I hope I've helped you get your bearings.

Apart from the recommendation for the Café its other attraction and in fact a double whammy, is that the beach allows dogs and the Café does too! We were not disappointed. There's an ample car park next to the beach and the Café.

I think the best I can do is show you the photos from the beginning and you can make up your own mind!

Holiday time again!

Last year I reported on the Island of Anglesey. This year our travels have taken us to Dorset – it's as easy as sticking a pin in a map and see what you come up with.

Our mission in recent times has been to choose beach holidays in the UK so we can take Rose and not have to wrestle with hanging around at airports and having to leave our dog behind.

Our choice was governed therefore, by two criteria, it had to be near a beach and the sea and it had to be a place in the UK that neither of us knew – new adventures!

We chose Lyme Regis in Dorset and that choice came from John Fowles' novel, The French Lieutenant's Woman – a classic that I read in the early 70s – I shall pass over the film …

I digress. We rented a large house with parking and off we jolly well went. Rose packed her bucket, spade and a selection of balls for the beach!

As one does when going on hols you make sure your hairdressing appointment is before you go – am I glad I did. My hairdresser Steve hails from this neck of the woods and before I left the salon he reminded me he'd recommended a great place to eat, on the beach, near to Lyme and was kind enough to give me the name.

Top of my wish list is a dog friendly place to eat – a great location is a bonus oh and of course the food has to be good – not hi falutin' or posh, just good! Steve assured me that The Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock was a yes, yes and a yes!

Thank you Steve … what an absolute gem! There's a shed load of Rocky Road heading your way.

Fancy a weekend away?

If you like the Autumn colours and enjoy a walk, or even a hike if you're really fit, then there's nowhere better than the Peak District. I admit to bias – it's my home turf. The Peak District National Park begins in South Derbyshire in Ashbourne, Matlock to the East, Buxton and then Glossop further North West. The Park spans 555 miles, mostly in Derbyshire but does extend into Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire. If you should venture near Glossop then I've got the perfect solution for your evening dining.

I should explain that our favourite restaurant has been sold – a sad day. However, I'm thrilled to say that Julia Ballone has opened a new establishment The Italian in High Street West, Glossop. When I visit my Sis we always treat ourselves to supper out. We decided to go say hello – it would be rude not to!

Apart from trying to enter through the wrong door – never could get my bearings – we were greeted by Julia and welcomed into a contemporary yet at the same time cosy setting – not easy to achieve.

Here's what you see :

Food choices on their way!

A breakfast treat

The kids wanted to take us to a fab place they'd found in Southport – only minutes from where they live in Birkdale.

First up, and most importantly, the establishment allowed well behaved dogs – gets my vote, off to a good start.

May I introduce you to Bistrot Pierre.

To say I was impressed with the décor is an understatement. I'm not going to waffle on, have a look at these photos, decide for yourself!

We chose Brioche et champignons – with or without Alsace bacon – veggie or not and Pancakes with Maple syrup, Mascarpone and fresh berries. £5.95 and £4.95 respectively.

One word – excellent. Not just the food, the surroundings speak for themselves – the staff were lovely, couldn't do enough. We'll definitely be returning.

If you're in that neck of the woods, I'd highly recommend it.

The moral of this missive ...

… speed was essential here – I hadn't got the time before I went away to do anything la-di-da or fancy and I now realise the benefits – it's a win, win and oh a win.

Other than the slow cooking of the braising steak there's no work involved - the mash and turning the stock into a gravy beyond all gravies is easy, peasy.

In dividing the steak and stock in two if I haven't heard by the time I return home what the arrangements are I'll just pull out one steak and one stock for H's supper.

Then of course it might be a “sarnie situation”. H is despatched to the butchers to corner the bacon market.

We've now got it all covered. I hope you're keeping track here.

Safe journey home from Whizzer's – there's nothing quite like a mission!

Still no word about arrangements so as already mentioned I pulled out steak and stock. Lunchtime – with apologies for lateness it's an overnight stay if that's okay – of course it is. Break neck speed to the freezer retrieving remaining steak and stock.

Just the mashed potatoes and reduce the stock for gravy to do later. It's a good job I pulled out a frozen cheese sauce to go with a beautiful cauliflower – just in case. Note to self, steam the cauliflower whole, set the timer for 20 minutes then lift out and leave on several layers of of kitchen roll to enable it to drain completely.

… and breathe.

Here's the dish :

Served with cauliflower cheese and petit pois.

Verdict … “beautiful”.

Was it worth the fifteen minutes I spent prepping the braising steak for the slow cooker … you betcha!

P.s. You might want to offer your guests a spoon too, to scoop up the leftover gravy. In the North we have a less refined custom but much more satisfying – use small pieces of crusty bread to dip and mop up the remains.

Have you ever …

waited ages for a bus or a train and then three come along all at once?

It's the same in our house with visitors – there must be something in the air!

I'm off to visit my Sister for a few days – after all we girls deserve a spot of retail therapy and bargain hunting.

Before I set off we do our usual “catch up, is everyone ok” call to the big kids who remind us they are away shortly, in Sussex on a mini break. They ask if they can break their return journey home and pop in to see us. Their journey home is not just around the corner – 5 hours – 270 miles approximately and that's on a good day with the wind in the right direction! That's code for food too – I say this with love since there is no greater pleasure for me than to cook for people who appreciate it and they do.

Erm, then I realise I can't be in two places at once – in particular cooking at home for lunch on Saturday or it may be an evening meal and an overnight stay. Crikey, sort this one out.

A brainwave … slow cook braising steak, freeze the steak and the stock. Boom!

I make sure I add Maris Piper potatoes to the shopping list – mashed potatoes is another good idea.

Done and done.

Fast forward – I'm now with my Sister and bringing her up to speed. I'm trying to explain how I'm going to serve the dish – keep it simple - in a large bowl so that it's easy to control. A generous portion of mashed potato and an even more generous ladle of steak and gravy - “Oh, says Whizzer (my nickname for my Sister) it sounds like an upside down shepherd's pie.”

Genius!

Chippy Quest – the photos

As is usual – here's the proof :

I don't think I've forgotten anything – oh and by the way – I'm not on commission – just reporting in for those out there who like good food, reasonably priced and the smile is for free!

My continuing chippy quest!

You'd think it remiss of me not to check out the chippy situation whilst on holiday.

Mission accomplished!

Scarlett's Fish & Chip Shop is located in the High Street in Rhosneigr, Anglesey. It has an area to eat in and your dog is welcome too. The shop is immaculately clean and the staff are lovely. Not a surprise they hold a Fish & Chip Quality Award – Five Star.

It is definitely what you'd call traditional – keep it simple is my motto and they do just that.

What I really loved was they use no plastic or polystyrene in their packing – they use biodegradable containers that are microwavable and feel like cardboard – even the forks are biodegradable. It's a long time since fish and chips were wrapped in newspaper – they seemed to taste better that way or may be it's just nostalgia – the bio version is fantastic – I hated the squeaky polystyrene containers - hats off to Scarlett's.

We visited twice during our stay – it was top class on both occasions. The best curry sauce I've had in a long time – excepting my own!

Photos next ...

Island of Anglesey – Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a beautiful town in the east of Anglesey and is steeped in history, check out the Castle.

Here are a couple of photos - one taken from the pier looking back into the town and the other to the sea :

If it's a spot of retail therapy you're after then Beaumaris is the place – unusual these days I know – it has real shops – perfect for a holiday mooch around.

Here's my discovery - “The Little Chilli Shop” 4 Church Street Beaumaris.

I met the lovely Suzanne who was so helpful. Apart from all things chilli Suzanne has a wide variety of spices. What a find – I'm always on the look out for star anise powder. I love the whole spice but the powder is really useful for making marinades. 100g later I'm a very happy person. They grow their own chillies and make the products - and much more besides.

I'd definitely recommend you visit!

Summertime and the livin' is easy …

to quote Gershwin's Porgy and Bess – haven't seen any fish jumpin' but you can't have everything!

Who'd have thought we'd be in the middle of a heatwave in the UK and here I am on holiday on the Island of Anglesey in North Wales – for those not familiar, it's off the mainland's northwest coast. Access to the island is by either the Menai Suspension Bridge or the Britannia Bridge. We are staying in Rhosneigr which is in the south, in an “upside down” house with a perfect view of the sea, which is literally two minutes away.

I know that everything I do is food related but it's really difficult to predict what provisions to take when you're self-catering. I have no intention of spending my holiday shopping for food and so gave some thought to bits and pieces that I thought would appeal. Don't get me wrong we'll be out to eat too but now and again it's nice to relax and to be able to throw together something quick, easy and tasty.

My two hits were to take the wherewithal to produce a giant platter of a prawn cocktail – everyone can dig in! The other was a smoked mackerel paté. I've made this paté for years – there are two excellent benefits – it's actually healthy – you'd never know!

Here's the recipe again for ease of reference :

Smoked Mackerel Paté

250g smoked mackerel

250g Quark

glug of lemon juice

freshly ground black pepper

2 tsps creamed horseradish

Peel the skin from the back of the mackerel, break the fillets into small pieces and place in a food processor. Add the Quark and blitz with the mackerel, then add the lemon juice, black pepper and horseradish, blitz again. You can gauge the consistency of the paté to your personal taste.

Hold the front page – there are new Quark flavours – Cherry Tomato & Basil and Garlic & Herb in 250g pots – there's a vanilla version too. I used the garlic and herb in my holiday paté instead of the plain. I know I shouldn't say so but it really was delicious. If you want versatility and get your Omega 3 hit from the mackerel, this is for you. Add whatever you want – finely chopped sweet onion and sliced black olives are my favourites – fold through after you've blitzed.

Spread on whatever you like best – any savoury biscuit – on toast – on cheese flavoured oakcakes or for the ultimate indulgence – freshly baked bread.

You won't be sorry.

More holiday stuff ...

Summer Holidays …

… and Rose came too.

For the last two years we've decided that whatever else we decide to do, we're taking at least one holiday in the UK, ticking off places we've had on our “holiday bucket list”.

If you're taking the dog then you need to book early, especially if you want a nice “home from home”. If you're fortunate enough to have family or friends to share with you then so much the better.

There's probably one downside to this scenario. You're self catering, or at least in part. After the initial glow has worn off and you really can't be bothered to get ready to go out you still need to eat.

We usually aim to sample the local delicacy on the day of arrival – too tired to think about anything complicated.

Balance is required – how big is your car – can you stand the stress of “will it all fit in” - you don't want to bring it all back – unless you want the most well travelled smoked salmon known to man!

Having done this a few times I thought I'd share a few ideas.

Basic breakfast stuff is a good start. You don't have to take a huge box of cereal unless of course you know you'll use it all. I asked H to pour himself a portion which I weighed and then x the number of days required. Please don't shout at me for stating the obvious – there may be someone out there who might think it's a good shout.

Lunches in – or picnics out. They can be so boring – I gave some thought to what would go down well and came up with what might sound obvious – a cheese scone. I don't know many people who don't enjoy a scone and I've used the same recipe for the best part of 15 years and it never fails.

It's not mine I hasten to add … it's coming next.

The Whitby Chronicles – Thursday

I jest not – it's still raining. Being of northern stock I like to think I'm used to rain … how wrong can a girl be!

I don't think any of us have changed plans so frequently as we have in the last couple of days – originally our stay was until Saturday, leaving at 10am. Since the forecast isn't looking much better we've changed our dinner reservation at Sarah's from tomorrow evening to tonight and we've decided to head home tomorrow.

We are going to make the most of our last day and have decided to visit Robin Hood's Bay (RHB) and Scarborough.

On arrival at RHB, as is the norm, park at the top and a steep walk down to the bay. Just in case you think I'm being a drama queen about the weather - here's a photo I took at the top – I had thought that the lamp post had been hit by a vehicle - now I think it leans because it's weather beaten by the wind and rain! You can see it's a tad inclement.

RBH is charming, despite the rugged North Sea at its best.

It's very pretty, all sorts of nooks and crannies, like these steps to the Museum of Local History – as you can see, it's always a climb.

Back to the top and we are in need of sustenance so, spotting The Victoria Hotel opposite the car park and advertising a Tea Room we decided to pop in and ask if they welcomed dogs. Absolutely – what would have been a “snug” back in the day at the front of the hotel is now a Tea Room with comfy sofas and chairs. We were all very damp but it made no difference to the hospitality - revived with coffee, cake and scones we set off for Scarborough.

Thank you The Victoria Hotel, Station Road, Robin Hood's Bay, YO22 4RL.

Scarborough was worth the visit although it had to be a drive through – could be on the list for a future longer visit.

Back home to start packing and then a farewell visit to Sarah's this evening – another crème brulée – oh joy!

We still had heaps of stuff on our list, for example, we wanted to take a train ride from Whitby to Pickering but it would have been pointless since it's difficult to see anything through wet windows.

It's a pity about the weather, nevertheless Whitby is still a great place to visit and we've all had the best time.

Holiday Notes :

If you're contemplating a holiday in this neck of the woods – and not already gathered - almost all of the places we've visited have parking at the top of places of interest so you have to walk down very steep hills to the places below and then back up again. You'll need change for pay and display parking too.

Leave your Louboutin heels and Gucci loafers at home – neither are designed for cobbles and steep hills.

If, like me you have hair that has a tendency to frizz in damp weather – good luck – take a large can of hair spray – you'll need it!

Happy Holidays,

Soggy by the sea xx

The Whitby Chronicles – Wednesday

Welcome to wet Wednesday and sadly they got the forecast absolutely right – hatches definitely battened down and I couldn't have chosen a more appropriate idiom.

Not wishing to flout tradition, on holiday as a kid when it rained we wrote our postcards – here's one from Rose to her doggy friends :

“Dear Ella, Bos, Ollie, Wilby and Harry,

I'm having the best time – my favourite outing so far was to the beach and the sea. I don't know what all the fuss is about just because it's raining – I couldn't care less!

I love this holiday stuff – pampered and spoilt.

Here are three of my holiday snaps I thought you'd like :

Interrupting Shirl who was knitting – now tickling my tummy.

Just thought I'd check that all is well – great view of any comings and goings.

My personal favourite – I've had a very busy day.

Wish you were here!

Love Rose xxxxx

It's still raining and tomorrow's forecast isn't looking much better.