Downton Abbey is back!

I didn't watch Downton Abbey when it first came out, I started watching the first series just 3 months ago.

It is a beautifully made period drama. The locations, costumes, the story line and attention to detail make it a real pleasure to watch. I am not surprised that a second series has been made and I am very glad that it has. If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend that you watch the first series before watching the second one. 

The new series of Downton Abbey begins on Sunday 18th September 2011 on ITV1 and ITV1HD at 21.00 hours.

Another programme to watch before that is: "Countrywise: The Real Downton Abbey" on same channels at 18.00 hours.

I will leave you with the beautiful theme tune from Downton Abbey, just click on the picture above. The Downton Abbey soundtrack CD will be released on Monday 19th September 2011. I have already reserved my copy! If you click on link below, you will be able to listen to a sample of each of the 19 tracks.
Track 19 is sung by Mary-Jess, it is hauntingly beautiful....

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

LIFE...

LIFE isn't about waiting

for the storm to pass, 

it is about learning to 

Dance in the RAIN

(Author unknown)


How true that is.....

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Plum and cinnamon crumble

I like September for many reasons, one them being plums. I made a plum and cinnamon compote (plums and home made cinnamon sugar) a couple of days ago and put it in a couple of jars. Yesterday, I decided to use it in a crumble. I do feel bad that Alan can't have any of it because of his new food restrictions...
The scent of plums, sugar and cinnamon all simmering gently in the pan is just HEAVENLY! What I love about it, is that it reminds me of Belgium. They make wonderful plum and cinnamon tarts. A scent very much associated with happy childhood memories of my Aunt and Grandmother baking in the kitchen in Belgium. I know I often go back to those times but they were very special and treasured times to me.

 

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Food Intolerance and Blue and White

Hello everyone,

Had a good weekend? We went to Bath on Saturday to get a few things and for an appointment that Alan had for food allergy/intolerance testing. When he came out of there, he showed me a list of what not to eat....All the foods and drinks he likes basically. It will require a lot of changes...NO YEAST, SUGAR, DAIRY (the 3 worst offenders) FRUIT, BEER, WINE etc....A challenge for me to come up with some tasty food using ingredients that Alan isn't usually too keen on. He has been advised to try and follow advice 100% over the next 6 to 12 months minimum. No sugar, no sweet things...that would be a really hard one for me!

I have been busy reading various books over the weekend to come up with ideas of tasty snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I love looking through recipe books, cooking and baking. However, I will have to see what I can come up with and it will have to be varied otherwise Alan will quickly get bored with the same old foods.

This morning I have been working in the kitchen whilst listening to Classic FM. I was waiting to hear some of the music from Downton Abbey. Dusting the shelves inspired me to post about some of the things I have in my kitchen. I have always liked blue and white together, such a fresh and pretty combination.

Some of my tablecloths

The spice jars are from Belgium and the Sul (salt) pot is a gift from my Father. He bought it for me on one of
his travels many years ago.

Back to my kitchen now...


A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Apple picking in the rain

What can you do on a rainy day? After staying indoors most of the day doing housework, I felt in need of some fresh air. I decided to pick some apples from the front garden. So out I went in the light rain and picked some apples. The air was fresh, earthy and invigorating!

Now on to what to make with them....Apple juice, cake, tartlets? A good excuse to go through some cook books and magazines.

Miss P had a good day at school yesterday, thanks for your good wishes.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Ston Easton Park Fête & Kitchen Garden

 

Yesterday we went to Ston Easton Park, a hotel in the Somerset countryside not far from home. Not long after we arrived, we made our way to the cream teas stand. I had a slice of plum cake. It was so good that I asked if I could have the recipe. Unfortunately, they did not  know who had made the cake as several different people had donated home made cakes. I will have a go at making one but would have loved the recipe of that particular one.  After cakes, we went inside the house to  have a look around the rooms. The interior is beautiful!

Miss P took part in many activities and won herself a year's free membership at a local golf club! She obtained the highest score out of all who took part throughout the day. She was so pleased!

I took a stroll around the kitchen garden, my favourite kind of garden

The Riverside Suite - Away from the main hotel

We had a lovely time. It was good for Miss P to have some fun and distraction just before going back to school the next day. I bought a few food related goodies back. There was a W.I stall with lovely home made jams and pickles.

Today is Miss P's first day in Secondary School and understandably she was nervous about it. I hope that she has a good day and look forward to hearing all about it when I pick her up from school later.

Thinking of all the children back to school or some starting for the very first time. Can feel daunting for them and for some of the Mother's too...

A bientôt!

Isabelle X