Linthwaite House Hotel, Cumbria

Not far from our base in the Lake District is Linthwaite House, which is a wonderful hotel, set in acres of landscaped gardens.

Living with the Romans at Housesteads Fort, Hadrian Wall

My family and I've just spent a wonderful day exploring Housestead's Fort at Hadrian's Wall. What an absolutely amazing place!

Gluten Free Apple Crumble

This weekend I've tried a tasty, gluten free apple crumble recipe.

Gluten Free Raw Chocolate Brownies

Looking for an easy, delicious, healthy snack? These gluten free, raw chocolate Brownies are ideal! 

Gluten Free Coffee and Walnut Cake

It was International Coffee Day last week and I couldn't be more pleased, as it gives me the perfect excuse to bake a delicious gluten free coffee and walnut cake in celebration!

Brecon Beacons

Wales, here I come!

Gluten Free Strawberry and Raspberry Crumble

Eeking out the last of the summer days, this recipe also welcomes in Autumn with its mix of light summery fruits served up in a warm and comforting crumble. And it's gluten free! And my non-gluten free friends and family love it!

Maison Forte de Reignac and village St Léon sur Vézère

 La Maison Forte de Reignac, a fascinating house built into the cliff, oozes history and intrigue ....

Beynac Castle & Sarlat Market

Driving alongside the winding river of the Dordogne is incredible but suddenly seeing this imposing castle towering over the valley has such an impact that it quite simply took my breath away. 

Chateau de Castelnaud and Sarlat

If you are in the Dordogne area with kids (including big kids like me), one place you must visit is Chateau de Castelnaud. 

Blackberry, Plum and Mascarpone Dessert

This gluten free recipe is sooooo tasty. I can't tell you how mouthwatering this dessert is and I guarantee it will have you scraping the bowl and asking for more.

North Cornwall Padstow, Bedruthan Steps, Cream Tea

The Cornish coastal path treats you with the most fabulous views. 

North Cornwall Part 2

Arriving with a half hour to spare before meeting up with family in Rock we raced around to Polzeath for a quick recce.

Polzeath

North Cornwall Part 1

"Where shall we go"? - was the big question? "Devon" someone piped up, "Northumberland", another suggested..., "Cornwall?", "Yorkshire?".... Britain is so lovely at this time of year we are spoilt for choice but as some family were already going to North Cornwall and were urging us to join them, North Cornwall it was. 

And what a good decision it turned out to be! 

Rockingham International Horse Trials 2015

It's the Rockingham International Horse Trials time again! Hooray! 

It has been held in the grounds of Rockingham Castle over the past 3 years and I happily discovered it for the first time last year!

Coton Manor Gardens Bluebell Wood

What an unforgettable afternoon! Bluebells as far as the eye can see. Breathtaking! 

I'd spent a magical few hours at Coton Manor Gardens in Northamptonshire, where at this time of year there's a wood full of bluebells in amongst the most wonderful garden.  

Gluten Free Lime Cake

As someone who can't eat wheat, living with my wheat-eating family can be a little challenging, especially when it comes to baking. 

However, this gluten-free lime cake recipe is one that we all enjoy as it is absolutely gorgeous and everyone who tastes it has no idea it is gluten free. 

It is light, tangy and very moreish and has been added to my list of favourite gluten-free cakes.

The Bakers Arms Thorpe Langton

I'm always on the hunt for warm, friendly, cosy country pubs with top notch food and service and The Bakers Arms in Thorpe Langton has to be one of my favourites!

Lambs!

It's lambing time! Hoorah!  

I was lucky enough to visit a local farm at the weekend to see these cute animals up close and personal. What a treat!

Donning wellies and wrapping up warm against the icy wind, my family and I excitedly made our way towards the sound of bleating in the distance. 

Mouthwatering Chocolate Profiteroles

Chocolate Profiteroles have to be one of the most sumptuous desserts in the world.

Light, fluffy, melt in your mouth gorgeousness.  A divine treat.

Wintry Parsnip and Ginger Soup

It is soup season.  

I love making them. They are always so tasty for such little effort....and it is cold out there. Brrr.

A warm hearty soup is just the ticket.

Parsnip and ginger is a great combination as the ginger lightly spices the soup creating a perfect winter dish.
  

Day 2 - Short Trip to Bath, Cheddar Gorge and Wells Somerset

Feeling refreshed from a great night's sleep we set off for Cheddar Gorge, one of the Wonders of England. 

Day 1 - Short Break to Bath, Cheddar Gorge and Wells

Bath in Somerset is a perfect destination for a short-break. There is so much to see and do and all in such close proximity. 

Where to start? Well that's easy!

Northfield Farm

Driving through the middle of the countryside, I'd heard that there was a farm close by selling good quality meat so I took the opportunity to make a small diversion to check it out and to see if there was something to buy for dinner. 

Following signs directing me down narrow, rickety lanes with gorgeous views of the Rutland countryside, I eventually stumbled upon a real treat!  

It's Snowdrop Time!

Snowdrops are here! Whoopee doo! 

Winter is finally drawing to an end and spring is on its way! 

Oooh aren't they magical? They never fail to lift the spirits. 

White, pure, pretty and special.....you can see why it is our family's custom to make a wish when we spot the first snowdrops of the year.  

Galanthus Nivalis

Pancake Day

Woohoo! It is Shrove Tuesday, commonly known as pancake day in less than a week! 

It is one of my favourite days of the year as the whole family gets together and has a laugh making, tossing (ahem and sometimes dropping) and finally tucking into a delicious feast of pancakes. It is just flippin brilliant!  

Nothing, in my opinion can ever beat the traditional sprinkling of lemon and sugar topping and this is my recipe.

Top 5 Winter House Plants

I love plants. I really do. But when plants see me coming I am sure they would run if they could, as they really do not last very long in my care. 

So picking 5 Winter House Plants, which will last all season in my house is a big ask.

Deciding to tackle this point head on I did a little research and I am pleased to report that the plants I've chosen are still going strong. So when they now see me they can at least slow to a jog!  Result!

These are my top 5.

Dark Indulgent Chocolate Brownies

Valentine's day is less than a week away and this ultra delicious Chocolate Brownie recipe is ideal as a decadent romantic treat.

Gluten Free Carrot and Coriander Soup

As the freezing weather continues a steaming bowl of warming, tasty soup for lunch is ideal. My favourite soup of the moment is Carrot and Coriander. It is gluten free, IBS friendly and so simple to make.

My Trip to China

As Chinese New Year is fast approaching, I can't think of a better time than now to share with you my own recent trip to this country.