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in season: courgette soup

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

soup
Recipe time…FP Club member, Claire, has very kindly donated another recipe for you to try. This time is courgette soup and I’ve had the pleasure of trying it during the week were taking part in the BBC Radio Derby’s Ed to Head Challenge…which we won! Claire grows her own veggies and the courgettes are from her own garden, along with many of the other ingredients.

Courgette Soup is a very simple recipe, which makes a pretty, creamy pale green soup:

Slice and gently sauté an onion, a stick of celery, 2 cloves of garlic
Slice and add 5, or more, courgettes of the 6” or so size
When all are softened and starting to brown add a pint or so of chicken or vegetable stock
Simmer for 20 minutes until the courgettes squash easily on the side of the pan
Take off the heat and blitz up with a hand blender
Add a handful or two of freshly grated parmesan and a glug of garlic olive oil
Add plenty of salt and pepper to taste and blitz up again

We serve it with crispy pancetta on top and a drizzle of garlic olive oil and some parmesan shavings.

To speed this up even more use a few shallots which are quick to slice and cook, a stock cube instead of fresh stock and a big slice from a fresh green garlic head instead of cloves. Here’s a link through to the recipe on Claire’s blog, Things We Make. Here is a link through to the post where Claire shows you how to make the bread bowls.

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Growing your own courgettes is pretty easy and this weekend is ideal to plant seeds. Here’s a link to the BBC website where there is some useful information about growing courgettes.

Click here to go to fabulousplaces.co.uk.

Tags: coffee shops nottingham, fabulousplaces.co.uk, gift shops nottinghamshire, nottinghamshire, places to visit in nottinghamshire, things to do in nottinghamshire
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Something for the weekend…

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

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There’s nothing quite like a long weekend, but then there’s nothing worse than getting to the end of it and realising you’ve not made the most of it. So, in true fabulous places style, here’s some inspiration for your upcoming lovely long weekend.

Firstly, let’s start in the City Centre…

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The Walk, Nottingham City Centre
If you’re thinking of heading into Nottinghamshire for a spot of retail therapy then a stop off at The Walk for tea and cake is a must. It’s unique in that you experience the full ‘tea’ experience. With loose leaves, vintage tea cups and saucers, cake stands full of delicious sweet things and a decor to admire I think you’ll find it rather difficult to resist.

Derby Road
Derby Road has always been a great stop off for me. The shops are mostly independent and offer stylish and very desirable goodies. There are 3 truly fabulous shops on this road…The Worm That Turned, Brown Paper Flower Company and Le Chien Et Moi. If you haven’t visited any of these shops before then you’re most definitely missing out! The Worm That Turned is for the stylish gardener who considers the outside and extension of the inside. Since it opened I’ve purchased wellies, an outdoor clock, christmas decorations, gardening books and some Burt Bees products. My wellies are around 5 years old and have stood the test of many dogs walks. Le Chien Et Moi is very deceptive from the outside. It’s a truly special shop with a wonderful collection of antiques, vintage and recycled. pieces. I even spotted Rococo Chocolates during my last visit. The Brown Paper Flower Company is a wonderful florists…the flower range is superb and an essential stop off for some Spring flowers.

Now, out into Nottinghamshire…

Worksop
Within the grounds of the Harley Gallery is the fabulous Lime House Cafe. I’m going to be heading here this weekend for a browse and a bite to eat. There’s certainly enough there to keep you entertained for a few hours and the Cafe offer a truly scrumptious lunch menu. The Gallery also holds many talks and workshops if you’re looking for some Easter activities. Click here for more information. The Harley Gallery is closed Easter Sunday.

Colston Bassett
Quite the hidden gem, Colston Bassett Store and Garden Cafe Restaurant is a lovely destination for lunch and a browse. There are ample walks in the area, so should the weather be kind to us this weekend you’ll have the perfect ending to a walk a in the countryside.

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And finally, a few handpicked destinations…

Sherwood Forest
Full of nostalgia…school trips and family picnics, the visitor centre and surrounding woodland is the perfect place to head to with the little ones or a perfect destination if you’re looking for somewhere you can jump on a bike and disappear for a while. Click here to go to the official site for Sherwood Forest.

Clumber Park
Many great childhood memories means I hold Clumber Park very dearly in my heart. Again, it’s a wonderful place to head to with bikes and perfect for a picnic. They have a choice of areas to park, which means you can choose to be in the main tourist area or choose to be far away where the only sounds you’ll hear are birds. Click here to go to the official site for Clumber Park.

Attenborough
My first ever village fete was in Attenborough and as a family is was a place we visited regularly with our dog. Attenborough Village was always part of the walk and I would always hope there was a wedding so I could sneak a look. The Nature Reserve has changed over the years and there’s now a visitor centre, shop and cafe. Click here to go to the official website for Attenborough Nature Reserve.

I hope this gives you some inspiration for this weekend. There are many more fabulous places to visit around Nottinghamshire, click here to visit the search page.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Deb

Tags: brown paper flower company, clumber park, colston bassett garden cafe, colston bassett store, derby road nottingham, fabulous places to visit in nottinghamshire, le chien et moi, nottinghamshire, the walk nottingham, the worm that turned
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Nottinghamshire Artisans

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

This week I wanted to tell you about the amazing ‘Artisans’ we have in Nottinghamshire. I looked up Artisan in the dictionary, it reads ‘ a person skilled in an applied art; a craftsperson’.

A fabulous story of a local Artisan is that of James Richardson, owner of The Limehaus Delicatessen and Provisions Store in Orston. After years of running a successful catering company, James had a vision to convert the pig sty of his Grandmothers house into a small village deli and store providing the local area with locally produced foods. When the vision became a reality, James’s ambition grew and when he saw certain suppliers failing to deliver the standards he required he decided he could do better, so he taught himself the skills to bake for himself. James and The Limehaus Deli are proud to sell homemade, freshly baked on the premises goods including pain au chocolat, sweet and savoury scones, chocolate brownies, traditional and contemporary cakes, sweet and savoury tarts, yeast free breads and a real accomplishment is that they recently started baking their own croissants, not many places can boast that.

limehaus-blog

Orston my not be on your doorstep, it’s not on mine, but I love heading out to visit them. You are guarenteed a warm welcome and will be spoilt for choice, so have a coffee with them while you decide.

Another local artisan is Cate Harvey from C8ter. Aside from the catering side of her business, Cate has been approved by the National Trust in the East Midlands as a supplier of artisan breads. Her catering menus are very much designed around what’s in season, available locally and where possible, using organic ingredients. Her food is inspirational, vibrant and full of flavour. Cate trained in artisan bread making with Andrew Whitley who founded The Village Bakery in Melmerby, she even camped in her tent during the course with just her dog for company.

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Andrew Whitley later became an advisor for the School of Artisan Food On the Welbeck Estate, Nottinghamshire. The school is open to everyone and is very highly regarded. You will find the school on the Welbeck Estate, home to ‘Place of the Month’, The Lime House Cafe. The bread served here comes from The School of Artisan Foods and the soda bread served with The Lime House Ploughmans is just delicious. All the dishes on the menu here are again, where possible, made using locally produced food including stichelton cheese which is also produced on the Estate.

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I really hope you have enjoyed reading about these local artisans. Fabulous people behind some fabulous businesses who take the time and have the passion to stand out from the crowd. When you visit these and other places on fabulousplaces.co.uk Nottinghamshire, don’t forget to leave a review and let them know your feedback.

Tags: artisans, bread, cafe, catering, deli, fabulousplaces, nottinghamshire, orston, welbeck
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latest addition…

Monday, January 18th, 2010

As you may know, I grew up and still live in Beeston, so I am delighted that fabulousplaces.co.uk Nottinghamshires latest addition is ‘ Local Not Global Deli ‘, brand new on Chilwell Road, Beeston.

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Beeston has been in need of a great deli for some time and ‘Local Not Global’ fills that void. It has so much on offer, great regional and speciality cheeses, home made ready meals to take home, patties and soups made fresh on the premises and served daily. Chutneys, sauces, relishes, a huge range of crackers and biscuits and locally made chocolate. Also available is a selection of filled baugettes, cakes, coffees, teas and cold drinks to take away or eat in the Deli.

Local produce is a passion here and they have regular event in the Deli where you can sample some of the foods they stock, we’ll keep you posted with what’s coming up.

So welcome to ‘LocalNot Global Deli’, call in soon and show your support.

Tags: beeston, cake, cheeses, coffee, deli, local, nottinghamshire
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Happy New Year…

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Firstly, I want to wish you a very ‘Happy New Year’, I hope you have all had a lovely break over Christmas. My house is very busy over Christmas, we host both Christmas Day and Boxing Day with 9 guests then 14 which was slight shock as for some reason I expected 12 and laid the table accordingly… A few knives and forks had to be fetched from my parents house who luckily live a few houses away.

It was so lovely to have some snow too although I am sure those of you who have had lots might not think so, it can cause such disruption, still, it is beautiful.

snowy-tree

For me, 2010 promises to be a very exciting year. fabulouplaces.co.uk has been live for 3 months and has had such amazing feedback. This year I will be working to bring you many, many more places and producers within Nottinghamshire and finding them is such fun.

We are also thinking about events for fabulousplaces.co.uk Nottinghamshire. It’s early days but our thinking caps are on !

Finally, I am calling for your help. Do you know a fabulous place in Nottinghamshire that you feel needs to be on the site. That little coffee shop tucked away in a quiet spot, the gift shop where you always manage to find the perfect present, a producer working from home who’s products need to be shared with us all ? Please let me know. That way we can all benefit and continue to support Nottinghamshires fabulous, independent businesses.

Tags: coffee shops, Gift shops, nottinghamshire, producers
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On the Radio….

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Yesterday I was invited on to the Frances Finn morning show on Radio Nottingham to talk about festive places to visit in Nottinghamshire. Although we talked about many of the fabulousplaces I did want to talk about Derby Road.

Just a short walk from the centre of Nottingham, Derby Road is somewhere that should be in everyones address book and here’s why.

Your first stop, Le Chien et Moi…

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Here you will find a truly eclectic mix of gifts and artifacts, new and old and always beautiful. The shop looks stunning, the 9ft Christmas tree in the window, the hundreds of fairy light scattered all around, the smell of pine cones, cinnamon and dried oranges, it couldn’t possibly be more festive. If you have not visited Le Chien et Moi yet now is the perfect time and don’t forget to give Mulberry the Basset Hound a stroke while your there, she’ll be very grateful.

Next stop, Brown Paper Flower Company…

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For your Christmas wreaths, table arrangements and centrepieces, mantelpiece arrangements and all your festive flowers, traditional and funky, Brown Paper Flower Company has it covered. The shop has also just been redesigned and looks fab, call in for mulled wine and a mince pie before Christmas and check out the chandelier ! The last date for orders is the 23rd December and they are open Monday - Saturday 9am till 5.00pm.

Last stop, The Worm that Turned…

worm-log

Now I’ve already given you the secret code for mulled wine, have you been ? if not you are missing out. The Worm that Turned have all you need to enjoy the outdoors as much as the winter weather will allow, beautiful outdoor lighting, traditional paper lanterns and patio heaters. Their gifts for garden lovers can’t be beaten yet they also cater for the not so green fingered. The shop is just lovely.

So, if you are struggling to for inspiration for presents in this last week before Christmas, give Derby Road a try, it’ll be well worth it.

If you missed the radio programme or would like to listen again, click here. Only available until 23rd December

Tags: Christmas, Derby Road, fabulousplaces, gifts, nottinghamshire
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What’s on this week ?

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Yet another busy week on this run up to Christmas 2009. Everyone is busy Christmas Shopping and looking for that special gift for loved ones, so let me help. Nottinghamshires fabulousplaces are holding some very special events this week and you’re invited !

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The Worm That Turned have some beautiful gifts on offer for everyone, no doubt this fabulous shop is heaven for all keen gardeners yet they really do think of everyone when selecting their range. During December you can enjoy a festive glass of Mulled Wine, simply use the secret code ‘ what’s that gorgeous smell’ and you will be rewarded ! It’s easy to call in as there is plenty of metered parking just outside the door.

On Friday the 11th of December Colston Bassett Store have a very special evening of ‘Christmas Wine Tasting’, a great opportunity to sample wines carefully selected to accompany your Christmas Lunch. French Sancerre, St Emilion and Pinot Noir are just a few of their recommendations, Dessert Wine and Port will follow served with a local Stilton. You can order on the night with special discounts for mixed cases and your order will be ready for collection the following week. The evening is free but places are limited so call or email now to avoid disappointment.

Following the huge success of their first event, La Petit Galerie are hosting another ‘Christmas Shopping Event’ on Sunday the 13th of December. From 11.00am until 6.00pm their doors will be open giving you the opportunity to browse and shop whilst sipping Champagne and enjoying Canapes. La Petite Galerie has such a stunning collection of gifts and jewellery you really don’t want to miss out. Again, plenty of metered parking is available.

Tempted ? I thought so. If you visit any of the events then please let the places know by leaving a review on their page on www.fabulousplaces.co.uk

Tags: christmas shopping, december, events, gifts, nottinghamshire, what's on, wine
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Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Nottinghamshire is a great place to live during Christmas time, you only have to visit The Market Square to see that ! the Ice Rink, the lovely decorations and the amazing window displays.

fabulousplaces.co.uk have lots of suggestions of things to do and great places to visit during the run up to Christmas.. take a look !

coming-soon-copy

This weekend why not visit The Harley Gallery for thier annual Christmas Arts and Food Market, if you have not already been up to The Harley Gallery I really recommend it and you must call in to The Lime House Cafe while you are there, delicious food and lovely people await.

On the 3rd December, Beeston is the place to go. The Silver Tree have a Christmas Shopping Event happening between 6pm - 8.30pm. A great opportunity to purchase jewellery, bags, scarfs and home accessories from their beautiful collection. I’ll be there lending a hand and hope to see you. Cameron House will also be opening their doors for Christmas Shopping too.

Rufford Abbey are holding a Christmas Gift Market on the 5th and 6th of December and Star Bakery will be there with their perfect cupcakes, cookies and other yummy baked goods. Go along and say ‘Hi’ to the lovely Liana.

At Greens Windmill and Science Centre you will find Sneinton Artists Christmas Showcase on the 5th and 6th December, 10am - 4pm. Paintings, Ceramics, Recycled Textiles and much more.

Fabulous Christmas Events for everyone. Happy Shopping !

Tags: cafe, Christmas, cookies, cupcakes, event, fabulousplaces.co.uk, gifts, nottinghamshire, shopping
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New additions…

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

I am so excited to introduce you to Hungry Pumpkin Deli Cafe and Star Bakery, our first Nottinghamshire producer.

Star Bakery was launched in 2008 by Liana Stevens. Liana bakes delicious cupcakes, cakes and cookies for any event and does so with such passion, which is why we are pleased to feature Star Bakery on fabulousplaces.co.uk.

To find out more about Star Bakery click here.

Hungry Pumpkin in The Lace Market is brand new, opening it’s doors in August it already has a huge following.

They offer a great menu of honest, hearty, home cooked food, great coffee, tea and soft drinks and of course, Melv’s cakes, I can personally recommend his chocolate brownies.

Hungry Pumpkin is a perfect retreat in the heart of the City with some of the friendliest faces I know.

For more information click here.

Tags: cafe, coffee, cookies, cupcakes, deli, fabulousplaces.co.uk, Hungry Pumpkin, nottinghamshire, Star Bakery
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