Philadelphia cream cheese & Cadbury's chocolate...a marriage made in chocolate heaven!!

Oh dear...I think i'm in LOVE...ten out of ten to the one who came up with the idea of mixing two of the most delicious, yummy treats....cream cheese and chocolate....wow!!!!

When I saw the advert on TV for this...I knew immediately it would be on my shopping list....and so I was very happy to see it as a 'BUY ONE GET ONE FREE' at the supermarket yesterday....



yum yum yum!!!



Today I decided to try this wonderful concoction....and happily spread it onto some choc-chip brioche loaf....oh well...I think it's safe to say 'bang' goes the diet!!   Absolutely delicious!!!   I will now be trying it in different recipes too....chocolate mousse....chocolate cheesecake....chocolate trifle...in fact....it's pretty darn good just one it's own...by the mouthful!!!

my new little 'addiction'


Do you think you might like this combination ???

Till next time....big hugs to you xxx

Breakfast Time!

When that tummy starts grumbling on a Saturday morning...and your body is craving a certain something...there's only one thing to do!!  Follow your instinct and eat what your body wants you to eat....today....it was OATS !!!!

Hot, Hearty and Nourising.  Porridge Oats...drizzled with honey...perfect!!



As a child, my mother regularly made us porridge for breakfast...and at times I would get annoyed or bored...longing for something like eggs on toast...or bacon...or some other fancy.   Now, as an adult and a mother myself, I keep my kitchen well stocked with oats which I use in biscuits, crumbles...etc - and wow, my three sons love it too!!!  Healthy and nourishing, there is just something 'so' comforting in a bowl of hot oats....and now I am totally satisfied...feel very virtuous...and ready to think about more wicked delights to enjoy.....

What's your favourite porridge? xxx

A picnic in the woodland at Attingham Park

A perfect picnic for the ladies

With spring in the air and a spring in our steps...what better way to embrace the new season than to embark on a walk through the beautiful grounds of Attingham Park in Shropshire! 

With home-made goodies for us to enjoy which included lentil & sausage soup made by our very own Tipsy Tart, crunchies by Dee at The Carlton  and a selection of hot drinks, crispbreads and cheeses, the four of us set off on our walk, encountering squirrels, pheasants, dogs and other wildlife along the way....all in the magical woodland surroundings....a perfect way to greet the spring season.

home-made, nourishing lentil & sausage soup....delicious!!!

Hello Spring!



 Daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses....a sure sign that the long winter months have given way to a burst of new life - encouraging people and animals alike, to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the surroundings....





The majestic Attingham Park....i do feel very 'comfortable' on that balcony !!



Breakfast time for the squirrel

What sort of pursuits do you like to do when you need to relax??

Until next time...I'm off to get inspired with new recipes to entice my friends....xxx

A cold night calls for hot, hearty food!

What a treat to enjoy some hearty food on a cold night...shared with friends....enjoying candle-light, soft background music and good company. Oxtail, in red wine, casseroled in a slow-cooker for many hours, with roasted root veggies and garlic & rosemary focaccia bread to dunk into the rich, hearty oxtail stew. Perfect.... and for dessert? Victoria sponge cake and a hot fruit crumble with custard. OOOOH I love winter....

What winter warmers do you enjoy ?

Thanksgiving 2011 - Shropshire Style

After the success  of our Thanksgiving celebration in 2010...we had to make it even better for 2011.  My lovely friend Deirdre...the absolute Queen of table settings, came up with some great ideas for making our banquet unique and special...with her magic touch.   Just look at the attention to detail with even the servietters wearing an American flag for the evening!   Classy.  We feasted on a beautiful starter of parma ham, melon and salad leaves with a balsamic dressing, followed by roast pork, roast pheasant (which was a random addition to the menu), roast root veggies...followed by a trio of desserts - delicious!

Thanksgiving 2010...Shropshire Style

We all have something to be thankful for right??  Yes we do...and having experienced a wonderful Thanksgiving in New York some years ago with my brother and his wife and family, it occurred to me one day that we could have our very own Thanksgiving right here in England!! 

Some memories from our Thanksgiving celebration in 2010...after months of planning food, table-settings, guest list etc....it was a wonderful evening and a great success...our new tradition in Shropshire.

Birthday Girls!

Just look at these two little beauties!!  Two of my good friends - Liz and Deirdre, who share a birthday...and of course...we had lunch to celebrate...and cake for afters!!!
PS...these two are a very bad 'good' influence on me...who needs an excuse to get together for lunch????