Foodie Overhaul

Every now and then, life gets just a little more complicated and a little more hectic - you add little hobby here, a new exercise routine there, a couple of extra projects and, before you know it, you suddenly realise you can't juggle any more.

Two kids, two websites, a fledgling business, a household to manage AND a residents' committee brought me to just that point. Thankfully though, I've recognised it before it drove me totally insane.

So, time to prioritise. You'll see a few minor changes to Foodie, while I'm busily squirrelling away on Bitten Oxford, but hopefully it will mean improvements for both.

Foodie will continue, as my ongoing hunt for great food - be that in recipe books, at home, on holiday, round the corner... wherever I find it. The Foodie Events Guides will stop (sorry if you were enjoying these), and the Foodie Events Calendar will eventually relocate to Bitten as part of Bitten Events, promoting lots of wonderful food-based things do to locally.

I'll continue publishing restaurants reviews here on Foodie, along with my Top Picks and search for #OxSundayBest. The #OxTweatUp events will all be organised by Bitten, so do make sure you sign up to the Newsletter to keep up to date with upcoming events.

In the meantime stay tuned for reviews of 1855, The Wandering Kitchen and CiCi-CoCo Cookery School, plus food travel features on Suffolk and London street food.

Foodie x

Bitten What...?

If you follow on Twitter or Facebook, then you've probably spotted a little project I've been working on, by the name of Bitten Oxford... wondering what it's all about? Well, it's probably about time I told you!

Last July, after meeting over platefuls of hot wings and burgers at Atomic Burger, @Ox_Bex, @kalicer and myself hatched a master plan, a plan to take over the w... wait, not that plan! A plan to launch an Oxford restaurant guide. But not just any Oxford restaurant guide, THE ULTIMATE OXFORD RESTAURANT GUIDE. Dun, dun, duuuuuun.

OK, that may be over-dramatising it somewhat, but we wanted it to be awesome.

L to R, meet the team: @Ox_Bex, @FoodieOnTour & @kalicer

Since then, we've been beavering away in the background on web design, page layouts, logo design, databases, etc, etc. To cut a long story short, there's been a lot to do, but we're almost finished!

So with launch day beaconing, what can you expect from Bitten?

The idea is to use our combined knowledge of the Oxford food scene to provide an A-Z restaurant listing, with venue details, comments, plus our own personal reviews; while incorporating journalistic features and articles. PLUS, there will be a whole section of the site dedicated to promoting the best that Oxford has to offer in the form of street food, pop-ups and supper clubs. AND, if that's not enough, we'll be organising our own food related events, the #OxTweatUp being just one of them.

If you don't want to miss out on the launch, sign up for our newsletter via the website, or join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

SO WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE FOODIE...?

Well, with all this going on, I've had little time for blogging of late. Normal service will resume though, once Bitten is launched - expect plenty of reviews and recommendations soon, including:

• Sunday Lunch at The Marsh Harrier
• Lunch at The Kings Arms, Woodstock
• Breakfast at Oxfork
• #OxTweatUp at newly opened The Oxford Kitchen
• Delicious Italian Cookery Lessons at CiCi-CoCo Kitchen
• A Weekend Retreat in Southwold, Suffolk

Plus a couple of new features I'm planning - a Foodie Cookbook Club (F-Book Club) and my search for the ultimate toasted sandwich (Toastie Love) - feel free to start telling me your favourite grilled cheese recipes now, or check out my inspiration so far on Pinterest.

Phew! Now if someone could pass me a cuppa please, I might just put my feet up for 5 minutes.

Foodie x

Pinterest Picks - My Foodie Valentine

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, here are some last minute helpful (and rather amusing) foodie picks from the weird and wonderful world of Pinterest...

Happy Valentine's Day for tomorrow!

Foodie x




DISCLAIMER - please note this is an interest feature and I am not in any way trying to claim these works as my own. Please follow the link to my pins to follow them on to their original source.

Festive Foodie Gift Guide

 

With Christmas fast approaching, the pressure is on to get all that crimbo shopping done. If, like many, you leave most of it to the last minute, here's a helpful guide to choosing a perfect gift for the foodies in your life.

1. A book for the budding tea party host - Style Me Vintage: Tea Parties, £9.99 from Kinship of Oxford 
2. Somewhere to jot down all those recipes, shopping lists and general foodie thoughts – I Love The Bake Off Notebook, £4.95 from Kinship of Oxford 
3. This gorgeous Gisela Graham Cookbook Stand, currently £14 on Amazon 
4. A snuggly Personalised Knitted Mug Cosy, £17 from Notonthehighstreet.com
5. This classy and functional Sophie Allport Chicken Apron, just £14 at The Oxford Pantry (they also do a matching children’s apron for £12! *squeal*)
6. We have one of these in the Foodie household and it gets used a lot, great for chopping up herbs  garlic, etc for marinades - the Kenwood CH180 Mini Chopper, £14.99 on Amazon

1. Serve up smoked salmon & scrambled eggs in bed before the Christmas chaos begins – Breakfast Tray, £22.40 from Habitat 
2. Big, red & downright sexy, pick up this gorgeous Red Peppermill for £24 from Habitat 
3. Treat them to a selection of drinks, confectionery and preserves with this Large Christmas Treats Hamper, £45 from Woodstock based, Hampers Food Wine Company
4. Simple but beautiful, Slate Cheese Board & Knife Set, £24.89 from Amazon
5. Stunning, vintage inspired Glass Cake Stand & Ribbed Dome, £27.50 at Amazon
6. You haven't truly experienced a proper steak knife until you've tried one of these - beauty and precision, Laguiole Black Knife Block Set, £38 from The Oxford Pantry
7. The quickest way into a bottle of wine, a Barcraft Connoisseur Corkscrew Set, £24.96 on Amazon

1. Splash the cash on this Deluxe Christmas Hamper, £97.50 from Hampers Food & Wine Company in Woodstock 
2. Beautiful, beautiful cutlery, Laguiole24 Piece Cutlery Set, £140 from The Oxford Pantry 
3. Might seem like an odd present, but MrF got me one of these a couple of years ago and it's literally one of my best ever gifts. No joke! Cut through anything like butter and make food prep a doddle with Global 25th Anniversary Knife Block Set, £299 on Amazon 
4. Another previous gift from MrF and one that gets plenty of use. It mixes, it slices, it grates, all while looking very good indeed. Magimix 3200 BlenderMixFood Processor, from £174 at John Lewis 
5. If you're in Elton's league, why not go to town and buy them one of these... The Decadence Hamper, £10,000 at Harrods

AND FINALLY......

1. Buy a gift card from £20 upwards, to spend in any Brasserie Blanc
2. Treat them to a seat at WolvercoteSupper Club for £24.75 per person 
3. Malmaison vouchers, available from £25 
4. Buy them a dining experience at TheOld Parsonage, from £19 
5. "The perfect way to treat someone you know who likes cooking or maybe someone who doesn't even realise that they do yet", couldn't have said it better myself! Sophie’s Cookery School Vouchers, £60 per person 
6. For Italian food lovers, CiCi-CoCo vouchers are available from £65

Check out my Gifts for Foodies Pinterest Board for more ideas, I'll be adding more to it.

Happy shopping & Merry Christmas!

Foodie x

Follow FoodieOnTour's board Gifts for Foodies on Pinterest.

My Delicious Distraction

Those who follow me on Twitter, or are regular readers of the blog, will know the Foodie family was recently extended with the addition of a new MiniFoodie. So, I wanted to introduce you properly to the new man in my life - MiniF2 aka the gorgeous Harry.

Already 11 weeks old (!), Harry is wooing us all with the most dazzling of smiles (yet to be fully captured on camera) and is settling in nicely, even if his equally gorgeous big brother Dillon (MiniF1) does like to occasionally show him who's boss - years of that to contend with I imagine.

I'm fitting in blogging as & when I can, mostly when the boys are asleep, feeding, or with MrF while I enjoy rare 'off duty' moments. As much as I enjoy these tranquil treats though, I ultimately hanker to get back to my boys - for they are the most delicious treats of all.

The blogging continues, if a little slower...

Foodie x

Cook Book Addiction & MrF's Cheese on Toast Rules

Published in Aug/Sep edition of Vale Life Magazine

My name is Jacqui Thorndyke, and I'm a cook book addict.

There, I've said it, now cancel my Amazon account and send me to a self-help group. Jamie, Gordon, Nigella, Good Housekeeping, Michelin Star chefs, Indian, Thai, Japanese, British, Cakes, Cocktails, Salads… you name it, I've got it. I'm also fairly particular about the condition of my beloved books – they either have to be beautifully food splattered, representing the regularity of their use, or remain in pristine condition.

Needless to say, when MrF left one of my Raymond Blanc books (pardon Monsieur) out overnight in the rain last year, after using it to fan the BBQ… one was not amused; in fact, on finding the sodden collection of Michelin star chef recipes slumped sadly over the picnic bench, I may well have threatened some form of physical violence. Overreaction? Nah.

So do I need all these cook books? Of course I do; if I need inspiration for what to cook next week, have a dinner party or family event to cater for, I reach for my trusty cook books and plough through a selective stack of my favourites. Happily nose-deep in images of elegant starters, sumptuous mains and delectable desserts, I could while away hours on this part of the process alone.

I've unearthed recipes from within these volumes that have wowed guests, along with recipes that have gone on to be regulars on the Foodie Family dinner table – Gizzi Erskine’s Moroccan Chicken, Jamie Oliver’s Tray Bake Fish, plus Nigella’s Italian Roast Chicken to name just a few. My cook books are a constant source of enjoyment for me and I cannot get enough; the littering of them in my Amazon wish list is proof enough.

It therefore may come as some surprise to you, as it did to me, that the most satisfying recipe I ever learnt was how to make perfect cheese on toast…. from none other than MrF himself. I know – annoying right?! He owns maybe two cook books at best, rarely cooks our meals and has a recipe repertoire of about four dishes (that’s another story entirely) – including cheese on toast! He does, however, make the most amazing cheese on toast.

It bugged me enormously when, after tasting his masterpiece, I was unable to recreate it myself – despite several attempts. Feeling somewhat defeated, I gave in and admitted I needed his recipe...or rather rules!

MrF's Cheese on Toast Rules:

1. The bread CANNOT be toasted in a toaster, it must go under the grill
2. The bread can only be toasted on ONE SIDE
3. Cover the UNTOASTED side with slices of cheese, before returning to the grill (you can add seasoning at this stage -salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce maybe). 
4. DO NOT overcook the cheese – it must be melted, but not brown & bubbly
5. Add a small swipe of butter across the top as a final measure & EAT WHILE WARM

So there you have it – the perfect cheese on toast. With all the stunning array of recipes I have at my disposal, an incredibly simple cheese on bloomin’ toast by my very own MrF is the star of the show; how very annoying.

Don’t think for one minute though I'm ditching the cook books, I’ll have ordered at least another two by the time this goes to print!

Getting Ready for Baby

You may now notice a little less activity from me for a while, as the Foodie household prepares to welcome a new addition. Due on 29th August, MiniF#2 will no doubt keep me busy with all sorts of fun things like nappies, burping, feeding... you get the drift.

With just five weeks to go now, I'm in serious nesting mood; poor MrF has a list of DIY tasks and I'm de-cluttering everything in sight. Neither a shelf nor cupboard will be left untouched by the time this baby turns up, eBay is my new best friend. Unfortunately though, this means less time for restaurant reviews and less time for blogging.

I'm not retiring completely, so don't dismay, I'll be dipping in as and when I have time; in fact plans are afoot for something very exciting, details to follow later in the year. Let's be honest, I won't be away from food for long!

See you all soon...

FoodieOnTour x

Headington Farmers Market

Rather embarrassingly, this was my first trip to Headington Farmers Market. I say embarrassingly because I could have been many times over the last year, living only 25 minutes walk away, but for one reason or another, I never have.

Appearing twice a month, on the second and fourth Fridays, the market runs from 8am - 1.30pm at the top of Kennet Road. I stopped by last Friday after a delicious breakfast at Jacobs & Field, and, although my belly was pretty full, there were still a few stalls that most definitely jumped out...

THE OXFORD DELHI

www.theoxforddelhi.co.uk

I am a big lover of vegetable samosas, as is MrF, so there was no way I could walk past The Oxford DelHi stall without picking up a couple for a weekend snack. The next day, with MrF suffering from a hangover, the timing couldn't have been better. On tucking into the delights, however, we were sadly disappointed: the filling was far from plentiful, only about 50% of the samosa was full, leaving a large empty space; the pastry wasn't particularly light; and the filling completely bland - there were flecks of chilli but I couldn't taste any other flavours or spices. To quote MrF, they were "stunningly bad". A real shame, as we were really looking forward to eating these.

PIPPIN DOUGHNUTS

www.pippindoughnuts.co.uk | www.facebook.com/pippindoughnuts

Pregnant, and with a naturally strong sweet tooth, there was no way in hell I was about to walk past a doughnut stall - especially one selling doughnuts with filings such as 'Cider, Apple & Cinnamon', 'Lemon Curd' and 'Vanilla Custard'. Unable to eat the Lemon Curd beauties (raw egg included as an ingredient), I opted for the Cider, Apple & Cinnamon, then somehow managed to wait until I was all the way home before launching myself on the delectable treat - and launch I did! It was beautiful... perfect fluffy centre, plentiful filing, oodles of flavour and ample cinnamony-sugar to lick off my fingers from the outer shell. I did stop myself briefly to take a pic of the half-eaten doughnut (I'm too good to you) but then within moment it was gone... I want one now just from typing this, so certainly look forward to seeing them at market again.

Oozy and beautiful - Cider, Apple & Cinnamon Doughnut (more please!)

CASUAL CREATIONS

Old Seven Stars Cottage, Aylesbury 07949 769880

Now, I apologise in advance, but I can't offer any type of review for the Scotch Bonnet Sauce purchased from Casual Creations, at least for now. For I am in fact, too scared to try this! This was bought as a prezzie for MrF from MummyF, as he is a big fan of using scotch bonnet chillies in his Jerk Marinade. The lovely lady running the stall advised me it was akin to Tabasco Sauce in heat level, and that she uses a big glug of it in every Chilli Con Carne she makes - she also loves it on her bacon sarnies... not sure I can handle that, but I do promise to try it at some stage, I'm just building up the courage!

PAUL KNIGHTS FAMILY FISHMONGES
www.paulsfish.co.uk

I picked up this wonderful tub of pickled herring from Paul Knights fish stall, whilst also eyeing up some dressed crab. Served with a simple buttered slice of wholemeal bread, this made a fantastic light lunch later that day. They did have plenty of other fish and shellfish on display, but it was in the sun a little too much for my liking at the time, but it did look to be a very nice selection.

So, my visit to Headington Farmers Market was brief, but also fairly successful. I will certainly return, maybe a little earlier next time, as a lot of the bread on the large bread stall had already sold out (especially the tomato bread I was after). If you live close enough to visit, then be sure you do - it's one of the larger Oxford markets, so there should be plenty to take your fancy.

Headington Farmers Market
Kennett Road
Headington
Oxford
Website: www.headington.org.uk/market
Phone: 07709 517 895

Rare Plants & Spring Food Festival, Waddesdon Manor

Being a big fan of food markets and after an enjoyable visit to Vale Harvest Market in Haddenham, my ears pricked up when I heard there was to be a market at Waddesdon Manor Plant Centre the following weekend. Looking at the list of stallholders, the range of produce looked enticing: handmade chocolates, fresh fishcakes, wine, confectionery, biscuits, cheese and.... well, plants.

On arrival at the Plant Centre, we were a little confused by the lack of clear signage for where to go. We stumbled our way through the gift shop, then on into the Cafe... Still no market. Off we wandered, following signs to the toilets, eventually spotting a large greenhouse/barn (but no toilets?!), et voilà! Here the market was.

As a side note, I found the toilets - on leaving the market and turning right, there was a portakabin containing the loos. I wasn't quite so pleased to find them though when I smelt them (a rotten ash tray is the closest description I can think of).

Back to the market. Sadly, there was no impressive stall to greet you head-on as you entered - as you may see I wasn't inspired to take many pictures. There was a stage area to the right for talks and demonstrations, some plants immediately to my left, then the food stalls further round to the left and all down the left side.

So, what and who caught my eye this time?

WESSEX PANTRY

www.wessexpantry.co.uk

With an impressive array of big, beautiful pies, Wessex Pantry was a huge draw. We purchased one large Beef & Red Wine Pie and one large Game Pie. The Game Pie is yet to be eaten but the Beef & Red Wine was glorious (see pic below). Travelling all the way from Devon, Wessex Pantry had by far the most impressive stall - with a long list of Awards to boot (see further pic below)

'Glorious' Beef & Red Wine Pie from Wessex Pantry

Wessex Pantry's long list of Awards!

SUPREME SAUSAGES LTD

@SupremeSausages | www.supremesausages.co.uk

Straight after Wessex Pantry, were Supreme Sausages - quite the meaty corner of the room! Hailing from Chalgrove, in Oxfordshire, Supreme Sausages were displaying a large selection - one packet of Cumberland (my sausage of choice) and one pack of Venison purchased, we were on our way. Having since sampled the Cumberland, they were too sweet for my taste, however I am yet to cook the Venison (we tasted a small sample of it at the market and it seemed very pleasant).

Sadly, whilst there was a fairly interesting mix of products on display, I wasn't tempted to make a further purchase - although I may have lingered longer at Gastro Nick's if I was able to eat Charcuterie at the moment! It seemed like most of the stallholders had quite small stalls, packed fairly tightly together, with maybe a little too much on them. It meant there wasn't much room for meandering slowly and taking it all in, without coming to an outright stop and getting pounced on by an eager stallholder - not that I blame them of course, as there weren't many people there... Maybe everyone got lost in the Cafe?

There also seemed to be too much overlap - three handmade chocolate makers placed closely together, and two pie companies slap bang right next to each other - one selling savoury, the other selling sweet and savoury. Sadly, the general theme becoming apparent here seemed to be poor organisation by Waddesdon itself - the lack of clear signage, the poor layout of the market, the below-par toilets, and, on doing further research when I got home, several astonishing typos in their marketing material.... including some producer's websites listed incorrectly - poor show Waddesdon.

So, after a disappointing and brief visit to the market, we decided to take solace in some lunch at the Cafe. MrF chose the Rosemary Focaccia with buffalo mozzarella, beef tomato and homemade pesto, served with a salad of roasted peppers, olives and roasted courgettes. For my Parents, the Glasshouse Platter - hand raised pork pie, pickles, home cooked ham, salad, roast tomato, peppers, cheddar and crusty baguette. I opted for the duck salad - shredded confit duck, warm potato and onion salad with plum dressing, baby salad leaves and mustard seed croutons.

Pretty, but just plain weird, Duck Salad from Waddesdon Manor Plant Centre Cafe

I was informed MrF's Focaccia was very good, but the salad far too oily. The Glasshouse Platter shared by my parents looked appealing, if a little bread-heavy. My Duck Salad was without doubt though, the weirdest duck salad I have ever eaten - and I LOVE duck salads. With a minuscule amount of duck, an over-abundance of sautéed salad potatoes, way too much roasted red onion and a tiny heap of salad leaves, I would certainly not price this dish at £8.50. You can order a small version for £4, but I imagine you'd only get a sniff of duck. By far the weirdest thing about this dish though was the overall mismarriage of Mediterranean and Oriental. Needless to say the combination just did not work.

Bad day at the office for Waddesdon? Difficult to tell, but I won't be rushing back to revisit.

Waddesdon Manor Plant Centre
Waddesdon Manor
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP18 0JW
Facebook: @WaddesdonManor
Twitter: @waddesdonmanor
Website: www.waddesdon.org.uk
Phone: 01296 658586

Vale Harvest Market, Haddenham

You weren't imagining it folks, we finally got some sun this weekend. It might have lasted a week, it might have lasted a day. Hell, it might have only lasted a few hours! So what better time to get out of the house, into the fresh air... and over to a brand new food market.

I'd been chatting on Twitter to local food producer Lucy, from Made by Mums, about the new Vale Harvest Market. Held in the large Buckinghamshire village of Haddenham, on the first Saturday of every month, and with the promise of producers from within a 10 mile radius of Haddenham and Thame, I was eager to check out the markets delicacies.

Armed with a hungry MrF and a pocket full of readies, we hopped in the car and headed on over. On sniffing out the market (I was surprised to see no signs), I was pleased to find there were a good number of stallholders - 25 on this occasion, as I understand. You see this market is in its infancy, at only three months old, it is yet to reach full maturity. Gladly, popularity doesn't seem to be an issue, there were plenty of visitors to the market - in fact it was the steady stream of people, carrying bags of goodies, which assisted me in navigating correctly (ask MrF, this is no mean feat!) to the neat cluster of stalls.

The range of produce was extensive - beef, pork, bread, jams, cakes, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, oils, biscuits, gelato, coffee..... Where to begin?! I felt like a kid in a sweet shop, so who caught my eye?

CORNFIELD BAKERY

www.cornfieldbakery.com

Slap bang in front of us was a large baked goods stall belonging to Cornfield Bakery. All of the bread here looked gorgeous, all plump and fresh. MrF snaffled a Sausage Roll for his lunch (he tells me it was thoroughly enjoyable), and we're still working our way through a very enjoyable Tomato Bread.

GYRE & GIMBLE TEA, COFFEE & CHOCOLATE EMPORIUM

@mrgyre_mrgimble | http://gyre.coffeevagabond.co.uk

Despite the sunshine it was still pretty chilly, so coffee from Gyre & Gimble was next up. Unfortunately there was no decaf available (boo), but I happily tucked into a truly tasty Hot Chocolate (yay). We also grabbed a couple of packets of Propercorn Sweet and Salty Popcorn while we were there - if you've not tried it yet, TRY IT, it's awesome!

THE EGG HOUSE CHARCUTERIE

@bangersandspits | www.egghousecharcuterie.co.uk

Hopping along to the next stall, I landed at The Egg House Charcuterie, another producer I was aware of from Twitter-land. With some fresh bangers being cooked alongside, the stall had been continuously surrounded by eager customers since I arrived. Unfortunately for me, but less so for them, they had sold out of Smoked Bacon. One packet of Unsmoked Back Bacon selected, plus a Sausage Selection Pack (consisting of Traditional, Cumberland and Breakfast), we cooked them up for a delicious Sunday brunch. Whilst the bacon wasn't particularly large, it was well flavoured and a perfect thickness - with no shrinkage when cooked. Having a good old sampling session with the sausages, the Cumberland was my favourite, but all were well seasoned, plump, and a gorgeous soft texture inside - again with zero shrinkage.

MADE BY MUMS

@mbmums | www.made-bymums.co.uk

Based in Haddenham herself, the lovely Lucy who brought the market to my attention in the first place, was here selling her delectable range of cakes, jams and chutneys. One sweet and tangy slice of Lemon Drizzle, two crumbly and gratifying portions of Millionaire Shortbreads, plus one piece of rich and moist Chocolate Pecan Brownie later and I was well stocked up for the weekends sugar cravings!

KIRSTY'S KITCHEN

@kirstyskitchen

Kirsty is another Haddenham local to have started up her own food business. You may have spotted Soft-Centred Scotch Eggs popping up on many a gastro-pub menu these days - enjoying a resurge of popularity, the good old Scotch Egg has become a more gastronomic feast since going soft. Kirsty's Kitchen produce an impressive selection of Soft-Centre Scotch Eggs including Original, Black Pudding, Smokey Bacon, Kedgeregg, It's Thyme Deer and Mature & Mitey, along with a range of sausage rolls. MrF tried a Kirsty's Original egg on my behalf (I'm avoiding soft cooked eggs while carrying a bun in the oven), not a man of many words he gave a thumbs up!

THE FINAL HAUL!

Happy with our booty, we bid farewell to Haddenham. Would I recommend visiting next month's market? Absolutely - you'll likely see me there too. The selection of stalls was varied and appealing, the stallholders genial, and the location convenient and spacious. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself - the market runs on the first Saturday of every month, from 9am to 1pm.

Vale Harvest Market

Banks Park

Haddenham Village Hall

Haddenham

Bucks

HP17 8EE

Twitter: @valeharvest

Website: http://valeharvest.weebly.com