RHUBARB…..RHUBARB

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I love it when a seasonal fruit or vegetable suddenly appears…taking me by surprise, and inspiring me to cook with it.  One such new arrival is the early spring rhubarb which is now available. Our own rhubarb in the garden has started sprouting, but isn't quite there yet, so feeling impatient, I shall be buying some this weekend to make a family favourite recipe of
'Rhubarb and date chutney'…..so loved, that I wonder if it is really worth making any other kind  at all!  The perfect accompaniment to cheese….I shall be making a batch for my larder cupboard, plus a few extra jars for gifts, and I think perhaps I had better make a few to send up to London to the children who all love it too….

So if you like the sound of this highly recommended yummy chutney, then
here's the recipe!

Ingredients:
50g fresh root ginger, grated
300ml red wine vinegar
500g eating apples, peeled and finely chopped
200g pitted dates, chopped
200g dried cranberries or raisins
1 tbsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp curry powder
400g light muscovado sugar
700g rhubarb, sliced into 2cm chunks
500g red onions

Put the onions in a large pan with the ginger and vinegar.  Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins.  Add the rest of the ingredients, except the rhubarb, plus 2 tsp. salt to the pan and bring to the boil, stirring.  Simmer uncovered, for about 10 minutes until the apples are tender.
Stir in the rhubarb and cook, uncovered, until the chutney is thick and jammy, about 15-20 mins.  Leave the chutney to sit for about 10-15 mins, then spoon into warm, clean jars and seal.  Label the jars when cool.  Keep for at least a month before eating.
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Wishing you a happy Thursday evening….

Sophia xx

MOUNTAIN COUNTDOWN….

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My countdown has begun…..a little over three weeks left until we are in the mountains!  One of my absolute favourite places to be.

A special family time…..with our three children joining us for a precious, fun filled week all together.

Wishing for perfect snow conditions and crisp and clear blue, sunny skies…..and some great skiing.  

Hoping I can keep up with them all?!

Some relaxing apres ski……my favourite part...

…..with a hot chocolate or two no doubt.

This year we shall be in Italy's Monterosa region, which is  a change from our usual French or Austrian trip.  'Getting away from it all'….staying in a remote, cosy, small hotel up the mountain, above the village…..only accessible via skies or skidoo….it promises to be an adventure!

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Do you love the mountains?  Do you have a favourite place to go?

  I would love to hear from you! 

Sophia xx

A SUNNY SATURDAY…..AND BEAUTIFUL HELLIBORES…..

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The weekend at last, and I do hope this post finds you all well?

It has been a busy and fun filled week for me….we had my lovely cousin Jeanna and her husband from Sweden, along with their three gorgeous children staying last weekend which was great fun.….a lot of rushing around this week with a trip up to London, work on a new design project, writing a new post for the 'Sarah Raven' website's blog 'Garlic and Sapphire' which you can find here, along with a lovely reunion with a couple of dear girlfriends who I used to share a flat in London with 'back in the day'….phew!

In contrast, it is a quieter and less busy weekend.  We woke to glorious sunshine here in Kent yesterday…almost a shock to the system!  How lovely it was to take the dogs out for their morning walk along the lane, without battling the wind and the rain, and I even had to wear my sunglasses!  The mild temperatures even lured me in to the garden for a few hours, and I was delighted to find bulbs popping up everywhere…..a sign of hope for Spring's arrival, and a reward for all the backbreaking bulb planting last Autumn!

Another surprise discovery were our Hellibores, which I had completely forgotten about, having moved them last year to a new 'woodland' corner of the garden that we have created.  

'Helliborus'…..of which there are approximately 20 known species are perennial flowering plants from the family 'Ranunculaceae'.  A welcome addition to the winter and early Spring garden, they are best grown at a height, perhaps on a raised bed or rockery, so that their beautiful 'faces' can be seen.  As you can see, they are all sadly facing downwards, so perhaps we shall consider moving them again to a raised position in the Autumn?

I therefore could not resist picking a few heads to enjoy indoors, floating in water……their stunning centres to enjoy.

Do you grow Hellibores in your garden?    

I believe these are 'Helleborus Orientalis' and 'Helleborus x hybridus' … … are there any particular species/colours you would recommend?

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Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Sophia xx

AGING WITH STYLE AND ATTITUDE….

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Ageing……mmm….well it's inevitable isn't it?

It is not a subject that I have given a great deal of thought to over the years, but now in my late 40's, and with my children having now left home, I am very aware that I am now in a new era…..the 'third stage' as I am hearing it referred to….and although I have gone through the usual sadness of my chicks having flown the nest, I am appreciating their love, fun and friendship as fellow adults, and also now embracing the extra freedom that this stage has to offer.  The time to spend more time on the work and hobbies that I have always enjoyed, to travel more, and to pursue new goals and aspirations.  

Gone are the days of our grandmothers' generation, when this stage marked the official start of 'middle age' and a time to start slowing down, and taking things easy.  I appreciate that this doesn't include all women of their generation…indeed, I had some pretty strong and adventurous women in my family who have gone before me, as I am sure many of you have too?  However, on the whole many more women today are enjoying and achieving remarkable things, loving fashion and beauty, enjoying their fitness regimes and embracing all the adventures that the world has to offer…..well in to their 80's and 90's….how fantastic is that!  

My own lovely mother (who I am sure won't mind me mentioning, is 70) rang me last night to tell me about her morning at the gym and new exercise class, so she certainly isn't slowing down!  Indeed, my mother in law at 91 goes to a weekly exercise class too, which is beyond inspirational!

Suffice to say, it is still a little disconcerting for many of us girls to suddenly look in the mirror and find those first few lines and wrinkles that can suddenly appear overnight.  I like to tell myself that I am fortunate that those little lines around the eyes are from a happy and laughter filled life so far….although I have also found myself addressing my own skin care regime with a few new pots and potions promising great things!  I have also stepped up the 'Spinning' and 'Body Combat' classes…...but more of that another time!

At the end of the day though, I like to think that it is a woman's style and attitude that people notice as they age, and their love of life.

No one knows this better than French women, who have a wonderful attitude to ageing.  This ethos has been captured beautifully in a lovely little book that I have been enjoying this week…..'French Women Don't Get Facelifts', written by Mireille Guiliano, author of international bestseller 'French Women Don't Get Fat'.  A former chief executive at Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, Mireille is a true ambassador of the art of French living, and living well.  I love her attitude to finding joy in life's simple everyday pleasures and especially her attitude to the idea of never depriving oneself and eating well but in moderation and balance.  

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Whether your attitude to ageing is a positive one, or perhaps you are finding the process a little daunting, I would urge you to read this delightful, lighthearted read….and discover the French woman's secret to doing so with great style and 

'joie de vivre'!

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Whatever your age and stage in life, what are your thoughts and attitude to ageing?  I would so love to hear form you!

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Wishing you a very happy weekend…..

Sophia xx

  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY…

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Valentine's Day…..a day of love for most of you I hope?  Love as we know, comes in many shapes and forms though, so don't be sad if today doesn't represent romantic love for you….

Today I not only celebrate and cherish the love I have for my wonderful husband of 26 years, but also for the love I have for our three kind, hard working, fun and very loving children.  I think of the love I have for my parents... my mother who is going through a sad bereavement, but whom is always there for all of us with so much love, and my father who was born in fact on Valentine's day, but sadly died before his time a number of years ago, and for my wonderful grandparents since gone. For all my dear family, and loyal and special friends, and last but not least…..our gorgeous dogs Rocco and Kiki!

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So, whatever and whoever represents love to you this Valentine's Day, may it be a very happy one!

Sophia xx

SMALL ROOM…..BIG STYLE.

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Downstairs cloakrooms (or powder rooms as my American readers would say) may tend to be the 'smallest' room in your home…..but that is all the more reason, to inject some 'big' style in to the space.  It is after all, a room that your guests will visit, and dare I say, form one or two opinions….and we all want those to be good one, don't we!  So, whether your taste is for something simple….quirky….rustic….fresh and clean lines….or uber glamorous, I have come up with some small rooms that are big on style, for your Wednesday inspiration!  Please tell me if you have a particular favourite, I would love to hear from you!

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Wishing you a lovely evening!

Sophia xx

BREEZY LIKE A SUNDAY MORNING...

PHOTO; SOPHIA HOME

What a stormy night!  Yes, yes, yet another one, I hear you say…..our windy, wet weather is just relentless…..last night was particularly spectacular up here on our little hill, with thunder and lightning thrown in for added drama!

My heart goes out to everyone around the country, especially in the West, whose homes and businesses have been devastated by flooding….it makes life's little issues seem really very unimportant.  I wish them strength at these times, to overcome the mess and devastation, and pray that life gets back to normal as quickly as possible over the coming months.

This morning has been brighter but very windy still, and my husband who is made of sterner stuff than me, has been out in the garden working as he tends to be like a 'caged lion' if inside for too long and unable to get on with his garden projects. I am a little bit of a 'fair weather gardener' I'm afraid and have chosen to admire his stoicism and hard work through the window of my nice warm kitchen today!  I have a good excuse as our three children are driving down from London this afternoon to have Sunday supper with us, which is always such a treat, and I have cooking to do!

On the menu is a gorgeous looking slow cooked Persian shoulder of lamb recipe, with a pomegranate salad, curtesy of 'BBC Good Food'.  It will cook slowly in the Aga all afternoon, and fingers crossed it will be as delicious as it sounds and looks from the picture!

PHOTO; BBC GOOD FOOD

INGREDIENTS:

For the lamb:

4 tbsp pomegranate molasses

1 tsp ground cumin

juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 onion, roughly chopped

1 shoulder of lamb, weighing about 1.6 kg, lightly scored

For the salad:

seeds of 2 pomegranates

handful flat-leaf parsley leaves

100 g bag watercress

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 tbsp olive oil

flatbreads to serve

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3.  In a small bowl, mix the molasses with the cumin, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic.  Scatter the onion over a casserole dish or a deep roasting tin.  Place the lamb on top of the onions.  Pour the glaze over the lamb.  Rinse the bowl out with about 200 ml water, then pour it around the lamb.  Cover the dish with a lid or the tin with a large piece of foil.  Roast the lamb, undisturbed, for 3 hrs, then remove the lid or foil and continue to roast for 30 mins to give the lamb colour.  When the lamb has had its time, pour off the juices, remove as much fat as possible, then pour the juices back over the lamb.

Just before serving, gently toss all the salad ingredients together.  Serve the lamb with its sauce, the salad and some warmed flatbreads.

Bon appétit!

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Wishing you a very happy Sunday, wherever you are and whatever you have planned!

Sophia xx

THE 'UPCYCLED' COFFEE TABLE….

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Coffee tables…..all shapes and sizes….a key central anchor in a room.

I love mine.  They are where I enjoy a plant or fresh flowers, or bowls of bulbs, as at the moment.  I burn favourite scented candles and keep my favourite design books on them, to be close at hand.  We have a reflective glass topped table in our light bright kitchen sitting area, and a beautiful, large dark wood chest which I have had for many years, in our more formal sitting room.  I am also a fan of beautifully upholstered ottomans…..a favourite with many clients of mine over the years.

For something a little different though, how about  an original 'up cycled' coffee table?
There are some very inventive people out there, who have created a table out of something utilitarian, simple or quirky, making something unique and lovely…..

Love the first picture….definitely one for my 'dream ski chalet' file…..and this one above, displays the stunning grain of a beautiful slab of wood.

Who can believe that these lowly former pallets could be transformed in to something so stylish….

Or that slices of tree trunk stacked could form a rustic, quirky surface….in the right setting?

Reused trunks….doubling up as valuable storage.

Imagine this piece perhaps spent a former life in an architect's or designer's office…or perhaps used to hold beautiful old maps?

Not so sure about this last one?!  You have to take your hat off to its creator though…..this has to be the ultimate in 'up cycling'!

Do you have a favourite style of coffee table that you use at home?  I would love to hear….

Have a lovely day!

Sophia xx




www.sophiawadsworthinteriors.co.uk

DIM SUM….DIM SUM….!

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Have I mentioned before on this blog, that I adore Dim Sum?  I believe I have….

I am yet to meet anyone who has tasted and doesn't love these tasty, healthy little dumplings…and if you have never had them before, you really must try them. A style of Cantonese food, linked with the ancient tradition of 'yum cha' (tea tasting), they are prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food. Traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates, and made in various forms using a variety of ingredients, they can be cooked by steaming or frying, among other methods.

What I hadn't appreciated until recently, is just how creative, fun and relatively uncomplicated they are to make oneself!  My daughter Georgie, who regular readers may know works as a private chef, was visiting home recently and gave me her 'Masterclass' in making Dim Sum…...and now I am hooked!

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

The variety that I cooked over the weekend, were 'Siu Mai' open faced dumplings…..which are super healthy, as they are gently steamed.

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Siu Mai outer 'skins' can be made, but can also be bought at good Asian supermarkets. I was fortunate to have a few packets left in my freezer by Georgie, who shops regularly for Asian ingredients either in China Town, or at one of North London's fantastic Asian food suppliers. We sadly don't have such exotic shopping here in rural Kent….unless anyone knows otherwise?

Our choice of filling on Saturday night, was a delicious mix of lean free-range pork and prawns….combined with lemon grass, ginger, garlic, galangal, chilli and coriander….

Dipped in soya, chilli or Ponzu sauce (the latter a new yummy discovery)….just delicious.

Traditionally served with tea, but I can also recommend a glass of bubbles, which worked perfectly too!

For great inspiration for mastering the art of 

making an array of fabulous Asian dumplings, I can highly recommend the cook book 'Asian Dumplings' by Andrea Nguyen, which takes you step by step through the delicious and enjoyable art if Dim Sum.

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Wishing you a very happy week!

Sophia xx