Brunching and Lunching

With the sudden realisation of how quickly my time in Newcastle is going, I promised myself that I would make the most of this year. 

Until recently I've always thought that Newcastle only really has the generic, chain cafes and restaurants. Admittedly, the unique places are well hidden, however they're definitely worth the search. 

This week I've had my fair share of brunching and lunching, starting at Olive and Bean. 

'Olive and Bean is a coffee shop, bespoke sandwich bar and delicatessen all rolled into one'

Escaping from the library, Becca and I went to Olive and Bean for lunch. With an extensive menu, we were spoilt for choice and the decision was hard. I settled for the homemade humous, falafel and sun-blushed tomato salad and it did not disappoint.

The selection of sweet treats was too much. Cakes, tiffin, brownies, cheesecake - they had it all. As always, our eyes were far bigger than our stomachs. Not letting anything go to waste, we resorted to taking doggy bags home!

Next was birthday brunch at Jam Jar in Jesmond. Having been for dinner before, I had no doubt that brunch would be equally as good. Serving full english, pancakes and eggs florentine, Jam Jar is the perfect wake up call. 

Last up was lunch at ARLO, also in Jesmond. This bistro and cafe is a real hidden beauty. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, ARLO is decorated in a quirky yet quaint way. 

This was the perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon. Catering for all, the lunch menu offers soup, sandwiches, quiche, salads and more. Make sure you leave room for the amazing cakes!

The Sloppy Lola 

Toulouse sausage Bolognese, toasted ciabatta, melted cheddar, salad & crisps

Crumbled Feta, Hummus, Sun blushed Tomato and Roast Vegetable Soft Open Tortilla

Sunday Brunch

You can always count on Waitrose for a delicious recipe and this was no exception. 

Family brunches have become a regular occurrence recently and this was up there with the best.

Banana and blueberry eggy bread.

Essentially bread and butter pudding, but for breakfast. 

This really does set you up for the rest of the day and as breakfast is the most important meal of the day, how can you resist?! 

To serve 4, all you need is:

- 2 bananas, each halved and sliced lengthways

- 8 slices Brioche loaf

- 100g blueberries

- 4 tbsp clear honey

- 4 large eggs

- 150ml milk

- Pinch of cinnamon

- 15g butter

- Icing sugar to dust

Arrange the slices of banana on the 4 brioche slices and scatter the blueberries on top.

Drizzle with honey, then place a slice of brioche on top. 

Place the eggs in a shallow dish with the milk and cinnamon. Place all 4 brioche sandwiches in the eft mixture and leave for 5 minutes to soak. 

Turn over and repeat for the other side. Keep turning until each sandwich is soaked and the egg has been used up. 

Heat the butter in a large frying pan (I was using the AGA so placed baking parchment on the top plates). Gently cook the brioche sandwiches for 3-4 minutes until each side is golden brown. 

Serve while warm and dust with icing sugar. 

The perfect treat for a rainy Sunday morning, sure to brighten anyones day. 

Gingerbread Grotto

Christmas at home means one thing - food galore.

After many years of failed attempts at Gingerbread houses, we decided to give it another go.

Mary Berry did us proud and provided us with the perfect recipe. 

All you need is..

375g unsalted butter

300 g dark muscovado sugar 

150g golden syrup

900g plain flour

1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tbsp ground ginger

And of course, anything you fancy to decorate your creation with (chocolate buttons, jazzies, smarties)

Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup together in a large pan

 Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ginger together

Make a well and pour the melted butter into the flour mixture

Mix until incorporated, then knead into a firm dough

Split the dough into 5 even sections

Roll each piece out so its approximately 3/4cm thick. Use the template and cut around each piece using a sharp knife

Do this for each section - the front, back, sides and roof

Place on greaseproof paper and bake for 8 minutes, take out the oven and trim the edges. Place back until golden brown and firm

  

Remember to use all the trimmings to make the chimney, christmas trees, gingerbread men, snowmen, whatever you fancy

Whilst waiting to cool, make your royal icing using 3 egg whites, 675g icing sugar and 3 tbsp of lemon juice. Make sure you beat until very stiff - it is the key to assemble your entire house!

Use the icing to stick on any decorations and create the tiling for your roof

Pipe the icing onto all edges and assemble carefully. Be generous with the icing and hold it together to make sure it sticks properly (help will be needed)

Use the frosting to create a snow effect on all edges

The Chau's gingerbread grotto

Christmas in Newcastle

This year has flown by and I can't quite believe that it's already time for the Christmas festivities to begin.

You know it's that time of year again when Fenwick's unveil their Christmas window display. Never failing to impress, this year's Fairy Tale Forest theme goes above and beyond all expectations.

Attracting hundreds, even hearing the magical music is enough to get you feeling festive.

And if this isn't enough, the Newcastle Continental Christmas Market will be.

The Continental Market brings us gourmet ingredients giving you a real taste of Europe.

Offering you every imaginable flavour of fudge, from Irn Bru to Jammy Dodger...

With French crepes, German beer, Spanish Paella and so much more, there is almost too much choice.

Be sure to visit the Continental Market at Grey's Monument before the 30th November.