2023-09-05 08:00
I wanted to highlight a few places I have been loving this month. All are very different but with a common ground. They all provide me with delicious baked yumminess and top-notch friendly s… Read More
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Food, recipes and my life
2023-08-28 12:00
I made it my mission during the recent English Wine Week to get out there and visit a few of the amazing vineyards that are less than an hours drive from Exeter. Devon is most definitely a w… Read More
2023-07-24 09:30
These delightfully green fritters make an awesome brunch or lunch as well as a canapé for pre dinner drinks or cocktail hour on the terrace.
I make pea fritters a lot. Any frit… Read More
2023-07-06 11:30
I absolutely love food shopping especially when it’s in a deli. Rooting out ingredients a little out of the ordinary as well as unusual and exciting wines makes me very happy indeed. I… Read More
2023-05-31 12:00
If you are anything like me then bread and baked goods grace your kitchen table at least three times a day. A couple of doorstop slices of good bread, toasted or a croissant at breakfast, a… Read More
2023-04-28 08:00
I googled what to call eggs in toast and apparently, there are at least 66 names for this simple little breakfast, brunch, and lunch idea according to Wikipedia! Egg-in-a-hole, egg-in-a-bask… Read More
2023-04-03 11:00
I am probably wrong because I always have time for a slice of cake but just in case. Plus it gives me time to share the recipe I used with you. I slightly adapted the BBC Good Food recipe… Read More
2023-03-06 19:45
The Tors Inn in the small village of Belstone has to epitomise everything that you would want from a Dartmoor pub. It’s friendly, cosy, and has a well-stocked bar full of locally brewe… Read More
2023-01-22 20:00
If you are like me you will be constantly on the lookout for amazing and interesting food destinations. In which case let me highlight Rafikis in Ashburton to you.
Rafikis owner, Susi… Read More
2023-01-20 10:00
Did you know that it’s National Peanut Butter Day next Tuesday 24th January? No? I know, it’s a bit random and why would you?
Just before Christmas, I googled “days… Read More
2023-01-04 17:00
If you are anything like me you dislike this time of year because all of the Christmas treats that you love are no longer available, don’t seem appropriate or you are trying your best… Read More
2022-12-10 10:00
The Lilac Bakery opened its doors on Cowick Street, St Thomas just over a year ago after taking on an empty betting shop. What was once William Hill is now a bustling hub of the local commun… Read More
2022-11-23 09:40
I’m beginning to feel a little bit festive over here which in turn makes me think about wintery spices, edible glitter and snowballs. This Sensational Spiced Bundt Cake recipe ticks al… Read More
2022-11-20 18:00
Let me introduce to you the newest eatery in Exeter, Daily Bowl. Situated right next door to Central Station, it’s in the perfect spot for a sit-down lunch or a takeaway for your journ… Read More
2022-10-30 16:00
I don’t know about you but at this time of year I hanker for a cosy pub lunch situation with friends. The season is changing from summer to autumn and I want little pub nooks, log fire… Read More
2022-10-09 14:00
Exeter’s independent food scene has a new star in the form of The Sunset Society. This chilled-out cafe by day and live music bar and pizza joint by night is going to be a firm favouri… Read More
2022-08-22 08:00
I may have discovered THE hottest foodie destination and it’s only a 30-minute drive from Exeter. Ashburton sits on the edge of Dartmoor and has more amazing independent eateries than… Read More
2022-07-31 14:00
Following on from last week’s post about another great spot in Ashburton, Creamo’s, I wanted to share with you my latest Ashburton foodie find.
Arthur At Taylor’s is… Read More
2022-07-24 09:00
You will see Ashburton crop up on here pretty regularly from this point on. It’s my new go-to destination in Devon for a foodie fix.
This town nestled on the edge of the moors has t… Read More
2022-04-06 12:00
Firstly welcome and secondly did the title Swede Cake spark your interest? It sparked mine too when I googled recipes to make with swede.
I like many of you get a weekly organic veg b… Read More
2022-03-23 12:00
I have been meaning to write so many times but then other things have got in the way. Then something niggling in my mind spurs me to put my fingers to the keyboard and put something out ther… Read More
2022-01-20 09:45
Can I let you into a secret? Monday is National Peanut Butter Day. In honesty, every day is Peanut Butter Day for me. I am slightly obsessed. It has to be smooth and it has to be natural tho… Read More
2021-12-28 21:00
I must confess I have never been to St Ives in the height of the summer season so I really can’t compare and contrast with visiting in December, but I do know that I would rather visit… Read More
2021-11-23 20:50
Hello friends. I can’t quite believe November is nearly over and there are only a few weeks left until Christmas. How is time flying so fast? I guess it’s partly because it&rsquo&hell…Read More
2021-10-20 04:58
Hi. How are you?
Friends, I am so sorry for the radio silence. I have been off the radar a bit haven’t I? Well, with October in full swing I feel it’s time to put pen to paper… Read More
2021-08-02 17:00
Feeling Hot
The weather of late has been either super hot or blimmin’ chilly. One minute you are in your summer shorts and lightweight blouses and the next it’s jeans, jum… Read More
2021-07-19 08:00
Lakemoor Alpacas
What can I say about Lakemore Alpacas that I didn’t gush about on Instagram? It was the best day ever and I left feeling like I had had a really great massage… Read More
2021-07-06 21:00
Happy July folks. Where is the time going? Blink and another week passes. Blink again and a month has flown by.
Lockdown easing and things opening up have meant I have been out and ab… Read More
2021-06-07 20:00
Hi all and Happy June! It’s been a busy and enjoyable week so grab yourselves a coffee and take a little walk through my week with me.
First Barbecue Of The Year
It&rsquo&hell…Read More
2021-05-31 08:22
This week has been an emotional rollercoaster. Sicily my little tabby cat has been in and out of kitty hospital all week and I have been feeling really down about it. I am sure there are oth… Read More
2021-05-19 20:32
Well hello there! It actually feels that normality is creeping back and I am not sure how I feel about that.
Who else thought during lockdown that life in its simplest form was so muc… Read More
2021-05-05 18:00
I believe it’s the little things that make a difference in life. That’s why I couldn’t have been more excited when I hopped on the train and headed out of Exeter for a few… Read More
2021-04-27 14:00
Like anything I go through phases as I am sure you do. Phases of things I eat, places I like to visit and also having the mojo to get motivated to write a blog post. I guess with the various… Read More
2021-03-23 19:00
Sunday lunching had become a bit of a thing of late and pasta has been playing a huge part in that. A few weeks ago I discovered La Tua. An authentic Italian pasta home delivery service that… Read More
2021-03-15 18:00
This week must have been the wettest in history! Every time I ventured out of the house I was either hailed on, rained on or almost blown away. I don’t mean to start my blog post talki… Read More
2021-03-07 22:56
Welcome to week 8 of the third lockdown in the United Kingdom. There is light at the end of the tunnel though. From tomorrow lockdown rules begin to ease meaning that schools can go back and… Read More
2021-02-28 19:00
What a difference a week can make. The weather here in Devon has been dreamy and it well and truly feels like spring is around the corner. I have been noticing lighter mornings as well as li… Read More
2021-02-27 15:56
The sun has finally come back out after a long and dreary winter. Yes, it may still only be the end of February but spring really does feel like it’s on the way. There is actual warmth… Read More
2021-02-21 11:00
Happy Sunday friends. Can you believe another week had gone by? It’s been half term for me from most of my ballet classes and normally I would have gone away somewhere but obviously no… Read More
2021-02-15 07:04
Happy New Week! Firstly, let me apologise for not posting “My Week In Pictures” last week. Literally, nothing of note happened apart from my recipe for Rose & Chocolate Macar… Read More
2021-02-13 16:00
Happy Saturday friends. I thought I would share with you my version of Beetroot Borscht that I made for my bubble lunch date last Sunday.
For those of you that have never heard of bor… Read More
2021-02-09 23:00
I know it’s probably the coldest week of the year so far but that doesn’t stop me wanting ice cream for dessert. Plus, it’s the prettiest pud and might be an ideal Valentin… Read More
2021-02-05 09:00
This recipe has been on the cards at Tara’s Busy Kitchen HQ for a while in all honesty. I purchased the desiccated coconut long before Christmas but just didn’t have the time to… Read More
2021-01-31 18:00
Hello all and happy Sunday. It’s been an odd week don’t you think? I overheard someone say on a zoom group class I was taking earlier that she was suffering from lockdown fatigue… Read More
2021-01-29 09:00
It’s that time of year that calls for comfort food. It’s cold, it’s grey and on the most part pretty soggy outside. So I reach for gentle spices and recipes that make me fe… Read More
2021-01-24 21:00
It’s been a funny old week here. Firstly, I have been on my own as Steve has been working away. Don’t panic! It’s all within the Covid laws – testing and a work bubbl… Read More
2021-01-20 09:00
I don’t know about you but I eat peanut butter every day in some form. Be it spooned onto my morning porridge, whizzed into a smoothie, whipped into frosting, or simply on some toasted… Read More
2021-01-17 18:00
Hello all. We seem to have made it through another week in lockdown so let’s give ourselves a pat on the back for that. it’s challenging and we are all doing a great job. Ho… Read More
2021-01-16 18:48
I don’t know about you but when it’s cold outside I want to eat spicy food; something with a bit of zing and kick.
This recipe has been on the back burner until now purely… Read More
2021-01-09 15:00
Here we go again! Lockdown 3.0 started on Tuesday here in England. I did manage to get one evening in of live ballet classes with my primary-school-age children before resuming online from T… Read More
2020-12-30 09:00
2020 has been challenging for all. Work has been sparse for some and non-existent for others. Loneliness for many has become a real issue. There have been constant challenges thrown our way… Read More
2020-12-22 11:00
(Ad) I was recently sent some sausages from my friends at HECK. These aren’t any old sausages though. Of course, they are delicious, we know that, but these sausages are doing good at… Read More
2020-12-20 18:00
Wow! Another week where our worlds get picked up and thrown down thus jiggling all plans once again. I guess in reality I was expecting a u-turn on the Christmas rules. It had to happen but… Read More
2020-12-13 14:10
Happy Sunday friends! Are you feeling festive yet? With less than two weeks to Christmas I feel like I should be but I am not. I am excited for Christmas but I certainly don’t have tha… Read More
2020-12-05 17:00
It’s been a whole year since I found myself in New York and it got me thinking about all those yummy sweet treats that the Americans do so well. Yes, I love a crunchy English biscuit b… Read More
2020-11-19 07:00
This sweet and spicy gingerbread loaf with spiced cream cheese frosting is a perfect alternative to Christmas cake for those who don’t like a fruit cake option at Yuletide. I do howeve… Read More
2020-11-15 14:00
Wow! What a week. It’s been intense I am not going to lie. Working from home for most people means setting up your laptop in your spare room. For me, it means turning my lounge into a… Read More
2020-11-11 20:00
I don’t know about you but I love autumn. I particularly adore the warm and sunny autumn days with that special golden light that you only get at this time of year. The sun is low in t… Read More
2020-11-08 14:00
For me, this week has been made up of two contrasting halves. I am pretty sure that for others based in England right now you may agree with me?
Lockdown 2.0 started at 12.01 am on Thursday… Read More
2020-11-02 06:00
Ok, this cake may sound and look really like a Halloween cake but rest assured it’s more than that. As always I am a little behind with my posting and this recipe comes a day or so lat… Read More
2020-11-01 19:00
It must have been about 2 years since my last Week In Pictures post. To be sure I would have to look back through my archives. Why this week of all weeks? Well, in all honesty, there is no p… Read More
2020-10-21 07:00
Happy UK Coffee Week to you all. I have to confess, I am not a coffee addict. I am definitely more of a tea drinker but I do like the odd cappuccino (retro choice I know) and espresso now an… Read More
2020-09-15 19:00
I have made this cake twice now with my glut of courgettes and it’s too good not to share with you all. I can safely say it is the most delightfully moist sponge that tastes so decaden… Read More
2020-08-15 08:00
My love of Italy is well documented as is my love of Italian food. Quite often Italian recipes are incredibly easy to prepare with flavours that pack a punch. The key being good quality ingr… Read More
2020-07-20 06:44
There are many places I have discovered during my lockdown walks including hopefully my new home! (eek!). I have walked and walked and walked every day uncovering new places that I simply wo… Read More
2020-07-07 19:00
This salad on paper initially sounded like it wouldn’t work but trust me, it does. Individually all the components work with another but I was unsure what would happen if I put them al… Read More
2020-06-28 11:00
I have made this recipe a number of times through lockdown and it has always hit the spot. If like me you often have jars of capers, olives and anchovies in your pantry along with a bag of p… Read More
2020-05-31 09:00
These Summer Nachos are fresh, light and tasty and the best addition to a weekend drink with friends or as part of a garden lunch. I have chosen not to pile my recipe with beans or beef chil… Read More
2020-05-27 07:00
What a day. It was filled with emotion and joy. I can only liken it to how I must have felt as a small child. By the evening I was pretty much wiped out from feeling completely overwhelmed… Read More
2020-05-13 09:00
Steve and I got out into our pretty courtyard garden a weekend or so ago to christen our new barbecue and crack open the HECK! meat-free sausages I was kindly sent to try. They couldn’… Read More
2020-05-08 08:00
This recipe uses my basic buttermilk scone recipe from many moons ago and adds in a handful or two of frozen blueberries. They are so easy to pull together and incredibly delicious. I made t… Read More
2020-05-02 15:00
Can I let you into a little secret? In all my years on this planet, I have NEVER made Toad In The Hole before. It seems to have completely missed my radar somehow. I don’t understand w… Read More
2020-04-25 14:00
I am pretty sure that every single household during our COVID-19 lockdown has wondered what to do with the browning bananas in the fruit bowl! Well, this recipe will take a couple off your h… Read More
2020-04-17 08:00
I have been making granola on and off for years. It’s one of those things that you think is going to be a complete pain to make but in actual fact, it’s incredibly easy. You can… Read More
2020-04-08 08:00
Inspired by all the rainbow images in peoples windows as I take my daily walk, I decided to whip up a batch of simple cupcakes. The recipe is an easy one but I pimped it up slightly with … Read More
2020-03-31 19:30
These flatbread frying pan pizzas have been a godsend in lockdown and enjoyed time and time again. They are so good! I really had no idea how they would turn out but to my surprise, they tur… Read More
2020-03-28 06:45
Easter is likely to be a strange one this year. Normally a day when families come together to celebrate, eat delicious food and head on out for a walk possibly culminating in a trip to the p… Read More
2020-03-22 18:00
Last Tuesday, the 17th March, was St Patrick’s day. Blink and you probably missed it. I celebrated with family before we all got separated and stuck in our own homes in different towns… Read More
2020-03-17 20:30
I know at these uncertain times a blogpost about eating out might not be of much interest to you but you know what? It’s worth a read anyway. We all need to keep our chins up and plan… Read More
2020-03-03 21:00
I thought I would share with you a day in my life. In the past, up until quite recently actually, I have been guilty of being a bit of a workaholic. Well, maybe that’s a bit strong but… Read More
2020-02-28 21:00
As someone who is always on the go running from job to job I always like to have a little something in my bag to snack on. In the past, it has always been a Nakd bar for ease but since whipp… Read More
2020-02-14 07:00
Storm Ciara hit Devon hard on Sunday which meant that getting out and about was less than appealing. The winds were gusting and the rain was pouring which meant that an afternoon was freed u… Read More
2020-02-07 21:00
I have always loved pink and green as a colour combination when it comes to food. Matcha cake with raspberry pink icing, beetroot pasta with a sprinkling of fresh parsley, the pink pickled t… Read More
2020-01-20 20:04
I’m not vegan but more often than not the meals I make at home happen to fall into that category. Last night was a good case in point. I roasted sweet potato and piled it high on top o… Read More
2020-01-19 15:00
As a child, I really don’t remember having peanut butter. Maybe my mum wasn’t a fan so didn’t buy it? Our house was all about Marmite for that savoury hit and to be honest… Read More
2020-01-08 20:00
This cake has been adapted from a recipe I stumbled across by Skye McAlpin. A beautifully easy recipe that feels incredibly festive for this time of year but would work perfectly at any time… Read More
2020-01-05 07:02
Happy New Year! In fact, it’s a new decade, isn’t it? How about that! In my last post, I mentioned how I don’t really go in for celebrating on New Year’s Eve. I much… Read More
2019-12-30 21:00
Happy midwinter everyone! I always seem to be a bit delayed with posts of late. Life seems to get in the way of writing but I thought I would share a few photographs from my Christmas build… Read More
2019-12-22 19:00
It’s that time of the year when mince pies and Christmas cake become the daily snack of choice. I don’t know about you but I love Christmas treats so much. The fruity, slightly b… Read More
2019-12-07 09:00
New York is one of those cities that you never get tired of exploring. I have been lucky to visit four times over the course of my life and have never had the same holiday twice. The city, l… Read More
2019-11-20 06:21
Whenever I find myself in Winchester I always have to stop in at The Wykeham Arms. It might just be an drink after a long walk or dinner if I am lucky. This time I enjoyed the works. Post wa… Read More
2019-11-16 06:00
Something happened at the beginning of this week that reminded me how quickly things can change. A photograph of my Nan popped up on my Instagram stories from this time last year. Instantly… Read More
2019-11-13 06:00
For those of you unfamiliar with Winchester, it’s a cathedral city steeped in history. With that history comes great beauty. Many of the side streets in and around Winchester Cathedral… Read More
2019-11-10 09:00
It would seem that every recipe coming out of Tara’s Busy Kitchen has had an orange hue of late. Whether it’s been pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pasta or pumpkin mousse. Now it’… Read More
2019-11-03 06:00
I like October. I like the golden hues, the pumpkin-spiced everything’s, the chilly starts, the jumpers. What I don’t like is the rain. Crikey, have we had rain? For the first tw… Read More
2019-10-30 06:30
I have spent a number of hours in the kitchen over the last few weeks whipping up delicious pumpkin dishes both sweet and savoury and this might just be my favourite of the lot. I have to sa… Read More
2019-10-16 05:00
Pumpkin season is well in effect at Tara’s Busy Kitchen right now. Last week I presented my recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese Frosting and this week it’s this d… Read More
2019-10-12 05:00
There is something so special about going out for lunch on a Sunday. Yes, it’s great not having to cook and wash up obviously but it’s more than that. Being with your friends and… Read More
2019-10-05 06:02
Hello October! One of my favourite months where the seasons begin to change, leaves start falling from the trees but there is still a bit of warmth in the sun during daylight hours. It&rsquo&hell…Read More
2019-10-02 05:00
Firstly I need to send out a massive apology for going AWOL. August was a blur of daily hospital visits to my beloved Nanny’s bedside which resulted in me never finishing my August rou… Read More
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