Sunday

When we stayed at The Gallivant a couple of weeks ago, we started our breakfast with a vegan banana muffin. They were topped with seeds which gave a lovely crunch, while they were soft and light. I was impressed. So somewhat cheekily I asked if I could get the recipe, fully expecting to be told no. But instead, by the time we got back from our walk, it was printed out and waiting for me at reception with notes added by the chef. I’ve had to wait for my bananas to become over-ripe to try the recipe, but gave it a go. Not bad for a first attempt. And there’s enough batter and seed topping in the fridge to make more later in the week. 😋

Wednesday

I “attended” another Action for Happiness talk. This time Dr Rupy Aujla talking about food and wellbeing. I’d never come across him before and knew nothing about The Doctor’s Kitchen, so it was a fascinating hour.

Friday

I’d never been to a Sugardough bakery. I’ve heard good things about them but hadn’t visited. On Friday I wanted to go to the Cook Book Bake bookshop, and there’s a Sugardough next door. It was a sensory delight. The smell was wonderful and reminded me of trips to such shops as a child. The scent that strongly suggests in-store baking of high-quality products. I haven’t tasted the bread yet, but the spinach and ricotta roll, the kale and chilli tart, and the breakfast custard roll were all delicious.

On Friday evening, we “attended” a live-streamed theatrical production - Emma Rice’s Wise Children ‘s performance of ‘Romantics Anonymous’ from Bristol Old Vic. There was a brief introduction to the people behind the scenes - all wearing masks and appropriately distanced - before the show started. I thought this was a charming show, well-produced with a few thoughtful additions which were all relevant to the current situation. I laughed, I had a tear in my eye, I was transported. The knowledge that it was live, current and relevant made it all the more special for me. During the interval, there were recorded snippets from the partner theatres - including Brighton Dome. The snippet was filmed in the Dome auditorium. It featured Andrew, the Chief Executive of Brighton Dome and Festival, who is a familiar face to many who’ve attended festival shows over the years. It was fantastic to see the Dome. But also incredibly sad to know it’s likely to be quite some time before I can see it for myself again.

Saturday

Saturday felt autumnal. A real nip in the air. So time to bake some oaty biscuits. And if they could include seeds as well, all the better. I opted for Jules’ easy oaty fruit cookies. They were indeed easy, and they’re definitely oaty. I opted for dried cherries as my fruit. I didn’t have any mixed spice to hand, so I made my own mix based on this recipe. Only when I read the recipe thoroughly did I notice the tip at the end about using ginger or cinnamon instead! Never mind. They taste alright as they are, have a great texture, and fulfil my oats and seeds needs.

For more Try Something New posts, and the explanation of this project/intention, visit this page.