Well, it’s been quite some time since I updated my blog- not since my hols!  It’s amazing how quickly you fall out of the habit, and this is the same for my gym attendance too……

However, some lovely food has been consumed in the French Thomas kitchen throughout the latter part of September and beginning of October. There was even a veggie week, some of the best roasties as well as the usual favs, and plenty of red wine!

But back in the routine we are and we start with yesterdays lunch:

Inspired by the new Nigel Slater book, Eat, I was drawn to all of his older titles and remembered a gorgeous onion and cheese tart. Tonight’s version saw me slice 2 red onions and cook them down in a little olive oil for 15mins or so until thoroughly softened. After adding some fresh thyme I popped the mixture on top of the puff pastry, crumbling over some strong blue cheese, and baking in the oven for 15 mins. With loads of salad leaves dressed with a sharp lemon dressing, this was a gorgeous and tasty lunch for Jo.

Dinner was a coq au vin: lovely with crispy, crunchy roast potatoes.

Tonight I am home alone. Colin is stocktaking- 2nd one this year due to changing jobs (massively bad luck!!!), so I am waiting for the call to see if my chauffeur service is required.

These juicy prawns became my delicious dinner. After sautéing a little garlic and chilli in olive oil, I added the prawns until they were cooked through. Then I added a splash of marsala, cooking down before adding tomatoes, then reducing for 10mins until all melded together. Mixed in with some spaghetti this was a lovely dinner for a Jo on her own.

Over the last couple of weeks a great thing happened- Whole Foods opened in Richmond! I have visited twice in one week which may sound excessive, but the place is filled with such yummy delights that it could prove addictive. In particular the macaroons are adorable, and the mini lemon meringue tarts are cute and delicious. My bank balance may suffer….

And also for a laugh here’s me white water rafting….. my body is still aching!