Something to take your breathe away

I recently visited the Barn at Beal, a new café restaurant opened in Beal, Northumberland with breath taking views of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. I was taken here because of my love of Holy Island and of course finding good eateries to have a bite to eat in. This venue not only had stunning views onto the Island but had been finished to a high standard and had a team of friendly helpful staff.

A good menu on offer, whether you just fancy a coffee and piece of cake, or if you are looking for something more there is a full lunch and dinner menu with a range of dishes to suit most palettes and vegetarian options.

This place was definitely more than your little corner café and has the birds of prey centre attached for any Twitchers out there.

 

 

 

Pie night with friends

Over the bank holiday weekend I threw my own version of a “come dine with me” style evening where I had invited a group my friends to come for “pie night” this being steak and ale pie, made with only the finest ale. “Black Sheep” of course! Served with a variety of vegetables and potatoes.

A selection of boiled, mashed and roast potatoes were served with brocolli and carrots. The roast potatoes made with duck fat and certainly proved to be popular, as vanished from the dish within minutes.

This accompanied by a lemon and lime cheesecake and fresh raspberries, recipe can be found under recipes.

It was a most sucessful evening, or at least I hope so and I really enjoyed it. The addition of a chocolate fountain and goodies brought by a friend were a welcome addition, and of course not to mention entertainment provided by two sources, the Euro-vision song contest and for the more elite, an apple ipad.

Next evening planned a BBQ I think

Chocolate Heaven

The latest recipe from the “R family” one from Cadbury’s and certainly one that melted my heart, so much so, that I failed to share with anyone and kept it all for myself. GREEDY I know!

I do have to say though that where I love nuts all of kinds probably because i am nutty, the optional addition of walnuts may spoil this for some, so just emitt from the recipe.

Very Chunky Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

200g/7oz Chocolate. Dairy Milk or Galaxy are best (broken into large chunks)
300g/10oz Dark Chocolate, broken into pieces
225g/7.5oz Unsalted Butter
3 Eggs
225g/7.5oz Light or Muscovado Sugar
75g/3oz Self Raising Flour
175g/6oz Walnuts (optional)

Method

1. Grease a tray and set oven to 190 Degrees C or 375F
2. Melt plain chocolate then stir in butter
3. Beat eggs and sugar. Mix in melted chocolate mixture
4. Stir in flour and walnuts and milk chocolate chunks
5. Bake in oven for 40 minutes or until the crust is firm but the centre is not runny Be careful not to overcook as it will dry the brownies out.

Photo by CR