Monthly Archives: December 2012

‘Twas the afternoon before the night before Christmas…

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Georgina

Although I’ve only been away for about eight weeks this time, I’d forgotten how ridiculously beautiful the UK can be – even in the middle of winter when it’s overcast, wet and grey. I understand that my snapshot is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Lunch, Review, Travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lentil and Roasted Tomato Soup

Posted on December 22, 2012 by Georgina

I’ve been wondering for a few days now what I should do with the pound of tomatoes sitting on a cool shelf in my kitchen – beautifully red and still slightly fragrant, hinting of warmer days. They are bizarrely – … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Recipes, Soup | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Cupcakes II: Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Georgina

Inspired by my visit to Sprinkles Cupcake Bakery in Beverly Hills last week – as well as the anticipation and excitement of Christmas – it seemed like the ideal time to bake these festive treats at the weekend. The cakes … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Recipes, Seasonal, Sweet things | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

For Cupcake Addicts and Television Geeks

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Georgina

As a relative stranger in Los Angeles, I find it odd that my life is so frequently punctuated by the familiar. As a result of the film and television industries, many of the usually banal markers of everyday life are … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Los Angeles, Review, Sweet things, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

To Me They Will Always Be Flapjacks: Fruit and nut snack bars

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Georgina

In Britain the flapjack is a sweet and soft (although some would argue that they’re supposed to be crunchy), baked bar made from oats, butter, sugar and honey. In America, the nearest equivalent would be referred to as a ‘granola … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Fruit, Recipes, Sweet things | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Margaritas and Mariachi: El Cholo Mexican Restaurant

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Georgina

It’s Saturday evening, and this large restaurant is busy. And lively. So lively, in fact, that the impressive mariachi band can be heard across the parking lot. But it’s also surprisingly cosy, with an interior resembling an informal courtyard, including … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Los Angeles, Review | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Warm Figs Baked with Mascarpone and Walnuts

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Georgina

Along with the fabulous honey dates that I got from the Farmer’s Market this week, I also bought a small basket of figs. Figs experience their second (main) annual crop from late summer through the autumn, and are – I … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Farmers Market, Food, Fruit, Recipes, Seasonal, Sweet things | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s a Date: A surprising fruit smoothie

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Georgina

I was astonished – and secretly rather delighted – that the rain that started in Los Angeles at the end of last week continued not just over the weekend, but into this week as well. It’s clear that the city … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Farmers Market, Food, Fruit, Los Angeles, Recipes | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

How to Complicate a Simple Dessert: Elderflower panna cotta with blueberry compote

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Georgina

At a restaurant, panna cotta is often my dessert of choice, but before this weekend I’d never actually made one myself. I’ll definitely be doing it again though, especially as it turns out to be a relatively simple way of … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Fruit, Recipes, Sweet things | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment