St Paul's to the South Bank

Following the wonderfully festive St Paul's Family Christmas Service, a walk was required to defrost the feet and to find the best mulled wine in the South Bank Gourmet Market.

Everyone along route was either taking photographs of the snow or throwing it about!

Some super snow people about, especially locally, where the snow has not been trashed or started to thaw.

Cranberry Chutney

Christmassy Cranberry Chutney 

•  25g olive oil or butter
• 350g onions, chopped
• 450g cooking apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
• 350g cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 450g unrefined sugar
• 425ml white malt vinegar (or apple cider, or a mixture)

In a large very deep saucepan, add the oil, onions, apples and spice and cook until the onions are soft (about 20 minutes).

Add the cranberries and sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the vinegar, bring to the boil and stir occasionally (to stop it sticking to the bottom of the pan).

Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 – 1 ½ hours, until it is reduced to a thick consistency.

Spoon into sterilised jars and cover with vinegar-proof lids. Label and stores for 4-6 weeks before using. When open, keep refridgerated.





Frozen Regent's Park

It's been below zero for a week now, and the lake has albeit frozen over.  A few tiny patches where running water have prevented the ice over.  Most of the ducks, geese and gulls have been practicing their slip-sliding away.  The Siberian winds have kept the park almost devoid of people.



Sub Zero in Regent's Park

A scene more akin to Eastern European than to Central London, frozen icicles cascading down struggling water fountains in the Avenue Gardens.  Only those with non-slip boots and arctic gloves were brave enough to stop and admire natures sculptures.

 

   

New Ceramicist on the Block

Jolie Fortuna, an exceptionally talented ceramicist had her first show at the Camden Arts Centre this Saturday, 27th November 2010.

The pieces for this exhibition were based on the Dutch artist René Daniëls, who is currently showing Painting on Unknown Languages upstairs at the centre, Arkwright Road, London NW3 6DG.

Jolie has been working to complete this sensational body of work since September.  Unfortunately, the show has ended, but keep your eyes open for this VYBA (Very Young British Artist).

Freeze the balls on a brass monkey!

A quick sharp walk across Regent's Park, due to the caustic weather not encouraging meandering or the stopping of movement to admire the last of autumn.  Hibernation imminent.

 

The few snow flakes that fell this afternoon in Central London were witnessed by waiting parents desperate to pick up their charges and head for the warmth of homes.  Time to get out the thermal underwear and snow boots. 

Halloween Again!

Strange, eerie fog again.  One almost expects Sherlock Holmes to come round the corner.  And the clip-clop of hooves drawing their carriages for two and six!