Tuesday 24 November 2020

Individual white Malteser truffle cheesecake jars



Who else agree’s that the Malteser truffle is hands down the absolute best out of a tin of celebrations? I mean, there’s no competition really! So when I noticed that they’re currently on offer in Tesco if you have a club card, you bet they were mine in 0.5 seconds. 

Naturally the cheesecake jar version just had to happen. I didn’t realise that my cheesecake jars would be quite as popular as they are, so it’s a pleasant surprise that you all seem to love them as much as I do. But then hey, what’s not to love about a cheesecake that is 10x easier and quicker to make? 

So before I share the recipe with you I better explain what’s in them starting right from the bottom: a crushed digestive base, white chocolate Malteser filling, a layer of Malteser’s, another layer of cheesecake filling and then whipped cream and a white choc drizzle on top. Dare I say it but they might just make for the most perfect Christmas Day dessert?! 

So calling all Malteser’s lovers, this ones for you...

Recipe for individual white Malteser truffle cheesecake pots (makes 3-4): 

Biscuit Base: 
•70g unsalted butter 
•150g digestives 

Cheesecake filling: 
•250g full fat Philadelphia
•50g icing sugar 
•1tsp vanilla extract 
•150ml double cream 
•150g white chocolate 
•50g crushed Malteser’s 

Whipped cream top & decorations: 
•150ml double cream 
•2tbsp icing sugar 
•Melted white chocolate to drizzle 
•Malteser truffle 
•Mini heart sprinkles (Tesco) 






M E T H O D: 

1.) To start off with your biscuit base melt the unsalted butter and mix with crushed digestives- I usually break mine up by whacking with a rolling pin...strangely therapeutic, or if you fancy you could also pop them into a blender to do the work for you. Spoon into your chosen glasses (mine are empty Nutella jars) and press down carefully, pop them into the fridge whilst you move onto the next step. 

2.) Next up, melt 150g white chocolate (you could use any brand, just choose your favourite, I used white cooking chocolate).  Microwaving on medium power in short bursts, stirring each time- this tends to be the easier option. 

3.) For the filling mix Philadelphia with icing sugar and vanilla extract, and combine well. Then add double cream and keep whisking until thickened. Once thickened stir in your melted white chocolate and mix well again. 

4.) To crush your Malteser’s use the same method as before for the digestives: place into a bowl and crush with the end of a rolling pin until the Malteser’s are as fine as you can get them. Once crushed fold through your finished cheesecake mix evenly. 

5.) Fill each glass with a layer of cheesecake filling- you can either spoon in very carefully or do what I did and pipe the filling over the top of the biscuit base. 

6.) Completed, carefully place halved Malteser’s around the edge of the glass and fill the middle with Malteser crumbs. Then go in with another layer of cheesecake filling and and sprinkle over any left over biscuit base. Place into the fridge yet again whilst whipping up your cream. 

7.)  To make the whipped cream pour double cream into a bowl and add icing sugar over the top, whisk on high speed for a couple of minutes until fluffy and you’re able to pipe. I used a Wilton 2D nozzle for mine as it always gives the best finish. 

8.) Decoration time- drizzle melted white chocolate and top with mini heart sprinkles and a Malteser truffle. Once they’re looking pretty set in the fridge for 4-5 hours before eating. 


Notes: *Feel free to layer your pots however you please! For example you could add halved truffles instead of the Malteser’s. 

*This recipe can also be easily swapped to the milk chocolate flavour truffles... simply switch the white chocolate for milk chocolate instead. 

 *They should last for 2 days kept in the fridge... if they last that long that is. 


I hope that you enjoy as much as I did, such a perfect little treat if you fancy something sweet over Christmas. As always let me how you get on, I always love to see your creations! 
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Sunday 4 October 2020

White Terry’s chocolate orange cheesecake pots



Spoiler for any of you who haven’t tried the new white Terry’s chocolate orange yet: it’s beaut! So much so as soon as I tasted I just knew that I had to put my very own spin on the cheesecake pot version. 

I didn’t realise that my cheesecake jars would be quite as popular as they are, so it’s a pleasant surprise that you all seem to love them as much as I do. But then hey, what’s not to love about a cheesecake that is 10x easier and quicker to make? 

So before I share the recipe with you I better explain what’s in them starting right from the bottom: a crushed digestive base, white chocolate orange filling, a layer of gold crunch, another layer of cheesecake filling and then whipped cream and a white choc, golden drizzle on top. Dare I say it but they might just make for the most perfect Christmas dessert?! 

So calling all white chocolate lovers, this ones for you...

Recipe for individual white Terry’s chocolate orange cheesecake pots (makes 3): 

Biscuit Base: 
•75g unsalted butter 
•150g digestives 

Cheesecake filling: 
•250g full fat Philadelphia
•50g icing sugar 
•1tsp orange extract 
•150ml double cream 
•150g white Terry’s chocolate orange 

Whipped cream top & decorations: 
•150ml double cream 
•2tbsp icing sugar 
•Melted white chocolate to drizzle 
•Edible gold glitter
•Gold crunch sprinkles (Tesco) 







M E T H O D: 

1.) To start off with your biscuit base melt the unsalted butter and mix with crushed digestives- I usually break mine up by whacking with a rolling pin...strangely therapeutic, or if you fancy you could also pop them into a blender to do the work for you. Spoon into your chosen glasses (mine are empty Nutella jars) and press down carefully, pop them into the fridge whilst you move onto the next step. 

2.) Next up, melt 150g white Terry’s chocolate orange (basically the entire chocolate orange). Microwaving on medium power in short bursts, stirring each time- this tends to be the easier option. 

3.) For the filling mix Philadelphia with icing sugar and orange extract, and combine well. Then add double cream and keep whisking until thickened. Once thickened stir in your melted white chocolate orange and mix well again. 

4.) Fill each glass with a layer of cheesecake filling- you can either spoon in very carefully or do what I did and pipe the filling over the top of the biscuit base. 

4.) Completed, carefully place gold crunch sprinkles around the edge of the glass. Then go in with another layer of cheesecake filling and and sprinkle over any left over biscuit base. Place into the fridge yet again whilst whipping up your cream. 

6.) To make the whipped cream pour double cream into a bowl and add icing sugar over the top, whisk on high speed for a couple of minutes until fluffy and you’re able to pipe. I used a Wilton 2D nozzle for mine as it always gives the best finish. 

7.) Decoration time- drizzle melted white chocolate and top with a yet more gold crunch sprinkles, edible glitter and a Terry’s chocolate orange segment. Once they’re looking pretty set in the fridge for 4-5 hours before eating. 

Notes: *Feel free to layer your pots however you please! For example you could skip the gold crunch layer if you’d like to and add a layer of melted white chocolate instead- totally up to you, I chose the gold crunch as it looks prettier. 

 *They should last for 2 days kept in the fridge... if they last that long that is. 


I hope that you enjoy as much as I did, such a perfect little treat if you fancy something sweet. As always let me how you get on, I always love to see your creations! 
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Wednesday 2 September 2020

Individual Kinder Bueno cheesecake jars



My new obsession: individual cheesecake jars...they’re just perfect. The perfect portion size, just the right amount of layers without being too sickly and super dangerously easy to eat. They’re also a lot quicker to make than a standard cheesecake, which is perfect if you fancy whipping up a quick treat without all of the added faff. 

So before I share the recipe with you I better explain what’s in them starting right from the bottom: a chocolate digestive base, Nutella cheesecake filling, a layer of Ferrero Rochers,  another layer of cheesecake filling and then whipped cream and a Nutella drizzle on top. 

Nutella/Kinder heaven basically. 

Recipe for individual Kinder Bueno cheesecake pots (makes 3): 

Biscuit Base: 
•70g unsalted butter 
•150g milk chocolate digestives 

Cheesecake filling: 
•250g full fat Philadelphia
•50g icing sugar 
•1tsp vanilla extract 
•150ml double cream 
•2 generous rounded tbsp Nutella
•6 Ferrero Rochers (optional) 

Whipped cream top: 
•150ml double cream 
•2tbsp icing sugar 







M E T H O D: 

1.) To start off with your biscuit base melt the unsalted butter and mix with crushed milk chocolate digestives- I usually break mine up by whacking with a rolling pin...strangely therapeutic. Spoon into your chosen glasses (mine are empty Nutella jars) and press down carefully, pop them into the fridge whilst you move onto the next step. 

2.) For the filling mix Philadelphia with icing sugar and vanilla extract, and combine well. Then add double cream and keep whisking until thickened. Once thickened stir in your Nutella and mix well again (you could add more spread at this point, add to your taste preference). 

3.) Fill each glass with a layer of cheesecake filling- you can either spoon in very carefully or do what I did and pipe the filling over the top of the biscuit base. 

4.) Completed, carefully place halved Ferrero Rocher’s, (or Kinder Bueno’s, totally up to you) around the edge of the glass. Then go in with another layer of cheesecake filling and and sprinkle over any left over biscuit base. Place into the fridge yet again whilst whipping up your cream. 

6.) To make the whipped cream pour double cream into a bowl and add icing sugar over the top, whisk on high speed for a couple of minutes until fluffy and you’re able to pipe. I used a Wilton 2D nozzle for mine as it always gives the best finish. 

7.) Decoration time- drizzle melted Nutella and top with a Kinder Bueno piece. Once they’re looking pretty set in the fridge for 4-5 hours before eating. 

Notes: *Feel free to layer your pots however you please! For example you could skip the Ferrero Rocher layer if you’d like to and add Kinder Bueno instead, or even a layer of Nutella- totally up to you. 

 *They should last for 2 days kept in the fridge... if they last that long that is. 


I hope that you enjoy as much as I did, such a perfect little treat if you fancy something sweet. As always let me how you get on, I always love to see your creations! 
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Thursday 27 August 2020

Individual cookie dough stuffed cheesecake jars



My new obsession: individual cheesecake jars...they’re just perfect. The perfect portion size, just the right amount of layers without being too sickly and super dangerously easy to eat. They’re also a lot quicker to make than a standard cheesecake, which is perfect if you fancy whipping up a quick treat without all of the added faff. 

So before I share the recipe with you I better explain what’s in them starting right from the bottom: a cookie base, Galaxy cookie crumble spread cheesecake filling, a layer of mini cookie dough bites, then sprinkled with cookie crumbs on top, another layer of cheesecake filling and then whipped cream and a Nutella drizzle on top. 

That’s a looooot of Cookie. 

Recipe for individual Cookie Dough cheesecake pots (makes 3): 

Biscuit Base: 
•70g unsalted butter 
•150g Maryland cookies 

Cheesecake filling: 
•250g full fat Philadelphia
•50g icing sugar 
•1tsp vanilla extract 
•150ml double cream 
•1 generous rounded tbsp Galaxy cookie crumble chocolate spread 

Cookie dough bites: 
•125g unsalted butter 
•115g soft light brown sugar 
•110g caster sugar 
•1 medium egg 
•1tsp vanilla extract 
•220g self raising flour
•1/2 tsp salt 
•200g chocolate chips 

Whipped cream top: 
•150ml double cream 
•2tbsp icing sugar 





M E T H O D: 

1.) To start off with your biscuit base melt the unsalted butter and mix with crushed Maryland cookies. Spoon into your chosen glasses (mine are empty Nutella jars) and press down carefully, pop them into the fridge whilst you move onto the next step. 

2.) For the filling mix Philadelphia with icing sugar and vanilla extract, and combine well. Then add double cream and keep whisking until thickened. Once thickened stir in your Galaxy cookie crumble spread and mix well again (you could add more spread at this point, add to your taste preference). 

3.) Fill each glass with a layer of cheesecake filling- you can either spoon in very carefully or do what I did and pipe the filling over the top of the biscuit base. 

4.) The next layer is full of mini cookie dough bites...to make cream together butter and both sugars until pale and fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Sift the flour and salt over the top and mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms. Roll out 30 mini bite sized balls and add your chocolate chips. Once they’re done refrigerate for 15 minutes. 

5.) Completed, layer the mini bites around the edge of the glass and then sprinkle a few chocolate chips over the top/in the centre. Then go in with another layer of cheesecake filling and top with cookie dough (roll out a small ball and then flatten to fit. Place into the fridge yet again whilst whipping up your cream. 

6.) To make the whipped cream pour double cream into a bowl and add icing sugar over the top, whisk on high speed for a couple of minutes until fluffy and you’re able to pipe. I used a Wilton 2D nozzle for mine as it always gives the best finish. 

7.) Decoration time- drizzle melted Nutella, sprinkle over chocolate chips and then top with a cookie and cookie dough bite. Once they’re looking pretty set in the fridge for 4-5 hours before eating. 

Notes: *Feel free to layer your pots however you please! For example you could skip the cookie dough layer if you’d like to, I just added to mine as I’m obsessed and the more the better. 

 *They should last for 2 days kept in the fridge... if they last that long that is. 


I hope that you enjoy as much as I did, such a perfect little treat if you fancy something sweet. As always let me how you get on, I’d love to see your creations! 
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Wednesday 26 August 2020

Watermelon pink gin slush crush cocktails




As much as it pains me to say it, I have to admit it and face the fact that summer isn’t going to be with us for too much longer. Which means trying to squeeze in as many frozen slush cocktails as humanly possible must now be a thing for the final weeks of British sun...any excuse.

And what screams summer more than watermelon??? So I figured this weeks alcoholic slush concoction just HAD to include both watermelon and pink gin, and I’ve got to say I think I may have well saved the very best until last. I say this every week but this is now my number one favourite of them all, one word: refreshing! 


WARNING: 
You may find yourself getting through a bottle of gin in no time thanks to this recipe and how incredible they taste...


Recipe for Watermelon pink gin slush crush (makes 2-3): 

•6oz Pink gin 
•7oz Lemonade
•8oz RosĂ© prosecco ( I used Freixent) 
•Half of a watermelon 
•6 strawberries 
•50ml sugar cane syrup
•Fresh lime 






M E T H O D: 

1.) Freeze the lemonade and your chosen rosĂ© prosecco in ice cube trays *separately* (it takes around 2-3 trays), and leave to freeze for at least 3 hours- or if you want to be even more organised, the night before you plan on making your cocktails. 

2.) To freeze your watermelon cut a whole watermelon in half, and then quarter and then slice again. You should be left with thinner slices so it makes it easier to work with. I sliced mine into bite sized cubes and then popped them straight into the freezer along with my strawberries. 

3.) Next measure out your gin into a jug and pop in the fridge to cool (this just helps to make the slush even more refreshing). 

4.) Once everything is fully frozen chuck both your lemonade and rosĂ© prosecco ice cubes into a blender along with the gin. Measure out 50ml of sugar syrup and pour over the top, along with a handful of watermelon chunks and a generous squeezing of fresh lime juice. Blitz quickly for 30 seconds or so- until everything is just blended, no longer- otherwise it’ll lose the slush consistency a little. 

5.) Pour into chilled/frozen gin glasses, and then to finish garnish with a slice of watermelon and a squeeze of lime juice over the top. 


Notes: *If you aren’t a huge gin fan (I find that hard to believe) you could easily swap for another one of your favourites: rum or vodka would also work really well with this recipe. 


And just like that there you have two absolutely incredible cocktails, practically skill free. Please do let me know if you decide to give these a go, and if you’ve made any of my other cocktails which one has been your fave so far?



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Wednesday 19 August 2020

Seriously moreish individual Biscoff cheesecake pots



When it comes to cheesecake I’m one of those people who seriously lacks self control... one slither of a slice accidentally (on purpose) turns into demolishing half of it, which is where these individual pots come in handy, because let’s face it they’re 100% needed when it comes to anything Biscoff flavoured. 

As well as being super handy they’re also a lot easier to make in my opinion, so perfect if you’re a baking newbie. So before I share the recipe with you I better explain what’s in them starting right from the bottom: a lotus biscuit base, Biscoff spread cheesecake filling, a melted layer of Biscoff sprinkled with Lotus crumbs, another layer of cheesecake filling and then whipped cream and a biscuit to top. 

That’s a looooot of Biscoff. 

Recipe for individual Biscoff cheesecake pots (makes 3): 

Biscuit Base: 
•75g unsalted butter 
•150g Lotus biscuits 

Cheesecake filling: 
•250g full fat Philadelphia
•50g icing sugar 
•1tsp vanilla extract 
•1tsp salted caramel flavouring 
•150ml double cream 
•1 generous rounded tbsp Biscoff spread 

Whipped cream top: 
•150ml double cream 
•2tbsp icing sugar 






M E T H O D: 

1.) To start off with your biscuit base melt the unsalted butter and mix with crushed Lotus biscuits. Spoon into your chosen glasses (mine are empty Nutella jars) and press down, pop them into the fridge whilst you move onto the next step. 

2.) For the filling mix Philadelphia with icing sugar, vanilla extract and salted caramel flavouring, and combine well. Then add double cream and keep whisking until thickened. Once thickened stir in your Biscoff spread and mix well again (you could add more Biscoff at this point, add to your taste preference). 

3.) Fill each glass with a layer of cheesecake filling- you can either spoon in very carefully or do what I did and pipe the filling over the top of the biscuit base. 

4.) For the next layer stick your Biscoff spread into the microwave for 5-10 seconds until melted, and spoon over the cheesecake filling. Completed, sprinkle over Lotus biscuit crumbs and go in again with another layer of cheesecake filling on top. Place into the fridge yet again whilst whipping up your cream. 

5.) To make the whipped cream pour double cream into a bowl and add icing sugar over the top, whisk on high speed for a couple of minutes until fluffy and you’re able to pipe. I used a Wilton 2D nozzle for mine as it always gives the best finish. 

6.) Decoration time- sprinkle over Lotus crumbs, drizzle melted Biscoff spread and top with a Lotus biscuit. Once they’re looking pretty set in the fridge for 4-5 hours before eating. 

Notes: *Feel free to layer your pots however you please! For example you could skip the melted Biscoff spread layer if you’d like to, I just added to mine as I’m obsessed and the more the better. 

 *They should last for 2 days kept in the fridge... if they last that long that is. 


I hope that you enjoy as much as I did, such a perfect little treat if you fancy something sweet. As always let me how you get on, I’d love to see your creations! 
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Tuesday 18 August 2020

Four of the best independent restaurants to dine out at in Leicestershire



As far as hobbies go eating out and trying new foods is up there as one of the most enjoyable experiences by far... and I’m almost certain that 99% of you will agree. Whether it be good pub grub, Chinese or Indian I just love it all- the more variety the better I say! 

What with the current world situation as it is, it’s vital more now than ever before that we support restaurants, particularly small independent businesses that really do need our help. So today I wanted to share with you the absolute best of the best when it comes to local restaurants in the Leicestershire area. From one foodie to another, here’s my top four picks, I’ve tried to select four very different eateries so they cater for all of your different tastes...


1.) 







The Basin: 

If you’re local to the Loughborough area then I’m sure you already know about The Basin  but I just HAD to include because it really is one of the most amazing Chinese/Japanese restaurants going- think Wagamama’s but even tastier. 

I’ve been eating here for years now, and even after countless visits the service and food quality has always been absolutely exceptional. In fact if there’s ever a special occasion in our family such as a birthday we always choose to eat here as we know we’ll recieve 10/10 service. 

The huge menu includes classic Chinese small plates/starters, noodle dishes, rice/curry dishes, sushi, dim sum, and miso. My particular favourite order has to be: sesame prawn toast served with garlic mayo (pictured above), spring rolls and chicken katsu curry. Other mains I also can’t recommend enough: chicken cha han, spicy pork cutlet, chicken yaki soba and beef ho fun in black bean sauce- ALL incredible!!! 





It’s also important to mention that it has one of the nicest atmospheres, particularly in the evening if you’re celebrating as it’s always buzzing and lively. Post lockdown they’ve gone to all measures to make you feel safe, it’s by far the most well organised and sanitised I’ve visited so far. All in all, an absolute must visit, even if it means travelling a little for you! 


2.) 






The Pug & Greyhound: 

Next up is The Pug & Greyhound which is located in Great Glen, Leicester. I visited for the very first time a couple of weeks back and was thoroughly impressed. It’s classic good pub grub done extremely well, in a cosy village pub setting. 

I ordered both a starter and main accompanied by wine...of course. Olives, balsamic and olive oil and bread to start, followed by sirloin steak, triple cooked chips and peppercorn sauce. It was SO difficult to choose for somebody as indecisive as myself as there’s so many attractive sounding options on the menu. I’ve got to say though I’m so pleased I chose the steak with peppercorn sauce as the sauce was one of the most delicious I’ve tried whilst out- such a beautiful kick whilst still being creamy. 





The Pug & Greyhound also has a good sized garden with an outside bar which also looked amazing if you’re popping by on a sunny day, but if it is typical British weather outside the restaurant and bar seating area inside is very cosy. I can’t wait to visit again and try the tapas next time, it’s definitely one of those pubs you can eat at time and time again without becoming bored. 


3.) 






Strawberry house interiors: 

Now this one isn’t a restaurant as such as it’s a lovely little interior shop with a small cafĂ© attached, but the afternoon tea they have on offer is absolutely incredible! Strawberry house interiors  is located in Castle Donington, so only a very short journey away from me. 

Of all of the afternoon tea’s I’ve tried (which I’ll be honest is quite a few) this one is a million miles ahead of them all, even Harvey Nick’s. I can confirm that everything tastes just as good as it looks, the mini savoury tarts (bottom tier), cheesecake slices and cupcakes are SO yum. 

They also offer an afternoon tea style breakfast including croissants, granola pots and fruit which looks amazing, it’s definitely on my list to try. If you’re just popping quickly though I’d recommend the amazing hot chocolate with all of the works. 







I can’t not give the beautiful shop itself a mention, it really is like stepping into girly heaven. Everywhere you turn is a photo opportunity, and the staff are so friendly and welcoming and really make you feel at home and pampered. This is the very place I surprised my Grandma with and she absolutely loved it, I couldn’t recommend enough for a special occasion- you’ll leave feeling like a queen. 


4.) 






The Moorings: 

If you follow me over on Instagram then I’m sure you’ll already know that I love this place but I wanted to include anyway as it’s my new go to local. The Moorings is located by the river in Barrow Upon Soar, Leicestershire, so the absolute perfect setting for outdoor dining. 

I’ve visited a fair few times now and every single time I’ve been impressed, particularly with the burger slider sharer (you get to choose three different flavour mini burgers, fries/sweet potato fries/patatas bravas and a side). The stonebaked pizza’s are also incredible, I just tried a plain margarita and it still was one of the best pizza’s I’ve ate out. It’s obviously vital I mention that they have a really good cocktail menu too, which most of the day are 2 for 1- even better. 





As you can tell from the photos the outside dining area is perfection, it’s so relaxing looking out onto the river with all of the different canal boats pulling up. The seating area is also beyond comfy, you really could spend all afternoon/evening enjoying the views with a drink in hand! 

The inside dining area is also as lovely, the decor is all so impressive and modern. All in all an amazing experience if you’re looking for some quick casual food in a relaxing setting. 


Phew, and there we have it, menu closed. With all of these restaurants I’d definitely suggest that you book beforehand to avoid disappointment as they’re all pretty popular and can get busy...which of course speaks volumes. I hope that you enjoy, please let me know what you think if you decide to visit any of these amazing places! 



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Monday 17 August 2020

Frozen pornstar martini style gin slush recipe



Okay so I have a very important question for you all... what on earth could possibly taste better than a pornstar martini?...ummm, a pornstar martini with a frozen slush gin twist, that’s what. 

And no don’t worry, ~you aren’t~ dreaming, this taste sensation is now a very real thing as of today. Ever since I’ve been creating my frozen slush style cocktails I’ve been desperate to try out a pornstar martini version, so when I finally found the mango and passion fruit gin in Aldi I knew exactly what I was going to do- mix together both my love of gin, frozen cocktails and the famous passionfruit taste all in one. Magical

WARNING: 
Please don’t blame me if you suddenly find yourself craving one of these beauties 24/7, I warned you... 


Recipe for pornstar martini style gin slushies (makes 2): 

•6oz Mango & Passionfruit gin 
•14oz passionfruit lemonade (Tesco own, sold in cans) 
•6oz Prosecco 
•Frozen mango chunks 
•50ml sugar cane syrup
•Handful of crushed ice 
•Passionfruit (to garnish) 





M E T H O D: 

1.) Freeze the Passionfruit lemonade and your chosen favourite prosecco in ice cube trays *separately* (it takes around 2-3 trays), and leave to freeze for at least 4-6 hours- or if you want to be even more organised, the night before you plan on making your cocktails. 

2.) To freeze your mango chunks you can either buy one whole fresh mango and cube yourself, or if you don’t fancy the faff buy them ready chopped and simply stick them into the freezer. 

3.) Next measure out your gin into a jug and pop in the fridge to cool (this just helps to make the slush even more refreshing). 

4.) Once everything is fully frozen chuck both your passionfruit lemonade and prosecco ice cubes into a blender along with the gin. Measure out 50ml of sugar syrup and pour over the top, along with a handful of ice and your frozen mango. Blitz quickly for 30 seconds or so- until everything is just blended, no longer- otherwise it’ll lose the slush consistency a little. 

5.) Pour into chilled/frozen gin glasses, and then to finish garnish with passionfruit. For a true pornstar martini feel I added a shot of prosecco on the side, and then poured over the top of my cocktail for extra fizz (you could skip adding the extra prosecco over the top if you’d prefer to just shot it though, the decision is yours). 


Notes: *If you can’t get hold of any passionfruit lemonade (sold only in Tesco I believe) you could substitute for original lemonade instead. Of course it won’t have such a passionfruit taste, so to add it back I suggest adding the insides of one fresh passionfruit to your cocktail. 

*The Mango & Passionfruit gin is sold in Aldi. 


Ta da, job completed! As always I’d love to know what you think to the idea of frozen pornstar martinis, if you decide to give them a whirl please do send photos my way, enjoy...


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Tuesday 11 August 2020

Three of the best day trips out in the Midlands

Chatsworth House

If you follow me over on Instagram then you’ll be aware that my new favourite hobby is exploring new places- especially locally. I live in Leicestershire which I do think gives a bit of an advantage as it’s smack bang in the middle and pretty close to a few known popular hotspots: Derbyshire Dales (Matlock, Bakewell), Stratford, Lemmington Spa. 

I really didn’t think many of you would be all that interested in my days out and new finds, and I’d just end up keeping my adventures to myself as it’s so different to what I usually post: cakes, cocktails, outfits. But then I guess just as our hobbies and interests change with age, so will our online content too, and it just so happens that I’ve come to adore new experiences and seeing more of the world (well the U.K. really, let’s be real about the current crisis and my budget). 

So today I thought I’d share with you a quick little snippet of three of my all time favourite places I’ve visited recently, just because I think you’ll be head over heels in love too... 

1.)






Chatsworth Estate: 

Well, Chatsworth has to have a mention first because it’s STUNNING- as I’m sure you can see. Right from the moment I set eyes on the house from a distance I was in complete awe. I visited back in June when tighter lockdown restrictions were still in place which meant that inside of the house wasn’t open, leaving only the grounds and gardens available. But actually that didn’t matter at all because it’s so so easy to spend the afternoon having the best time enjoying the gardens and all they have to offer. 

On arrival there’s sheep roaming around freely everywhere and the views over the dales are breathtaking. One of my personal favourites are the waterfall steps you’re free to paddle in and walk down, if you start from the top you get the best view/look of the entire house. The gardens also make for the best picnic, there is a small shop and fish & chip van on site but I’d advise taking your own food and then buying extras such as ice cream from the shops. 





All in all I couldn’t recommend Chatsworth enough, I honestly had one of the absolute best days, in fact it’s actually one of my standout favourites of 2020 so far. Oh, and one last thing to note, as it’s located in the village Bakewell after your visit to Chatsworth you can then head on to the village centre which is also a popular favourite. 

Warning
...please do be very careful on the waterfall steps, you don’t want to end up falling arse over tit and bruising your bum like I did hahaha...approach with caution! 

2.) 




Stratford Upon Avon: 

I’m sure you’ve all probably heard of Stratford already, but I couldn’t write this post without mentioning as it definitely has a special place in my heart. It was one of the hottest days of the year when I visited, which meant that it was fairly busy but I was still able to take in its beauty all of the same. 

Of course no trip to Stratford would be compelete without a boat ride along the River Avon, so you bet that was first port of call. We opted for a motorboat which is £25 to hire out for 30 minutes, but I’ve got to say it’s worth every penny as it was the standout experience of the day. You get to see all of the swans and different canal boats, and it really does make your day feel that little more special. 







I also really enjoyed strolling through the backstreets and admiring the buildings and all of the cute shops and cafes. This was my first ever visit so I’m desperate to go back and tick everything off the list as it was impossible to get everything done in the one afternoon. 

If you’re visiting I’d 100% recommend hiring out a boat, visiting Shakespeare’s house and testing a few of the lakeside pubs. There’s also the butterfly farm which I’m desperate to visit as I’m a sucker for places like that. 

All in all Stratford is an incrediblely beautiful day out, or it would even be perfect for a nights stay too! 

3.) 






Matlock Bath:

So I’ll keep this one short as I’ve already written and published an entire post dedicated to Matlock which you can read here, but I did think it needed including in the blogpost too as it was also another very special day out. 

Staying brief I will just say that this has the most amazing sea side feel to it. All of the sweet shops and fish & chip shops on offer are countless...which is basically heaven for most of us let’s be honest. Just like Stratford you can also hire a boat, but of the two places I’d definitely recommend opting for River Avon. 





This is one of those little villages that makes the perfect family day out, especially if you have children as I can imagine this would be the most fun day out for them. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to top my love for Matlock, it’ll be hard to top that’s for sure. 

And just like that, my three all time favourite places. I hope this post helps some of you plan the most incredible day out, if you do visit let me know what you think/share your experience as I’d love to know what you think! In the meantime if any of you have any new day trip recommendations for me please send them my way! 

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