Auburn and Teal Autumn Treats

As it’s Autumn, I am always in awe of firey colours and their contrasts. Although I’m not great with the chilly weather it is at least one positive of the changing season. I’ve been pampering myself, and spoiling myself with lots of treats this Autumn, getting ready for winter.

During my Vlog I went for a walk along the Quayside by the mouth of the River Tyne, usually, the place is full of busy cocktail bars and restaurants (it’s one of my favourite places to go out drinking) but yesterday they were sadly all shut.

I thought I’d get some photography shots while I was there as it’s “bonny” (pretty) as the geordie’s would say.

I did see one restaurant serving takeout food. It amazes me how much businesses have had to adapt this year. All that money they spent on PPE for staff and protective equipment for their restaurant’s only to be told that they can’t open.

Man, it must be so frustrating. I do miss working in restaurants, but not at the minute. I can’t even begin to imagine the stress.

I can’t say how relieved I am that it is the start of a new year but then again I guess everyone is on the same page right now…

Autumn Food and Auburn Colours

Today, I woke up full of energy, which makes a change. After spending the morning editing, blogging and realising my vlog skills still need some work, we’ve had a delicious roast dinner. My daughter helped me to make Yorkshire puddings, (they’re one of her favourite things to eat at the moment) I’m pretty sure she’d eat them for breakfast if she had the chance.

Here are some photographs I took of the fish quay yesterday. I love the way the boats look when they begin to age, the colour combination of teal and rust. It’s just magical.

They also have a pretty awesome selection of fresh fish for sale (for all my chef-y people).

Fish is one of my favourite proteins, it’s versatile and full of omega oils, inspired by my walk today I made a salmon and Aubergine curry, inspired by the fresh air, I wanted to make something comforting. I also grew up in this area so I wanted to do something with fish as a nod to my home town. Including all the colours of autumn, here is my recipe.

Salmon and Aubergine Curry

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 sliced aubergine
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 tbsp curry powder (hot)
•  2 crushed garlic cloves
• 200 ml coconut milk
• 200 ml veg stock
• 2 sustainable skinless salmon fillets
• ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 chopped spring onions
• A few fresh coriander sprigs
• Steamed rice, to serve

Method

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and add the aubergine. Fry for 6-8 minutes until golden. Add the onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until soft. Stir in the curry powder and crushed garlic cloves and cook for 2 minutes.

Pour in the coconut milk and veg stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.

Gently add the salmon fillets (or Tofu) and simmer for 3 minutes, then turn over and cook for 3 minutes more. Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds, chopped spring onions and a few fresh coriander sprigs. Serve with steamed rice.

You can cook rice in 1 part water to 1 part coconut milk. I like to add a couple of star anise.

Simple. Quick and healthy. Comfort food that is good for your soul.

Autumn Treats

Sometimes you just need a little extra pampering, so here are three products I’ve been loving to give me some comfort this Autumn.

The lavender deep sleep body cocoon is perfect for moisturising in the evening, especially after strolling around in the brisk north air all day. I love this product by This Works, it’s heavily fragranced with lavender to assist with falling into a deep sleep. It’s the perfect Autumn treat.

I’ve also been loving this face, body and hair from NUXE Paris. This stuff is just gorgeous. It smells like mandarins and roses. I’ve been using it on my décolletage face and hair.

It contains Tsubaki oil, softening sweet Almond oil, moisturising Camellia oil, anti-wrinkle Borage oil, soothing Hazelnut oil, nourishing Macadamia oil and repairing oil.

It’s travel size, but the product itself is really rich. It’s perfect for the face or body as you only need a little bit and it’s perfect for carrying around with you.

Now that I don’t work in kitchens (as a Chef) anymore I can really take care of my hands again, I’ve been using this nail cream and buffer to revive my nails.

Some nail repair cream is just what I needed. First I used the buffer then added the cream, then I used the other side of the buffer to really work it into my nails. It costs £12

I’ve used it twice a week and I can really feel the strength back in my nails.

All of these products were in the beauty box from Marks & Spencer. I would really recommend getting the beauty boxes! They’re packed with awesome goodies.

 Thanks for reading,

Soph