Stateside Gourmet

Ever since an American colleague introduced me to the fabulous "Barefoot Contessa" cookbook when it was first published in 1999 I've been hooked on the chic home-style of Ina Garten, the wonderful author.  So imagine my delight when I discovered that Ina is on the television food network uk every weekday evening at 7pm.  I found channel 49 by chance and am now a fan.  Glimpses of Ina's stunning East Hamptons 'barn' design property are not to be missed, with her fabulous kitchen and great entertaining space, as well as the beautiful walled garden full of abundant fresh ingredients.  Ina's warm, friendly and relaxed character provides ongoing culinary pleasure to family and friends.  Recent programmes in the back to basics series have covered everything from her trademark scrumptious brownies, to a simple old-fashioned meatloaf and also delicious Jewish chicken soup with matzo balls.  Comfort food to nourish the soul, which you just know is doing you good.  Countless tips for entertaining with easy short cuts, but never sacrificing taste or quality, are generously shared with viewers.  Her enthusiasm and joy in preparing and serving good food well are a pleasure to watch. Next time you feel in need of some cooking inspiration why not take a look at  www.foodnetwork.co.uk or www.barefootcontessa.com and the totally appealing world of Ina Garten.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

... or Happy New Year, in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Dragon which began on Monday 23 January 2012.  A special time to remember the family and wish everyone peace and prosperity in the months ahead.  Over a sixth of the world's population celebrates the Chinese New Year, the most important festival in Chinese culture.  I'm not sure why I have such an affinity with the Far East, but many of the customs and rituals have great appeal.  The date of this lunar festival varies from year to year, but always occurs on the new moon in late January / early February  (next year's falls on 10th February).  Houses are cleaned throughout to dispose of any remaining back luck from the old year and clear the way for new good luck to enter; special food is prepared; red and gold decorations to symbolise luck and wealth are displayed indoors and around entrances, as well as beautiful blossom and symbolic plants such as mandarin oranges. Traditionally parents and grandparents give children Hong Bao, red gift envelopes, containing sweets or money.  Buying new clothes and having a hair cut are also very popular to make the most of this auspicious time.  Along with the chance to reflect and give thanks, celebrations from feasting to and fireworks creates such collective positive energy and attitude.  The outcome is a wonderful sense of uplift and optimisim for the future.  So wherever you are, may good fortune come your way: Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Natural Beauty

Little did William the Conqueror realise in 1079 that establishing a new and protected hunting ground in Hampshire would still be true to his original vision nearly one thousand years later.  Vast, rugged and home to thousands of ponies, the ancient woodlands of the New Forest are a cherished area of natural beauty.  There's much to explore from the Beaulieu estate to Buckler's Hard historic village where ships for Nelson's fleet were built.  Only 90 minutes from London the region also provides the perfect setting for three of my favourite places to stay in the UK.  Each property ticks all the boxes for my essential criteria of fabulous spa facilities and delicious food, plus great surroundings.  This past weekend I have been fortunate to enjoy a few days away incorporating all three hotels, although just from one base, so I couldn't resist sharing these gems with you.

Lime Wood near Lyndhurst has only been open a couple of years and the Herb House spa just half that time, but has already proved to be the perfect country retreat.  With just 29 bedrooms and suites the main part of the hotel is original regency architecture with the additional accommodation newly built to be in keeping.  The David Collins interiors are very chic and you feel you'd simply like to move in.  I haven't experienced the spa yet but will return to try the Bamford signature treatment when I'm able to stay and don't need to drive anywhere afterwards.  To relax in such stylish surroundings and be able to make the most of the tempting dining options is a real treat. 

Carey's Manor Hotel is a firm favourite with my family and we have been countless times since I was a child.  Based in Brockenhurst it's a four star hotel compared to the five star standard of the other two properties mentioned, but the friendly service and comfortable rooms (I prefer the garden wing to the main house) are significantly less than the cost of staying at the more luxurious choices.  The food is delicious and the Thai inspired Senspa excellent, particularly as the Thai therapists offer the best authentic Thai massage you'll find this side of Bangkok (with the exception of Kanika at Claridge's).  Carey's Manor Hotel is perfect for a relaxing break and a welcoming place to return on a regular basis.  

Chewton Glen is the 'grande dame' of English country house hotels and ranked as one of the 'World's Best Hotels' in the 2011 Conde Nast Traveller Awards.  Located at New Milton and set in 130 acres, there are 58 smart bedrooms and suites.  Great for celebrating special occasions Chewton Glen has a timeless charm.  To me the only minor drawback  (apart from the expense) is that the hotel seems victim of it's own success and often feels too busy at weekends.  Popular for weddings and with groups of visitors taking afternoon tea there are sometimes many more people around than guests staying and this can detract from the leisurely atmosphere you'd expect.  That aside it's a wonderfully indulgent place to go.  

A short break in January following the frenzy of the festive season is such a boost and a real tonic, providing inspiration and motivation to make the most of the new year.  I could happily repeat the prescription on a regular basis to maintain that fabulous feel-good factor over the coming months. 

Happy New Year!

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."  This inspiring quote by Helen Keller is on the January page of the beautiful wall calender for 2012 I've put up in my study, designed by the wonderful American heart and home exponent, Susan Branch.  With the start of the year comes fresh beginings and where better to feel invigorated than at the coast.  The tang of salt air, keen wind and bright sun were a real tonic when I went to the Witterings in West Sussex for a walk on Monday, the last official working day off of the festive break.  Looking across to the Isle of Wight, I enjoyed the elemental beauty of the waves and sense of new horizons.  A few hardy kite surfers and wind surfers were out in their wetsuits slicing through the waves at great speed, being whipped along by strong gusts.  I'm sure the sensation must be exhilarating, but the cold water and fierce wind didn't appeal to me. So as a whole new year starts to unfurl, sieze the moment, go where your heart draws you and enjoy this gift of life.  An optimistic outlook achieves far more pleasure than may be imagined.