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A Slice of England

Petersons Fund for Children Charity Fundraiser & Some Delicious Nibbles to Share

I was delighted to be a part of a good cause last week; Petersons Fund for Children Charity Fundraiser in Surrey, England.

Peterson’s Fund for Children’ is a registered local charity that supports children who struggle with cerebral palsy and other similar mental / physical disabilities. It has been in existence for nearly 4 years and through extensive fundraising efforts has provided therapy and equipment otherwise unavailable at the NHS in England. The aim of the charity is to help as many local children in need as possible in the hopes of improving their quality of life and offering them opportunities in order to maximize their individual growth and potential.

Twice a year, Charlene Peterson hosts this fundraiser and kindly opens her house to vendors to raise money for the charity. Wonderful vendors from different lines of businesses have joined forces together last week to help raise funds for the charity, and it was a big pleasure to be a part of this wonderful event. Here are some wonderful vendors from the fundraiser:

Ilgen’s Peshtemal towels can be used as beach towel or sarong or other outdoor use.

Here are Ilgen’s wonderful Turkish Peshtemal towels and natural soaps from the fundraiser event. Her light, super absorbent 100% cotton peshtemal towels (or mixture of luxurious blends including bamboo and silk) are simply wonderful and practical. llgen’s website Cotton & Olive will be up and running within a month, for further enquires please email ipaydas@btinternet.com.

Anila’s delicious home made curry sauces

I was delighted to meet Anila’s and taste her award winning curry sauces and samosas!!

Maro’s wonderful herb infused olive oil

Maro’s Kitchen was another wonderful vendor, with her herb infused extra virgin olive oil from Crete, so delicious. She also carries individually made spice mills; for further enquires, please email maroskitchen@gmail.com.

Home made baklavas for a sweet treat

I had some delicious home made baklavas, walnut, red pepper paste and olive oil dip over crackers at my table. I served the dip with rocket salad over the top; very easy to prepare and great for entertaining. The spice bowls are hand painted from Turkey, they have been a big hit. My heartfelt thanks goes to my parents and my sister for providing them 🙂

Walnut and red pepper paste dip on crackers and spice bowls from Turkey

Olives with Red Peppers, Spring onion and Parsley

I would like to leave you with this easy to prepare but very tasty, refreshing mezze, appetizer. It’s ready within minutes and goes very well over crackers or toasted bread. I also like to mix it with cooked pasta, bulgur or couscous for a healthy and delicious meal. Pomegranate molasses, a southern Turkish dressing, adds a wonderful, sharp and tangy taste to it. If you can’t get pomegranate molasses, you can replace with a good quality balsamic vinegar.

Seasonal, fresh ingredients make refreshing, healthy, delicious meals

Serves 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

175gr/6oz Turkish, Greek, Italian or Spanish olives, pitted

1 small red pointy or bell pepper, quartered and sliced coarsely

1-2 spring (green) onions, finely chopped

Handful of flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

10ml/1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

5ml/1 tsp pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Simply mix the chopped vegetables and olives in a bowl. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and the pomegranate molasses (or balsamic vinegar) over them, combine well. Season with salt and ground black pepper.

Olives salad with red peppers, spring onions and pomegranate molasses; summer on a plate

Olives salad with red peppers, spring onions and pomegranate molasses; summer on a plate

Serve the mezze over crackers or mix with cooked pasta, bulgur wheat or couscous for a delicious and light meal.

Afiyet Olsun!

 

 

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Natural History Museum – A Fantastic Day Out in London

My son Mark wanted to have a day out in London for his 8th birthday – which we all embraced happily!- NHM, Natural History Museum is one of his favorite spots in London. NHM is a home to more than 70 million wonderful specimens from the natural world. In their permanent galleries, the museum has a broad range of exhibitions about Earth and Life on Earth. My son especially loves the age of dinosaurs  – check out the terrifying T.rex!- , marvels at the blue whale, the largest animal in the world.

Red zone in the museum hosts our ever changing planet, space and the natural forces that shape it. You can even experience what it feels like to be caught in earthquake and witness the devastating impacts of volcanic eruptions.

 Above all, admission to NHM is free of charge, what a fascinating place to explore for all ages, if you are inLondon. The wonderful museum building is a piece of art itself, and it looks magical with a touch of snow 🙂

And right across the NHM is the wonderful Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the world’s greatest museums of arts and design. One of the Exhibitions they are hosting at the moment features the photographs of the Queen Elizabeth II by royal photographer Cecil Beaton. This exhibition celebrates Her Majesty in her roles as princess, monarch and mother and coincides with the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne. This museum is also free of charge and a fascinating spot to explore.

Hope these get you in the mood for exploring fascinating sites, happy travels!

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Blossoms and exotic butterflies at the RHS Wisley Gardens

We have had a mild winter in England so far (and now we’re feeling the chill in the air!), which resulted in early blossoms in the trees.

We were at the RHS Wisley Gardens at the weekend, and it was incredible to see blossoms and buds on the trees, even daffodils – little too early!

Snowdrops are everywhere and gorgeous to look at. We are expecting some frost and colder weather, so here is the hope for the blossoms to survive.

RHS Wisley Gardens are hosting the exotic butterflies at the Green House until February 26th and that really is worth seeing if you are around.

They are absolutely beautiful, and the tropical plants and the warm air transport you to exotic locations.

Hope you enjoy the butterflies!

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