Cupboard Cobbler

From time to time I may get the hankering to do a "foodie" post. As my sister knows my dream job is to be the next Anthony Bourdain and/or have my own cooking show. Since I am limited here as far as my cooking gear if you will, doesn't mean one cannot be innovative, yes? So here is what I'm aptly naming my "cupboard cobbler". 

Recipe: (I don't usually measure stuff like this so bare with me...)

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 stick cold butter to cut into chunks

Handful stareberries or any ol berries you fancy

Peach/nectarince/plums

1-2 apples sliced 

**I usually leave skins on in my cobblers

1/2 cup brown sugar

Milk (or I used mixture of milk and greek yogurt since the point of this is to use what you have in your cupboard:)

Chia seeds for topping (optional)

Museli (any ol oats will do...I just happened to have Museli) 

Cut berries and all fruit into small chunks. Put in a pot and add sugar. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat. Mix flour, cold butter cut into chunks, 1/2 cup milk and mix with hands until biscuit consistency. (See photos below) Add museli to mixture and mix well. Scoop mixture i to balls and place ontop of fruit in pot. Add chia seeds to top for added flavor (and fiber!) 

Keep on stoce for roughly 20-30 mintues until top is cooked well (may start to brown) 

Enjoy your cupboard cobbler with a proper brew. 

Xoxo

Rynny

I left my heart in...

Yes, yes, yes. This is going to be my "what I miss post". Yes, it's a Friday night and whilst Londoneers are out in Soho and paintin the town red burnin the midnight oil with pints of bottingtons; I am making biscuits to enjoy with my jam I picked up today at Morgan & Melrose (raspberry, strawberry, red current, apple and balsamic vinegar jam thank you very much). As I am still figuring out this whole blogging thing (which it really bugs me that I don't know code and I really want to design my own blog and I can't afford right now to pay someone-wow that's a run on sentence), you'll have to forgive my lack of structure. You understand yes? I knew you would. 

So what do I miss most about the States so far? 

1) BJ's mediterranean pizza

2) Our HUGE grocery stores-Trader Joes SHOUT OUTTTTT

3) Our huge portions that make you really feel like you're gettin your $ worth. -it's kind of annoying when everything is almost double here and you get half as much. Obesity epidemic aside...

4) My car (which I never thought I'd say since that beast cost more to fix than what it was worth)

5) In N Out (Yep, even though I don't eat beef...best damn grilled cheese animal style in life) 

6) Not as many people smoking. Ughhhh everyone smokes here. Get the hint England....it's NOT cool and you're making me stink. 

7) The fact that we get movies in theaters 

wayyy faster

8) Nothing is blocked and I can watch ANYTHING on Youtube. When I wanna watch inside the actors studio family guy...or HULU so I can watch Family Guy I don't wanna have to risk dodging gnarly viruses like a poor defensless seal on sharkweek.

9) Clean streets. Let's put those English cons to work and clean up this damn "rubbish" yes? Just call me Counsel Woman Clean Streets. 

10) Huge farmers markets...that are actually affordable

11) SOUR CANDY BELTS at the movie theater and york peppermint patties. 

*there will be more later I'm sure

What I enjoy about it here so far:

1) Everything is so doggon adorable

2) The way people talk makes me laugh/smile/confused at the same time

3) Pubs. (Like actual pubs) 

4) The fact that I can walk 20 minutes and be in the Queens garden, primrose hill, see a world famous show at Roundhouse, get any kind of food anyone could ever want at Camden Lock Market and go learn how to dance traditional english folk dancing all the same day. That's only the tip of the activity berg folks...

5) Everyone drinks all the time and it's not weird. It's classy and accepted and totally normal. Therefore people don't get as cray cray

6) The BEST falafel in life

7) You don't need a car to get anywhere (ironic after my previous statement)

8) The Markets galore! I can't get enough of these delicious, vintage eye candy extravaganzas that rob me of my money. 

9) The fact that men call me "love" and it's just normal

10) British boys are kind of adorable to look at with all their well put together outfits and hair and shined shoes. Oh and the fact that they call me "love". Did I say that already? 

11) (apparently I'm going to 11) Everyone takes tea breaks which is just awesome. We did that in Africa too and that's always a good thing. 

I'm gonna eat my buscuits and jam and watch Lawless now (heart Jessica Chastain)....hearts and stars folks. 

What do you love most about your country? 

Have a proper brew today. Xoxo

Rynny

Here's a few pics from today...

Yes I sat alone and enjoyed a hazelnut "frapp" if you will. Sorry, I'm not sorry. 

Melrose & Morgan. Must go-to

This is a candy table at a sweet shop. My kinda people. 

Goods

So I had the good fortune this weekend of experiencing London street markets. They did not disappoint. First was the oh-so-touristy Portobello road market in Notting Hill. Antiques, vintage everything and most importantly the BEST falafel I've ever had in life. I also found a bakery that I have wanted to visit for over 4 years. It's called: The Hummingbird Bakery. Absolutely delicious. Saturday a fabulous fellow classmate and I ventured to London Bridge and strolled around the ever so delicious Borough Market. I really gave no words...so far it's my favorite market, however I still have yet to go to the Moroccan spice market (which I WILL do). 

On another note...I got an A on my second assignment if my grad school career. (Wooooooootwoooooooooot) 

I am now procrastinating my 6 page paper to watch Good morning Vietnam. Sometimes, you just need Robin Williams. Am I right?

Give a stranger (who looks like they don't want to talk to anyone...just someone who has their head down and maybe even looks pissed) a random compliment. Give it a try and see what happens. Then leave me a comment and let me know. Don't forget to tell them to Have a proper brew. (Duh) :) 

Xoxo

Rin Tin Tin (canine cop) 

Hollisitc Haven...oh and pizza.

Continuing on with my search for hidden gems in London town, after class today I decided to take a stroll on the other side of the street. In Camden there's a place right by the station that's like a 5 way stop. You can go down 5 different streets at this 1 intersection. The first time Jordania and I tried finding our way around; well let's just say I had a few choice words about London's confusing streets that seem to pop up out of nowhere and get you PROPERLY lost. Any who, I passed by this Chinese Tea house a few times on the bus and decided to see what it was all about. I was not disappointed.

Note: I'm obsessed with food, (who isn't) so there will probably be an insanely amount of posts about anything you'd ever want to eat or drink. I consider it a healthy obsession. Notice I don't post many pictures of me...they're all of food or drinks. You're welcome.

China Life

101-103 Camden High Street
London
NW1 7JN
+44 207 388 6704
http://chinalifeweb.com/

1) It's the best tea I've ever had (sorry Teazers....).
2) The shop is also attached to a Chinese Medicinal Pharmacy. You can actually book an appointment to see a certified herbalist and a NP doctor. People were picking up prescriptions while I sat drinking my tea. It was awesome.



Welcome to China Life. Take a seat...

Chat up with the super nice Swedish ladies at the bar. Ask them anything about Chinese Medicine. Seriously.

This is the best tea I've ever had. (Sorry Teazers. I still <3 you).

Nutty Jasmine Tea Latte. With some sort of sugar/salted/spiced nutmeg rim. Yeah.



Every tea and natural Chinese remedy you'd want.

I couldn't just stop there. I had to actually get something to eat right? So a few shops down, I found this place...

White Kitchen
Camden High Street, London NW1

Fresh Ingredients and this 12'' pizza (which was soooo fresh and delicious) was only 4.50 pounds. That's about 6.50 or so US. Not bad. Oh and did I mention that they're open till 3am? AND they deliver? Yeah so basically they got a lifer outta me.

Thanks for reading my silly little bloggy blog that basically gives me an excuse to procrastinate my homework. Have a tremendous day and have a proper brew.

xoxo
Kerynny

Camden Coffee House, A hidden haven

Camden Coffee House

So I am starting my ''review'' of sorts for hidden gems I find whilst here in foggy London town. (Speaking of foggy, it was ballllls cold and rainy today). I don't remember being asked by the man upstairs if I was ready to give up my California-like sunshine. Well, I guess he's got his own reasons. I digress... ;-)

Since I have been here, I walk past this café every single day on my way to school, store, park etc. So Camden has some nicer parts, then it has some parts that might look a little janky. (Note: I heart Camden). It's sort of known as the ''punk'' and very eclectic part of central London. The World's End, a VERY famous bar/pub/music hall is right on the corner near Camden Underground Station. It's always hoppin with bands and local talent. Side note: Why does EVERYONE and their Mom smoke? Seriously...what the frick is that about? I'd like to enjoy my daily strolls without my lungs taking a ''smoke bath'' 
. (I totally just made smoke bath up...I'm rollin with it). Annnnyways, The Camden Coffee House is wonderful. It sits between a thrift store and a little convenient store that sells produce, mops and rat traps outside it's door. I know this cuz I finally bought a mouse trap. (Fist pump break.........SNAP!)

Seems every time I walk by this place I'm in a hurry to go to class or I'm coming home and they close at 5pm. (That's the one downfall). Today I took the time to go in and do some reading for my project. There is a hidden garden in the back. You'd miss it if you didn't ask or see the sign that says "hidden garden downstairs".

1) The coffee is GREAT.
2) The staff is awesome. I mistook the barista(o?) for an American. Turns out he's Israeli. Funny considering my roommate is from Israel.
3)The hidden garden seating downstairs boasts lovely rose bushes, and high wooden fences so you really feel like you're secluded.
4) Go there. Next time you're in the neighborhood. Yes? Awesome.

Here's a little sneak peak to tempt you all to come visit me;-)

Yep. It's rainy and cold already.

Hazelnut Latte this time. Next time will be the ''dirty chai''

This is actually from a couple days ago, but it deserves to be up here. Afternoon tea. Yum.

 

And this is just hilarious and makes me laugh. What toys do when we're not looking.

Go find a nice local spot this week. Doesn't need to be coffee but maybe a bakery or ethnic grocery store in the middle of no where...it's all about local baby. As always, have a proper brew.

Love,
Kerynny