Carrot, cucumber and apples in a tasty nutritious drink

This weekend, the hubby met me in Amsterdam. The plan was to eat in all the places we missed the last time we were in the city. Say no more.

Anyway in no particular order we ate at Van Puffelen, Casa di David, Sarah's Pancake House and tried out Bagels and Beans, Amsterdam's equivalent to Eat / Pret / Starbucks. Excellent choice of bagels and coffee to be had. Branches across the city including Waterlooplein, great for people-watching. As I am trying to be virtuous, it gave me an opportunity to kick-start some healthy eating with a freshly pressed juice.

It did taste better than it looked!

Marshmallows, but only better

Whilst on my travels to Warsaw I have discovered the delights of Polish sweets and chocolates. Dark chocolate covered hazelnuts and cherries have been a particular favourite (although neither are doing favours for my waistline).

However, I did spot these gems: Smurf Marshmallows. Or Chamallows.

I just had to buy them. And these will be gifted to Miss SMBW - maybe for a bbq or a chocolate fountain moment.

The question now bothering me: is drowning in chocolate or roasting at the end of a skewer murder?

On the hunt for a post-wedding gathering

The aftermath of running away and getting married is that we get to have a party! A big drink-up is in the pipeline.

However, first thing's first: the families need to break bread. The hubby and I have been on a epic epicurean road trip around the Hampshire / Surrey border to find a suitable venue for a family get together. Somewhere easy to get to, pretty, charming and serving the best food.

After many miles we have settled on The Woolpack in Totford, near Alresford. It was the first one we visited and it set a very high standard that nowhere else we considered came close. Sunday lunch was very good - I had the lemon sole and DBFB had the steak. Absolutely no complaints. I skipped dessert, but the waiter brough two spoons with DBFB's...

Chocolate fondant, vanilla ice-cream and mocha sauce.

The best of Dutch cuisine

Sometimes I feel Dutch cuisine is right up there with Dutch Fashion, an oxymoron.

But I think I've got a bit jaded from all the travelling. So I've come up with my top 10.

1. Vla
2. Dubbel Vla - vanilla and chocolate combo is my favourite
   
3. Chocolate sprinkles
4. Bitterballen
5. Old cheese
6. Almond cookies
7. Beer

I'm afraid I can't think of more than 7.

Is that bad?