An Edible Voyage

  August 2019 Queijadas.   Mention that word in the Azores and you’re sure to start a debate about which island, village or bakery makes the best.   These 2 bite sized sweet treats are a feature at almost every café, bar and shop on Sao Miguel, and having sampled my fair share, I’m on team Queijada de Vila Franco do Campo.   Originally made by nun’s at the convent as a use for surplus egg yolks when the whites were used to starch their habits, these crisp, buttery pastry tarts are filled with a soft, almost gooey mixture of milk, egg yolks and sugar, with a texture not dissimilar to frangipane.   Head to Queijadas da Vila of Adelino Morgado and Daughters in Vila Franco do Campo to watch queijadas being made by the Morgado family to the secret recipe, handed down from generation to generation, whilst you enjoy one (or two!).   They also sell boxes to take home so you can stock up when you (inevitably) become addicted to these sugary delights.

June 2020 Hidden away in a beautiful, quiet Oxfordshire village of a handful of thatched cottages set around a green, a cafe unexpectedly nestles.  Quince and Clover, originally an Events Catering company, planned to open a cafe this spring and, incredibly, have managed to make it happen despite the lockdown situation.   They make all of their own ever changing flavours of ice cream and sorbet - the pink grapefruit sorbet is so refreshing (and tastes almost guilt free!).  The coconut ice cream has a delicious sweet, yet nutty flavour which holds all the way until the end of the scoop.  They also make their own ice cream milkshakes, super thick and served in big, American style cups. Cakes are moist and not overly sweet - the coffee, chocolate and date cake is an inspired combination, and their weekly changing salads, tarts, soup and special are so colourful and fresh it's a near impossible decision to choose.  Highlights have been the courgette...

March 2020 Hidden away in Worton Park, where commercial and rural co-exist in harmony, is an organic farm shop, piled high with fruits, vegetables, Worton eggs, and farm pressed apple juice.  Hidden within this, is a cafe.  Homely and warm with a wood burning stove, food inspired books lining the walls, and the most delicious home-made food. Thai Spiced Beetroot Soup Gorgeously vibrant, I wasn't sure what to expect from a thai-spiced beetroot soup.  Would it work? Yes! It definitely did.  The zingy thai flavours blended perfectly with the earthiness of the beetroot, and a dollop of natural yogurt brought it all together into a hearty but healthy feeling lunch.  The sourdough was divine - a little chewy, tangy and with a delicious caramelised crust - a fantastic loaf! Masala Dosa Originating in Southern India, this rice and lentil crepe is stuffed with potatoes and served with a variety of chutneys and yogurt.  It's fresh but filling, and m...