Chicken soup for the soul

After a record October, we were in need of a break. A chance to sleep, eat properly and gather our thoughts, inspiration and motivation.

Last week, we did just that, with a stay at home holiday. We even moved into our spare bedroom for the occasion.

Here are some of the (predominantly) edible highlights:

Roast chicken

Carved

Stock in progress

We cooked this curry, finally got round to trying Sarah Raven's chinese spiced pheasant soup (which worked surprisingly well, with young, shredded pheasant breasts) and caused much discussion at supper fourteen, roasted chicken, made stock, made "basic" bread, ate Bowers bacon rolls at Leo's Beanery, stopped off at Tollcrust, tried Patisserie Madeleine's wonderful creations (below), wrapped up warm and wandered to Welch's in Newhaven Harbour, revelled in an extra hour in bed, Autumn sunshine and dined, at home, with an exciting chef, more on that soon.

Praline choux bun and macaroon

Chocolate orange delight

The Water of Leith

Our week of comfort and restoration is over and we're ready for November.