Greetings from the intensely hot confines of my kitchen! And no, it isn’t because the ovens have been going all day, but rather the result of a heatwave. Do you know that here in England we are gluttons for punishment - air conditioning is rare. As an English girl who has spent much of the last decade in the air-conditioned heaven that is California, I’m struggling. Why is the heat here different? Somehow it clings to your skin and turns your hair into a frizzy mess.
When a heatwave rolls in, as it did this weekend, we English have to resort to old-fashioned ways of keeping cool: iced drinks, light linen shirts, hiding under the shade of a tree, or preferably sticking your head in the freezer. A note for any Americans visiting this summer: don’t bother with those electric fans - they only make things worse, swirling humid air mercilessly around the room. A large ice-cold Pimms is far more effective, trust me.
Then there’s the question of dinner. After a long day of staying calm and carrying on, the last thing you want is to spend hours standing over a hot stove. That’s where today’s recipe comes in rather nicely: Gambas al Ajillo Tostadas & Summery Sides. Not very English at all, really, but very delicious. Prawns are marinated in a glorious garlicky herb sauce and piled high onto crispy spicy tostadas. Serve them alongside whatever is lurking in the fridge: radishes, salad leaves, mashed avocado. And just like that, dinner is done. Hurrah!
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Acid. I hate to say this, but it works! This product is a luxury that is truly worth it. Not only does this vitamin c serum smooth out my skin, it makes it literally glow. I wore no makeup the other day and looked as though I had highlighter on. Gorgeous.
If you read last week’s letter, you’ll know all about my strawberries and cream pistachio cake. Perfect for a summer bbq!
The Silver Palate Cookbook is the sort of cookbook I return to again and again because it manages to be both utterly unfussy and endlessly inspiring, full of recipes that feel timeless rather than trendy.
I love beautiful kitchenware as much as the next person, but some of the prettiest pieces end up taking up space rather than earning their keep. If you want a kitchen that works hard, think like a chef and include items that favor function over form. These breading trays are a perfect example. I use them whenever I make chicken Milanese. They're durable, practical, stack neatly, and make the whole process far more efficient.
I basically live in striped shirts during the summer, especially on cooler evenings by the beach. This Jenni Kayne shirt is gorgeous, beautifully made, and one of those pieces you’ll reach for year after year.
A farm retreat! Recently I spent a weekend at Fowlescombe Farm and came away wishing I had booked longer. Set on a 500-acre regenerative farm in Devon, it’s a place where the landscape shapes everything, from the food on your plate to the pace of the day itself. Speaking of food, the offerings from head chef Elly Wentworth and team are not only fresh and delicious, but the produce travels just a few footsteps from garden to kitchen. It is here, in this haven that head gardener Shelley (who is a complete delight) has created beautiful gardens that seem woven into every part of the experience. A special mention must go to owner Caitlin, whose focus and generosity make Fowlescombe feel like home. This wonderful farm retreat is run by interesting and passionate people - I can’t wait to return.
The full detailed recipe is below + downloadable PDF, and prep video.
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