Hello!

How are things in your corner of the world? These are certainly strange times we are going through, and I hope that wherever you are, you are safe and well.

Life seems to get busier and busier, so today I have some recipes to help you answer the 'what's for dinner?' question more easily. I'm also sharing things that are making me smile - in the hope they will make you smile too - as well as an explanation of how I managed to get to Canada from the UK without getting on a plane.

But first, let's pop into my kitchen.

My family and I have just returned from our road trip to Alsace, travelling in two of our vintage cars and visiting 5 countries in 7 days (actually 6 countries, but more about that later).

We had the opportunity to try some wonderful Alsatian food, and even had a tasting menu specifically designed in consultation with the four of us then prepared and served by a Michelin-starred chef and his team. It was amazing. Let me know if you'd like to see some photos and read more about it!

I am feeling very inspired so I am happy to be back in my own kitchen where I can do some experimenting of my own. This past week, I have been making the most of seasonal fruit and vegetables and I am excited to share what I have been cooking with you.

What's Cooking In My Kitchen

Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken

This recipe is make your own take out that the whole family will love and the super-easy homemake sauce is made using ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Recipe here

Spaghetti Primavera al Limone

A vegetarian version of a classic Italian dish, I've been making this with whole wheat spaghetti for added fibre and nutrition.

Get the recipe

Steak & Asparagus Salad

Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty salad with a delicious balsamic dressing is a real favourite among our family and friends.

Recipe here

Blueberry Bakewell Tart Squares

An easy variation on a traditional British dessert, these Blueberry Bakewell Tart Squares are delicious on their own or with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream.

Get the recipe

If you try any of these recipes, please let me know how you get on! You can contact me directly by simply replying to this email.

Behind the Scenes - and how I got to Canada without a plane

As I mentioned, my family and I have just returned from our European road trip. On our way to Alsace, we stopped at my Grandfather's stepfather's grave in the tiny village of Écoivres, France. He was killed in action in World War 1 and rests here alongside hundreds of others from both sides of the conflict. Every grave is well kept and has flowers or plants in front of the headstone.

Then we headed to the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy to pay our respects to over 10,000 Canadian servicemen and women who died in WW1 but have no known graves.

I cannot describe how moving and humbling it is to see all the names of the fallen inscribed on this vast memorial, which towers over Vimy Ridge.

The land the memorial stands on was given to the Canadians by the French in perpetuity as a gift of thanks after WW1. Therefore, if you visit the memorial and surrounding area, you are standing on Canadian soil.

This was how we managed to get to Canada - our sixth country of the trip - without a plane.

After we arrived in Alsace, my husband Guy and I spent our days exploring with our son Alexander and his partner Hannah. Alexander took this photo of Guy and I at the Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg in Oerschwiller, France, just a few miles from the German border.

Alsace is located very near the French border with Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, so we had fun making a point of enjoying lunch in a different country nearly every day. I can't wait to share more about our adventures!

This week I'm...

Settling back in at home and making the most of the spring weather here in the UK.

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Re-Reading - Romancing The Ordinary* by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Watching - Your Friends & Neighbours on Apple TV

Listening to - The Correspondent* by Virginia Evans

Loving - my new coastal blue Le Creuset Signature Enameled Petal Braiser*, which my husband bought me for Easter. I'm a huge fan of Le Creuset pans - I have one that is over 35 years old that I still use regularly. I fell in love with this petal braiser because of the colour and the pretty petal top. Of course it is just as reliable and dependable as all my other Le Creuset pans, and this design comes in several other pretty colours as well.

Curating - My office and work space. I'm reorganising, de-cluttering and looking for ways to make it even more welcoming and inspiring.

That's all for now. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!

Thank you so much again for being a subscriber. Remember you can reply to this email with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hi. I love to hear from you.

Warmly,

April x