Cambridge Tabbouli

Shannon loves the tabbouli I make which happens to be the recipe her Lebanese grandmother used to make.  The last time I was here, we bought the bulgur (cracked wheat) but I never got around to making the tabbouli.

This time, I was determined to do a big Lebanese cook up and Shan has invited some friends around to share the meal with us.

Nick and I did the shopping at Sainsbury's yesterday..so today I have had a glorious day in the kitchen.  It is really, really cold outside with some snow falling so welcomed an excuse not to venture out.

Now back to the tabbouli..I just happened to check the source of the all the simple products contained in recipe and I was amazed how far some of it has travelled to reach Sainsbury's shelves and finally into the tabbouli.  So here goes: 

• Flat leaf parsley  -  Grown by P Langdale in Spain
• Curley leaf parsley - Grown by J Porras in Spain
• Spring Onions - Grown by Jesus Bustamante in Mexico
• Mint - Grown by A Rachamin in Israel
• Bulgar - (grower not named) but from Turkey
• Lemons (grower not named) but from Spain
• Olive Oil from Spain
• Tomatoes from the Canary Islands

So truly an international dish.  But with the weather the UK has been experiencing of late, can't imagine anything could grow here in winter.

To enjoy with the tabbouli, I have made malfouf (cabbage rolls), kibbi, labnah, vine leaves.  I will also serve olives, fried hallloumi, falafel and Lebanese bread..and naturally some houmous. For sweets, we have a few Tunisian delicasies we bought in Paris and a home made middle eastern orange cake.   I hope everyone enjoys it and Shan doesn't eat all the tabbouli before they come!

Up, Up and Away

I am currently enjoying Nick and Shan's hospitality in Cambridge.  We were meant to be in Paris tonight, but the European weather and Eurostar thwarted our plans.  The Ferney family is getting quite a reputation for travel plans going astray..and it would take this whole post to explain all our travel dramas..so I shouldn't be surprised that our trip to Paris has been delayed.  Hopefully we will get to Paris on Monday but Nick isn't able to share any time with us there.

The flight over with Qantas was just wonderful I must say.  My flight to Brisbane was changed and Qantas picked up the tab for me to stay overnight in Hong Kong.  My arrival time in London was unchanged, though.  I have to say it is a great way to get to the UK..two day time flights and a night's sleep in a proper bed.

I got the most delightful surprise in London, though.  Shannon had previously told me that she was unable to meet me as her boss had set interviews for her all day..so the last person I was expecting to meet me when I walked out was my darling girl.  But there she was..running down towards me..all but bowled me over.  Tears and hugs followed.  Back to Cambridge we came.

Today we checked out the Mill Road Winter Fair. A pretty low key affair but everyong was having a good time..eventhough it was pretty cold.  The Brits are a stoic bunch and take to festivals no matter the weather.  It never ceases to amaze me..and all the little babies snuggled up in their prams with just their pink little faces showing.

I took Shannon and Nick to lunch at the Backstreet Bistro to celebrate Nick's birthday.  Yummy lunch I must say.  Off to a little birthday dinner tonight for one of Shan and Nick's friends. 



Sewing Frenzy

I don't seem to have had time to post lately..trying to finish some sewing and get ready for my big trip.  '' 

A phone call from Qantas putting me on an earlier flight meant I couldn't finish a a couple of projects..a table runner for Shannon and Nick and a wool tunic for Shannon.  I did manage to get some little things made though

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Some Christams overalls for Elliot in New York.

A little skirt for Bella, neice of a work colleague.

My lovely doll wearing a little peasant-style dress.



Castle Peeps!!

Some matching outfits for triplets..

Í've just bought a new camera and really haven't played with it enough..so photos not very good..but I am sure to improve.
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