TBCH even when I’ve been hooked or hitched or plain hung-up, I’ve never been fully sold on Valentine’s Day. I like my favourite chocolate and champagne spread regularly throughout the year thank you ;))). So the next 2 posts will be about Valentine’s Play: A bigger love and share expanded ways to celebrate this festival <3. Including loving local, loving ourselves through self-care and of course, loving the planet. And all this good stuff is great for sharing with whomever you choose. Especially Liela’s Valentine’s Ready Meals. Whether that’s a new love, a steady love, a non-romantic love or, of course, a trusted animal love <3. Though most likely your pet will have to watch you eat rather than join in.
LOCAL LOVE
I moved to East Lothian just before lockdown. And instantly fell in love with the local beauties of Seacliff and Tyninghame Beach and Pressmennan Wood. After spending much time here throughout Covid I noticed my reason to choose sustainable products no longer came from a feeling of responsibility but from a feeling of affection and protection. I think that’s happened to a lot of us.
You can’t get more local than the range of jams made by Neil at The Mart Farm Shop. Most of the fruit comes from our own farm, it’s made and bottled on site and is deliciously sweet. For me the most exciting combinations are Cranberry & Sapphire Gin, Strawberry & Blood Orange Cointreau and Redcurrant & Vodka. Hmm there’s a theme here. Ideal on our homemade scones with at least one lash of whipped cream. And if you want to share ; ) you could build this into a really stunning afternoon tea with some of Liela’s homemade cakes. The Raspberry love heart cheesecake is a stand out for me.
S. Lucas Ice Cream is based in Musselburgh and have been making ice cream for over 100 years. They still use the original recipe handed down from their Grandfather, though the flavours have certainly expanded and changed with the times. We stock as many of their flavours as we can fit in-store. My favourite is Salted Caramel, but Nut’ella is a close runner up. They come in a wee 220ml pot for individual indulgences, 500ml and a 1ltr tub for really sharing the love.
SELF LOVE
Historically single ladies are portrayed in society and the media as love-lorn or loveless. This was never the case for freedom-loving bachelors. This is another area then, for women’s equality. So now many women (including me) are embracing their singledom full heartedly and happy to spend time learning to love themselves. This may include taking regular yoga or mindfulness classes, going on retreat and of course treating yourself to your favourite foods just because. Here’s two of my absolute ‘A’ pluses from The Mart Farm Shop.
Organic Seeds & Bean Chocolate is a lot more expensive than a Bounty Bar but in my opinion it truly does take you to paradise. And it comes in 13 varieties. I recommend Sea Salt and Tropical Lime and Lemon and Cardamon.
At present I’m totally embracing the fact that I have no worries about adding Hawkshead Black Garlic Sauce to just about everything. Also comes in a smoked variety. It’s basically like a sophisticated HP with lots of garlicky depth. And being free from preservatives, colourings and artificial flavourings means I’m choosing to indulge myself and love the planet in one delicious dollop.
READY TO SHARE THE LOVE?
This week Liela’s ready meals whisk you off to Paris with two french inspired dishes: A delicious Slow-cooked Burgundy Beef Bourguignon. And for non-red-meat-eaters, a rich Lentil, Sage & Smoked Paprika Wellington. The light, buttery puff pastry set off the deep smoky flavour of paprika in the lentils. Absolutely beautiful. Both dishes are served with tender carrots, green beans and perfectly cooked potatoes. For dessert you have the choice of Red Velvet Cake with creamy butter-icing or Raspberry Love heart Cheesecake.
So if there’s a regular chef in your house who could do with feeling the love, maybe this is a good place to start for your Valentine’s gift?
Hope you’ve enjoyed this Valentine’s Play: A bigger love post <3
Stella*
