weekend – Scandelights

Recipe: Brioche French Toast

Published on March 1, 2020 by HannaLeave a comment

We eat poached eggs on toast with crispy pancetta 90% of our weekend mornings together. But sometimes I like to mix it up with something else. Sometimes we have pancakes, or oeufs en cocotte but my most recent favourite is this brioche French toast.

It’s just the perfect sweet weekend treat with the buttery warm brioche, fresh berries, lightly whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. Best eaten after a long lie-in, in your dressing gown!

Brioche French toast, serves 2

4 slices brioche

1 egg

200 ml milk

1 tsp vanilla

2-3 tbsp salted butter

50 ml caster sugar

To serve:

fresh berries

lightly whipped cream

maple syrup

Heat up the butter in a large frying pan on medium heat. Mix eggs and milk in a low bowl with a fork. Quickly dip the brioche slices on both sides in the egg mixture and fry until golden on both sides. Drain on kitchen towel. Dip in caster sugar (with out without a little cinnamon) on both sides and serve with fresh berries, lightly whipped cream and maple syrup.

A much needed quiet weekend!

Published on October 16, 2018October 16, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

My work week last week was FULL ON. A bit too much, actually, but it’s nice to be busy. I was rather busy after work as well and started the week with a dinner out, something I seldom do, but it was lovely to have prosecco, poke and a proper catchup with mny dear friend Gaby (although it was a bit too loud to talk properly).

Tuesday was a really long as it started early and we had a work event in the evening, so I was quite happy to have an early night on Wednesday to catch up on sleep.

On Thursday it was the usual burger and cinema combo and on Friday I had to work late so didn’t get up to much at all. When I got home I had cheese for supper (yum!!) and went straight to bed.

I didn’t wake up until 12 hours later and it was sooo nice to have a lie-in. Much needed after weekends away and busy weeknights. I then had a (rare) weekend at home, pottering around, reading and watching films and series. The weather was beautiful on Saturday so went out for a walk but stayed snuggled up at home on Sunday as the weather was miserable. I love lighting candles and making it cosy indoors!

London: New York dumplings at Red Farm

Published on October 12, 2018October 12, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

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One Saturday night with no plans, my friend and I after a few texts suddenly had made dinner plans; to meed about 40 minutes later in Covent Garden. Even though I like to plan ahead most of the time, I find it so refreshing to make plans last minute. Especially when I live in a city like London with lots to offer.

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My friend Ro suggested a new place, that still was in it’s soft-launch place, as she’d been to the New York restaurant and loved it. Always keen to try new things I thought that was a great idea and was really happy when we got a table on arrival (although now that they’re properly open I would recommend making a reservation beforehand).

Located next to another New York satellite, Balthazar, I definitely think Red Farm is here to stay. I really liked their concept of yummy but fun food and wish more restaurants would be creative in that way.

Like these pork and crab soup dumpling size XXL that comes with a straw! It’s a genius way of eating it, first drinking the soup and then eating the dumpling. So yummy! My only criticism was that the dumpling spoons were a little bit small for that dumpling size.

Their most iconic dish though, is probably this one; Pac Man shrimp dumplings complete with different coloured ghosts! So fun and very well executed.

One of the best dishes was this starter though; the marinated and grilled pork belly. It had sweetness, lots of umami and a nice crunch. So moreish!!

The scallion pancakes with smoked bacon were also really nice, but a little rich.

Another favourite was the wide rice noodles with roast duck. Again full of umami (seems to be their thing) and lots of earthy flavours. We also had some broccoli on the side, and although nice, it’s not really the vegetables you come here for – it’s the rich satisfying umami dishes, perfect for the autumn ahead!

Red Farm, 9 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ

Boring work week but a nice weekend!

Published on October 2, 2018October 2, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

I was battling a cold most of last week so didn’t get up to much at all. Apart from work I just tried to rest as much as possible. I even had the same thing for supper four days in a week due to lack of imagination, working taste buds and energy. But this always comforts me!

I felt a lot better by Friday and so could go out for dinner and drinks at some favourite haunts; Bar Americain, Zelman Meats and Kettner’s Townhouse).

On Saturday I did some pampering at home and watched a lot of golf on TV, met some friends for drinks and had a quiet night in with dinner (bleak roe toast and crab pasta) and a movie. But it was rather disappointing. Great cast but the book is so much better!

Sunday had more golf in store, but also more nice food (crab toasts and soft meringue with ice cream and berries) and three episodes of Handmaid’s Tale.

A very quiet week…

Published on September 25, 2018September 25, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

Last week was a lot quieter than I had planned, but I got ill again (typical this time of year) and had to cancel those plans. Oh well…

Monday I took it easy at home in the evening, did some laundry and made broccoli cheese for supper. Although it’s really a side dish I like to eat it as it is, with maybe some ham and a piece of toast on the side. Love it!

Tuesday I felt rubbish so after work I went straight to bed and had scrambled eggs in my PJs for dinner before falling asleep early.

On Wednesday I had a little bit more energy so managed a burger and cinema after work. Although BlacKkKlansman was a hard film to watch (because of the subject) I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

Thursday I just stayed in and watched BBC’s new series Bodyguard (that everybody’s talking about) and so far so good. Friday was again another quiet night in, I watched One Day and made the yummy spinach dip for supper.

The weekend continued in the same way; watching TV, sleeping lots and more cancelled plans. But I managed to do a bit of cooking as I didn’t have the energy to go out and wasn’t in the mood for a greasy takeaway. Always something!

Back in London and a weekend in the country

Published on August 21, 2018August 21, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

I’ve been back in London for a little more than a week and my holiday in Sweden is already starting to feel like a distant memory. It’s funny how quickly one settles back into the groove.

Monday was mainly about catching up at work, but I felt up to speed by the end of the day, having caught up with my emails and paper work. When I got home I started to put all my things away from the trip. I always unpack my suitcases as soon as I get home, whatever time of night that is (I like to maximise my time away and often fly back late). I don’t know why but I find it so satisfying to unpack straight away, but I’ve done it for years! But of course I don’t put everything away immediately (that takes too long) so that’s what I did on Monday night. And laundry of course, even though I made sure to do laundry in Sweden too.

Anyway, the next evening after work the book club girls came over for some nibbles and pizza on the roof terrace followed by pudding back in the flat as the sun had started to set. It was lovely catching up with them and decide on the new book to read (this one if you’re interested) and as all of us contribute to the dinner it’s never stressful to host.

Wednesday I made pizzas and we watched The Handmaid’s Tale (OMG it’s so good – draining, but SO good). Thursday I packed for the weekend, had some more pizza and watched some more The Handmaid’s Tale.

I had the day off on Friday which was wonderful so after a lie-in we drove up to Northamptonshire where we stayed over night. Friday night we had dinner and watched Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat at Kilworth House and the next day we just took it easy before going back to London in the evening.

Sunday I did some more chores, unpacked and made another pizza (with leftover dough that I froze on Wednesday). I think I need a break from pizza now actually…

Book Club, Street Party and a relaxing weekend

Published on June 19, 2018June 19, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

The summer weather seems to have disappeared, but that’s completely normal for midsummer, which is later this week.

Sadly I won’t be celebrating it, but I’m meeting up with friends so it will still be a nice day. There are of course midsummer celebrations in London, but celebrating with lots of people in Hyde Park doesn’t appeal to me.

Monday last week was a quiet one (that’s how I like my Monday’s – the shock of getting up early and going to the office is enough for me) and I made a yummy pasta with cream, sherry and last year’s girolles (picked by my auntie) from the freezer. So yummy and a perfect start to the week!

Tuesday we met up with the book club at Marie-Lou’s and she has prepared a feast as usual. It was lovely to meet up and discuss the book and catch up!

On Wednesday I went to the Motcomb Street Party which was lots of fun with entertainment, charity auction, food stalls and flowing prosecco. All the food stalls looked good but I decided on a brioche bun with roast beef and creamed horseradish. Really yummy!

The rest of the work week was quieter; on Friday I watched the Portugal-Spain game at home and just chilled out. Saturday I met up with Laura in Surbiton for a walk along the river, lovely lunch and a cheeky ice cream. So nice to catch up!

The remainder of the weekend was unplanned which was just lovely. I can’t remember the last time I could catch up on sleep like this, binge on TV series and just chill. Such a treat!

Ah, summer is here!

Published on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

How is it June already?! I so want to hit the pause button (at least the days that are sunny!) so the summer can last even longer. Summer is without a doubt my favourite time of year. Finally I can be outside without being cold and wear dresses (without tights!) every day.

Last week was a bit uneventful on the social side (although much needed) so instead the weekend was a busy and fun one!

It was gorgeous weather on Friday and after work I could enjoy the setting sun while playing crazy golf and sipping on rosé. Once it got darker we headed indoors and had lots of steak and red wine for dinner.

Saturday started with my favourite past-time; a lie-in and scrambled eggs for breakfast, followed by quite a long walk in beautiful Richmond Park. We saw deer, swans, squirrels and the rather exotic parakeets that reside there.

But the best part was the view from King Henry’s Mound, and the ice cream we got nearby!

In the evening a friend invited us round for a BBQ and in typical British fashion we sat outside despite the light rain, which luckily didn’t last long. The menu was perfect burgers and sausages, salad and ice cold rosé followed by berries and ice cream.

Sunday was a day of chores and getting ready for the week ahead, and in the evening I finally started watching the third season of Broadchurch. SO good!

Quiet weekends are the best!

Published on June 4, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

Last week was a short work week but it felt extremely long to me. Maybe because I didn’t get up to much in between working, laundry and other chores. I did get my hair cut though – that head massage is amazing after a long day at the office.

But the weekend more than made up for the rather boring work week; I spent it in the picturesque British countryside and it was so relaxing. I enjoyed the sun, lovely company, good food and managed to really switch off (not my phone, but I didn’t look at it all that much). And I finally found some time to read. The book we’re reading for book club now is so good I need to find some time to read it every night until it’s finished. If you haven’t read it already (it was published in 1992), I highly recommend Donna Tartt’s The Secret History.

All the food; both home cooking and eating out!

Published on April 17, 2018April 17, 2018 by HannaLeave a comment

Last week was rather full on, but in the best possible way! Monday I mainly prepped for the day after when I had my friends Gaby and Ro over for dinner after work. For once I wasn’t rushed and it was such a nice feeling. We started with nibbles; obviously Jamon Iberico and saucisson from Spain, nice olives and my homemade dill hummus with pitta chips.

Then I served trout fillets with dilly new potatoes and a lovely sauce for fish and finished the dinner off with dulce de leche pannacotta. Gaby also brought a selection of canelés from Babelle that were amazing!

My childhood friend Therése arrived from Sweden on Thursday evening and we had dinner together at mine while chatting away. I made a selection of tapas including the Jamon Iberico and saucisson, Nocellara olives (our favourite!), Manchego and Ossau Iraty cheese, padron peppers, calamari and my asparagus with wild garlic mayonnaise.

On Friday we met after work and had a speedy but delicious dinner at Barrafina Drury Lane before going to the theatre around the corner to see 42nd Street.

Saturday was lovely and sunny, so we put our sunglasses on and went shopping in Chelsea where we also had lunch. A pit stop at home to change and we were off to dinner. We had amazing sushi that I will tell you all about later and finished the evening with champagne at Kettner’s Townhouse.

Therése’s last full day here we went back to an old favourite for lunch; La Fromagerie in Marylebone. The food, the cheese and the ambience is just a winning combination.

In the evening I made us a nice chicken salad and we had ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for pudding. It was such a lovely weekend and I’m so grateful my friends make the effort to visit me while living abroad! ❤