Meandering through Kent.

I had a very busy weekend. Saturday was spent in the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate as it was the first day of a new exhibition entitled Turner and the Elements. There were over 80 of JMW Turner's works on show. It was fabulous to see so many Turners especially those depicting Kent.

In his painting 'The New Moon, or I've Lost My Boat, You Shan't Have Your Hoop' (1840)  he has painted a scene in Margate with the Jetty and pier in the background. Also, with the sun in the sky and reflected in the water I thought it would   be suitable for  'Sun Lit Sunday.'

 Later on I met up with a friend of mine and we meandered around Sandwich.
The origin of the word 'sandwich' for an item of food is thought to have been named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich.( 1718-1792.) He is said to have asked for meat to be served between slices of bread, to avoid interrupting a gambling game.  I like to think that this was the origin of the sandwich.
 Some facts about Sandwich Kent

• Sandwich was once one of England's main ports.
• The Curfew Bell is still rung from St Peter's Church every night at 8 pm.
•  Instead of the colourful robes that mayors usually wear on official occasions, the Mayor of Sandwich has worn black robes, ever since the French raid in 1457.
•  It was one of the  Cinque Ports (established in 1155) 
• Sandwich still has many original medieval buildings. 
• The Open Golf Championships are regularly helds here  .(2011's was in Sandwich).

The following are photos taken from the town and from  points along the town wall  . It was raining when we set out but then the sun shone.

Premiere ,Preview or Out and About.

Last night I went to see a preview of She Stoops to Conquer at the National Theatre London. She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith was first performed at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden in 1773. I love this play and have seen it performed  quite a few times and i did enjoyed this performance. One of the cast was Katherine Kelly playing Miss Hardcastle a big change from playing Becky in Coronation Street.

So that was the preview, what about the premiere I hear you ask? Well on my way to the National I heard all this commotion and then saw the red carpet outside The Royal Festival Hall. On the red carpet was Daniel Radcliffe ( of Harry Potter fame) star of the film Woman in Black. I lingered for a while watching limos draw up ,cameras flashing ,and hearing screaming fans, camera crews and photographers. I thought what a strange life these 'stars' have and then glad I could move away from all this razzmatazz.

If the sun his beams display...

I am very happy as the sun is shining today through my windows into the kitchen. However, not just for that reason but because January 22nd  is St Vincent's Day. According to tradition dating back to Anglo Saxon times if the sun shines on this day then it bodes well for the year!

Remember on St Vincent's Day,

if the sun his beams display

Be sure to mark the transient beam,

which through the casement sheds a gleam

For 'tis a token bright and clear

of prosperous weather all the year.

(from Northumberland)

I  am linking with Karen at My Little Home and Garden for Sunlit Sunday

Counting down.....

Yesterday I went up to London and passed the countdown clock to the Olympics in Trafalgar Square.

q 

It was raining but I was going to be indoors. I had a ticket for the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition at the National Gallery . These tickets have been sold out for a long time with only a few day tickets on sale . People have been queueing for four hours with no guarantee of a ticket. It was so crowded even with the timed tickets but absolutely wonderful to see the drawings and paintings on display. I am so pleased I managed to see this exhibition but so glad that I didn't have to queue.

Tea Time Treats- Kentish Huffkins

Karen at Lavender and Lovage and Kate at What Kate Baked are co-hosting   "Tea Time Treats".  This month's theme, which is being hosted by Karen,  is  Sweet pastries and breads.

The Kentish Huffkin

The Huffkin is a traditional roll from Kent.They can be oval or round in shape and have a distinctive hole in the top, made by the baker's thumb. It's other feature is that it has a soft crust crust.

• 15g fresh yeast or 7.5ml dried yeast and a pinch of sugar
• 225ml warm milk and water
• 10ml sugar
• 450g plain flour
• 50g butter
• 5ml salt

Mix yeast with a little sugar,milk and water. Leave for a few mins to get frothy. If you are using dried yeast leave for about 15mins.

Put flour,salt and sugar into a large bowl and rub in the butter.

Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix  together and when dough leaves the sides of the bowl turn on to a floured surface.

Knead well for 10mins-this is important. It is ready when the dough is smooth.

Put into a clean bowl and cover with a cloth -leave it to rise for about 1hr in a warm place. It should double in size.

Divide dough into 12 portions and form them into round or oval shapes about 1cm thick. Put on trays and cover again leaving them in a warm place to double -about 30 mins.

Before baking make a deep indentation with your thumb in the centre of each Huffkin.

Bake at 220C/425For gas mark 6 for 15-20mins. Need them to be golden brown. Then wrap them in a warm cloth to cool.(This will keep the crusts soft.)

Now you can split them and have them buttered and filled with jam ,add cream and jam, or fill the 'thumb mark' with jam etc. As Kent is known for it's cherries  it is nice to fill the Huffkin with fresh cherries.

Here is mine and I'm filling it with Kentish jam. Mmmmm