Welcome November

The first of November.  How can that be? The trees are turning but the days are unseasonably warm for the month that usually sees the first frost (about a week before my birthday historically and that's only two weeks away - can't see it myself!).  It's one of my favourite months - I have a birthday and this year it's a big one (more on that another post, another day), it's also host to one of my favourite days of the whole year - Bonfire Night.  The nights are drawing in and it's still a novelty to come home in the dark and snuggle up on the sofa; the days are usually crisp and sunny - it's a month that celebrates the turning of the seasons and I love it.  So, here are some ideas to while away November days...

US by David Nicholls.  How have I missed this?  Author of 'One Day' - need I say more. Other suggestions include We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler...a friend read this on holiday in France and drove us silly by dropping little nuggets to tempt us. My other suggestion is The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey which will set you up for winter and is best read in front of the fire.  I reviewed it here.

November calls for one-pot meals that can be left for hours whilst you walk in the sunshine.  They should be flavoursome and comforting, rich and satisfying and I love this particular recipe that comes from Nigella - slow cooked lamb with pasta.  It's unctuous and delicious and the feta adds a salty creaminess that finishes the whole dish off to perfection.

 

I've never managed to do Hyde Park's 'Winter Wonderland' yet so it's got to be high on my priority list this year.  I'm also planning a trip to the Natural History Museum Ice Rink - a brave move as last time I went skating at Hampton Court one of our party broke his wrist!  Also, a trip to the cinema to see Gone Girl.  I loved the book, but must be the only person yet to see the film!

 

 



A Christmas cake.  My granny always used to make ours - one for each branch of the family AND one for me to take back to Uni after the celebrations were over. She was cake queen.  So where else would I go for a cake recipe but to that other culinary queen, Delia.  This recipe is traditional and classic, both of which I know my granny would approve of.  Also planning a few home-grown details for Christmas present wrapping...

 

 

 

 

 

What are your 'Musts' for November?

 

Images: Cox&Cox