Thursday 31 July 2014

Devilishly Destructive Delights Visits: The Dew Drop Inn

Given how much of a food lover I am you would expect me to eat out frequently but alas I sadly don't. In the early years of mine and Richard's relationship (when we were young and carefree) we would eat out at least once a week, favouring our local Toby Carvery (which I can strongly recommend a visit to). 

But now with full time jobs, a house, bills and a woofer to consider we never think to go out for dinner any more and should we decide to treat ourselves we immediately look at a takeaway menu, scan it for an inexcusable length of time before finally settling on the same thing we have every single time we do this ritual. Whenever we see friends or family and they mention restaurants they have been to or that we should meet there for a change we both look at each other as though this is an entirely new concept and nod enthusiastically, only to forget the moment we get home and slip into the same mundane routine.

My sister however is a saint and if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have eaten out in an actual restaurant for at least two years. So of course when I got a message from my sister suggesting we go out for dinner to celebrate my impending 21st birthday I of course was eager, even more so when I found out it was up to me to decide where we would be eating. 

Despite living in Houghton Regis with my family for years prior to moving in with Richard, I don't really know many places to eat out that haven't changed hands, moved or just shut down completely. With this in mind I decided to stick to what I knew and eat out in Ampthill, the neighbouring town of where I used to live. 

There are plenty of places to choose from, in fact according to TripAdvisor there are seventeen restaurants in Ampthill, the number one rated place being Cakestand and Crumb, which is new to me and one I am keen to visit. The second is Fratellis which I used to regularly visit and one which I miss terribly. In third place is Arena which is a firm favourite with my friends and family and one which I reviewed in an earlier post A Taste of India.

I decided however to move away from the well loved and most visited and take a trip down memory lane to one of the only two Chinese restaurants in the town, The Dew Drop Inn. This is a restaurant I visited many moons ago with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday back in 2010. We had a great night and the food was amazing but for some reason I have never been back so this was long overdue. Luckily my sister enjoys Chinese food too and we were soon on our way over...


Once again we were the only people in there. I don't know what it is when we go out for dinner together but we somehow manage to clear an entire restaurant. We were given a table by the window which thankfully was open on what was a very humid evening. This not only cooled us down but gave us the chance to snoop out of the window at the idyllic English town below.



We spent a while perusing the menu while the waiter bought us over a jug of iced water and complimentary prawn crackers. I was stunned by how much there was to choose from. There was a choice of set menus, appetisers, mains and additional courses as well as specials. After a lot of deliberation and encouragement I chose an appetiser of barbecue spare ribs which in no time at all seemed to be placed in front of me. 

They looked, smelt and tasted sensational and I could quite happily have eaten those for the rest of the evening. 



As you can see I was very quick to dig in and could only really take a picture of the aftermath. I was even able to enjoy Kayleigh's appetiser which was minced prawns wrapped in pastry and served with sweet and sour sauce. They too were delicious!

For my main I settled on a firm favourite when I have a Chinese which is Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce served with boiled rice. I don't really know why I even bothered to open the menu because I had that in mind from the moment I mentioned the restaurant and while I was driving there. Why change a winning formula aye?

Again it was only a short wait before our food came sizzling over causing us all to cough and choke in a dramatic fashion. The great thing about The Dew Drop Inn is that they don't scrimp on portions or flavour. I never find myself eating absolutely everything, which when you see the portion of rice that comes over would seem surprising but the food is filling and satisfying.





All in all we had a pleasant evening in what is a lovely quiet restaurant full of very attentive staff. I will certainly visit again soon and I would say it is even worth the drive over from where I currently live for a meal out. 


Thank you Dew Drop Inn for rejuvenating my love of good quality restaurants over the simple takeaway menus.

Tuesday 29 July 2014

Devilishly Destructive Delights Talks: Journals

Ever since I can remember I have had a love of stationary, from my new school kit, all the way down to the colouring pencils I received for Christmases and Birthdays each year. Even as a 'grown up' I still love looking and buying stationary, something I have previously blogged about in 'Oh for the love of... stationary'

So you can imagine my joy when I discovered Paperchase a few years ago with my best friend. I was immediately drawn in by the bright colours, quirky gifts, hundreds of pens and of course the books! Oh the books. Diaries, notepads, scrapbooks, photo albums, calendars, address books and of course journals, which is what this blog post is all about. I can still remember as a child desperately trying to get into the whole 'diary' craze that all of the other kids were hooked on but no matter how hard I tried, how many books I bought, I just couldn't find the style of writing I wanted without cringing at my words days later. In many ways I wish I had kept all of the silly things I wrote down just so I could stumble across them and smile, laugh, cringe, cry and just generally remember all of the things that seemed like the end of the world at the time, to give my life a bit more perspective now. 

When I visited London with Naomi last month I took a stop off at Paperchase in Covent Garden and spent an inexcusable amount of time scanning through the various books on offer there. In the end I settled on their signature Kraft Exercise Book and this stunning Pilot V Sign Pen and hoped that this time I might be able to get into the spirit of 'writing my thoughts'.


I immediately knew I wanted to use this for my blog as a way of me capturing my ideas and planning the structure of the posts. I have had many different types of blogs, to date I think this is my sixth and I aim to make it a success. My other blogs have always been a way to vent, meet new people and just express the word vomit that comes to mind. However successful or unsuccessful I believe these to have been I have always wanted to make something more of my writing and ensure these were more well written and structured. 

So has it worked? Can I finally scrawl something down that won't induce self loathing days later? Well, here are some extracts from my 'journal' and what it looks like now...

Here I used tickets and receipts to help map out the places Naomi and I visited in London in order to write a more accurate blog post.
I continue to keep pieces that inspire my blog posts which is a habit I have from picked up from my scrapbooking hobby. Here I have kept the packaging from my Graze boxes to help me describe the products I have sampled. 

Although I don't write down word for word what I will write, choosing instead to type it out and adapt it from there, I do jot down talking points in order to prevent me from going off a tangent (which happens 99% of the time in reality). The journal also acts as a visual reminder to me and proves a helpful point of referral when my sieve-like brain forgets things. All in all I think it makes me a more organised and structured writer which can only be a good thing. 

So does this inspire you to grab your old diaries or at least go back to pen and paper? I sure hope so...

Monday 28 July 2014

Devilishly Destructive Delights Reviews: Another Graze Nibblebox

So earlier this month I reviewed a Graze Nibblebox for the first time on this blog and I received a lovely response on Twitter from none other than Graze themselves...


It only seemed fair that I should review my latest Nibblebox from them and tell you about their latest delicious products. It wouldn't be a Graze review unless I took excessive amounts of pictures of their stunning packaging so please excuse me for just a moment...




Just like the last box I received in this one I had a sample of their tea and limited edition cake not to mention three other products I hadn't tried before so I was keen to get stuck in!


My first product to sample had to be the limited edition Love Cake and Afternoon Tea Infusion.





So whilst I was waiting for my kettle to boil I had a quick read of the handy leaflet that accompanied my box that told me all about the origin of my cake. In the Love Cake was a combination of almonds, orange zest, spices and honey. As soon as I opened the packaging I was hit by the amazing smell of this cake and I was keen to try it. The cake certainly didn't disappoint. It was packed full of flavour although I must admit it was slightly on the dry side which could have been down to how long ago it was made or due to the lack of wheat flour and butter. Who knows! Who cares! It was still delicious and the tea certainly was a pleasant way to wash it down. This is definitely a cake I want to recreate at home so watch this space...


I then tried the Smoky Chipotle Dip and Rosemary Breadsticks. Again I was hit with an array of flavours as soon as I opened the packaging and I was excited to try it. I am not really one for pickles, which was immediately what the dip reminded me of but I was certainly swayed by the combination. The dip was sweet and spicy and complimented the fairly plain breadsticks perfectly. These were a great snack whilst I was watching a spot of rubbish daytime telly and something I would be happy to have again.


I was pleased to see a favourite combination of mine in this box in the form of these Rhubarb slices, custard raisins and apple pieces. I have also posted recently on my love of Rhubarb and Custard and how my own baking has been influenced. I must admit however I quickly took out all of the apple pieces. I happened to sample these in a previous box and was unimpressed by the dehydrated and chewy pieces of 'apple'. This did however leave me to concentrate on the main areas of interest. I chose to combine the custard raisins and rhubarb pieces with each mouthful I took and it was definitely a great combination- the sharp taste of the rhubarb against the smooth sweet taste of the custard was perfect and I was sad to see the end of the packet. I definitely want to look into making my own custard raisins because they were bloody gorgeous- well done Graze!


And finally it was time for the Copacabana which consisted of both dark and milk chocolate buttons and chunky Brazil nuts. Now as I mentioned in my previous Graze review I am not one for nuts (so to speak) but these feature heavily in a lot of their products so once again my partner in crime polished them off for me.

All in all another successful and tasty Graze box! What will the next one have in store for me?

For your 1st, 5th and 10th free Graze box use my code ELLENR9JP and start snacking happy!

Devilishly Destructive Delights Reviews: Buyagift

I love buying presents and I like to think I am a good gift giver (if there is such a thing). I 'specialise' in giving people gifts that mean something to them or us. Even if it was a simple conversation we may have had months ago in passing, I will remember it and find the perfect present. 

With this in mind I very rarely use websites such as buyagift or gettingpersonal simply because I can normally come up with some unique and personal to the individual. I also had it in my head that websites like these were expensive so steered clear. 

That was until I was trying to find something special for Richard's 21st birthday which is fast approaching. I had a quick scan through their categories and I was really keen for a fun day out seen as we haven't actually planned anything for his birthday. After scrolling through various pages I found the perfect gift and one he certainly won't be expecting. I'm afraid I can't divulge what it is at this time because I'd hate for him to see this before the big day, all I can tell you is that it's a corker! I ordered it there and then and was very impressed with the quick service and delivery.

The gift arrived in very unassuming, sturdy packaging and to make it even better I got two free gifts with my order...




For spending less than £40 online I was given 10% off my next order with them as well as a £60 money off code for a partner company called Naked Wines. I was seriously impressed if not a little overwhelmed. I immediately logged onto the website to see just how much I could save and was blown away. The first wine set I saw advertised on their site would set me back almost £117 but with the voucher I could have it for £49.99! I must admit I am no longer a big wine drinker after an unfortunate incident a couple of years ago which involved sparklers, three bottles of very strong expensive red wine and falling out of a car. All very classy. That aside however I know my parents would love to save some money on some wine so that will definitely be heading their way over to them. 

As for the 10% discount code? Well I am looking to invest that into either a trip somewhere or towards an engraved item of some sort that we can keep. 

All in all I would certainly recommend buyagift.com to anyone who struggles with gift giving or simply for someone who wants to find something for a special occasion just like I did. With offers like these, you'd be mad not to!

Thursday 24 July 2014

You only turn 21 once...

Continuing on with the theme of generosity and gift giving, I ended up celebrating my impending 21st birthday early yesterday thanks to my colleagues. 

My day started as every day does- getting to work far too early and passing the time by sitting in a quiet classroom drinking tea in the hope it might wake me up, whilst also reminding myself to leave later the following day (I never do). Working on the last few days at school are as pointless as attending them as a child so I was all set for another mundane day of tidying, sorting and ensuring that the children remembered all the things they normally walk off and forget. At no point did it occur to me that I might be receiving presents or cards for my birthday that takes place over the Summer break. Although I love having a Summer birthday the downside has always been that I showered my friends in gifts but they would always forget to do the same by the time we broke up for the school holidays. With this in mind I hardly expected to have a surprise waiting for me quite the way my colleagues did...

Unbeknown to me I followed the children into a classroom expecting to go into assembly only to find the entire year group of children sitting down waiting for me and all of my team members surrounding them. After a big (and rather delayed) cry of 'SURPRISE' from the children and mistaking my new age for 22 I was soon made to stand in front of everyone and open my cards and gift. I was instructed to open the carefully made scroll first which turned out to be an incredible trip to the Shard for two in London. 



I then opened a card and it was full of money to spend in London on things such as travel, lunch and even a spot of bubbly which was encouraged by all of the ladies. I was overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and kind words, particularly as this trip was something I was desperate to do and had mentioned was expensive.



I was shaking after the shock of the surprise and the amazing gift. I never realised how hard it was to open a card under pressure either!






All of the children and staff sang Happy Birthday to me too as I blew out the singing candles on my huge chocolate birthday cake covered in chocolate curls. Of course I had many children ask for a slice and when told no they decided to stand around me and make me feel uncomfortable while I stuffed my face.


There were plenty of cuddles and thank you's going round from me and the children had made me pictures and badges that I just had to see and wear. I was under strict instructions to wear the badges all day which obviously drew the attention to me from staff and children as I made my way around the school and carried out my lunch duty.


As if these presents and cards weren't enough the classroom had to be decorated too and I just had to have a shot next to all of the tack!


The surprises didn't end there either. I collected all of my gifts and awkwardly headed out to the car only to find that it had been vandalised with all of the tack! Hearing fits of laughter behind me I turned to see two members of my team who had followed me to see my reaction. In the birthday girl spirit I threw my things in the boot and drove out in style!





It's safe to say it was certainly the noisiest journey I have ever had, with the balloons popping and banging against the car and the numerous beeps and cheers I had as I drove home. To top it off I had to get Richard to take off the balloons on my left wing mirror because they had been tied so tightly. 

With friends like these, who needs enemies...

Devilishly Destructive Delights Talks: Generosity.

I am always amazed at this time of year, but not by the unpredictable weather or the strange summer fashion trends but the generosity of others. I never used to see it when I was growing up or at school but since working with children I have realised just how generous other people are. 

I am of course referring to the mad rush of gift buying and giving for teachers, teaching assistants, nursery nurses and all other manner of job roles in childcare. I have been working with children for over three years now and I can still remember my first 'real job' after leaving school, working as a nursery nurse. I was really unprepared for just how seriously parents and children take events such as Christmas, Easter, the last day of term, transitions to other classes, etc. I remember being in school and moving quite happily onto other classes with new teachers without feeling the need to shower staff in gifts. In fact I can only ever remember my Mum buying one member of staff a present and that was the deputy headteacher who had supported me through a lot during my time at the school. 

So you can imagine my shock when I was given piles of chocolates, jewellery and vouchers from parents and children all because it was Christmas and they wouldn't see us for two weeks while the nursery was shut. I was horrified, yet other members of staff loved it and acted as though it was a perfectly natural state of events. If anything they encouraged it, displaying their gifts in the classroom to guilt trip and panic other parents into buying more, desperate to out do the other yummy mummy's. 

The same could be said when I left my job at the nursery after over a years service there, I was showered with gifts that required three trips back to the classroom from the car just to take it all home. I felt completely overwhelmed by the parents generosity- after all, I was just 'doing my job'.


I almost wondered whether this was just one off treatment- it was a private nursery afterall, maybe this was just exclusive to the staff there and the obviously well off parents? 

I have been working at a primary school for over two years now and I can certainly confirm that this is not the case. After three months at the school I received a whole host of Christmas presents, and by the end of my first year I took home bags worth of leavers gifts home. 

Yesterday I completed my second year and I was overwhelmed by the number of children finding me throughout the day to give me gifts and cards. Even children from other parts of the school who I met on occasions, wanted me to sign their leavers shirts and one child even gave me a cupcake and card thanking me for looking out for him while on my lunch duty. It really does show that the silly nicknames, the smiles, jokes and just asking if they are okay and to have a good weekend really does have an impact. In no way am I denying that my actions don't mean a lot to other people because I am sure they do. Nor am I saying that I don't think I am good at what I do, if I wasn't I wouldn't work with children. However I am keen to ask why parents and children feel this increasing pressure to buy into the consumerism of gift giving for every event that falls in the school calendar. As little as five years ago you wouldn't have found cards for teachers and teaching assistants in supermarkets, nor gifts for them yet now that is all you see at this time of year. Why do parents find themselves emotionally attached to teachers and classes despite not actually attending themselves? 

Of course I couldn't discuss gifts without showing you yesterday's haul in order for you to understand just how much people buy into this new found tradition...




These gifts were possibly the nicest I have ever received from one child. I was given the most beautiful red gladioli and personalised biscuits as well as a card thanking me for my one to one work with their child. I would also like to state that three other members of staff were given flowers and personalised gifts from the same family- it begs the question of how much did that set them back in what is actually a fairly deprived area and is it acceptable to encourage this?


I also received lots of sweet treats from staff and children. This will keep me going for a while, especially if Christmas is anything to go by where I was still eating my gifts in February...


I also was given other gifts that weren't edible including the most amazing smelling candle, a Russian doll notebook and a hand crafted clip.

I also received presents from staff thanking me for my hard work over the past year...




These gifts were from my team leader who treated me to a candle, shower gel, nail varnish and some yummy chocolate. My head of year invited us all to a quaint little English tea party complete with full china, luxurious home made cakes and jam along with tea and coffee. the room was decorated in bunting and classical music played whilst we tucked in. We really were spoilt.

What is even more shocking is that this is just what I am receiving as a teaching assistant- imagine what the teachers are getting? I know that at least three members of staff received £20 gift vouchers for Next... each! That is £60 for just one child's teacher and who is to say that there aren't other children within that family unit who expect their teachers to get the same gifts. What is also apparent is that the teachers and staff have grown to expect these presents, tracking who hasn't given them anything and associating this with their income and lifestyle not necessarily personal choice.

All that is left to ask is, what will I be receiving for Christmas?

Sunday 13 July 2014

Devilishly Destructive Delights Bakes: Rhubarb & Custard Crumble

Despite owning this blog for over three months now, this really is the first time I have actually blogged in detail about something I have baked. This seems like a fine way to start.

Photograph courtesy of @timberyarduk instagram page.

I love rhubarb but what I love more is the combination of rhubarb and custard! I am of course referring to the beloved old fashioned sweets which are certainly a firm favourite with me. 

This recipe is not only inspired by those delicious gems but also my recent visit to Timberyard in London where I sampled the most incredible Rhubard Crumble Croissant complete with cold custard centre. 

I was immediately hooked with the idea of recreating this and settled with starting with a simple crumble before maybe one day developing it to create my very own pastry...


Rhubard and Custard Crumble...

6 stems of rhubarb
1 ½ tbsp sugar
450ml custard
110g plain flour
75g butter
75g sugar

I can't even begin to tell you how easy this recipe is. So simple yet so tasty and there is so much more you could do to it such as adding ginger to the rhubarb mixture or almonds to the crumble. I kept it quite simple but I am certain I will develop it next time now that I know it's a success. The great thing about this is that you don't have to prepare the rhubarb before, you simply wash, cut and whack it in. 

So first of all get yourself a good sized pudding dish ensuring you will have enough space for the layers this pudding demands. Then you need to cut your stems of rhubarb into chunks, around 3cm in length. Pop these in the bottom of the dish, spacing out appropriately. I found I had a few too many so took out the small, weeny pieces (in hindsight its those ones I should have placed rather than replacing them with larger pieces that needed more cooking time). Use the tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle it over the rhubarb to reduce that sharp taste. I then poured over some cold custard. That's another great thing about this recipe- it's great for those with very little time and resources. I used a carton of custard and polished off the whole lot but of course you don't need to go mad unless you love it as much as I do.  

Next you need to make the crumble topping. I like to leave it quite lumpy and rustic so I don'y tend to spend as much time on it as most people do, again this is up to you. Put the flour and butter into a bowl and combine together before adding the sugar so that you have a breadcrumb consistency. All that's left to do is sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cold 
custard and rhubarb, adding a sprinkle more sugar over the top to give it an extra sweet crunch. Whack it in the oven at 180 degrees for twenty minutes or so, longer if you have great lumps of rhubarb like I did otherwise you will have crunchier pieces than others which I personally didn't enjoy although it did have more flavour that way.



That's it. Done. So easy, so simple and yet very tasty even when served cold.