Festive Friday- Happy Halloween from BVF!

Happy Halloween from Bon Voyage Friends! 

Roasted pumpkin seeds 

1. Preheat oven 180C 

2. Save seeds from pumpkins carved for Halloween, Thanksgiving or just when cooking with whole pumpkins. 

3. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over seeds & use hands to make sure seeds are fully coated

4. Sprinkle sea salt over & mix again. Optional: sprinkle with tsp smoked paprika 

5. Roast in oven for 40 minutes mixing occasionally, or until crispy. 

Allow to cool & store or enjoy immediately. 

Treat Thursday- Restaurant Review Brugge

Hotel du singe d'or 

My husband and I stumbled across this place in the centre of Bruges. We set out to dine in a recommended restaurant that was a few doors down from the 
Hotel du Singe d'or, but that restaurant was dead and this one was full of people even though the food festival was buzzing across the road, every table was full and continuously refilled when each patron left.  As it transpires the locals flock here on a Monday for the mussels & frites for €10 special. The staff were friendly and we were greeted and seated immediately.  When our drinks arrived they were served with nibbles- coated peanuts (bottom left) 

Advertised as a local favourite were cheese croquettes (pictured above right) which are a delicious warm gruyere and potato mixture coated in breadcrumbs and served with a fresh green salad. 

On the left is the Monday night special- mussels natural with celery and onion broth served with frites and lemon mayo,  which my husband thoroughly enjoyed.  On the right is a salad singe d'or a filling house salad full of vegetables and crispy bacon.  The meal was so filling we didn't have room for dessert! 

Travel Tuesday- BVFTT 5 things to do in Brugge in October

BVF's top 5 things to do during October in Bruges, Belgium 

1. Brewery tour- check out our Feature Friday blog De Halve Maan Brewery

2. Visit the Food Festival- an annual event hosted on the first weekend of October that showcases all of the Michelin star chefs in the area. There are over 100 Michelin Star restaurants in Belgium and this event highlights individual dishes presented by over 10 different chefs. 

3. Freely Stroll around the city- this is a lovely city to walk aimlessly around as there are several quaint side streets and boutique shops that you come across as you weave in and out of the canal alleyways and over bridges. 

The 'lake of love' is an area which is full of swans and ducks nesting.   The area is also surrounded by boutique shops and restaurants where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere and watch the horses and carts congregate. 

4. Try different beers- there are over 800 Belgian beers to sample, so each time you order a drink try a different beer...you won't be disappointed! 

5. Take a Canal Tour- these can be taken from several points throughout the city.  For a quick guide to the tour, check our our Sunny Sunday Blog

Savoury Saturday Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto Serves 4

From the Kitchen of Diana 

 

Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto 
Serves 4 

1 tbsp rapeseed oil 
100g pack cream cheese
300g jar sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 
250g risotto rice 
1 large onion, diced 
2 cloves garlic, diced 
800ml bullion vegetable stock
Crack black pepper to taste 
4 tsp Parmesan to garnish 
Optional- add 2 chicken breast, diced 

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. 
2. Add onion and sautée for 2 minutes. Add risotto rice and sautée 1 minute, then add garlic and sautée for another minute. 
3. Add 200ml of bouillon and stir into risotto, repeat this step  until all vegetable stock is added. 
Optional step 4. In a separate frying pan cook diced chicken breast until slightly browned & cooked through. 
5. Add cream cheese to risotto, and stir until blended. If using chicken add to risotto and stir though. 
6. Serve immediately, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve with green salad. 
Bon appetite! 

Treat Thursday: S'mores Crumble

Yummy! We have a simple and delicious treat to share with you. With less than five ingredients you can make a dessert that will satisfy kids and adults alike. It can be made in advance and popped in the oven or microwave so it can be served warm and gooey. 

I made this S'mores crumble while at Di's in Lymington, it was a small piece of the States! I brought over Honey Maid graham crackers and Hershey's milk chocolate. Being international traveling sorority sisters, we enjoying bringing tastes from home to share. Yummy! 

1/2 cup butter, melted 

2 cups Honey Maid graham cracker crumbs 

2 bars Hershey's 7 oz milk chocolate bars,coarsely chopped 

2 cups miniature marshmallows 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a circular or square  baking dish, approximately a pie size for the circular dish or 9x13 square baking dish. 

In a medium bowl, combine butter and graham cracker crumbs until well coated. If the mixture is dry, add 1/4 cup more melted butter.  Press half of crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with the half of the coarsely cut chocolate and then half of the marshmallows. Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker mixture, then add the remaining chocolate and marshmallows. It's now oven ready!! 

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, until marshmallows are melted and the chocolate is nearly melted. 

Dish up and enjoy! If you make this in advance, before serving place in the microwave for 45 seconds on high heat to melt the marshmallows and chocolate. More time might be needed depending on your microwave. Or, if you prefer the oven-place in preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 7 minutes. 

Bon Appétit!! 

Travel Tuesday: Tlyney Hall in Rotherwick Hampshire, England

Tlyney Hall is an elegant resort nestled in the beautiful Hampshire countryside on 66 breathtaking acres of greenery and gardens. The property is one of four hotels owned by Elite Hotels. 

I visited this gorgeous property with my friend Anna, earlier this month. Anna and I first met in Madrid, Spain in 2005 while at a tourism conference. She's been to Las Vegas a few times and it's become a tradition to have a visit when I'm in England. She was so kind and hospitable during my visit! 

Monica (left) and Anna (right). 

We stopped by Tlyney Hall in the daytime, Anna knew our visit later in the evening wouldn't showcase the true beauty of the outdoor areas. 

      The Main Entrance to Tlyney Hall 

        A Gorgeous View of Tlyney Hall. 

    The Gardens and Trees Seem to be Endless. 

Of course it would only be fitting for this luxurious property to offer amazing culinary delights. We began our fine dining experience in the elegant lounge. 

Such a Classy Ambiance, the Ceiling is Stunning!! 

We Enjoyed Champagne and an Array of Canapés. 

The canapés were delicious and the olives were incredible! A nice pairing with the nuts and champagne. As an extra nice touch, our dinner selections were given to the staff while we sipped on our champagne. 

We then headed to the Oak Room for dinner service. 

The Scallops were Perfectly Seasoned, Cooked, and Presented. 

Roast of the Evening from the Carving Trolley. 

The roast was served with Yorkshire pudding and delicious horseradish. 

The food and service were outstanding! The last course of the evening was delicious, a chocolate torte. 

A perfect way to end an amazing meal!! 

Visiting Tlyney Hall was an incredible experience and time well spent. Thank you to Anna for a wonderful evening!!

I highly recommend a visit to Tlyney Hall. The hotel is beyond elegant, the staff are attentive, and the gardens are exquisite!  

Motivation Monday! Autumn at The Osborne House

It's Autumn Season! Thinking of our visit to the  beautiful Osborne House Gardens. Walking around the grounds was so peaceful! The English Heritage sites are a must to visit, they are wonderful treasures!! Prices and schedule are listed below. 

 Osborne House: