What I did on my Summer Holidays

Can't believe that the kids are back to school tomorrow. The six weeks of the summer holidays have just flown past. We started off with a fortnight in Tuscany but have had some fantastic "days here and there" since we came back. Here's a quick round up of what we've been up to from a foodie viewpoint

We were treated to a feast of nautical nibbles when singing with Aberdeen Rock Choir at the launch ceremony of a Mosaic Boat created at the Forest View Day Centre in Stonehaven. Particularly enjoyed the Salami and cheese slice boats. Need to find an excuse to recreate them.

A fun day out with friends for a picnic at St Cyrus beach encompassed sunshine, rain, thunder and lightning. Followed by a visit to Charleton Fruit Farm for some berry picking and giant strawberry tarts.

A grand day out at the Black Isle Show despite the somewhat soggy weather. This is my local to home (childhood home) agricultural show and there have not been very many years in my life when I haven't attended. 

My foodie haul from the show with products from the Really Garlicky Company, Cromarty Brewing Co, Cullisse Highland Rapeseed Oil, Well Hung Lamb Company, Ullapool Bakery and Cocoa Ooze Chocolates. Especially loved the Mint Shortbread from Ullapool and will be attempting to make my own version. The other big hit was the Crofters Pie from the Well Hung Lamb Company which is made with a mix of cubed and minced mutton.

Whilst up in The Black Isle I tweeted the BBC Scotland Kitchen Garden team to say I was just over the water from their studios in Inverness. Pennie Lattin replied and invited me to come and see the show being broadcast live and I jumped at the chance. When listening on the wireless I had imagined them broadcasting from somewhere that was a cross between the Beechgrove Garden and Garden of Eden. In reality its a patch of grass out the back of the BBC Highland Studios. But its definitely live and definitely outdoors. It became apparent that I was going to have to sing for my supper when after a quick chat Pennie suggested I be miked up as a last minute guest. Marie-Claire James was cooking a tomato salsa and a Thai broth. I got to taste both on air and got involved in some chat about turnips, tomatoes and coriander. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

7th August was my Blogiversary with Foodie Quine officially 1 years old.The blog has brought me some fantastic opportunities in the past year. I've met some great people, tasted some fantastic food and found new friends both online and off. Thanks to all who have supported me along the way with comments, likes, tweets and general encouragement. Its good to know that I'm not just talking to myself 

Enroute to visit friends in Bridge of Allan we had a fab lunch at Gloagburn Farm Shop well worth a stop on the A9 just south of Perth. My Wookie Cave Cheddar Souffle was delicious  Fantastic foodie and gift shop too. Purchases were made.

Equally fab stop when heading north on the A90 at Castleton Farm Shop & Cafe. Late lunch (just made it before the no chips after 3pm deadline!) and Cherries and Blueberries purchased.

Came across a fantastic Edible Border Garden whilst visiting Duthie Park. Turns out it was planted by "The Groovy Growits" who are the junior section of the Royal Horticulture Society of Aberdeen. Their tomatoes put mine to shame. Think I need to get boy and girl signed up.

A tornado blew us to Caravanserai in Lumphanan where we dined on Kansas City Steak Soup in an awesome pop-up Rapido caravan. Lions and Tigers and Bears. Oh My! No prices on the menu just a donation box for PICU at Yorkhill Hospital Glasgow. Visit and support if you can.

Always enjoy our annual visit with Newtonhill Pipe Band to Glenbervie flower show. Alas I live slightly too far away to compete as I found out last year in my Great Glenbervie Bake Off Blog Post.

Final outing of the holidays was a trip to Glasgow for the World Pipe Band Championships. Stovies and Haggis were consumed. Ma heid wis fair dirlin wi the skirl of the pipes (the hangover probably didn't help)

All these photos have previously appeared on my Foodie Quine Facebook Page. Please join the 400+ folk who have already liked me if you want to keep posted with my daily foodie blethers. You can also find me on Twitter @foodiequine