Lemon & Poppy Seed Cake

For a long time I avoided poppy seeds. I just saw them as annoying little things that get caught in your teeth. But then one day I scattered them liberally over loaves of bread ( the recipe told me too). I used them in a gorgeous Ottolenghi cucumber salad. And now I'm putting them in cake. They actually add a nutty taste and distinctive texture. There's no saint like a converted sinner; I now love poppy seeds and put them in everything!

This is just the type of cake to make at this time of year. The berry season is pretty much over but there's always plenty lemons.The weather is getting a bit colder and we're drinking alot more tea. It's time to have a cake in the tin to go with all those cups of tea and there's nothing like a citrus cake to remind you of those summer days!

Loaves & Fishes Supper Club

So... we're starting a Supper Club! Huzzah! Loaves and Fishes will be a once a month event where you can come to a home in Dublin, sit back and relax safe in the knowledge that some gorgeous food is about to go down. I'll be sourcing most of the food in Cork's famous English Market. Everything will be made from scratch with fresh Irish produce.

 So here is what you'll need to know:

• If you have any allergies please let me know well in advance. Vegetarians are welcome, allergy wise I will probably be cooking with nuts alot though. 
• This will be in a home, Not a restaurant. But the food will be homely and gorgeous and the atmosphere more relaxed and social. 
• I come from a big family so the staff for the night will consist of my sisters & friends. None are waitresses. We'll do our best but keep this in mind! 
• We won't be selling any alcohol so you can bring your own wine, we won't charge corkage! 
• I will do a blog post about the menu a few days in advance. 
• To book your ticket to this event email landfteam@yahoo.ie with your name and mobile number, I will also ring & confirm your place the day before. 40 euro per ticket: a welcome drink & 5 courses.

Our first supper will be on Saturday November 6th in Dublin. Hope to see you there!

Lilly & The Loaves & Fishes team

 UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!

Damson Cheese ; The King of Preserves!

I'm actually still in Italy so don't have Hugh Fearnley Whittingstalls book with me to get this recipe but as I was googling Damson Cheese I came across this brilliant blog , Mudpies & Minestrone, and have just spent the past hour reading all the beautiful recipes and posts. I love that; When I come across something different and fresh. Sarah over at Mudpies and Minestrone is also a caterer, all the lucky Londoners having access to her inventive cooking!