Rosemary Shrager's NEW Absolutely Foolproof Cookbook

Popped in to see Rosemary today and guess what?

 She has a new cookbook out. Yay!

'Absolutely Foolproof'... unless you are called Ellen Dean that is lol! 

I had a look through the book while we chatted and yes Rosemary was smiling

 when she said, 'There are even some recipes in my book you can tackle.' 

 'Yes,' said I, 'possibly. If I could just get over my fear of cookers - they do get so very hot!'

Seriously though, this is another excellent book from Rosemary and you will 

definitely impress your Family and Friends with her recipes.

 I feel a video coming on :-)

Rosemary Shrager

Rosemary Shrager’s Absolutely Foolproof Food for Family & Friends is the next best thing to having Rosemary by your side in the kitchen. Rosemary passionately believes that once a few basic techniques are mastered, anyone can cook ANY dish.

With crystal clear instructions for over 20 master recipes and techniques in fantastic photographic detail, plus hints, tips and ideas, and plenty of explanation to take the mystery out of cooking, Rosemary guides you through every stage of preparation, giving you the total confidence you need to achieve perfect results. And once you’ve mastered these – building your repertoire of techniques along the way, you can prepare the 200 classic recipes that follow with ease – and even create your own!

From poultry, meat, fish and game to curing, raised pies, pasta and gnocchi, your dishes will be faultless every time. And whether it’s a casual kitchen supper with the family or an occasion for celebration, Rosemary has a recipe that everyone will enjoy. This is the essential reference book for home cooks everywhere.

Ellen Dean Recommends 

Book Signing at Northern Pride - Newcastle-upon-Tyne Saturday 21st July 2012

Wet weather resulted in a change of venue to Exhibition Park for Newcastle's 5th Northern Pride event and no doubt lots of people turned into weather watchers beforehand but we were lucky to be blessed with a fine sunny day ... and the result was a fabulous and colourful event attended by over 20,000 people.

This year Sam Hawkins organised a Women's Tent - a first for this type of thing and not an easy task I can tell you. But you did a great job Sam :-)

Ellen and Sam Hawkins

I was delighted be invited to do a book signing in the Women's Tent where I signed and sold copies of my book Beautiful Strangers. Many thanks to the lovely people who came along to say 'hello' and who bought my book. It was a pleasure to meet you all.

Dani, Morgan and Kerrie

Ellen and Dani

It was great to see Sonia and the Cheeky Girls among the many artists performing at the event. And Dot Ellis sang her heart out in the Women's Tent - what a superb voice Dot :-)

Ellen and Dot Ellis

It was great to catch up with Wendy and the Outpost Team.

Proud to be Patron of Outpost Housing Project

And it was good to finally meet Roweena Russell (official photographer) and Aly Rhodes editor of out!  northeast magazine

All in all Sat Nav, Amy and I (above photos) thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and look forward to next year.

Ellen Dean Recommends

HRH The Princess Elena (Helen) of Romania opens RoyalTeas

HRH The Princess Helen cuts the ribbon 

On Wednesday 25th April 2012 Gloria (Sat Nav) and I were privileged to attend the Official Opening Ceremony of the UK's only Royal Tea Room which is in Stanhope, Weardale, County Durham, and aptly named RoyalTeas.

The Opening Ceremony was graciously performed by HRH The Princess Helen of Romania, accompanied by her husband H.E. Domnul Alexander.  Princess Helen gave a wonderful speech which was simultaneously heart-warming and poignant and she charmed everyone.

HRH The Princess Helen 

Anita Atkinson with HRH The Princess Helen
in RoyalTeas 

RoyalTeas is the brainchild of my longtime friend Anita Atkinson's daughters Ruth and Gemma. 

  

Ruth
behind Ellen and Anita's
Aunt Audrey

Ruth had the idea to open a Royal Tea Room to celebrate our Queen's Diamond Jubilee and exhibit some of Anita's record breaking collection of Royal Memorabilia.

Gemma came up with the clever name.
                            

Gemma

HRH The Princess Helen, H.E. Domnul Alexander,
Ellen Dean 

Of course Anita couldn't have managed a tea room on her own....she is not a baker - sorry Anita, but you know it's true :-).... however, Christine Dodd is a first class baker and RoyalTeas is their terrific joint venture. It is open now and right through the summer to August of 2012.

Christine Dodd with Ellen

Anita is a well know Royalist and holds the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest collection of Royal Memorabilia in the world. And, what she doesn't know about the Royal Family History, past and present, isn't worth knowing. Over the last thirty years she has given numerous 'Royal Talks' always donating any money generated to charity.

As some of you know I have been a Royalist since the age of six when I managed to get my head stuck in the railings outside Buckingham Palace....moving swiftly on.......

The Royal Visitors chat to
a member of Stanhope Silver Band

Lilian Peart admires the exhibition
and decor

                                                 

RoyalTeas is a MUST VISIT. 

Stanhope Silver Band played both the Romanian and our national anthems at the Opening Ceremony AND in RoyalTeas gave an impromptu performance of 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head' to celebrate the typically British weather! Oh yes, many raindrops were falling throughout the day....

The exhibition is incredible and so colourful it has to be seen to be fully appreciated. The food is fabulous - we recommend the plain scones with jam and cream, and the fruit cake. 

RoyalTeas venue is courtesy of Stanhope Methodist Chapel who deserve a huge thank you for their support of Anita and Christine.  

Ellen Dean Most Definitely Recommends :-)