Pools and Polperro

Well we're home from the sea, and I'm missing it already. Luckily the sun came out in the last few days, so we spent a very happy day at the beach in Looe. Laying on the sand, burying our feet, rockpooling, walking out to sea, eating ice creams, watching the boats go by....life at it's best, surely?

Then, a lovely evening in the nearby village of Polperro. This is a real working fishing village and is very small, so feels less touristy than Padstow and was certainly much quieter.

We found a very old, creaky and crooked fisherman's tavern on the seafront, serving local fish and seafood. Having bagged the best window table, we could sit and watch the fisherman bringing in their evening catches (this elicited different reactions from us..my Dad and I thought of how fresh and delicious they would be, whilst my Mum was grossed out. She's not the biggest fish fan. Toby was more interested in the boats themselves)

So in true form my Dad and I each had the seafood platter, which included (and this is a big claim here) The Best Scallops I Have Ever Had. Cooked in garlic butter and bacon. Just truly heavenly.

Oh take me back...

Cornish Coast

Yet again, I've been a rather neglectful blogger of late. But at least this week I've had an excuse, as I've been having a relaxing time away in Cornwall with the Wonderboy and my parents.

Yesterday we took a visit to Padstow, which is a great place for wandering around the little shops, pubs and cafes...especially when there are enormous Cornish scones to be had.

Oh, and of course Rick Stein has taken over the place. He has a seafood restaurant, cafe, deli, patisserie, shop and fish and chip takeaway. Yes it was expensive, but it was very good. And the only time in my life that my fish and chips have come with a lemon wedge and parsley garnish!

Chocolate Chunk and Peanut Butter Cookies

Now I'm not the biggest fan of American cooking, but I am quite taken with their love of peanut butter. Especially when it's combined with chocolate, and comes in cookie form.

You can find the full original recipe here. Sorry I'm not writing it out for you guys, but it's Sunday evening and I've had a pretty heavy weekend, so you'll have to forgive me.

(ok since you asked I went to see the Foo Fighters yesterday - and it was quite possibly the best concert I've ever been to - but I know you really just want to hear more about these cookies..)

It is worth mentioning that I left out the whole roasted nuts and the dark chocolate that are listed in the recipe, as I didn't have them. Which is perhaps why sleepy Sunday baking isn't always the best idea...frankly you're just not fussed about minor details such as "ingredients". But, I have to say, I think the dark chocolate would have made these cookies even better as the bitter element would have cut through the richness. Didn't miss the nuts though as I used crunchy peanut butter. So there you go, top tips direct from the front line of baking for you.