I’ve just spent a fabulous weekend away in a VW Camper Van!  To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure how I would get on…we’ve not been camping before and I’m not normally good with confined spaces, but to my amazement I absolutely loved it, we had a super time.  So, I thought I would post a blog about it, so here goes….

I’m sat in the back of a VW Camper Van, glass of wine, side door open and a view of rolling hills, donkeys, sheep & chickens…this is delightful!  I have always thought about camping, but as soon as we discussed the logistics of it, we opted for booking into a b&b.  So, when Rachel from Oliver’s Organics told me she had booked a VW Camper Van for August Bank Holiday, I was intrigued!

There’s a lovely couple in Quarndon who rent out their smashing lime green camper van and after going to see it, here I am near Buxton with David relaxing in the caravan as the sun sets.   We set off early morning and took the road towards Buxton…after a few dodgy hill starts, David got the hang of the gearbox and we were on a roll.  We stopped off at bow at the printworks to drop off Summer Fete flyers, then onto Buxton for a browse around atticusboo, sallie moonbeam and then onto eco eco at Hope.  We went via Castleton, which always brings back childhood memories of climbing the big hill and then seeing who could be the quickest making the way back down, which almost always ended up in tears and grazed knees!

We booked a campsite just south of Buxton, so on the way back we stopped off at project x for paninis, homemade chips and freshly squeezed orange juice.  I love the paninis there, they come wrapped and tied with raffia.  

I’m now sat in the back of the camper van with a cup of tea and a bag of chocolate covered honeycomb (a blast from the pass I couldn’t resist from Sallie Moonbeam’s in Buxton).

Part of the reason for this jolly is to research the fabulous places to stay in Derbyshire and I think travelling in a VW Camper Van is a pretty cool way!  We’ve waved at 3 other passing camper vans (we didn’t realise how enthusiastic they are towards one another) and also chatted to two VW Camper Van enthusiasts who approached us.  I have a mini, so the waving to another mini is something I’m used to, but the waving which takes place between camper vans is quite special and funny…we couldn’t stop laughing after the first chap almost waved his hand off!!

We were sad to hand the Camper Van back, I think we’ve got the bug!  To find out more about renting a Camper Van, contact Quarndon Campers on 01332 551189 or visit their website.

Here are some events taking place over the next couple of weeks, so if you have a spare day with nothing planned take a look below for some inspiration….

Oliver’s Organics – Jamie Oliver Kitchenware Open Day, Tuesday 23rd June
Call by Oliver’s Organics in Allestree from 12 onwards on Tuesday to browse the truly wonderful Jamie Oliver range & also sample his range of yummy food.  The event is open to everyone…I’ll be calling in to have a look.  To have a sneak preview of his range visit: www.jamieoliver.com/jme

Gifted, Duffield
20% off EVERYTHING until the end of June!  Visit Gifted’s page on the website for directions.

Open Studios at Rachel Helen Designs
Saturday 27th, 10am – 5pm & Sunday 28th, 10am – 4pm.  Click here to view the FP page for Rachel Helen Designs.  

NEW   The Old Schoolhouse, Stanton-by-Dale
Recently opened by Ali Lycett, The Cake Sculptor, in May, The Old Schoolhouse is a wonderful new place to meet for coffee, homemade cakes and lunches and cupcakes of course!  Visit www.theoldschoolhouse.moonfruit.com/ for full information.

Saturday 27th June, 12.00 onwards
Duffield Show
I’ll be there promoting the website!  Pop by & say hello!

Sunday 28th June
Derbyshire County Show, Elvaston
A truly great day out for all the family…visit www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk for more information.   I’ll be there promoting the website in the farmer markets area. 

I’m delighted to announce that the fabulousplaces.co.uk has won the Dorset Cereals little blog award for May 2009!

Thank you so much to everyone who supported the blog by voting!!

Deb 

I do love to bake, but I find it virtually impossible to find the time at the moment, so when I found out that there was a user of the website who is a goddess in the kitchen and has some truly scrumptious recipes, I just had to ask her to share them with us!

So, here’s another great recipe from FP Club member, Claire!  This time it’s No Knead Bread, in Claire’s words…..

I am so taken with the concept of ‘no knead’ bread that I saw in the New York Times that I haven’t looked back. It seems to take time, but it actually takes no effort. It’s something to do with the yeast doing all it’s stuff slowly overnight and the casserole working as a mini steam oven.

This is my version of it as it makes a fabulous crusty loaf with a great open texture to soak up butter.

15oz Strong bread flour
1/4  tsp instant easibake yeast (out of a sachet)
1 tsp salt

Mix together well

Add 11fl oz of lukewarm water
Slosh it round into a gooey lump of dough
Leave in a big bowl and cover with cling film
Leave in kitchen for 16-18 hours – or more if you forget!

Use a dough scraper/cutter to scrape the quite wet dough away from the sides, using plenty of flour to stop it sticking, and shuffle it back into a nice round shape.

I tend to put it in a clean floured or oiled bowl to stop it sticking.

Cover with a tea towel.

Leave for 2 more hours.

Preheat oven to 200-220 and put in a Le Creuset or cast iron casserole with a lid on.

Again use the scraper and a a good sprinkle of flour to detach the dough from the bowl without puncturing it’s airy goodness!  Then quick as you can, without losing the heat from the oven and pan, throw the dough into the hot pan smooth side  down and put the lid back on.

Cook for 30 minutes lid on
Cook for  10-15 minutes lid off until Golden brown
Cool well before trying to  slice….enjoy!

Click here to visit Claire’s rather lovely blog.