Little Scribbler munches: MACAROONS!

I've never had a macaroon before and, truth be told I thought they'd be something of a let down. Like Krispy Krap doughnuts. Yup, I don't give a shit about the "fancy glaze", I think Krispy Kreme are rubbish. There, I said it. To be fair to them, I'm not a big doughnut fan anyway but, honestly, if I have to have one, I'd rather just get one with custard in the middle from wherever.

But, as the title of this post suggests, something has changed. I have now eaten a macaroon (OK, a few of them). My friend visited The French Fancies in Edinburgh (which she's been raving about - it's a little cafe run by a couple from Lyon and judging by the pics on this blog post by the Edinburgh Cake Ladies, the cakes look incredible!) and bought me a gift of some macaroons and a bag of their Earl Grey tea.

I'm a big fan of a cup of Earl Grey. I just find it so light and pleasing. And, since you ask, yes I am a milk adding philistine. 

According to their online menu, The French Fancies' teas are made by master tea blender Alex Probyn (nope. I haven't heard of him/her either but a quick Google reveals that s/he does indeed seem to be a tea master) and their Earl Grey contains Sri Lankan uva, orange peel, lavender, natural bergamot oil. I love, love, love that you get a mega whiff of lavender when you open the bag. Cause I loves lavender, innit? The result is a really light, fragrant, delicious tea.

And so to the macaroons. To be honest, I didn't really know what was in a macaroon (and have made a point of not looking anyway - sometimes it's nice to just enjoy something for what it is), just that they were little and cute and much lauded. Now, I have nothing to compare these to, but let me tell you that they are an utter delight! I had rhubarb and ginger flavour (pink) and pistachio (green) and both were delish - the pistachio tasted more obviously of it's intended flavour but both were super yummy. So little and light with a delicate crunch to the outer, followed by grainy smooshyness, then yummy cream filling. I love stuff that's crunchy or crispy outside and soft in the middle! It's so darn satisfying. And, based on what my tastebuds and tongue are saying, I'm guessing ground almonds are a big constituent part which is just fine by me as I love anything almondy! Marzipan, frangipane, bakewell. Yum, yum and yum!

So I guess I really should get myself down there and start tasting the rest of the menu! Seems rude not to.

A flea market, a craft fair, a seaside town and a leak

Well, what a busy day Saturday was, taking in a local flea market, a trip down the coast to a farmer's market, a farm shop, a craft fair and a potter about a seaside town. For this most exciting set of events, I decided to wear a new dress from H&M, cinched with a belt (it's a total pregnant making dress without the belt and, now I look at it, this pose is a bit pregnant-tastic. I am not pregnant), also from H&M and some comfy Schuh boots.

The flea market was at our local hall, the Drill Hall. It's a great wee place that holds lots of classes and events every week and the odd special event too (Judy's affordable vintage fair is coming next weekend and right after my payday too which is VERY considerate!). Now, despite the fact that I took my camera along, I neglected to take a single picture (I'm a bit crap that way) but it was full of nick nacks and plenty clothes, shoes and bags. I was eyeing up a cute Clockhouse (from C&A. It was cool when I was a kid!) blouse but the seller was asking for 7 quid which felt a bit inflated so I left it.However, I'll definitely be back next month for a look as it's great to have something like it locally!

Post flea market, it was time to head down the coast to East Lothian.

The farmer's market being dismantled. You bet I forgot to take a pic while it was on!

Maybe I forgot the picture taking because I was distracted by tasting some glorious local cider (oh, you better believe I know where my priorities lie!), Thistly Cross, which is made by Belhaven Fruit Farms. I tried Elderflower, Strawberry and Whisky cider and they were all delicious! Plus, I love the fact that it's local stuff.

 I bought a bottle of Elderflower and one of Strawberry. Yum!

Next was a craft market. There was a lot of crap (lots of naff jewellery and the like) but there was a stall with gorgeous water colours, one with some AMAZING (but EXPENSIVE - who spends £300 on a table when they're at a £1 craft market filled with cards and necklaces?) wood work.

And the £1 admission fee got you a cuppa and a chocolate biscuit - winner! And you better believe these are the only two pictures I took!

This fella was chillaxing outside the craft fair in the sun. Why's the light shining up his sheet?

After Haddington (are you bored yet? Sorry), we headed on down the coast to North Berwick. Here's my pal Lynsey with some choice vinyl:

Lynsey is deeply dippy for Phil Collins and she knows it! But look how shiny her hair is! Redeemed!

Fabulous loose leaf tea purchased from the wonderful Howdah Tea and Coffee Co - the fella in there is quality for a bit of chat. I went for some almond tea and some Bengal Fire (chai) tea which is absolutely delicious!

Arguably the purchase of the day. My bizarre pin cushion/holder owls - they were a quid in a charity shop! Now dey is where I storz ma bling, innit?

And when I got home, my neighbour came up to say water was leaking through his roof from my flat. Fun times! How was your weekend?