CHEESY POLENTA & BEANS

nothing some fried sage can't fix

the perfect Paris picnic ensemble

Good morning!

Before we get into the polenta of it all, I would like to say huge thank you for all your kind words and support re last weeks newsletter. I was nervous to share something so personal and be vulnerable on the internet, but I am so so glad I did. I appreciate every message, email and comment. Thank you for being the best.

Now, we are indeed half way through the fourth week of January but there is somehow a whole week still to go until we reach February?! I am still very much in the throws of focusing on foods that will get me through these bleak cold days.

I’d like to take this moment to sing the praises of a January mini break. Last week Jamie and I went to Paris for a few days, it was a trip that had been delayed and delayed from April of last year, at first for work and then because we got freaked out by the bed bug situation at the end of last year. So when we were rebooking for the third time, I thought that blue Monday would be the perfect time to whisk ourselves away on the Eurostar for a few days of croissants and comté. I honestly could not recommend it more, it’s still freezing, but you're freezing in Paris! It’s still windy, but it’s windy at the Sacre Coeur! It’s still January, but you are on holiday! It’s been lovely to have something to look forward to after Christmas and whilst it was no more than a weekend, it has made this month far more enjoyable. Truly all we did for those few days was walk (24k steps a day if you’re interested) and eat croissants (at least two a day) and lots of cheese. If you are planning a trip to Paris soon, and you are keen to eat well, here are my top recommendations:

• the best croissant can by found at Stohrer

• our favourite meal was at Brasserie Balzar, which we stumbled upon by accident and then promptly fell in love with

• Chartier is an unmissable classic

• worth a stop at Shakespeare & Co if you finish your book too soon, and to read in their very sweet cafe

• if you fancy a picnic on the Seine, go to this cheese shop and buy your bread from this bakery next door

Now back to usual programming, this weeks recipe is a real cosy, comforting affair and you voted for it in your droves on IG. So dig out your instant polenta and get stuck in.

Sending love, Rosie x