High Summer - Picnics, Days Out Sunshine & Showers
Fortum & Mason X Emily Scott | Beach Huts on the Sea Wall | Crab Sandwiches and all the moments
Oh what a week!
Hello to you all and I hope you are very well. I have had quite the week from appearing on Saturday Kitchen and then celebrating my book in London with family and friends at Fortnum & Mason.
There is never a dull moment on Saturday Kitchen always fast paced and full of fun. It is really quite a moment when you get to cook on a show you have always watched over the years and aspired to be on. I met Imad Alarnab who is the most inspiring person. Imad’s new book Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is out now and is simply gorgeous. I wore a Pink Kaftan Dress from Arifah Studio which so many of you asked where it was from. Dress it up or down it, it looks great with the waist tie or without. It is such a lovely dress and I also have it in black (classic).
An evening of much merriment surrounded by the people I love. A wonderful time reflecting on my the journey of writing Time & Tide and all the talented and creative people involved in bringing it to life. Fortnum & Mason was the perfect venue and were the most incredible hosts offering exceptional hospitality. We recreated recipes form my new book in canapé style. Simply delicious.
This Summer, Fortnum & Mason is travelling to the Cornish coast to launch a trio of eau de nil beach huts available to book on the sea wall at Watergate Bay. I will be working in partnership with the iconic Fortnum & Mason to offer you Fortnum’s on the beach for the ultimate picnic experience.
The Fortnum & Mason beach hut bookings go live on the 17th of July and will be available to book from the 25th of July to the 10th of September. Each beach hut will be available to book for two and a half hours upon the purchase of a hamper. For those who are unable to secure one, Fortnum & Mason deck chairs can also be hired on the beach, created exclusively for Fortnum’s by Business & Pleasure.
Inspired by the nostalgia of summers spent on the British coast, visitors can enjoy Fortnum’s picnics from the comfort of their beach hut. Presented in signature Fortnum’s hampers, diners will experience a host of Fortnum’s picnic products and an array of fresh dishes featuring independent Cornish suppliers for up to four people. Â
We will be serving two delicious picnic menus, a choice of either the Seaside Picnic, which includes crab sandwiches with summer tomatoes paired with shallots & basil, or the indulgent Seaside Feast with lobster and black truffle and Scotch eggs paired with salad cream and pickled mustard seeds. Â
The beach huts have been designed exclusively by Fortnum’s and are decorated with handpicked homeware from Fortnum’s iconic store, including tartan blankets for guests to keep warm on chillier summer days.
Cornish Crab Sandwich
I am immediately transported to Port Isaac sitting on a bench on the platt looking out through the harbour wall to the open sea. All the scents of the sea, lobster and crab pots stacked high waiting to be taken on board to catch the rich pickings from the ocean beyond. Seagulls overhead making the most noise as usual, the working harbour, the fishermen coming in and out depending on the tide. For me a crab sandwich should be kept simple and let the freshly picked Cornish crab do the talking. No brown meat for me, simply white crab meat with mayonnaise to bring it together.Â
Makes 2
Ingredients
4 slices of undertin granary loaf
1 x 100g pot Cornish white crab meat
2 tbsp mayonnaise
Handful rocket leaves or round lettuce leavesÂ
Softened salted butter
1 lemon
Method
Check for any shell by placing the crab meat on a tray and gently from one end to another sort through the meat with your hands (gloves are good for this task).
In a bowl place the crab meat and mayonnaise in a bowl. A pinch of sea salt and grind or two of black pepper. Mix together. Butter the bread and add the rocket or lettuce, next spoon on the crab mixture. Add a squeeze of lemon and sandwich together.
Cook’s note - Do not compromise on ingredients here, always seek the best quality crab meat. For me best is Just Shellfish in Port Isaac is always the place to find this.
Sign up as a paid subscriber and be in with a chance to win a signed copy of my new book Time and Tide. This competition will run from 6pm today (14th July) - 21st July at 6pm. The winner will receive one copy of Time and Tide signed by me, and will be notified by email after the competition end date. Good luck!
