Hello there my friend!

How is your Summer going? I hope you're managing to find time to relax, as well as enjoying some fun Summertime activities.

We usually save our foreign travel for the Winter break, and enjoy the delights of the British Isles in the Summer, when the weather is most likely to be kind. It's been a mixed bag this year - I spent a week in Devon, where it poured with rain. But on the whole we've had more sunny days than not, to explore beaches, countryside and gardens.

Spending our holidays in the UK provides a lovely opportunity to enjoy regional dishes, of which there are a great many. They serve as a delicious reminder of our trips and excursions.

Below are some of our favourite British dishes - and my twists on British/Jewish dishes - so you too can explore the country and its cuisine from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Tasty recipes from around the UK

Enjoy these regional - and not so regional - British recipes. You'll also find a few of my favourite British dishes with a Jewish twist, like bubble and squeak latkes, and Chelsea bun babka!

• ​Smoked mackerel kedgeree​
  ​The Victorians ate this yummy one-pot dish of curried rice, smoked fish, eggs and peas for breakfast, but it also makes a delicious and easy family dinner.
• ​Cheese and vegetable pasties​
  Originating in the West Country, you can make these satisfying vegetable and cheese filled pasties in the traditional half-moon shape, or go 3-cornered to make savoury hamantaschen! Perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
• ​Bubble and squeak latkes​
  A delicious hybrid of British and Jewish fried potato cakes/pancakes. Try them for brunch with a fried egg and/or smoked salmon, or serve anywhere you'd normally have chips.
• ​Thoroughly British cholent​
  ​A hearty and satisfying vegan cholent full of British flavours! Made with carrots, parsnips and a can of baked beans, it’s a perfect British Shabbat stew - especially when the weather's looking grim.
• ​Fabulous fruit flapjack fingers​
  ​If you remember the ones Rakusens used to make, you'll know these delicious oaty bites are the business! Make yourself a cuppa and enjoy a classic tea-time treat.
• ​Devon apple cake​
  ​Inspired by my visit to Plymouth synagogue, this gorgeous fruity cake contains chunks of apple and a good slosh of cider. Delicious served warm with custard or cream, too.
• ​Eccles cakes​
  ​Originating in the North of England, these sweet, buttery pastries are filled with scrumptious dried fruits. One of my childhood favourites!
• ​Chelsea bun babka​
  ​British Chelsea buns meet sticky swirly babka! This lightly spiced, fruited cake recipe combines the best of both confections.

Find plenty more delicious British recipes at family-friends-food.com​

Shabbat Shalom

Nearly the end of August, already so soon! Almost time to start thinking about schools restarting, Rosh Hashanah looming, and everything slipping back into the old routine.

In the meantime, enjoy these last days and weeks of Summer. Wishing you a lovely relaxing Shabbat that brings happiness, health, peace and blessings to all.

Shabbat Shalom - a Good Shabbos! - to everyone.
With love, Helen x.