Scarefest Staffordshire style!

Alton Towers are doing a Scarefest this year for Halloween and it looks like they are focusing on the younger visitors this year too! It is a time of year that I love - apple bobbing, warm soup, hot toddies and walks through orange woods! The picture is of Dimmingsdale a favourite family walk on a Sunday. Lots of exploring for the boys and fabulous scenery and smells. It is a great place for mushrooms too.

Thought I'd share a fave soup recipe for after a cold Autumn walk.....

2 leeks chopped and washed through.

2 potatoes diced

2 carrots grated

1 tsp cumin

salt and pepper to taste

1 litre veg/chicken stock

Gently fry the leeks in a mixture of olive oil and butter. Don't allow to brown - just soften and sweeten. Add cumin and stock and potatoes. Cover and bring to boil and then simmer for 10 mins. Add the grated carrot and cook for a further 10 mins. Finally blend until smooth and add salt and pepper to taste. You can add a touch of sour cream if you're feeling posh!

This really hits the spot after a good walk and goes great with warm granary or soda bread!