Table of contents for March 2020 in The Simple Things

Leek and goat’s cheese flamiche Flamiche is a leek pie from northern France, ideal for this time of year when leeks are almost the only veg still standing. They’re cooked low and slow to bring out their sweetness, and the addition of goat’s cheese makes it extra creamy. Serves 6 500g ready-made all butter shortcrust pastry 60g salted butter 5 leeks 200g crème fraîche 3 egg yolks, plus 1 whole egg 125g goat’s cheese You will need: A 28cm loose-bottomed flan dish Baking parchment Rice or dried beans 1 Remove the pastry from the fridge about 30 mins before you are going to use it, then melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. 2 Wash the leeks well before trimming, halving and finely slicing, then add…

SIMNEL CAKE Serves 10 FOR THE MARZIPAN (MAKES 500g) 250g ground almonds 250g icing sugar, plus a little extra if needed 2 medium egg yolks, lightly beaten, plus a little extra if needed Juice of ½ lemon 135g caster sugar, plus extra for dusting 60g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 60g baking margarine, softened 3 medium eggs 180g self-raising flour 90ml full-fat milk 100g currants 100g sultanas 30g apricot jam, strained 1 To make the marzipan, mix ground almonds and icing sugar in a bowl. Add egg yolks and lemon juice and mix to combine. You want a soft dough texture so you can roll the marzipan out without it cracking. If a bit dry, add a little more egg yolk. If a bit soft, add more icing…

COMPETITION We want you to make us a mix tape! It can be themed, or perhaps biographical, or simply introduce us to some great music – it’s entirely up to you. Simply put together around an hour’s worth of music on Spotify and send us the link or the track listing, along with a couple of sentences on the story behind your playlist to: thesimplethings@icebergpress.co.uk. We’ll need it by 23 March. And we’ll feature our favourite playlists in a future issue. And in the meantime… Our homage to mix tapes is this issue’s playlist theme. This month, we’re sharing some of the songs that we’ve discovered through mix tapes – see them on page 129.…

Favourite photo spot VIA DRAPPERIE This street in the Quadrilatero has it all. Old shops, grocery markets and an adorable florist: go to the intersection with Via Clavature for the best shot. Favourite museum MUSEO DELLA SPECOLA An astronomical museum that explores the planets, stars and the incredible scientists who’ve studied them in Bologna. Its tower has a breathtaking view. Via Zamboni, 33 Favourite restaurant LA BOTTEGA DI FRANCO A few kilometres from the city centre, this is a great restaurant for a special occasion. Its garden terrace is ideal for dining alfresco. labottegadifranco.it Favourite market MERCATO DELL’ANTIQUARIATO This market takes place in front of Basilica di Santo Stefano on the second weekend of the month. Find antiques, collectibles, vintage accessories and more. Piazza Santo Stefano Favourite cocktail bar I…

Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester (whitworth.manchester.ac.uk) Curator Jennifer Harris emphasised collecting contemporary art textiles from the 1980s, through to 2016. Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford (bradfordmuseums.org) Celebrated for its collection of South Asian textiles, acquired by curator Nima Poovaya-Smith (also featured in the ‘Unbound’ exhibition). Totnes Fashion and Textile Museum, Devon (totftm.org) Founded in 1967, this museum brings together the discoveries of three collectors. Harris Museum, Preston (harrismuseum.org.uk) More than 6,000 items, including fab 1950s frocks courtesy of local manufacturer Horrockses Fashions. The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle (thebowesmuseum.org.uk) From shoes belonging to the Empress Eugénie to contemporary couture, and some showstopping exhibitions to boot. The Silk Museum, Macclesfield (macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk) The story of Macclesfield’s silk industry, from loom to garment. Dalgarven Mill Museum, North Ayrshire (dalgarvenmill.org.uk) Not just restored mill…

If you consider craft beer the preserve of check-shirted, bearded hipsters sporting sleeve tattoos, think again. As tastes change, the appeal of craft beer has begun to draw drinkers from all walks of life. Wherever you look in the world of food and drink today, you’ll likely come across a beer of some form. More people are now grabbing a glass of ale as craft breweries across the UK offer a dizzying array of beers that won’t leave you feeling bitter. It’s a concept Britain only began to embrace in the last decade, but with much older roots. In the 1970s, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) was founded to fight for Britain’s vernacular beer style – cask ale. Attempts were being made to replace it with mass-produced keg beer…

ABV Stands for alcohol by volume and is a measure of how strong a beer is. Amber beer A distinct style in the USA, here it’s a name that frequently replaces ‘bitter’. Belgian beers These are much stronger than British beers and the flavour tends to be yeast- rather than hop-driven. Dry hopped/double dry hopped/DDH A brewing technique in which hops, or sometimes hop powders, are added during the finishing stage. It creates strong hop flavour and aroma rather than bitterness. New England IPA (or NEIPA) More boozy fruit smoothie than beer – courtesy of dry hopping. Trappist beer Beer made by or under immediate supervision of Trappist monks within their monastery. Similar beers brewed elsewhere are instead referred to as ‘abbey beers’. Microbrewery A term that has largely been…

The outpouring of sadness following Nell Gifford’s death in December gives just a hint of the magic that she brought into the world. She enchanted thousands with her unique creation, Giffords Circus, transforming our view of what a circus could or should be. The story behind the magic, however, wasn’t a fairy tale. As Nell shared in her 1999 autobiography, Josser, following her mother’s devastating brain injury when Nell was a teenager, she struggled to find somewhere where she felt she fitted. The surprising answer was the circus. Working stints for different companies, she “fell in love with the whole way of life,” as she told The Simple Things (in our April 2015 issue), “with the animals and the children, and the multilingual travelling village feel. I was more helped…

How CBD can ease symptoms of anxiety Many people turn to natural therapies, including the much talked about CBD (cannabidiol), with positive outcomes. Sultan Dajani is a community pharmacist who prescribes CBD. “We have evidence that good quality CBD can reduce symptoms of anxiety including rumination and lack of sleep,” he says. It’s fast-acting, but is only for short-term use. Always consult your own pharmacist before using. What to look for Oils and tinctures have the highest concentration of CBD and are taken in drops. Concentration and quality can vary so buy from a reputable supplier (Dragonfly is widely available) and check the mg of CBD, the percentage concentration and amount of liquid. Choosing an organic brand will ensure it contains no heavy metals or pesticides. Start low “People have…

• Buy second-hand to get the furniture you want on a budget. I love charity shops and I use Facebook Marketplace, too, to pick up local bargains. • Underfloor heating may seem like a luxury, but once you’ve been able to walk around barefoot in winter, you'll never look back. • A band of white tiles around the bath adds light and breaks up the dark walls. • Hang a big, statement lampshade to create an intimate vibe in your dining table zone. • A freestanding mobile island unit adds flexibility and extra storage that can be at a premium in the kitchen.…

• Weeding – Headphones, podcast, pair of gloves and one small patch of earth. I take an achievable area – perhaps a metre square – and I don’t look up, otherwise I’ll see the rest of the carnage. • Re-pot your houseplants – If you slightly increase the size of their pots, they’ll have everything they need to keep being fabulous. I use peat-free multi-purpose compost mixed with perlite or grit for drainage. Choose a slightly larger pot, and tuck your friend back into its new home, dampening everything once you’re done, to give roots the message that they can spread out now. • Plant out forced bulbs – Have you got hyacinths languishing indoors? Don’t throw them away, try re-planting them outside. • Bend climbing roses downwards – Now…

Basic Tote SURELY THE MOST USEFUL OF BAGS – AND A GREAT PROJECT FOR BEGINNERS YOU WILL NEED: 50cm patterned quilting-weight cotton fabric (most non-stretch fabrics would work for this simple pattern – from quilting cotton for a light, easily-folded-away tote, to denim or canvas for something more hard wearing.) 50cm plain quilting-weight cotton fabric (for lining) 3m webbing, 2.5cm wide Thread to match your fabric and webbing Sewing kit: tailor’s chalk, pins, scissors, tape measure, Sewing machine or needle and strong cotton thread MEASUREMENTS  Main fabric – two pieces: 42cm high x 32cm wide Optional pocket – one piece: 42cm high x 15cm wide Lining fabric – two pieces: 42cm high x 32cm wide Webbing – two lengths: 130cm each 1 Lay out one of your outer pieces right…

ROUND BUD VASE A simple globe body, made from 100% recycled glass. Best for: colour options – it’s also available in blue and green. £8, gardentrading.co.uk ZINNA BUD VASE Clear glass on the outside; geometric blue inside. Best for: still looking pretty when you’re waiting for buds. £12.50, oliverbonas.com CHARLOTTE MILLER Hand thrown, with a glaze ‘drip’ for detail. Best for: being unique – each has its own handmade quirks. £24, goodhoodstore.com…

EARLY SPRING Spring is tentatively emerging, and with it there is a soft fuzz of green on the trees and a hint of warmth in the sunshine. The vernal equinox comes this month – the tipping point when day and night are the same length – and after that the tug of war between dark and light will be won by light, as the days start to lengthen. Finally, winter really does end. Outdoors, the plants and animals know this moment is coming and are starting to peep their heads above the soil: fluffy pussy willow catkins unfurl, primroses the colour of baby chicks bloom and daffodils wave cheerily, all against cold, dark earth. Mothering Sunday is coming up, too. Traditionally a day to visit your ‘mother church’, the church…

Hazelwood Integrated primary school in North Belfast sits on the boundary between two communities that were once at war: Catholics on one side and Protestants on the other. “Traditionally, this was a very troubled space,” said Patricia Murtagh, the school’s Principal. “We used to come in after a summer of strife, picking up the pieces of the fighting that went on in the local community. That’s unheard of nowadays.” At the height of the troubles, integrated schools like Hazelwood were beacons of hope in a divided land, breaking down barriers between Catholic and Protestant communities by welcoming children from both sides. They began in the 1970s, in response to a segregated education system that perpetuated religious divisions, but it wasn’t until 2019 that the movement was nominated for the Nobel…

1974 Born in London 1993 Completes her Yachtmaster, qualifying her to work as a professional skipper. 1996 Sails the Caribbean, then moves to New Zealand. 2001 Buys her first boat ahead of a round-the-world trip. 2008 Returns to the UK. 2009 Completes her first solo transatlantic crossing from Uruguay to the UK, as well as her first solo race. 2017 Part of the first two-person team to complete the Three Peaks Yacht Race. 2019 By finishing the Transat Jacques Vabre, qualifies for this November’s 2020 Vendée Globe.…

between mothers and daughtersis how to forgive the one to whom you owe too much what you see when you lookin the mirror  how you forget you were in herand she is in you or the way she loves you and cannot, will notleave you alone About the author Jane Clarke was born in 1961 and grew up on a farm in Ireland, before studying literature and philosophy at Trinity College. She took a creative writing class when she was in her early 40s, and fell in love with poetry. Likening inspiration to “a bramble snag on a woollen sweater” her poems are candid, considered explorations of emotions, relationships and landscapes. Taken from When the Tree Falls by Jane Clarke (Bloodaxe Books)…

Pull on a pair of lace-up boots and immediately you mean business. Tug the laces through the eyelets, tie with a double bow, and you’re ready for whatever lies outside. This is footwear for the purposeful. Securely shod, you can step out with confidence and take life firmly in your stride. There is a rich variety of lace-up boots to choose from depending on your mood and intention. There are Edwardian-style mid-calf boots with much lacing up the front and varying heel heights. There are no-mess hiking boots in which to scale a mountain or wear with thick socks and a skirt to add a little rugged outdoorsyness. And there are elegant-yet-sturdy leather ankle boots similar to those worn by a March sister in Little Women – basket, straw hat…

Egg and spinach pizza pies Makes 8 400g ready-rolled pizza dough, or you could make your own 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to glaze 1 small onion, finely chopped 250g fresh spinach, washed 250g ricotta 4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese 75g rocket, finely chopped 1 tsp chopped fresh tarragon 8 eggs Freshly grated nutmeg 1 Preheat the oven to 220C/Fan200C/Gas 7. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the onion and fry for 5 mins until golden. Let cool. 2 Steam the spinach until just wilted, refresh in cold water, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible and roughly chop. 3 Beat the spinach and onions into the ricotta with the Parmesan, rocket and tarragon. Season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg. 4…

Like other beer, craft brews have four basic ingredients: water, malted cereal grains, hops and yeast. There are many types of malt, which add flavour, colour and texture, and dozens of hop varieties. Brewing consists of steeping the grains in water to access sugars that are eaten by yeast and turned into alcohol (fermentation). In between, the sugary water (wort) is boiled and hops added at various stages – early in the boil for bitterness, later for flavour and aroma. After, hops are sieved out and the brew cooled before yeast is added to work its magic.…

Williams Bros Brewing Co Making ancient Scottish styles and more modern lager-IPA hybrids, Williams Bros began in the 1980s with a rediscovered recipe for traditional Scottish heather ale. It went on to become the virtually hopless Fraoch (5%) where heather and bog myrtle replace hops (as was the case for many beers before hops were used).williamsbrosbrew.com Brewsmith Beer Based in Ramsbottom, Lancashire, Brewsmith Beer is the brainchild of James and Jennifer Smith, whose brews strike an equitable balance between traditional and craft. Head to the dark side with their rich, smoky Oatmeal Stout (5.2%), which leaves a more famous beer of a similar style in the shade.brewsmithbeer.co.uk Tiny Rebel Welsh brewery behind one of the ‘craftiest’ brews to win CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain (2015). Cwtch (4.6%), which is Welsh…

Magnolia Their pretty petals usher in the spring and, even though they may only bloom for a short while, their glorious pinks speak of the summer to come. While bringing a tree inside isn’t really an option, breaking off a few wind-bent branches of the goblet-shaped blossom gives the trees plenty of time to heal and provides your home with a reminder of all the flowers that are just around the corner.…

Geraldine James has “a cornucopia of curios” including trinkets, ornaments, pottery and all kinds of everything, which she places in eye-catching displays on shelves. She has a few simple rules – make sure to vary the height of the display objects to avoid a uniform look, try to mix up tactile textures, paint or wallpaper behind the shelves for a more dramatic backdrop and then let your imagination take flight. From putting coloured bottles on a windowsill to catch the light, to transforming an old ladder into a new plant stand, there are unique suggestions for ways to curate your own collections. (Cico Books)…

This exuberant cookbook celebrates the world of the big top and serves up 100 recipes that fuel the performers and guests at the travelling restaurant, which accompanies the troup as they wander the English countryside throughout the summer months. The dishes are seasonal with an international twist that reflects the culinary heritage of the Gifford Circus family. Indulge in Scotch Bonnet-laced hot chocolate or pork belly buns with poached rhubarb, forage for wild garlic to make fresh pesto to accompany linguine or feast on Toad in The Hole, made in muffin tins, finished off with a thick onion gravy – warming fodder for a crisp Spring day. (Quadrille)…

Assuming you have a washing machine, washing your clothes at 30 instead of 40 degrees Celsius can be one third cheaper, saving up to £52 a year. And if, for example, every Londoner switched to 30°C, they would save enough energy between them to rotate the London Eye, 2.3 million times.) You could go even further and – if you’re not washing nappies or reusable menstrual pads – experiment with a 20°C wash (or a cold one, in the US). I’ve been doing it for a year and haven’t noticed the difference; the clothes still come out nice and clean. And, at 20°C, most colours (at least from clothes that aren’t brand new) won’t leach, so you can avoid wasting power on half-full loads. If you’re always sticking a small…

The things that Ash inherited from her great aunt Vera included pale skin, easily bruised shins, and the small stone cottage that was Vera’s childhood home, dark as a cave and nestled against a hill and beside a pine forest. The things that hadn’t been passed down would make a long list, but top of it would be anything that might help a timid person survive in the wild days and nights of the countryside – where the rain rained a river, the fire refused to light and the silence was undone by loud and unidentifiable noises that could be marauding ghosts or somebody alive with bad intentions. Outside the window was spring, budding trees and a cackle of crows on the power lines; inside, ivy was growing and the…

Morning! What’s going on for brekkie? Breakfast is a quick stop, with a cup of tea to get me going. I tend to drink Assam tea – always with milk and the tip of a spoon of sugar. Tell us about your business and its inspiration. My Trailback journey started when we got our Rhodesian Ridgeback, Roscoe – whose sleek silhouette is our company logo. I searched high and low for a pair of suitable boots to walk him in and found an old pair of rigger boots that were waterproof. I decided I’d make an off-rig version of the boots, without the safety features, and so began a long journey. I’m very proud of our handmade, waterproof and versatile boots. Brilliant! What does your morning look like? I work…

Free period State primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges in England can now offer tampons and pads to students who need them, thanks to a new scheme from the Department of Education. The campaign aims to ensure that period poverty does not pose a barrier for girls to access education and brings English schools in line with their counterparts in Scotland and Wales. Quick build Rural families in Tabasco, Mexico, have been given new homes thanks to a project that is building the world’s first 3D-printed neighbourhood. US-based non-profit company New Story, has partnered with a 3D-printing technology company to build the 500sq ft homes for a community living in poverty. They have been designed to withstand seismic activity and have been built quickly at scale. Green policy…

DOURTHE No 1 Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux 2018, £8.50 Sauvignon Blanc is a classic match with goat’s cheese and, alongside its grassiness and gooseberriness, drier versions have a whiff of freshly-shelled peas, too. It’s just the ticket to match the freshness of radish and watercress, but also a good foil to the salty feta. THE SOCIETY’S Sicilian Reserve Red 2015, £8.50 With hogget you need something rich in fruit, light in structure and classy. This hits all the buttons, and is great value to boot. It’s rich enough to match the lamb, Italian enough to cope with the garlic, yet light enough not to overpower the delicate herby flavours. STANTON AND KILLEEN Rutherglen Muscat, £17 for a half bottle The rhubarb’s sharpness is cushioned by the custard – a great combo.…

“As my book collection grows exponentially, having somewhere to sit and read is vital for me. The reading nook happened almost by accident. I already had a library in an old barn we’d renovated but I was rapidly running out of space. When we began working on the main house I realised that the alcove at the back of the room was the perfect size for paperbacks. My bookshelves tend to be just that – I did start out with one or two items that weren’t books, but they’ve been edged out as my collection has grown. These shelves house my collection of vintage Penguin and Pelican books, all arranged in numerical order. I have four cats who are also very fond of the reading nook. I usually have to…

Grub’s Up BY ROBERT CARTER, Muker, North Yorkshire “Nestling next to a waterfall, I managed to capture this shot from a distance so as not to disturb the parents’ feeding routine. After about an hour of waiting, I managed to grab this shot of the dipper and the three chicks crying for food.” I Spy a Fly BY LUKE WILKINSON, London “When coming out to play with its siblings, this fox cub seemed rather transfixed by this nearby fly buzzing around.” Sibling Snuggles BY KRYSTYNA KEIR, Black Isle, Highland “I was in a hide on the Black Isle, waiting for an opportunity to see my first ever pine martens. As mum went about eating, the kits started play-fighting. During a brief pause in their antics, the kits…

For a peninsula that’s just 19 miles across, Gower gets a lot done in a little space. Stretching west of Swansea from the Mumbles, out into the Bristol Channel and around to Penclawdd on the Loughor Estuary, it’s been an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for 64 years, home to ruined castles and Iron Age forts. Much of its shoreline – contrasting wide stretches of sand with secluded coves – is protected Heritage Coast; much of its countryside is classified for its value to science or nature. Sand dunes, saltwater marshes, heathland, rocky shores and limestone cliffs create a dramatic and varied landscape. It’s a land of small roads and one-off shops, cafés and galleries. Gloriously rich pickings when you want a few days away from it all. Where we…

Relax Rest should ideally make up 42% of your day – about 10 hours (as recommended in Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski: this includes sleep, exercise, socialising and eating). Anxiety and tiredness are closely related and mutually causal – if you feel anxious, sleep is your best medicine. Exercise The most efficient way to complete the stress cycle and neutralise stress hormones is to do some exercise. Any movement will do, but try to get at least a 20-minute walk outside each day. Do something Rather than despair about global events, do something to tend your small patch. Remember, ‘something is anything that isn’t nothing.’ Give up on perfection Start by stopping comparing yourself with others. Don’t even compare you now with your past self. Let your feed nourish…

What is a garden actually for? When I began fiddling around with plants back in my mid-20s, I’d spend time among my pots in the container garden I’d created on my tiny balcony for the sheer joy of it. The space became somewhere where I could retreat and a place in which I could connect with my friends. My little green oasis was fulfilling its role completely and perfectly. “I started spending five minutes every day, tackling something with purpose” Fast forward a few years and I had a trio of small children and a larger garden, but somewhere in all the hubbub, I’d forgotten what my garden was for. I didn’t have time to spend in it and it got away from me. Brambles appeared, nettles abounded, fences started…

Drafted from hand-cut metals and acrylic, Claire Knill’s grown-up mobiles are one-off pieces designed to create focal points to encourage reconnection, reflection, and happiness. Rather than plan rigidly, the Brighton-based artist manipulates materials to find her starting point. In an age where downtime is often filled with digital distractions, the graceful movements made by the mobiles are akin to watching the sea or a camp fire. Art that’s good for you! in-the-making.com…

These days, getting lost is difficult. Smart phones, GPS and Sat Navs show where we are at the flick of a finger, but that instant access to maps of all kinds comes at a cost. Studying the features of an unfamiliar landscape and giving them resonant, richly descriptive names meant that humans could sally forth, explore new places, and return home safely, lighting up neural pathways in the brain as they made mental maps – a skill that we’re sadly losing in our reliance on technology. Michael Bond’s fascinating book tracks the history of navigation and brilliantly explains why map-free roaming makes us more observant and buoys up our imaginations. (Picador)…

Apart from looking good together, certain combinations of plants can provide a healthier growing environment. Here are a few tried-and-tested pairings: • Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and lemon thyme. Rosemary is useful for deterring cats, and a handful of crushed lemon thyme is good for repelling mosquitoes • French marigolds with mixed salad leaves – the flowers help to deter whitefly • Tomatoes and basil – because they’re so often eaten together • Figs and thyme – another great flavour combination • Fruit trees and nasturtiums – the flowers will attract aphids and keep them away from your other plants • Purple kale with French marigolds – the flowers help to repel beetles • Carrots with chives – the herb helps to deter carrot fly…

You will need: 2 celeriacs, spoon, knife, teaspoons 1 Slice off the tops and bottoms of a pair of celeriacs to make flat surfaces. 2 Hollow them out with a spoon until the walls are around 1.5cm thick. 3 Make a hole in the side with a knife (this allows the sweet resonance to escape). Play with your fingers or a pair of teaspoons. Warm up with double strokes (right right, left left) on each bongo – also known as mama-daddies – or the paradiddle (RLRR, LRLL) before making up your own tunes. Alternatives to celeriac include swedes, turnips or pumpkins. The fresher the better. Combine with a pepper shaker for a complete rhythm section. Musical Experiments for After Dinner by Angus Hyland, Tom Parkinson, and illustrated by Dave Hopkins,…

If you’ve ever felt that your communal card games are a little too sedate (no, us neither), Throw Throw Burrito is there to take it up a (safe) physical level. From the people who gave us family favourite Exploding Kittens, this combines cards with the extra thrill of having things thrown at you – specifically two foam burritos. Requiring a level of hand-eye coordination, as well as quick card skills, this promises one fun fiesta. £24.99 firebox.com * Answers 1. lamb; 2. The cherry blossom; 3. Munich; 4. A leveret; 5. Laurence…