Ok… I appreciate that really isn’t a really good start to 2026 and our ability to write frequent blogs considering it is almost mid – February….. I am very sorry, I have been distracted and just haven’t got round to catching up on the blog unfortunately.

I’d like to say that we have been really busy and that is my excuse…. or, if nothing else – maybe focussing on tax returns….end of January if you aren’t into that side of things…. but they were all done quite a while ago – so basically, I have just been a little rubbish!

Anyway, wiping the slate clean – I will make this one short – well as short as possible to bring us up to date. Since the last blog in November, we had a short trip down to Bath and Cirencester in the UK, before popping back over to Europe as the spring on the handle to the entrance door to the motorhome – we only have one – went. Although we could still get in and out of the motorhome, we were nervous that should it go completely, we would be stuck…. not a risk worth taking.

As we are always up for improvising, we headed back out to our trusty motorhome dealer/workshop in Belgium on 9th December and managed to squeeze in an additional stock up on wine in Berguez, and a few ‘Christmassy’ nights in Middleburg and Ghent.

We had a lovely time exploring Ghent again and found a wonderful Chocolate shop – yes, I know there are many in Belgium – but this one is slightly different – , where the family spent 5 years in India working and sourcing the ingredients to create some incredible Chocolate products. Innevitably, we bought a few bars, some Cacoa nibs, and despite it being about 2 degrees and Christmas, some Dark Chocolate ‘Sorbet’… which was delicious. Apparently, one of their seasonal favourites to make is chocolate pannetone, but you have to pre-order it…so this time, there wasn’t any left…. have to get in early for next year!

Whilst wandering around and exploring a little further we fell upon an excellent fish mongers, re-visited one of our favourite cafes, and also found a great pop-up Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil outlet to boost our supplies until we get down to France in the Spring! We will definately be adding Ghent – and the chocolate shop specifically – into our ‘pre-christmas’ route for our habitation check from now onwards!!

Door fixed, and back in the UK, we have started to eat out a little too. With a little planning and research I have found a few places that have been able to provide some gluten and dairy free options which has made it a little easier. First sucessful outing was to celebrate my nephews birthday just before Christmas at The Crooked Billet in Stoke Row. The athmosphere was buzzing and the food was excellent… I think I am going to become one of the pieces of art that age in their garden if I can get fed like this every day I’d just stay forever, so it is no wonder that the beautiful old cars have done the same!

Passing very smoothly through Christmas and out the other side, we arrive at my mum’s birthday which we celebrated on Saturday night at The Italian, La Cantina Del Vino in Farnham Common – who were equally as flexible with my complex dietary requirements…even producing gluten free Spaghetti which tasted delicious A lovely meal had by all and I think my mum enjoyed it!

We have been cooking quite a bit as you can imagine with all the complications in eating out. Keith has been busy experimenting with snacks and sweet stuff as well as adventuring out to some baking with Cornbread… always up for a challenge and incredibly supportive on this journey. Some of the great recipes we have found and adapted to our taste include:-

– Cornbread – Gluten and dairy free – A Lovely flavoursome alternative and would work well as a crust to chilli or a casserole too
– Peanut Butter Slice – Gluten and dairy free – a variation on the millionnaire crumb, but nuttier… we have also since added a layer of Chia Jam which uses frozen mixed berries and adds an extra ‘tart-ness’ which is delicious
– Cauliflower Soup with poached egg – James Martin – interestingly different soup, but you definately want a bit of bread to dunk
– Vegetable Korma – A really simple and delicious Korma that you can add pretty much whatever veg you have in the fridge to
– Cauliflower and Brocolli Lentil Dhal – a warming, comforting dhal which is full of goodness. We keep going back to it.
– Tamarind and Tomato Potato – a great tangy twist on saag aloo
– Seed Topped Lentil Cakes – Gluten and dairy free – A delicious alternative to a naan bread, and works really well the following day with breakfast too
– Apple Crumble Tarts – gluten and dairy free and a proper comfort desert.
– Cranberry Sauce – tweaked to be slightly more tart but still using those favourite ‘christmassy spices’ ….who said Cranberries were only for Christmas day??
– Carrot Cake – Gluten and dairy Free, light and moist. Well worth a go if you are looking for a gluten free alternative
– Tray Bake Dhal – Simple one tray dish full of goodness and flavour. Vegetables, fish and lentils…. what more can you ask for
– Fudgie Brownie – Gluten and dairy free and another winner… there seems to be a theme here
– No Bake Chocolate Brownie – Gluten and dairy free – If you only make one chocolate brownie/ fridge cake – this is the one. Pure deliciousness and a great combination of flavour and texture
–Buckwheat Pasta – Gluten Free and tastes great. Really simple to make and cook
– Biscotti – Gluten and dairy Free and you wouldn’t know the difference. They keep for a couple of weeks too in an airtight container… if, of course you don’t eat them all first!
– Stem Ginger Biscuits – Gluten and dairy Free ….. Oh my – the best biscuits ever!! These are incredibly light, have a good snap and full of ginger-y spice
– Carrot Ginger Parkin Cake – Gluten and dairy free A moist, winter warmer mixing the moist squidgy-ness of a parkin with the carrot cake.
– Chocolately Almond and Chickpea Brownies – Gluten and dairy free and no taste of chickpeas. – A good combination of ‘healthier’ ingredients with big chocolate chunks and nuts.
– Shortcrust pastry – Gluten and dairy Free – this one is slightly less flakey than the last recipe I posted, but full of flavour and equally as good… its going to be hard to choose which to do going forwards.

Just in case you’d like to see some of the savoury dishes we have been eating….

And of course the slightly more ‘aesthetically pleasing’ sweet ones!!

I did say it was going to be short and sweet to bring us up to date…. so, just so you can visualise our trip – the all important map!