Saturday 20 April 2013

Here comes the sun!

Ok, so whilst I appreciate that talking about the weather isn't the most exciting topic since sliced bread, I do have to mention that this lovely blue sky we are experiencing has lifted my spirits and I feel excited for the summer ahead (fingers crossed!).

So with this lovely weather in mind, its (almost) time to tuck away those baggy wooly jumpers in place of some bright, colourful numbers. I recently invested in a lovely playsuit from River Island which didn't leave me penniless.


Green tile cutout playsuits - £25.00 (there are other patterns available too)
 
 
Also, as its beginning to warm up now is around the time that I like to start searching for some practical yet pretty sandals. I feel that my feet have been suffocated by the many winter days (and nights) of wearing boots or UGGS that they deserve some fresh air! I really do believe with shoes that its worth paying a little extra for a decent pair. Kurt Geiger always springs to mind! Whilst I appreciate that some of their styles are a little more on the pricey side these sandals, that I adore, aren't too expensive...
KG Kurt Geiger MOBSTER sandals (TAN) -£75.00
 
 
 
They also do these sandals in a black and a white version. I think they are such a staple when it comes to your summer wardrobe. Team then with wash jeans and a baggy T-shirt or wear with a flowery dress, they are extremely versatile!
 
 
One final thing: SUNGLASSES!
 
I cannot live when the sun is out without a pair of sunnies. I currently own a pair of Ray Ban Wayfayers in a deep mulberry colour. However, I really want a new pair of sunglasses and this is a difficult choice when there are so many styles you could go for. If any of you have any suggestions for sunglasses it would be much appreciated...
 
Hope you are all enjoying yourselfs wherever you are (with or without the sun shining, hopefully with!)
 
 
Demi xo 

Sunday 7 April 2013

How To Cook The Perfect Steak

As my friends know, Bonnett Family Friday Steak Night is a bit of a tradition in my house. Mum and Dad are in charge of the funding and purchasing of the steak while I am the chef for the night. If I may say so myself, I think I have become a bit of a steak master so I thought I would share with you my guide to what I think is the Perfect Steak.

1) BUYING THE STEAK
Personally from the most common four steaks you can buy in the super market I order them like this:

Fillet (The Best)
Ribeye
Sirloin
Rump

However, due to the fact that fillet is ridiculously expensive my parents tend to buy us Ribeye. Look for a piece with some nice ripples of fat throughout.

2) PREPARING THE STEAK
This is the bit most people leave out. They think that plonking the steak in a pan with some fat will taste just as good but believe me preparation is SO IMPORTANT.
Firstly, make sure you cook your steak from room temperature. Cooking straight from the fridge can dry out the outside and take longer for the heat to hit the middle.
Secondly, you need to tenderise the meat with something like a meat mallet. This also evens outs the steak to make it the same thickness all over so that it cooks evenly. Just go a bit crazy on either side of the steak and beat it until you feel satisfied.
Then, put a little pile of olive oil and salt onto the steak and give it a good massage to flavour and tenderise it a bit more. I like to put the oil on the steak instead of in the pan to make sure everywhere is coated and to spread the salt about.


3) COOKING THE STEAK
In my opinion, cooking a piece of steak anything longer than medium rare just destroys it. All you chickens who can't stand blood then please don't waste my beloved steak. Why eat something if you aren't going to eat it properly?
The absolute key to steak cooking is to get the pan (preferably a griddle) as hot as can be. I leave mine to heat up on high heat for nearly 10 minutes. I also only ever allow one steak per pan as I don't want the heat to be shared.
Slap your steak on and don't be tempted to move it around, let it sit so you get the nice cooking lines in it.


If, like me, you like yours rare (or blue) then just cook for 2 mins either side but if you want it pink in the middle then I flip it the minute you see any pinkish juices coming out the top side then just cook on the other side for 2 minutes.
Serve with garlic or sweet potato chips and a salad. Also try with horseradish sauce for something a bit different.


Who knew there was so much to cooking steak!? But trust me, its worth it! Happy Steak Cooking!

Alex x