Stay Safe, Stay Healthy And Keep Cooking

How are you all doing? I hope you and your families and friends are all keeping safe in these strange and uncertain times. I haven’t written a blog in nearly a year! Where has the time gone? At the end of last year I was desperate for some time. I was exhausted from our house extension and extremely busy with work and now, here we are, for some of us, with more time than we thought we’d have. To be fair, I didn’t think we’d be suffering from a pandemic and all its worries, but it has given me more time to think and take stock (amongst home schooling with 3 kids…but you know…there’s still time!)

Two of my key objectives over the last month have been to refresh the content on my website and to re-boot my blog page. Please do go and check out my newly updated website. I’m so excited about it and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it as well! www.nicholapearce.com

Last year, I had some amazing jobs with some super fun guests. From film and photo shoots with Loudmouth Productions and Ameilia & Co, cooking at some amazing houses in and around Edinburgh, Callandar, Perthshire and beyond, to cooking up a storm for birthday parties, stag and hen parties, weddings, anniversaries, wine tastings and corporate functions, all with a healthy, colourful and floral flair. Phew, it was super busy!

OFFER

Most of us probably can’t recall when we weren’t able to see our friends and family so, when we do, let’s hope there’s lots of celebrating, hugging and laughter!

When we are allowed to be social again, I’d be delighted to come and cook for those special occasions. As a thank you for booking, I’d be delighted to include complimentary tablescape, such as posies for place settings or decorations for your dinner table…I love being creative with flowers, as much as my food. See my website for some tablescape inspiration and see how it can really add value to any event! Please message me through my website and start getting excited about planning for future fun gatherings! enquiries@nicholapearce.com

NEWS

As my work has been “put on hold” for now, each week I have been giving some “baking donations” to key workers as a thank you. So far, I have donated to the Scottish Ambulance Service at South Queensferry, the Theatre Recovery Unit at the Sick Kids’ Hospital in Edinburgh and Police Scotland working out of Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. I’ve had some great feedback from everyone which has been lovely to hear.

I’ve also been helping with fruit and veg deliveries to our neighbours from my suppliers…little things but it’s the little things that I think everyone now is appreciating, connecting with neighbours you didn’t know and giving something back to the community.

I have also been doing “lives” on Instagram each week which has been lots of fun. Go check out my Instagram account “Nicprivatechef” for all the details!

RECIPE

In the meantime, here’s a super nutritious snack for you. As well as keeping our work and businesses going, home schooling children, exercising and dealing with the mental health impact of Covid 19, it’s important to make some quiet time for ourselves.

Energy balls… healthiness in a nugget! You’ll need a magimix for this recipe.

200g whole almonds blitzed in the magimix for 30 seconds
400g stoned and chopped dates- medjool are the best to use
4tbsp raw cacao powder
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp almond butter
2 tbsp water

Method:
Once the almonds are blitzed add the rest of the ingredients. Blitz in the magimix until all are combined. Take the mixture out the bowl and roll into balls. Store in a container. They keep in the fridge for weeks…if you can resist them!

It’s the small things for me just now. Take care and I look forward to hearing from you!