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Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Having finished my ice cream book I have had a fair few people suggesting that I should get an ice cream van to peddle my home made ice creams. It was on the news this morning that, although people buying ice cream from vans in the street is declining in the UK (due to the rise in freezers at home!), the rise of music festivals and events has seen an increase in ice cream vans and it therefore seems the industry has a stable future. Perhaps it is something I should consider after all!!!! My brother sent me these pictures of a New York ice cream van to inspire me - it looks so lovely and is exactly the sort of van I would love to have! The menu is just beautiful with its pretty drawings of the plants the ingredients come from and I love the fact that they have Michel Cluizel hot chocolate sauce and also serve banana splits! On the Sundae book front, I have now received a copy of the draft book jacket and I can safely say it is looking LOVELY! Steve has done a better job than I could ever have imagined - very pink and blue with a stripey neopolitan sundae on the front cover and a banoffee split on the back. The book has a new title "Sundaes and Splits" and I have added a new hot rum and raisin banana split recipe which we liked a lot - and I don't even like bananas! One of the recipes is printed on a polka dot pink page - I love this effect!!! Sadly the pictures are still under wraps at the moment but I will share with you as soon as I am allowed to!

6 comments:

The Curious Cat said...

Ice-cream vans repackaged - tis a good idea!

Celia Hart said...

That all sounds very exciting!

I'm sure you could team up with an ice-cream van owner for a publicity stunt to launch your book ;-)

Celia

Rita said...

One of the best memories from my childhood ... the sound of the ice-cream van! Hopefully you will come as far as Harps with it! :)

Teena Vallerine said...

I'd buy ice-creams in the street if one ever came by! We used to chase around the streets trying to find where the van's bells were coming from! Haven't heard one in years. We do a banana rum and ice-cream recipe on the BBQ. mmmm Book sounds wonderful! A visual feast before even considering the baking and eating!! t.x

Figs, Bay, Wine said...

That's so funny, I walk into Soho to get this ice cream all the time! Hope you are well - I think of you often. An ice cream book sounds exciting. When are we getting your book state-side I wonder? I'm dying to see it. Hope all is well Hannah!
xo

Marie Rayner said...

Oh, your new books sounds right up my alley, and very retro in appearance. Love the idea of polka dotted pages. Great looking Ice Cream van! I miss hearing their music. We never get any at all where we live now.