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Mad March hares

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on March 1, 2021March 1, 2021 Leave a Comment on Mad March hares

It was something of a relief to turn over the calendar to a new month this morning. January was full of dark and grey days and, in spite of it being my birthday month, I struggled. Then came the rain and snow of February, and it felt as though winter would never end. Spring always …

enter sign
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Competition time!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on January 29, 2021January 15, 2021 Leave a Comment on Competition time!

I thought I’d do my first giveaway of 2021 and this one is all around reviews! I know that so many of you have read and enjoyed Sandstorm. Reviews really are the lifeblood for an author, so if you are able to leave a review either on goodreads, Amazon, or The Arabian Magazine Shop, that …

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An interview by Business Life Online

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on March 1, 2021October 10, 2020 Leave a Comment on An interview by Business Life Online

During the height of lockdown last summer, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Business Life Online for their podcast. The brainchild of Richard Maun and Anna Stevenson, the podcast (which is also available on Spotify) The focus was on writing – how I write, how I got into writing and, of course, Sandstorm …

Summer days July 2020
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September days

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on September 7, 2020September 7, 2020 Leave a Comment on September days

Oh autumn, how I love thee… The bounty in the hedgerows, that amazing light as the sun begins its descent in the sky, and that slight chill in the air that makes you begin to think about log fires and big bowls of veggie-packed stews and soups. There is no doubt that 2020 has been …

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Sandstorm – an update

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on September 1, 2020September 1, 2020 Leave a Comment on Sandstorm – an update

Wow, I have been totally blown away by the response to my publishing Sandstorm in print. And print is definitely not dead – this edition has outsold the digital by 2:1. Great news! What has amazed me most are the amazing reviews coming in for my debut novel – even from people who are not …

Sandstorm cover
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Sandstorm – moving into print!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on July 14, 2020July 14, 2020 Leave a Comment on Sandstorm – moving into print!

I am like a child at Christmas right now, waiting for the proof copy of Sandstorm to arrive! Yes, the time has come for me to launch my debut novel in print. I am hoping that the book will be available by 1 August, and am now taking pre-orders. It has been so well received …

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100 days of lockdown

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on July 7, 2020June 30, 2020 Leave a Comment on 100 days of lockdown

Today marks 100 days of lockdown here in the UK. I have just written my latest column for Norfolk Online and in that I lament the loss of one of life’s greatest pleasures – one that we definitely all took for granted – and that is a cup of coffee with a friend. Whether spontaneous …

A plate of Norfolk food and wine
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The Norfolk Foodie Series

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on July 14, 2020June 20, 2020 Leave a Comment on The Norfolk Foodie Series

With lockdown resulting in all horse shows around the world being on a pause, and printing of The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine on hold for the time being, I have had the luxury of time to explore other avenues in my life. One of these has been a long-held desire to conduct a series of interviews …

Blue and purple delphiniums
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Beautiful June

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 Leave a Comment on Beautiful June

Pinch punch, first of the month. I hope that everybody is keeping safe and well. As we all know, we are living in challenging times, and I find it easier to concentrate on what I have, rather than have not, right now. We are all seeing so much change and uncertainty, and for me, I …

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A collection of years

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on June 1, 2020May 2, 2020 Leave a Comment on A collection of years

For The Arabian Magazine Collectors’ Edition, I used to do a feature called The Editor’s Year, which was a summary of my year – the horses I had seen, the places I had been, and some of the many magical moments along the way. These used to be on my old website, but rather than …

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The latest on instagram

  • Fish Friday is very definitely a thing in our house and last night, I pushed the boat out and did homemade fish & chips. This lovely haddock - from the brilliant Earsham Street Fish Company- was originally destined for New Year’s Day, in lieu of our traditional visit to Walberswick for lunch, a pint, and a walk by the wild, crashing waves of the North Sea. With lockdown firmly knocking that on the head, I decided to do some at home instead – but then cooked that amazing rolled rib of beef instead. 
 
Having made it through the week, I decided it would, finally, be fish & chip night, but the batter always has to be extra special. Cue @moongazerale Jackalope beer, a light larger with a fiery ginger twist and some special added spices, and you have the perfect foil to the delicate fish underneath, and full of flavour. Add in dad’s homemade chips, cooked with @yarevalleyoils cold-pressed rapeseed oil, and a good sprinkle of @maldonsalt sea salt, and you have all you need for a perfect fakeaway. Just add peas and lemon!
  • I keep seeing posh nosh menus from @goodiesfoodhall on social media and with the Six Nations matches on over the weekend, I decided it was time to review this dine at home treat, leaving me time to enjoy the rugby. And what a treat it was! Link in bio.
  • What a beautiful day it was yesterday, and how dreary it has been today. A cake always lifts the spirits and with forced rhubarb in season, what better cake to bake than this? 

I seem to make @sabrinaghayour spiced rhubarb and almond cake every year so this time, I added my own twist - extra ginger, pistachios and pecans instead of almonds, and extra rhubarb because well, why not? 

This is a truly lovely cake. Light, moist, full of flavour, and rather irresistible. I seem to make one cake a month at the moment, and what better way to great a new month than with this absolute seasonal beauty?
  • Ahead of British Pie Week, I thought I'd share my recipe for my butternut squash, mushroom and chestnut filo pie. 

I love the luxury of a pie, but I don’t always want the heaviness that shortcrust or butter pastry can bring. This pie is perfect for an alternative – layers of crisp filo pastry with a delicious filling of the earthy flavours that I love so much, roasted butternut squash, sage, mushrooms, and chestnuts. If you don’t have the exact ingredients, don’t worry – use whatever you have in the fridge, and make the flavours your own.
  • Rocking meat-free Monday with Mediterranean style - fennel and sherry risotto with feta. There are many who say that you should not have feta with risotto but I say there are no rules when it comes to food - go with what you fancy, and go with flavours you love. I personally think I could have feta with everything, but that's another story...

The tang of the feta really did work in this fragrant dish. With ithe blend of flavours, it was the perfect fusion dish and was lip-smackingly delicious. More importantly, it provided some perfect foodie comfort after a hectic day. And, relax...
  • Starting Sunday in style with a cheese &  @marmite hot cross bun from @marksandspencer topped with butter, a perfectly poached @clarence_court egg and a shaving of @parmigianoreggiano - just to up the cheesey stakes. Add a good grind of black pepper and a pinch of salt and this perfect breakfast was good to go!

How are you starting your day?
  • Today marks four months since this little fighter was given six months left with us; the vet admitted yesterday that she hadn't expected him to see 2021... 

Every extra day with Merlin is a blessing, every purr music to my ears - and he still purrs most days. He willingly takes his medication, and he seems determined to stay with us for as long as he possibly can.

He was checked yesterday by the vet and he is doing well. I like to think that his fighting spirit has surprised her, even though it comes as no surprise to me. 

I know that the end is getting nearer, but am treasuring every day, and as long as he is still smiling and still fighting, so I will be too 💚
  • My review of @dirtyfryerboys is out! Seriously, if you live in south Norfolk, place an order. It's a new business, a local business, and the food is fabulous! Just make sure you order a Sticky Boy for pudding...

Link in bio.
  • Today is Drink Wine Day. As though I need an excuse... But I do need to raise a glass tonight to a few very special people who have stayed in touch so much during the last year. Amazing friends from the world over, and while the miles between us may be many, the distance between us isn't. For that, I am so thankful - and also truly, truly blessed.

I had to have a Pinot Noir tonight. You all know by now that it is my favourite. This one is new to me, however. #rocklinranchwine from Monterey in California - a place where I have enjoyed delicious wines with special friends. 

Tonight I raise a glass to you all - and thank you. For being a constant in my life, to all of those not tagged in this post who support me in a million different ways, and to the winemakers who make our reunions always that little bit sweeter.
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