Crumbs to Crunch

Japan is  well known for its cute characters, delicious treats and famous anime. There's one bakery that combines all these things together to create perhaps the most Japanese snack ever: The Totoro Cream puff. Totoro is one of Studio Ghibli's most famous characters. He first appeared in the 1988 film 'My Neighbour Totoro' and charmed the world with his cuteness. The owner of Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory  is actually the sister in law of the director of the movie, Miyazaki Hayao. This charming little Tokyo bakery has a whimsical feel, partially hidden away down a small road and surrounded by lots of trees. The interior design is full of wood and warm colours, so its a lovely and cozy place to enjoy some treats. The stars of the show are of course the cream puffs. The flavours change depending on the month, so you can check what they'll be serving when you visit here .  We tried a chocolate cream and a caramel banana cream flavoured Totoro. You...

Are you a fan of apple pie? If you are, then Hirosaki might just be the place for you! Hirosaki is in Aomori, a prefecture in the Tohoku region in the north of Japan. Aomori is famous for its delicious apples, and nowhere is this fruit more greatly celebrated than in the city of Hirosaki. There are over 50 shops in the town selling different types of apple pie. With so many options, it can seem overwhelming. How can you possibly find the perfect pie for you?! Well, the answer is simple. All you need is the Apple pie map !  Not only does the map tell you all the different locations for pie shops and bakeries, it also rates each pie on its sweetness, sourness and amount of cinnamon. My personal favourite is  スリーブリッヂ or Three Bridge, a cute little bakery near Hirosaki station. Their pie is rated 3/5 for sweetness and sourness. But don't take my word for it, head to Hirosaki and do your own research! There's plenty of pies to enjoy and beautiful sites ...

Have you ever wanted to travel all around a country but simply don't have time? Poble Espanyol in Barcelona is the solution to seeing Spain in a nutshell. This 'Spanish Village' is an outdoor architectural museum which offers the chance to see Spain in one hour. Poble Espanyol was originally built for the 1929 International Exhibiton to showcase different regional architecture from Santiago de Compostella to Seville but was so popular it is still open today. Strolling along the cobble streets really did give the feel of a village instead of a museum. Many of the buildings house workshops were you can see artisans creating beautiful pieces. Around every corner you can experience a different area of Spain and relax in the many squares. It was in one of these squares that I stopped off for the ultimate Spanish snack, churros. What a treat it was to sit out in the winter's sun on a beautiful Spanish square, dunking the deep fried dough sticks into thick...

Who'd have thought that you could find a safari in South Wales, let alone one made out of Lego? Cardiff Bay was recently taken over by the Great Brick Safari, twelve giant Lego animal models. There was a whole range of Lego models including a crocodile, gorilla and lion. All the models were highly detailed, it was incredible to think they were all created from a toy that every child has played with. I absolutely adored the kangaroo complete with a little Lego joey in her pouch. The elephant was very impressive, measuring 2.5m tall and it took 1600 hours to build! After examining the models, I visited a cupcake shop nearby called The Deck . What sets their cupcakes apart is that each one has a special filling as well as flavoured icing on top. I was spoilt for choice as many flavours are inspired by my favourite chocolate bars but in the end I went for an apple crumble cupcake. This cake had a gorgeous fresh apple centre and was topped with icing and crumbled bisc...

I've always loved the film 'Waitress' so when I heard that it was being turned into a broadway musical  I couldn't wait to see it. However, I knew that I had to be prepared- watching a 2 hour musical about pie-making was sure to make me feel hungry! Therefore, before the show, I went to Peetee's Pie Company to nip any cravings in the bud. Peetee's has a phenomenal selection of pies. It was so hard to chose just one! In the end, I went for a raspberry and apple whilst my friend got a mud pie. At the last minute, I decided to get a slice of New York cheesecake too- I was in the Big Apple after all! The pies were some of the best I've ever eaten, with buttery, crumbly pastry and perfect fillings. However, the real star of the show was the cheesecake. Normally I consider New York cheesecake to be a plain flavour, but it was so rich and creamy, much better than any New York cheesecake I've ever had. I wish I could eat it again! The combination of perfe...

Brownsea Island is a mere twenty minute boat ride from Poole but it feels as remote as a desert island! This island was the birthplace of the scout movement so as soon as I stepped off the boat, I was ready for an adventure.  Though the island is small, the topography is diverse, from secluded beaches to heathland smothered in vibrant heather. The forest was of particular interest as Bownsea is famed for red squirrels, a rare sight in Britain after the introduction of grey squirrels from North America. I was thrilled to see my first red squirrel in a matter of minutes! Strolling through the wood, I met a mother peacock with her young. From the hide overlooking the wetlands, I spied many wading birds. All this exploration required sustenance which I found in the tea room in the shadow of a castle! The main appeal of the café was the vast window which offered spectacular views of Poole Harbour. The grub was pretty good too, we had a lovely cream tea and a slice of...

I have to confess that I don't like art much. Frankly, staring at paintings in galleries bores me. However, art suddenly became a lot more interesting when I found myself sporting a green hard hat and matching high vis to ascend 60 feet's worth of scaffolding to get a closer look at Britain's largest painted ceiling. This huge piece of art is at the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London where Admiral Lord Nelson's body was laid in state in this grand hall after he died in the Battle of Trafalgar. The Painted Hall dates from the 18th century and is currently undergoing a huge conservation project. In order to raise funds, for a mere £10, I got to see the ceiling up close and learn about its fascinating history and the conservation process from an incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Wearing my hard hat, I felt like a modern day Indiana Jones, discovering tiny details that have never been ...

When I think of castles, I usually think of stone turrets. portcullis and battlements so I was quite surprised when I saw a white wooden castle looming in the distance. Of course Japanese castles would look different from British ones, I just had never thought about it before.   I visited Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu Wakamatsu which was once a stronghold for Samauri. Built in 1384, the castle was home to the feudal lords who ruled the area.  However, it was destroyed in 1868 during a rebellion that marked the end of the feudal era. The castle that stands today is actually a 1960s replica but is impressive nonetheless. I climbed to the top of the castle and got a feel for how the feudal lords felt surveying their kingdom.  In the castle grounds there is the adorable Rinkaku tea cottage which was built by Sen no Shoan specifically for tea ceremonies. In fact, his father invented the ritual that we know today as the tea ceremony.    Nowadays they...

I've always wanted to live in a castle. I would people watch from my battlements, scale my towers and wander through my extensive grounds.

Scones piping hot from a 1930s Aga, the tinkling of ivories and stunning views of the rolling Surrey Hills is the perfect recipe for a relaxing day out. Tea with a view! I had a very musical outing at the home of composer Ralph Vaughn Williams, Leith Hill Place in Surrey. I only discovered this special place fairly recently and I am so glad I did. The house is run by the National Trust but it is still quite a small operation. While the house is quite rough around the edges compared with other National Trust properties, it feels more alive than some other stuffy stately homes.  The house's musical tradition is kept alive by having pianos everywhere! Not only can you see Vaughn Williams's piano but visitors are also serenaded by fantastic pianists on the grand in the drawing room. Moreover, there are plenty of other pianos dotted around the house so I couldn't resist having a little play. What I love is that all the visitors get involved so you needn't feel ...

Summer is finally here! In Tohoku we're enjoying a small window of perfect weather, the glorious few weeks of sunshine and blue skies before the scorching humidity of the majority of the summer months. It's time to make the most of it and get outside!  With this in mind, we headed to the prefecture of Yamagata on a flower tour. The first stop was Sasho Rose Garden. This lovely little garden was stunning with its multitude of roses in every colour. The blue skies and walls of roses made the perfect backdrop for taking photographs. As a Crumbs to Crunch sister, it was also vitally important to find the perfect snack to match the surroundings. Sasho garden didn't disappoint and I was quick to snap up some rose gelato. Its mild and delicate flavour was the perfect accompaniment to this peaceful garden.  Next stop was Iide Dondendaira Lilly Garden. We were a little early to see all the lillies in bloom, but the ones that were out were beautiful. I loved the orange and y...

I visited Quebec several years ago and since then have become quite interested in its history. I was eager to visit Quebec House in Kent was the home of General Wolfe, the controversial figure who brought Quebec under British control. The house has an exhibition about the Quebec campaign and also shows what life was like in the 1730s. I was surprised to discover most heavenly smell when I entered the house. I followed my nose to the kitchen to find some goodies... To my surprise, a lady was baking treats in this 18th century kitchen. The recipes were taken from General Wolfe's wife's recipe book. I tasted lemon drops which were like clouds of sugar and also a fruit cake that had a hint of orange blossom. The cook informed me that the most popular cake with the visitors are the macaroons. They are flavoured with rose water and are even gluten free. I loved connecting with the past through these treasured recipes. Quebec House is well worth a visit, not just for the free...

If you go for a walk in the woods at this time of year, you might get a whiff of garlic. That's because it is prime wild garlic season! I spent a wonderful afternoon after work, foraging in the nearby forest. Wild garlic has long green leaves and small white flowers. It smells like garlic but tastes a lot milder than the garlic you get from the shops. Not only is the taste amazing but it is also free!  I used my wild garlic to make wild garlic and cheddar scones . Nothing went to waste, I used the leaves and the flowers in the scone mixture. The scones were so light and had a crispy cheesy top with a hint of garlic. They were a hit with my family so I definitely need to return to the woods to forage some more! It's a great excuse to get outside and be creative in the kitchen. You could make garlic bread, pesto or bubble and squeak.  The Telegraph  have a useful beginners guide for foraging wild garlic. The National Trust also have a guide on their...

After celebrating the arrival of Spring in Japan , it was high time to do the same in England. While in Japan it's all about blossom, England has to offer some fantastic bluebells.  Hatchlands in Surrey is a stately home famous for its large collection of pianos and harpsichords. However the star attraction that day was to be found in the forest.  I followed the trail past a tree house and eventually came across a bluebell glade. It was a magical sight, I even found a fairy sized door at the bottom of one of the tree trunks. I knocked but there was no answer... After losing myself amongst the bluebells, I headed to the stables which have been converted into a delightful tea room. I came late in the day and was crestfallen at the lack of cake. However there was some Victoria Sponge still going. I'd forgotten just how good Victoria Sponge is, often mistaking it as a boring choice but now consider it a classic. I had suc...

Spring has finally sprung and there is no better way of celebrating this glorious season than gazing at sakura in Japan.  I wasn't even planning to be in Japan for the cherry blossom season. Each area has such a narrow window for sakura that it was a wonderful surprise to be in Tokyo when the blossom was at its height. I had naively imagined myself writing haikus with blossom floating around me. In reality, about a million people and I crowded into Ueno Park to witness the event of the season! Surprisingly, it didn't matter that there were hoards of tourists and locals. In a bustling megacity like Tokyo, it was practically a miracle that we all managed to find a certain amount of peace, marvelling at this natural wonder. Many of the locals were picnicking under the blossom and their spread was incredible, from mouth watering noodle dishes to yakitori. I got very jealous and so headed towards the many food stalls in the park. I bought some Okonomiyaki which are ve...

I have a new love and it is called melonpan. This sweet bread is everywhere in Japan, and when it’s fresh out of the oven, nothing can beat it. It is a light, sweet bread with a crisp top and can be recognised by the distinctive crosses etched onto it. The name comes from the fact that it apparently looks like a cantaloupe melon, rarely is the bread actually melon flavoured. As for 'pan', that is the japanese word for bread, which originates from Portuguese.  On my quest to eat as much melonpan as possible, I found myself at Asakusa Kagetsudo Honten. This tiny little shop near the Asakusa Temple in Tokyo is famous for its jumbo melonpan. Asakusa (Senso-jiin) is one of the most famous sights in Tokyo. This Buddhist temple was built in the seventh century. The big gate of thunder opens the way to a path lined by little huts selling Japanese souvenirs and snacks. Once you arrive at the temple, you can get good luck by wafting incense over yourself. You can even find o...

Coming down Arthur's Seat No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a wander down The Royal Mile, a spectacular street headed by a magnificent castle and tailed by a royal palace.  My first stop was Gladstone's Land. This is an example of one of Edinburgh's early 'skyscrapers' where people from all walks of life lived on different levels of the building. The house was owned by a rich 17th century merchant. The upper floors are more lavish, including an ornate bedroom where the resident would entertain guests from bed! The ground floor is equally interesting as it is a recreated Luckenbooth - a lockable shop. This Luckenbooth was the workplace of a wool merchant who sold his goods through an arched window to customers on the street. At the end of the day he would lock the wooden shutters and the space would become his living quarter. Nifty! Biscoff slice with Chai Latte and Hot Chocolate. My next stop was inevitably at a tea room! Mimi's Bakehou...

Battling through wind and rain at the seaside can only mean one thing - it's New Year! It may sound like madness but if you live in drizzly England, you might understand the peculiar tradition of battling the elements between Christmas and New Year to walk off mince pies and bond with your family. This year's wet excursion was along the cliffs towards Cuckmere Haven in Sussex. It is a truly beautiful spot and I was one of many windswept walkers to appreciate this eccentric tradition! Now that's my kind of mountain! To warm up after my chilly walk, I gladly had cream tea at the quaint Singing Kettle teahouse in Alfriston . As I was smothering my last scone of the year in jam, I felt rather reflective.  2015 has been an exciting year for the Crumbs to Crunch sisters. Once sister moved back from France while the other jetted off to Japan. This blog has inspired so many adventures in the name of good food. I'll leave you with some of my favouri...

Nothing gets me more in the festive mood than A Christmas Carol. For all the Scrooges out there, they must visit Chester at Christmas . Gone is the bah humbug mentality when you enter the magnificent Chester Cathedral . The cloisters are lined with trees with twinkling lights, all decorated by different businesses and members of the community.  This year, the cathedral is displaying a series of tableaux depicting  A Christmas Carol . The models are seriously impressive, particularly the gigantic Ghost of Christmas Present.  The festivities continue in the gorgeous café, located in a 13th century monks' dining hall. I feasted on the Liverpool cake which was inspired by the exotic ingredients newly available in the 19th centuiry from Liverpool's trade links, such as demarara sugar from Guyana, spices from the Middle East and sultanas from Turkey. This cake tasted a lot like carrot cake as it was moist and had lots of lovely spices. Perfect for Christmas! ...