La Rosilla

28/12/2024

guests today a family from Wisconsin, was chilly but we managed lunch Alfresco with blankets and heater 😋

24/12/2024

20/12/2024

Finally La Rosilla is fully adourned for the festivities.

Our foraged door wreath is hung, this year gathered from the garden. Azahar, ivy, rosemary, bay, cinnamon, olive, oranges, chillies and fir.

The first winter Narcissi have bloomed.

The piggy has had it's pedi.

Our eclectic 'Memories' tree has received this year's ornaments from our travels.

I found the perfect tiny present for myself to add to my Jug collection.

We have a full house arriving over the next few days of family and great friends. For once there'll be no arguments from me for a helping hand in the kitchen after a challenging time of illnesses.

From all our family at La Rosilla we wish you all a warm, peaceful and joyous Christmas x

Much love 😘

13/12/2024

Feeling all the festive feels as I reminisce about our very first Christmas tree! 🎄 Thirty years ago, we moved into our first house just a week before Christmas. With a tiny tree and no money left for decorations, I got creative and tied pink and white ribbons all over it. Fast forward to today, and I've done the same at La Biznaga for our very first Christmas here.

It's giving minimalist 🩷😜

But don’t worry—our wonderfully wild, crazy, colourful lifetime of memories tree will be ready to dazzle at La Rosilla tomorrow!

08/12/2024

Getting my cook on with my Mama, in a very blowy Blighty. Early Christmas dinner coming up 🌲🤶

03/12/2024

Such a heartwarming day, My guest Lina, who visited us a few years ago, promised to come back with her parents. She's been battling cancer and today she was finally able to return. The sun was shining and a special lunch Alfresco enjoyed.

Menu, Chicken liver parfait,with pistachio and pink pepper, & homemade fig jam.

Pork loin in serrano, braised lentejas, spiced butternut purée and baked apples.

Honey, ginger and saffron poached pears, ginger snap and homemade stem ginger ice-cream.

28/11/2024

Annual Pork Pie'athon 😋

It's virtually impossible to buy a good Pork Pie here, so I make them once a year.

What we can get though is fabulous pork, and Manteca Blanca which makes the best hot, crust, pastry.

The small hand held one's I call chef's perks.

I may gift a few, we'll see. 😜

28/11/2024

Haven't been firing on all cylinders recently, so I've shut myself away and had a little baking therapy.

The annual Pork Pie'athon, Festive fruitcakes, Cinnamon Buns and English muffins.

26/11/2024

Last night, we had the pleasure of dining at Casa Maria in Ronda, and it was an unforgettable experience! 🍷✨ What made it truly unique was the all-women team delivering impeccable service and their no-menu approach, allowing us to simply trust the chef and savour each creative dish as it arrived.

The passion and dedication behind every plate shone through, making the evening feel intimate and special. A must-visit for anyone who loves a culinary adventure!

We absolutely loved it—Highly recommend this gem if you’re ever in Ronda!

Afterwards, we wandered back through Ronda’s charming cobbled streets, taking in the stunning architecture beautifully lit up against the night sky.

24/11/2024

A short walk today.
loving the fifty shades of olives on the trees.

Colmenar is heaving as it's the annual the Chacina and Mosto festival.

22/11/2024

🌸 Something a little different at La Rosilla today... 🌸

I had the pleasure of hosting a delightful afternoon tea in our beautiful mountain setting. A feast of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of homemade sweet treats—all accompanied by perfectly brewed speciality tea (and maybe a cheeky glass of fizz!).

The chatter, laughter, and stunning views made it a truly special experience. Sometimes, the simplest pleasures create the most magical moments.

Would you love to join us for an afternoon tea experience? Let me know! 💕

21/11/2024

I received a special request to do 'Afternoon Tea' it was a joy to prepare and a surprise treat for my guest.

A sunny ☀️ afternoon so, enjoyed on the terrace.

Butternut and red pepper tart. Sandwiches of smoked salmon and avocado and the obligatory cucumber. Mini goats cheese and caramelised onion bagel. Scones, jam and cream and sweet treats of brownies, lemon drizzle and meringue kisses 😘

Fizz 🍾 and tea selection. ☕

14/11/2024

It's a fridge raiding, homemade, comfort, soup kinda day ! Broccoli 🥦 and blue cheese.

Rain has stopped and clear ups begin.

Local town halls are working tirelessly to clear our mountain roads and restore necessary services.

13/11/2024

We went to bed last night on the official 'Red Alert' for extreme weather warning. We even received alarm alerts in the early hours of the morning from the government. Most of us in the area woke to just a little drizzle, but then OMG did nature do it's worse. Flash flooding & landslides. We've been without power, but are safe and warm, candles and fires lit.

Our house is good but for a few leaks, the land has taken a battering with the force of the water and waterways to the river below.

Local villages, towns and Málaga have been severely flooded.

The warning ⚠️ is still live until late tomorrow, so we pray 🙏 for a calm night.

08/11/2024

✨ La Biznaga - Kitchen Transformation Complete! ✨

After some time in the works, the kitchen at La Biznaga is ready! We've blended traditional charm with modern flair to create a welcoming hub of the home. Swipe to see the ‘before’—what a journey! This space was quite the challenge, but every detail has come together to make it a space we’re so proud of.

01/11/2024

Today's guests were from South Carolina on their Andalucian Tour. Breakfast in the Hotel Balcón de los Montes, walking tour of Colmenar before a day of cooking and feasting all things Autumn.

November already !!! We're closing the kitchen for a while and flinging ourselves whole heartedly Into completing La Biznaga in Comares 🫣😜💕.

31/10/2024

Today, we welcomed Canadian guests on their cycling holiday, who've been braving some challenging weather over the past few days. Yesterday, they cycled from Antequera to Colmenar, and today, they made their way to La Rosilla. I set up a cosy, romantic table for two, lighting fires and candles to create a warm atmosphere. After a bit of back and forth, we finally managed to enjoy lunch outside. Full and spirits lifted, we helped them plan new routes, found them places to stay, and packed them—and their bikes—into the van. Tomorrow, they’re back on the road!