Monthly Archives: January 2012
Homemade Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
I made this soup a couple of days ago using a recipe by Rachel Allen. Perfect for cold wintery days!
Ingredients:
- About 8 ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 large red pepper cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, peeled and thickly sliced
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Leaves from 4 sprigs of thyme
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 600ml vegetable stock
- 50ml double cream
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 200′C
2. Arrange tomato halves and red pepper chunks, cut side up, in a single layer on a baking tray and scatter over the onion, garlic, thyme and sugar. Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season well with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until softened.
3. Once cooked, tip the entire contents of the baking tray, including any juices, into a blender. Add the stock and blend until smooth, then pour into a large saucepan. Bring the soup to the boil, add the cream, reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes to heat through.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty tiger bread!
I tried my first bowl full of this soup for lunch yesterday, and the verdict was….. delicious!! Although I had been told I smelt of garlic a lot, so I might cut down on the garlic cloves next time!
I love this…
It’s supposed to be for kids, but I love it!
Magazine Features…
A few more magazine publications for Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics!
My ‘Beside The Sea’ ceramic heart pendant appeared in the Gift Guide in the Dec 2011 issue of FACEON magazine, featured as Star Buy! I received my complimentary copy of the magazine this week…
My ceramic Leaf Bunting was featured in the Dec 2011 issue of Wedding Ideas Magazine…
and my ‘Dear Santa’ ceramic plaque was featured in the Dec 2011 issue of Affinity Magazine…
Overview of 2011
A little late, but better late than never… Happy New Year! Christmas seems like such a long time ago now, but it was lovely to have a relaxing break although I ate and drank far too much!
I would like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who supported me alongside Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics throughout 2011, including family, friends, customers, fans, and many more people I have met along the way. It wouldn’t be the same without you all! It has been another great year with plenty of memorable times, and I thought I would share some of the highlights with you…
- A range of my products were professionally photographed by Matt Debouge in 2011 (see a selection above). I was very happy with the results.
- I hosted my own solo exhibition entitled ‘Fragments of Nature‘ in two of the large cabinets at Daventry Library (below).
- I also took part in the following exhibitions throughout the year;
‘Craft & Design Month‘ at Down to Earth Gallery in May
‘Contemporary Coastal’ at Staacks from June – July
‘Summer Exhibition’ at Victoria Fearne Gallery from July – August
- While taking part in Theo Paphitis’ #SBS (Small Business Sunday) on Twitter, I was lucky enough to have my tweet re-tweeted by Theo in April 2011, which was a fantastic early birthday present!
- I was so excited to be on board The Light Direction team, becoming an official merchandise creator for the popular novel series. My specially designed beach hut hangings, magnets, brooches, pendants, plaques and mini art on easels are all now merchandise pieces for the ‘Beside The Sea’ theme of the book.
- I gained 4 new stockists;
The Tearoom Boutique
Peephole Crafts
Poppies Tea Shop
Also thanks to Pretty Things Derby where my products were stocked for a short period, but unfortunately the shop will be closing down in a couple of weeks.
- Some of my tea light bowls were used as props in the photography of some stunning jewellery.
- My new website www.charlottehupfieldceramics.com was launched in July, following the success of my new online shop which was relaunched in November.
- 2011 was my best year for magazine publications so far… I was featured in magazines including Vogue, House Beautiful, Amateur Gardening, Living Edge, Country & Border Life, Fusion Flowers, plus many more.
- I introduced some new products to my range, including Framed Ceramic Art…
…and also a varied selection of one-off wind chimes, mini ceramic art on easels, and decorative display panels.
- I also introduced some new design themes to my work, including dandelions, beach huts, leaves and bonsai trees. These themes are still currently under development so expect to see more from these ranges throughout 2012!
- I sold my work at various fairs and events throughout the year, and won a hamper prize at my last fair in December for ‘Best Dressed Stall’ which was a fantastic end to the year!
Phew, what a year it has been. It was quite a roller-coaster at times but still very enjoyable 
I’m looking forward to progressing with Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics in 2012, lots of exciting things are already planned – this year is going to be the best!
