The_Simple_Things_Nov_2025

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Taking time to live well

November

SPICE

Stove-top chai & toffee apple cake • Falling for autumn • Think like a stoic Bring back sleepovers • Kitchen dancing & scenic saunas • Gnocchi veg pie Mast years & library days • The joy of a dressing table • How to pang-wangle

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

Fire starters ADD SUGAR AND SPICE TO BONFIRE FAVOURITES AND YOU HAVE A RECIPE FOR SERVING UP ALL THINGS NICE Recipes & styling: KAY PRESTNEY Photography: REBECCA LEWIS

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Spiced campfire popcorn Serve alongside the classic game of ‘everyone counts the seconds between pops’.

Serves 4 2 tbsp popcorn kernels 2 tbsp vegetable oil ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp brown sugar

Warm corn popped over the fire – who needs a movie when you can watch those mesmerising flames

1 Get a lidded, fire-proof saucepan with a long handle and fill with the popcorn kernels, veg oil and cinnamon. Shake to coat the kernels.

2 Hold the pan with the lid on about a foot over the flames of your campfire, shaking it frequently for even cooking.

3 After a few minutes you’ll hear all the kernels popping, hold over the flame moving continuously until the pops are about 10 secs apart, which means they should be done.

4 Carefully open the lid and pour the sugar over the hot kernels, before giving it another good shake. Serve in popcorn paper bags or mugs. » 7

OUTING

SCENIC SAUNAS TAKING THEIR CUES FROM NORDIC CUSTOMS, A NEW BREED OF SAUNAS ARE POPPING UP AROUND THE UK, OFFERING EXTREMES OF HOT AND COLD IN EQUALLY EXHILARATING SCENERY Words: EMMA O’KELLY

GALLERY

AUTUMN

colour

ANGELA HARDING CAPTURES THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON, ITS BIRDS, BEASTS AND RUSSET LEAVES

AUTUMN CHICKENS (Linocut and silkscreen) “The chickens were a mixture of breeds that clucked and roamed around the garden. There was always the threat of foxes, often seen in the fields around the cottage, their coats gleaming gold in lateautumn sunlight as they dashed across the countryside.”

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GATHERING

Harvest roast GET OUT THE NAPKINS AND LAY THE TABLE TO CELEBRATE THE BEST OF AUTUMN WITH A SPECIAL SUNDAY DINNER Recipes & styling: REBECCA FINLEY Photography & styling: EMMA CROMAN

T

he leaves are golden, there’s a nip in the air, the nights are drawing in – it’s time to get a joint in the oven and gather friends and family around the kitchen table. Few will say no to the offer of a roast. Give yours an autumnal vibe with apples, pears, spice and berries. Light a fire and dress the table with candles and seasonal foliage, then welcome friends with a blackberry fizz. Mouth-watering aromas will help you all eagerly anticipate the crispy pork and caramelised fruit, the stars of this show. Add sage and garlic mash, baked root veg and a cauliflower cheese that’s clamouring for star billing and you have something for everyone. Keep pudding light; a thyme-infused sponge topped with roasted figs and a good dollop of creamy yogurt. Then put your feet up and enjoy a well-deserved snooze. »

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* What's your best bit of a roast dinner? See how the country votes on page 124.

MENU Blackberry fizz Apple & pear roasted pork Roasted garlic mash with crispy sage browned butter Autumnal veg traybake Loaded cauliflower cheese Fig & thyme sponge

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HOME TOUR

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL A HOME BURSTING WITH COLOUR AND CLEVER DESIGN IDEAS MAKES USE OF EVERY INCH OF SPACE FOR A FAMILY LIVING IN A LEAFY CORNER OF NORTH LONDON Words: KAREN DUNN Photography: JAMES BALSTON

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What’s in store might surprise you. Space is at a premium in this family home, so everything works hard. In the dining area, the bench seating doubles as handy storage

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Taking time to live well

161

THE SIMPLE THINGS NOVEMBER 2025

November

Harvest roasts & bonfire snacks

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SPICE

SIM161frontcover.3AM.indd 1

08/10/2025 14:09

thesimplethings.com

MIURA WALLPAPER (LIMELACE.CO.UK)

SPICE

Stove-top chai & toffee apple cake • Falling for autumn • Think like a stoic Bring back sleepovers • Kitchen dancing & scenic saunas • Gnocchi veg pie Mast years & library days • The joy of a dressing table • How to pang-wangle