About
Huge thanks to Yehya Al Hafidh for the profile pics
Welcome to ‘My Custard Pie
- a creative space to share my enthusiasm for food with simple ingredients of good provenance that is a comfort to eat, especially with friends. Thank you for visiting and I hope you’ll browse a few pages and maybe leave a comment; they are always appreciated.
The Independent chose My Custard Pie as part of its top 50 food websites and The National one of the UAE’s best food blogs.
About me: From Gloucestershire, England, UK, I moved to the Middle East for a short while and have stayed rather a long while. I miss walking in the countryside, wild flowers, farm animals and artisan shops but make the most of all that the exciting, energised and multi-cultural city of Dubai has to offer.
I’m a creative person and cooking fills that gap when life gets too busy for other outlets – writing it down is the icing on the cake. I love to share food with friends and family so having you in my kitchen too, fills me with pleasure.
While I can be seduced (not in a literal sense you understand) by the ministrations of an attentive waiter and the luxurious surroundings of fine dining my first choice is a local bistro with a limited menu taken from fresh, local ingredients. Nothing fancy, focus on the taste (and good company).
Mother of teens (one vegetarian) and a husband, KP, who act like they are judges on Masterchef at every meal, I also have two Border terriers. The dogs will (thankfully) eat anything.
My love of custard started at an early age and has never abated.
To get in touch please leave a comment or email: sallypro1@yahoo.co.uk
A big thank you to Yehya Al Hafidh – a very talented young photographer – who took my profile pic. See more of his work on Flickr.
In my kitchen making custard
Other random things about me
- I have over 80 cookery books and often read them in bed
- I don’t know the meaning of under-catering
- My Twitter name is Sally2hats because I once wore one hat to the church and another in the evening at a wedding and gained a new nick-name (and like most working Mothers, I juggle many roles).
- Rosie and Hazel are my two Border Terriers – they would lick you to death given half a chance.
- I’m in love with walking in the English countryside (which is a bit sad as I live in a desert).
- My favourite footwear is my walking boots (with gaiters) – I wouldn’t swap them even if offered Jimmy Choos.
- My children were perched on a stool making scrambled eggs, stirring risotto, rolling meatballs and helping in the kitchen. They had pureed vegetables for baby food, we had family meals together and they ate everything until the age of two years old. How did I end up with a vegetarian who doesn’t like vegetables and a teen who won’t eat fish, tomatoes or anything on the bone?
- If forced to choose one musical genre it would be jazz all the way.
- Live music of any kind thrills me (adding a postscript since seeing recent concert – except Britney Spears).
- Roast pork, crackling, apple sauce, stuffing, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, cabbage and gravy would be my death row meal.
- I’ll stick my hands up a chicken’s bottom (the dead kind I hasten to add) but hate touching sticky dough.
- Rearing chickens is a recurring fantasy.
- Reading Dickens is my stress relief.
- I’m becoming more and more addicted to The Archers (although almost tempted to send Vanessa Whitburn hate mail).
- I haven’t visited nearly enough vineyards in my life or learnt enough about wine but this doesn’t stop me from wanting to know more …and drink more (varieties I mean).
- To relieve stress I think about being at the ‘echo place’ in Wadi Rum in Jordan, in the Qaddisha Valley in Lebanon or on top of Widgery Cross on Dartmoor. I feel calm.
Thanks for dropping by.
Hazel and Rosie eating bones
Thank you to Maria from Fellow Sisters for the header design of this blog.
Excellent blog! Have just found it and am hungry now!! Live in Dubai and love cooking too – but family also not so passionate – but with all the variety and tastes surrounding us here in Dubai – that is slowly changing! Thanks for the info on the organic farm shop.
I have been desperate for someone to improve our fresh food (in our mad climate – I know that is hard) so am very impressed and in awe of the founder of this!
When my son wakes up – I shall go exploring and see if I can find it!!! Now what shall I cook…..
Thanks for nice feedback. I think we are so lucky to have this farm shop and things like the farmers market are steps in the right direction. It makes a huge difference to the way I cook when the ingredients are this fresh. Enjoy.
Gosh I love your blog. What next I am watching and reading avidly.
P
x
Hi Sally – Recently found your website as I was searching for fellow food bloggers in Dubai. Look forward to reading your site more often! (also loved the lemon amaretti cake recipe you’ve posted up – gotta try that one…)
On a separate note, I’m also thinking of starting a food blogger’s group in Dubai, where bloggers come together once a month to either try out a new restaurant, do a potluck with their own homemade concoctions, or just sit around and talk food.
Do let me know if you’d be interested!
I’d be delighted to – have had quite a few ideas about this myself but not got round to doing anything about it! I’ll drop you an e-mail with my address. There are a few Dubai foodies on Twitter too (I’m @sally2hats) PS let me know how you get on with the lemon amaretti cake.
Hi Sally,
I came across your blog whilst doing some research about the Nazwa organic farm closing down.
I’m a reporter at The National….would like to speak to you about importance of organic fruits/veg and getting a hold of them in Dubai in the next day or so if you have a few minutes to spare?
very best wishes,
Hamida Ghafour
Thanks Hamida, There is a huge groundswell of disappointment and sadness about the closure of this fantastic operation. I think people would appreciate an article that raises this and the importance of being able to buy affordable, fresh organic food. I’ve also sent you an e-mail.
Hi Sally,
I found your website today when I read about your statements in The National about the closing of Nazwa Farm. I also read the comment above from Foodonymph. I live in Dubai too and have been food blogging for a year now. I’d like to get together with fellow Dubai food bloggers. If you guys get together someway (like Foodonymph suggested), I’d be keen to join.
Hope to speak soon.
Anja
Hi Anja, I like the look of your blog a lot. I’ve sent your details to Foodnymph who is coordinating a meet up. Hope to meet you soon.
Hi Sally – what’s your email address so I can mail you re cameras? I can’t seem to find it!
Hi I just discovered your blog
I am food blogger from dubai as well (been blogging since 2008), and i thought until now its a lonely world out here! happy to be surprised 
Rajani – how lovely of you to visit. There is a new food bloggers group here in Dubai if you want to meet up – real mixture of people but all slightly obsessed by food! Join us?
Hi Sally
Do you have to blog to attend? I’ve been hoping to meet a group to stir up my passion for cooking and a group of bloggers sound great. Most of Dubai’s tourist food scene is disappointing but the hidden gems are what make it worthwhile. I’m also interested in attending some regular cooking classes and would love to hear if anyone has attended some worthwhile ones.
Hi Angus – Not sure what you mean about attending a blog. There is a group for food bloggers in Dubai called Famished in Arabia on Facebook. Don’t know of many cooking classes – there’s a nice icing course at Tavola on Jumeirah Beach Road or see my post about Green papaya salad about a school in Satwa. Good luck.
Hi Sally,
Make your own pumpkin pie spice:
* 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Greetings from Colorado.
Kirsten
Thank you so much – that spice mix sounds heavenly.
Love the design of your blog banner; it is so personal and a bit quirky.
Sounds like there are quite a few like-minded folks in Dubai after all!
Thanks – I have lots of plans in my head to change it but am attached to the quirkiness. Get in touch in you are ever passing this way, it’s a very friendly foodie crowd.
Hello there, just stumbled upon your blog. It’s great! I too am a food blogger and photographer here in Dubai. It’s great to know that we are a growing force of food lovers and educators!
Edwina
Thanks for dropping by. Your site is beautiful and I’m particularly interested in your gardening. My herb seeds are popping up nicely but I’ve never tried vegetables (unless you count tomatoes). Please come and join us…there is a growing group of food bloggers and our group is on Facebook called Famished in Arabia.
Hello Sally! Thanks for dropping by my blog giving me the chance to discover yours as well! You have a lovely space here and your recipes are mouthwatering. I’m glad your mother-in-law passed on to you more than the humble yet delicious souvlaki
Magda
Hi Sally, Lovely to meet you though the monthly mingle, great blog, will try to come back often
I’m glad I stumbled upon your site — it’s adorable. Cute dogs, too!
heey sally ,
Great blog … your food looks so yummy, i am actually kindda a hungry now…
listen can you send me your email , i have an idea and i would like to know , if you would be interested in it.
Have a good day
Hi there….I found your site through a comment you made on indiansimmer.com! I’m so excited to see your blog and find out thati’m not the only food blogger in dubai! Have just joined the fb group as well! Great blog!
Thanks for your nice comment Sukaina – hope to meet you at a ‘Famished in Arabia’ meet up soon.
Hi Sally
Quick question – am I dreaming or are you originally South African? And if so, do you want to be listed on the South African food & wine blog directory? Drop me an e-mail and let me know
Dreaming I’m afraid – did visit your lovely country in 1997 and would love to return. Thanks for the offer.
Hi Sally! I’m new to the blog community and among other things about life in Dubai, I love blogging about food too-mostly at restaurants
I love your blog and was so excited to chance upon so many UAE-based bloggers thru your site. Great work-I will be a regular here:)
Thanks for dropping by and the nice comment. Check out the Famished in arabia facebook group too.
Dubai is fascinating and so is your blog.
Words fail me – but not you it seems.
Hi Sally,
I’ve been following your blog for a while. Have you set up a group for food lovers in the UAE? I’d be interested in joining if you guys meet up on a regular basis. Can you send me some details?
Thanks,
Jihane
Thanks Jihane, I’ll drop you a line, but in the meantime just to say we’ve set up a group for people who blog about food in the UAE on Facebook called Famished in Arabia.
Hey Sally,
Just thought I would come over and share some love.
Food and humour make great company!
Blessings,
K
BTW< my husband too loves everything with a sauce!
Dear Sally
I hope all is well.
We have started a new organic food venture in Dubai named “Down to Earth”.I saw your Nazwa post dated July 31 and that’s why wrote about our new venture. I was hoping if I get could get in touch with you to provide a sample bad . My contact details are as follows
Dev Ashar
800- Organic
Awaiting your positive reply
Exciting – can’t wait to hear from you.
Hi Sally,
I am writing an article on organic food in the Middle East and I would be very interested to hear your views on the matter, and to know if you have found anywhere that you can buy truly organic food.
Please drop me an email if you’d be willing to chat. I am new to the region as well as to the magazine and would love to hear your views!
Hello Sally,
I have an interesting cooking activity coming up.
could you please email me back so i could fill you in.
regrads,
Rana
Hi Sally
Your blog is fantastic.
I would like to send you an invite to a lunch tasting. Would it be possible to send me your email address?
Thank you!
Hi sally,
I found your blog today while Scrumptious, shared a link on your post..!!
I too live in dubai. good to know there r so many other bloggers from Dubai..!!
You hav a lovely blog and good bit of information on organic … stuff too..!!
Good to know there is a bloggers group …hope to join u all soon..!!
Live music of any kind? I’ll hold you to that!!!!LOL
That folk dancing concert excepted!
Cute! Greetings from Europe!
Petra
Hi Sally, just saw you on The Independent’s ’50 best food websites’. Congrats!!!
Clare xx
Thank you Clare – I was thrilled to be included.
Love your blog! I’m a lazy reader but could NOT stop reading this post. I’m fascinated by all this information and can’t wait to explore the rest of your blog.
Thank you for your kind comment.
Hi Sally,
I’m Trisha from Dubai and I just discovered your blog. I just wanted to say I absolutely love it. I love everything from the photos to recipes. Since you seem to also enjoy the photography aspect of food I thought I would give you the link to one of my favourite websites. It’s a food photo blog and you seem like someone who would appreciate it as much as I do!
http://foodexhibitionist.tumblr.com/ – Enjoy!
Keep up the amazing blog!
I’m loving this blog. It makes me feel so hungry! It looks so beautiful too. Good job!
Thanks so much – really glad you like it.
Way too many “six-degrees of sepration” here . . love food (am a former caterer), writing a blog (www.arabiantalesandotheramazingadventures.blogspot.com), four children who grew up my kitchen helping prepare the meal (an all have gone on to be wonderful cooks and entertainers), having freinds in the kitchen brings such pleasure (group cooks were a favortie pastime in USA), jazz, live music, fine wine, living in Dubai . . but most important savoring the Wadi Rum in Jordan! Any chance we could meet for coffee.. Thanks.
Thanks for stopping by Katie – I think you are right about the six-degrees. (Think your comment got abbreviated for some reason).
having freinds in the kitchen brings such pleasure (group cooks were a favortie pastime in USA), jazz, live music, fine wine, living in Dubai . . but most important savoring the Wadi Rum in Jordan!
This remainder of comment you didn’t get. Thanks
Hello Sally
I discovered your blog today and I love the Photography and the spirit behind it.
Looking at all the comments it almost seems a shame I´m not from Dubai!
Best
Gaby
Thanks Gabriele – yes there are pros and cons to every place in the world but I count myself very lucky to be living here.
Hello Sally,
I have been reading your blog and loved the recipes and the great photos.
I would like to contatct you to tell you about a project for food bloggers in the UAE. Do you mind sending me an email, to send you more details.
Thanks,
Hattan
Sally – been stopping by but never read this. Good to get to know you a touch better. And now I’m thinking about custard!
Always the most difficult page to write I think – I have so many revisions in my drafts folder Ozoz.
hi Sally,
i came into ur blog thro the Aquarius Magazine – i live in fujairah – u have a beautiful blog – great info – am gonna follow u – i have a blog too – am new to this and would love ur feedback n suggestions if any:)
Hi Vidhya – thanks so much for leaving your nice comment. You may be interested to know there are over 80 food bloggers in the UAE and we connect through a private Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/FamishedinArabia/ – which you’d be welcome to join. We also have a group site called Fooderati Arabia where you’ll see a list of all the UAE and Gulf food bloggers (that we know about!). Looks like you are doing a great job on your blog.
Hello Sally,
Thank you for visiting l’agent cuisinier!
I love your blog and the evident passion you have towards food!
Wishing you all the best….
moustique – l’agent cuisinier
Hi Sally – I came into your blog while I was reading about Fooderati Arabia. As I will be mentioning or must have mentioned so many times – Travel, Food & photography are pure passions. Relatively new to the blogosphere – am still building up by food section in my blog. I have emailed to Fooderati Arabia. Am very excited to be interacting with such passionate foodies. Feels like I’m not alone!
I would love to have your feedback.
Hello, Sally! We really enjoy your blog, so we’ve nominated you for the “Kreativ Blog Award”. Congratulations!
http://trevandgailacooking.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/kreativ-blogger-award/
Hi Sally! I love your blog. Your recipes are fantastic and your stories are so interesting. I have decided to nominate you for the Versatile Blogger Award. http://curiouscuisiniere.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/versatile_blogger_award/
Hi Sally, Do you ever do reviews in Abu Dhabi? There is a new Organic, Authentic Italian restaurant, slightly new concept that I thought might interest you. Check them out http://www.apicae.com
Gergana