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: sally@mycustardpie.com
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 and Facebook
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 used to be Sally2hats because I once wore one hat to the church and another in the evening at a wedding and gained a new nick-name
- 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 ATOM for helping to design my logo and header.
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
hi, i love you blog. we’d like to feature you in our magazine. please give me your contact details and i’ll get in touch. thanks.
Hi Sally! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for liking my Zucchini Carrot Bread post. Your blog is lovely. I can’t wait to explore it some more. Take care!
HI Sally, you have a great blog. I wanted to know if how can I get in touch with you? Please email me your contact inform if possible.
Mrs P – so good to read this, very ‘Julia & Julia’…keep up the good work! JT
Cheers JT
Just wanted to say a very belated thank you for visiting my blog and liking my Rapid Rise Italian Herb Bread. This is a very delicious bread. I hope you make it sometime and let me know how it turns out. I have a few other bread recipes in the archives and tons of recipes on Pinterest if you’re interested in checking them out sometime.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking my post, “London Calling.” Enjoyed reading your version of Come Dine With Me–one of my favorite shows when I lived in London!
I really loved reading this section…”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?” – made me smile!
So glad it made you smile….thankfully the vegetarian has expanded her repertoire…a bit
Hi there!
I just discovered your site today (via fig jam and lime cordial). Lovely things you have in your kitchen. I too love hummus and I didn’t know that you could freeze it! Now, if only my boys would eat it! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to coming back and reading more of your posts. Cheers!
It took a while for my youngest to like hummus but now she can’t get enough! Thanks for visiting.
Hi Sally, lovely blog and great pics.
Hello Sally,
I am so glad that I found your blog. I enjoyed reading your about page. Even I love to walk by the beautiful English country side. I went to school in Sheffield, well that was for my post graduation in Molecular Medicine. For personal reason, I had to re-locate to US of A and have been waiting for every opportunity to visit the Queen’s land. I briefly browsed through your posts and I am sure that I will be back often to check your recipes. Let’s stay connected.
Hahaha, now that’s a serious death row meal… would be hard pressed to come up with a better one
Hi, Sally,
I was sent the link to your blog by the friend of a friend, because I am also a food blogger and am moving to Dubai. Reading through the comments above, I saw your response about a food bloggers group on Facebook but a search turns up nothing. Perhaps the group is private? I am looking forward to the possibility of a meet up with other bloggers as I have been the only one I know in my last two locations: KL and Cairo.
Your blog is wonderful and I can’t wait to read through it as I get settled in Dubai.
Best regards,
Stacy
I’m very impressed by your blog–it’s an inspiration–appealing to all the senses, friendly, yet thoroughly professional. It’s a wonderful resource and a creation to be proud of!
Thank you Nancy – that’s a lovely accolade.
Hi Sally! I have just ‘nominated’ you for the Liebster Award
a bit silly but all in good fun! Take a look: http://pastryschooldiaries.blogspot.com/2012/12/liebster-award.html Have a wonderful holiday and take care! Gina
Hi Sally,
Thanks for liking my blog. Yours looks fascinating. Life has certainly changed since we lived in Dubai and struggled to find basic ingredients! I missed the changing seasons and walks in the countryside, but enjoyed walking by the sea. I’m also a passionate Dickens fan, reading Nicholas Nickleby at the moment.
For some reason I was fantasizing about rhubarb and custard this morning and thinking I should attempt to make some from scratch. Looks like I’ve come to the right place
I fantasize about rhubarb and custard – so you are not alone
Hi Sally,
Big fan of your blog.. also foodie as are most of Dubai, so always love to catch up on the latest and best of wining and dining! Please drop me an email as i have recently got involved in F&B Dubai and would love your feedback! Happy Valentines! xx
Thanks Hannah. My email address is above if you’d like to drop me a line.
Hi Sally, I’ve drawn a blank on trying to find someone who could bake me a really good quality chocolate cake, no fancy icing, for a special birthday this weekend at home in the ranches, all the people I’ve contacted cannot do it ! Could you please help? Monica http://www.doindubai.com
Hi Sally, I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. You can see details at: http://www.thesinglegourmetandtraveller.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/one-lovely-blog-award
Dear Sally,
With a lot of enthusiasm I have read your blog and I was wondering if I could ask you some questions. My name is Marije Kramer and I am a business student from the Netherlands. At the moment I am doing a research project about the baking market of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, desserts etc. in the UAE. It is difficult to find information about this topic, but I chose it because I am a big baking fan myself. As you know a lot about the UAE and baking, I would like to ask the following questions. If you are willing to answer them, then please send your email address so I can send you the questions.
Many thanks in advace.
Marije
Sally! What an engaging and joyful blog – good to know I am not the only one who reads cookbooks in bed. No crumbs, at least! Right now I’m working through Rose Levy Beranbaum’s The Bread Bible. I look forward to following your posts!
Hi Sally, thank you for Liking my article, “Anthony Teaches Me a New Trick.” After reading your About page, I’m convinced we must share some DNA! I didn’t know anyone else liked cookbooks as bedtime reading material. I find it almost impossible to put them down.
I love the English countryside; at least, what I’ve seen of it in my many favorite British TV shows and movies. (I watch so much more British than American TV that I find myself thinking in British terms and pronunciation sometimes.) So of course Dickens was my favorite author from about Jr. High school on. Then I discovered George MacDonald. I could go on and on.
I know this has nothing to do with your blog, but I LOVE the color of your hair!
I look forward to exploring your blog and trying some recipes.
Hi sally! thanks for taking the time to read my blog! I’m a big fan of yours and fooderati arabia. It’s nice to now there’s more people like one out there!
Wonderful blog and terrific photos as well. I see we have a love of cookbooks. I’m drowning in them. I tell myself I won’t buy more, but like shoes I just can’t help myself. Look forward to future posts from the other end of the globe, Vancouver, BC Canada. Cheers!
Shoes – I can resist. Cook books…. it’s a problem! I have a lot of Canadian friends…a lovely bunch.
Lovely blog! I feel that your blog is going to be my new space for inspiration. I wish I had discovered it earlier….thank you for stopping by my blog.
Thanks for the likes.
nice photos and blogs.
Sally come across another foodie blog that I though you might like. It’s run by a colleague of my friend Si (ask Keith). You can find it on http://thekitchenalchemist.co.uk/
All the best and hope all is well. Maybe see you in June.
Phil
xx
Just found your blog today and I am glad I did! Looking forward to follwing you and seeing what comes along, cheers!