Add a dash of colour and flavour to January days with one of these zesty citrus recipes. Now is a good time to make a batch of orange marmalade when Seville marmalade oranges are in season in the UK. And as this recipe is suitable for long storage it will keep you in stocked up over the months ahead. These chocolate orange shortbread biscuits have been popular in recent weeks. They are simple to make, perfect for freezing and are one of my favourites. Or you could try this orange and ginger...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Indulge in a little holiday magic with one (or more 🙂) of these homemade Christmas treats. Firstly, if you haven't already seen my latest posts, cranberry, apple and mincemeat strudel and crumble topped mince pies, you may want to take a look and add to your Christmas baking shortlist. Christmas treats Nothing beats homemade treats over Christmas. From melt-in-your-mouth fudge to silky chocolate banana truffles or chocolate dates to chocolate salami these handmade treats are just the thing to...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Whether you're hosting a crowd or having a quiet celebration, a little planning and preparation will make things easier and could save you time. Whether you are preparing a meat free Christmas dinner or catering for one or two vegetarian guests you may find some recipe ideas here. Make a nut roast in advance to leave you stress free on the day. Or try these individual nut roasts or nut cutlets, both of which are freezer friendly. There are lots of desserts which can be prepared the day before...
2 months ago • 1 min read
November is about making the most of seasonal produce, be it root vegetables or late autumn fruits. Why not try some roasted Hasselback carrots or butternut squash and chilli soup topped with homemade croutons? If you have access to persimmons now is a good time to make a batch of persimmon jam. This tasty preserve is perfect for spreading on toast and will keep for several months. If you haven't already tried baked apples, pear and almond tart or oaty fruit crumble now is a good time while...
3 months ago • 1 min read
This fruity mincemeat recipe has been my most viewed post during October. It combines dried fruits, citrus zest, spices and brandy to make a luxury filling for mince pies. It will keep for several months in sterilised jars ready to use in one of these festive baking recipes. Other popular recipes include crunchy oat biscuits, no knead olive bread, almond slices, sweet shortcrust pastry and apple custard tart. Vegetarian mincemeat This mincemeat is made without suet making it a tasty treat for...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Fill your kitchen with the aroma of one of these tasty October bakes! At this time of the year I have regular baking sessions to keep our cake tins and freezer topped up with baked goods ready to enjoy as a dessert or with a cup of coffee. I also like to share them with friends and neighbours. While I have a weakness for cakes and biscuits I only enjoy them if they are homemade. I think they are so much better than any mass produced goods. From sweet almond frangipane to lightly spiced fruit...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Cosy up with a bowl of homemade soup! Whether you like chunky vegetables, hearty lentils, tangy tomatoes or spices, homemade soups are just the thing for chilly days. These vegetarian soups are simple to prepare and make a complete meal when paired with fresh crusty bread. They are also flexible. If you don't have one of the ingredients or want to substitute something else, in many cases this will work. If you have any old bread, use it to made some crunchy croutons to add to your soup....
4 months ago • 1 min read
I'd like to share with a you a few freezer friendly recipes which I make regularly and freeze ready for busy days. I don't buy or eat ready made ultra processed foods. Instead I like to prepare freezable dishes so that I can serve wholesome homemade foods even when I'm short of time. These individual nut roasts are something I started to make for that very reason. I cook a batch, leave them to cool and then transfer to a freezer bag. I find these very useful as they can be defrosted and...
5 months ago • 1 min read
September is a time when we transition from summer to autumn dining. It is a good time to make the most of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears and plums. Tarts and crumble puddings are a perfect way to use autumn fruits. They can also be used to make this mixed fruit chutney, a tasty condiment to add to sandwiches or a cheeseboard. If you have a glut of tomatoes this easy tomato chutney is a good way to preserve some to enjoy over the months ahead. Simply pop the ingredients in a pan and...
5 months ago • 1 min read