I always think that anything is better if it is homemade and hot cross buns are no exception. These hot cross buns have a soft bread dough with dried fruit and spices and are simple to make. My favourite way to enjoy them is toasted and buttered, but they are just as nice served cold or hot straight from the oven. They can be prepared in advance and frozen and are a real treat. Here are a few other ideas for treats to enjoy over the Easter weekend. Cherry cheesecake Cherry cheesecake has a...
10 days ago • 1 min read
I have been planning to make individual portions of a nut based dish suitable for making ahead and freezing. I created these mini nut roasts which are made using a mixture of chopped dried apricots (a favourite of mine for flavour), chopped nuts and other basic ingredients and cooked in a muffin tin. Each one is just the right size for a single serving. They are perfect for freezing and can be defrosted and reheated when needed. They are a perfect "ready meal" but unlike processed foods they...
17 days ago • 1 min read
It may not be summer holiday time yet but you can still enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean. Fortunately many ingredients used around the Med such as tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, aubergines and beans are available in other regions so we can make our own versions of popular Mediterranean dishes. Why not make a pot of ratatouille, minestrone or tomato and bean soup? And if you have a good supply of tomatoes you could make a batch of fresh tomato sauce to add to pasta dishes such as cannelloni...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Crunchy oat biscuits continue to be my most viewed post. They contain wholemeal flour, brown sugar and honey to produce a tasty and wholesome biscuit which is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. If you haven't already tried them why not give them a go! I have selected a few other biscuit (cookie) recipes which are also easy to make and are suitable for freezing. Sesame seed biscuits These are a variation on crunchy oat biscuits with the addition of sesame seeds. You can also add other seeds...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Whether spring has arrived where you live or you are still waiting for the weather to improve, you may find you are ready to move away from winter meals. I have selected some recipes using seasonal produce including asparagus, broad beans, broccoli and spinach. Take a look at these tasty recipes for asparagus quiche and pasta with asparagus. Or why not try one of these easy one pan risotto recipes such as broad bean risotto or broccoli and blue cheese risotto. Mushroom and leek quiche This...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Dress up your veggies! I have selected a few recipes using common vegetables including carrots, cabbage, cauliflower and sprouts which may give you a change from your usual cooking methods. Some recipes including spicy cauliflower bites, mushrooms with blue cheese and quinoa, winter salad and spicy cabbage can be prepared and cooked in less than half an hour making them perfect for busy days. Hasselback carrots These hasselback style carrots are roast with honey and fresh rosemary and make an...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Take a look at my latest recipe addition, carrot cake Swiss roll. I always enjoy carrot cake but thought it would be fun to make a Swiss roll version. The sponge has finely grated carrots, warm and fragrant spices and is rolled with a mascarpone cream filling. Other recipes with spirals Spanakopita spiral This Greek inspired filo pie has spinach and feta filled rolls formed into the shape of a spiral. Asparagus quiche Another filo pastry recipe, having asparagus spears and folded filo pastry...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Easy recipes Recent post Quick and easy to make, freezer friendly, cheap, not to mention tasty and nutritious, there are lots of reasons to try this three bean chilli. Easy desserts Continuing with the the theme of 'easy recipes' I've selected a few easy no bake desserts for you to try. Avocado chocolate mousse Whip up this rich and creamy dessert in only 10 minutes! Made with a base of avocado, this mousse contains no eggs or cream. No bake granola bars This easy snack contains wholesome...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Almond blossom time In February the hills of the Alpujarra (in southern Spain) burst into bloom and the air is full of the sweet scent of almond blossom. The pink and white blossom is a sight to be seen and this has prompted me to share a few of my favourite recipes using ground almonds. Recipes using almonds Pear and almond tart A delicious tart filled with almond frangipane and pears which is delicious either hot or cold. Swiss chard with almonds and raisins This quick and easy vegetable...
2 months ago • 1 min read