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...
19 days 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....
about 1 month 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...
about 2 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...
2 months ago • 1 min read
When it's hot outside you can still enjoy a selection of summer treats without spending too much time in the kitchen or turning on the oven. If you are looking for an easy dessert you could try this avocado chocolate mousse which takes only minutes to prepare. Or you may like to try this refreshing lemon mousse or white chocolate mousse with raspberries. These easy no bake granola bars are perfect for a between meal snack, picnics, or while travelling. Or you may like to try these chocolate...
3 months ago • 1 min read
August is a time for making the most of summer produce. I have selected a few recipes, some to enjoy now and others to help you stock your cupboards with preserves for the months ahead. Try this rustic cheese and tomato galette, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce for pasta dishes or make some individual vegetable quiches for a meat free lunch or dinner. Whether you are looking for ideas on how to use homegrown vegetables and fruits or make the most of seasonal produce from a farmers market...
3 months ago • 1 min read
With long summer days and sunshine, now is the time to relax and make the most of the season with one of these refreshing summer recipes. Cool down with a glass of Moroccan mint tea or this non-alcoholic watermelon drink. Or try one of these cool desserts such as affogato or homemade ice cream. You can easily make your own no churn chocolate ice cream, coffee and pecan ice cream or stracciatella without an ice cream maker. Watermelon drink This cool and refreshing non-alcoholic drink is made...
4 months ago • 1 min read
My go to meal idea for the summer is risotto. It is quick and easy to prepare and is a good way to use whatever vegetables I have to hand. And as it is cooked using only one pan it does not create too much washing up which has to be a plus! With the summer weather in full swing I have selected a few recipes to help you save time in the kitchen and also make the most of seasonal produce. Broad bean risotto This flexible one pan meal is simple to prepare and will save you time in the kitchen....
4 months ago • 1 min read
Make the most of seasonal fruits this summer with one of these fruity recipes. If you have raspberries you could make a raspberry frangipane tart or this white chocolate mousse which is layered with raspberries. If you are lucky enough to have blackcurrants you could use some to make this easy no bake blackcurrant cheesecake. Or you could make a fruit crumble tart filled with fresh summer fruits which is delicious either warm or cold. If you have garden fruits such as apples, pears, plums,...
5 months ago • 1 min read