The few days in the run-up to New Year’s are usually a time for reflection. This year, I’m using this time to look forward. Looking forward to a few lighter meals, to entertaining again, to seeing friends and family, to unrestricted long lunches in pubs, and to generally a bit more certainty. Like lots ofContinue reading “Happy New Year!”
Category Archives: Tips & Thoughts
In Praise of Make-Ahead Gravy
Jamie Oliver has brought many food-related joys into my life, and with the exception of that time I made his chicken liver pâté, he hasn’t let me down yet. Chief among his festive brain waves is his notion that we should all be making our Christmas gravy well ahead of time, freezing it, and simplyContinue reading “In Praise of Make-Ahead Gravy”
What I learned last Christmas
My husband and I hosted Christmas for the first time last year. In previous years I had always helped the hosts – obviously preparing food, and helping with lots of wrapping and decorating – but putting on the whole show unsupervised, as it were, was a different experience. And here’s what I learned. Do notContinue reading “What I learned last Christmas”
The Grazing Board
Grazing boards are very in right now, and for good reason – they look impressive and generous, but come with a relaxed vibe – exactly what party food should be. However, don’t be taken in by those glamorous grazing boards you see posted across Instagram. Those huge boards are packed completely full of anything andContinue reading “The Grazing Board”
Clean your mushrooms with a silicone pastry brush
There are a few different ways you can clean mushrooms (as long as you’re not running them under water). I used to go down the route of wiping the mushrooms with a damp paper towel, but now I just use a silicone pastry brush to quickly brush off any visible dirt. The silicone seems toContinue reading “Clean your mushrooms with a silicone pastry brush”
Preventing Waste with Tomato Paste
Otherwise known as tomato puree. Spoon out heaped tablespoons of leftover tomato paste onto pieces of cling film. Twist the ends of each section like a candy wrapper and store in the freezer. Throw a ball of tomato paste into whatever you’re cooking, straight from frozen. You’ll never throw out half a tin of tomatoContinue reading “Preventing Waste with Tomato Paste”
Gravy SOS
A few last minute tricks to the rescue. Too salty? Add a splash of water, a good grinding of pepper and 1 tsp redcurrant jelly / a squeeze of honey. Lacking depth? Add some Worcestershire sauce and a grinding of pepper. Too thin? Keep boiling it down over a high heat, stirring often. If it’sContinue reading “Gravy SOS”
Oven-Dried Tomatoes
If you’re lucky enough to grow your own tomatoes, or you just happen to have a bunch of tomatoes lying around, this is a fantastic way to use them up. Use in pastas, bruschettas or as part of an antipasti platter. To make these, halve a bunch of cherry tomatoes and place in a bakingContinue reading “Oven-Dried Tomatoes”
Cook with Confidence
My mother says, If you can read, you can cook. And it’s absolutely true. Good cooking comes from experience and practice. If you haven’t got the experience, that’s what recipes are for. And if it doesn’t work out, blame the recipe! Give yourself lots of time if you’re trying something new. Ideally, kick everyone outContinue reading “Cook with Confidence”
Runner Beans are in Season
Here’s how to prepare them… Top and tail the beans and run a vegetable peeler down the edge of the top and bottom, as shown. Cut the beans on the diagonal and boil in salted water for 5-6 minutes, until tender. Drizzle over a little olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Caroline Feeds 