My Edible Garden

I love this time of year because I am reminded just how magical the food growing process really is. Anyone who has seen apple blossom in its full glory will know what I’m talking about: a breath-taking display of beauty designed to lure in pollinators, and will soon become a wonderful source of food forContinue reading “My Edible Garden”

Basil Salt

If you’re looking for a hostess gift, a small batch of basil salt is a surprising and useful foodie present. Show up with a small, attractive jar of the salt, some gorgeous heirloom tomatoes procured from your local farmer’s market or specialty shop, and a bottle of really good olive oil. I, for one, wouldContinue reading “Basil Salt”

Easily remove sausage meat from its casing

One of the least enjoyable kitchen tasks is the act of squeezing sausage meat out of its casing to add to pasta sauces, stuffed peppers or sausage rolls. Instead, use a sharp pair of scissors (or a paring knife) to score the casing down the length of the sausage, then flip the meat out andContinue reading “Easily remove sausage meat from its casing”

100 Posts on Caroline Feeds!

100 recipes, meal ideas, ingredient spotlights and food-related thoughts. Here were a few of your favourites… (Click the photos to jump to the recipe.) Roasted Vegetable Pasta Readers’ all-time fav, and it certainly earns its place. Quick, nutritious and tastes fabulous. Broccoli Soup Simplicity itself, and works every time. Even better with a big hunkContinue reading “100 Posts on Caroline Feeds!”

An Ode to the Pub

I believe, and have believed for some time now, that there are only two things I need to enjoy a pub: I must feel welcome, and I must feel anonymous. Allow me to explain. The best pubs are the ones where you walk in the door and see a roaring fire. It’s warm and inviting.Continue reading “An Ode to the Pub”

I’ve just finished planning a party.

I’ve just finished planning a party. All completely academic, you understand, but exciting nonetheless. I have identified 12 of my favourite people, mentally rented tables, chairs and lanterns and set up the antipasti grazing table (prosciutto, salami, olives, sliced manchego and chunked parmesan, slices of ripe melon, brined artichokes, crusty bread and really good oliveContinue reading “I’ve just finished planning a party.”

January Reset

This time of year I find myself desperate for some light, nutritious and low-calorie foods. Not out of guilt or obligation – though I do feel I could benefit from some minor restraint – but because at this stage I am genuinely sick of heavy food. I’ve had enough. (Doesn’t help that Tom and IContinue reading “January Reset”

Happy New Year!

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!”

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”