Spiced Falafel Burgers with Red Cabbage

A healthy, vegetarian and speedy dinner to feed four. Great if you need some real food, fast, or if you’re looking for a brief break from heavier winter fare. The red cabbage, gentle spice and sweetness from the carrot and apple give it a wintery vibe, but of course these are great any time ofContinue reading “Spiced Falafel Burgers with Red Cabbage”

Merry Meatballs in a Bread Bowl

Meatballs get a festive twist with redcurrant, rosemary, brandy and cream. Perfect as picky finger food for a party served in one large, hollowed-out loaf of sourdough with toothpicks for spearing, or as a main course in individual crusty rolls, next to some form of vegetable. The meatball portion of the recipe will make enoughContinue reading “Merry Meatballs in a Bread Bowl”

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

If we’re having people over to stay, I love baking something the day before that keeps well – or even improves – upon sitting for a day or two. That way when people wake up, they can help themselves to a hot drink and a slice of cake, satisfying those immediate morning hunger pangs. ThoseContinue reading “Apple Streusel Coffee Cake”

Pan Fried Sea Bass with Courgette and Peas

I love this meal for its simplicity, but what’s amazing is how exciting it tastes. The combination of flavours is something very special. If you can find fresh garden peas this is a great use for them. Feeds 2 Ingredients 3/4 cup peas (400g if still in their pods) or use frozen2 medium courgettes2x 175gContinue reading “Pan Fried Sea Bass with Courgette and Peas”

A Fresh and Colourful Date Night Dinner

A fresh and delicious menu for two. And though I thoroughly endorse this meal as a perfect date night, it would also work really well for four, with hardly any more work to double up. Menu Broad Bean Bruschetta Chicken Parmigiana with a Rocket Salad Chocolate Semifreddo The broad bean bruschetta is a slightly adaptedContinue reading “A Fresh and Colourful Date Night Dinner”

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

As far as I’m concerned, the only thing better than a rhubarb dessert is a strawberry rhubarb one. I made this for Easter Sunday this year after a traditional roast leg of lamb. Sprightly and sweet, it’s springtime in a bowl. Serve with some vanilla custard or ice cream. Feeds 6 Ingredients 400g rhubarb, trimmedContinue reading “Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp”

Leek and Potato Soup with Bacon, Whiskey and Cream

A hearty, earthy soup that will warm you up on a stubbornly cold day. The whiskey adds a subtle complexity that seems to bring out all the other flavours. Feeds 4 – 6 Ingredients 2 – 3 slices of smoked streaky bacon, thinly sliced1 tsp olive oil½ tbsp butter2 – 3 leeks (depending on size),Continue reading “Leek and Potato Soup with Bacon, Whiskey and Cream”

Crispy Pork and Apple Crostini

This is a really exciting appetizer – crispy, shredded pork, spicy applesauce and peppery rocket are the perfect combination atop a crisp slice of baguette. What a treat. And while this might seem like a lot of work for an appetiser, it’s actually very easy and almost entirely make-ahead. The instructions are long, but theContinue reading “Crispy Pork and Apple Crostini”

Bar Nuts

The perfect snack for watching the game. Smokey, spicy and intensely savoury, these nuts are just the thing with a cold beer, or three. Ingredients: 4 cups raw, unsalted mixed nuts – I like walnuts, cashews, pecans and macadamias1/4 cup brown sugar3/4 tbsp sweet smoked paprika1/2 tsp cayenne1/4 tsp cinnamon1 tbsp flaked sea salt suchContinue reading “Bar Nuts”

An Afternoon Fiesta

A menu suitable for sports-watching, a casual birthday, or a fun entertaining idea. An Afternoon Fiesta Margaritas Bar NutsGuacamole and Tortilla ChipsPulled Pork Sliders Build-Your-Own ChilliCornbreadRice Red Velvet Cupcakes Margaritas, I mean real margaritas, are amazing. Once you get over the first sip they begin to go down very easily. Made of fresh lime andContinue reading “An Afternoon Fiesta”