It’s that time of year again, Christmas! The time of snow, of hot chocolate, of woolly hats and of fires. I always enjoy this time as I can sit inside and look out the window, wrapped in a blanket and think “I am so glad I don’t have to go out in that cold weather”. …
Fruity Figs and Blue Cheese Starter
It is the season for figs. When you think of classic accompaniments to figs, your mind will often wonder to the sweeter tastes, such as honey, orange zest, toasted almonds and cream. But I have found that fig and blue cheese is an excellent combination, if a bit unusual. The sweetness of the figs compliments …
Creamy Goat Cheese and Butternut Squash Risotto from an Italian Chef
Risottos prepared in restaurants are magical dishes. They are creamy and so packed with flavour. However, whenever I have tried to recreate this amazing experience at home, I always seem to fall short. The dish never has that rich creamy texture and always seems to be lacking flavour no matter what I do. This all …
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Fruity Tea Bread
Fruity tea bread is a classic in our family. When you have just come home from a long day at work and want a snack before dinner, this is the first thing we always reach for. It can be eaten cold or toasted covered in dripping butter with a cup of tea in the evening. …
EVEN more blackberries to pick!
On a walk yesterday in my local forest I was delighted to find more blackberries. As I rarely get an opportunity to gather these lovely berries and I love the taste so much, I decided to pick some. The next day I set out into the woods armed with a large plastic box. I spent …
NO Fuss Chia Pudding!
This little dessert is great when you are short on time, but still want a dessert to finish up a nice summer dinner. I find chia seeds amazing as they almost double in size, within a very short time and provide the texture and consistency of a thick creamy pudding with much less fuss. I …
Autumn Berries Bumping into Summer
Normally blackberries are found growing in the autumn, but this year with all this hot weather, mixed in with regular storms, the berries have ripened much earlier. On a walk in July, my family discovered several large bushes that hung heavy with the rich fruit. I love blackberries and immediately after lunch started to collect …
Chocolate and Orange Cheesecake to Chase the Blues away
Everyone has their comfort food, the food that they turn to when it’s been a bad day and everything seems to have gone wrong. Cheese cake is the food that I turn to when I have had a miserable day. I find it relaxing to make and the smell that it produces when it’s baking …
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Spinach Pancakes
These are quick and easy to make. They make a healthy lunch or breakfast and can be frozen and then taken out and eaten on demand. Just place baking paper between them to prevent them from sticking together in the freezer. I have been researching food which will boost your mood and energy. I have …
Me So Crazy About Miso
One of the best things about going out to a restaurant is having a favourite dish. I have always loved finding new favourite dishes, as it gives me more reasons to return to the same restaurant. But the worst thing that I have found is when the menu is changed and your favourite dish is …