Fast, flexible and fail safe.
With the nights drawing in and my commute feeling ever longer, it’s more and more important to get a bank of fast and cockle warming recipes I can turn to when time in the kitchen is limited.
Read moreCrispy taleggio
Crispy cheese is a thing of the gods.
If you fancy making some that’s more this decade than the old fashioned fave, baked camembert, why not give these a go – wedges of taleggio in crispy sourdough breadcrumbs, finished with a little sticky balsamic. Ooosh.
Read moreCheesy vegetable bites
Don’t have nightmares.
I’ve posted lots of variations on the fritter theme, crammed with everything from chick peas to cauliflower and sweet potato. These ones see carrots and courgettes take a turn, and I reckon they’re the best of the lot. It might be something to do with all the cheese in them...
Read moreThe English Refresher
“Hannah, that’s not yours, it’s to share.”
It’s been a fair few years since I heard this uttered. Said to me throughout my younger years, and always in relation to food. Then last week I heard it again. And I can confirm, it’s a bit embarrassing to have your greediness called out by colleagues.
Read moreVeggie ragu
“This would be nicer if it had some chicken in it.”
Is the last thing you want your veggie pasta to make you think. And in this little take on the familiar classic, meat has no place and it isn’t missed one bit.
Read moreRoasted cauliflower and puy lentil salad
Not all salads need to be green.
When I cottoned on to the fact that salads don’t have to be leaf based, my healthier eating options opened up a whole load more.
Read moreChilled pea and mint shooters
Peas, mint and lemon are all flavours that taste like sunshine.
And together they make a zingy, healthy and chilled soup that’s ready in no time at all. They’re ideal as a starter, or better still, an accompaniment to charred meat and fish that’s hot off the coals.
Read moreSpanish cod one pot
A dish that needs little introduction.
Cod simmered in chorizo and saffron spiked broth with chick peas, lemon and parsley. Just typing it makes my mouth water.
Read moreCourgette noodle salad perfect for BBQ’s
I was asked recently to ‘do a bit of food’ for a pitch at work.
In the space of a week it managed to go from a couple of sample dishes using the clients produce to a 5 dish lunch for 15 people. Cooked on the roof. On an industrial BBQ. In 28 degree heat. No pressure then.
Read moreWholewheat spaghetti with artichokes and capers
Simple store-cupboard suppers.
When pushed for time in the kitchen I often reach for pasta. But in an attempt to break away from the riff off a tomato sauce that I catch myself making on auto pilot, I figured I’d see what could be conjured out of some of my other favourite store cupboard and fridge staples instead.
Read morePineapple syrup for cocktails
Totally tropical.
I first encountered this concoction in a Peruvian restaurant in Soho on a Sunday night (as one does). The food was good but the drinks were better, especially when the barman gave me a shot of a mysterious golden syrup to try. It took just a fraction of a second figure out what it was — sour, sweet and electric on my tastebuds, it was unmistakably pineapple. I was hooked.
Read moreCauliflower fritters with curry spice dip
Tastes good, feels good, does good.
Like a lot of folk, I’m not great at being told what I can and can’t do. And this is no more in evidence than when food is concerned. Cue grumpy face.
Read moreSaucy Greek meatballs
Snapping and scoffing.
I’ve had my camera a couple of years and have loved every minute of using it, and while I was pleased with how far I’d come teaching myself photography, I felt I’d reached a wall.
Read moreHasselback potatoes
Meet the cooler cousin of the baked potato.
Now, I’ve got nowt bad to say about the jacket spud... Crispy outer? Fluffy insides? Smothered in lashings of salty butter? Ooh go on then. But as tasty as they may be, for me they just feel more at home as a casual week night dinner rather than as part of a special meal.
Read moreProtein packed salmon salad
The greatness of grains.
Good for your tummy, protein levels and wallet, I’m becoming ever more partial to meals involving different grains and pulses. A particular snack pot in Pret being one I’ve grown fond of recently; quinoa, red rice, salmon and peas under a squeeze of lemon. It’s a healthy little bite that perks up my brain when I’m flagging in the office mid afternoon, but you really don’t get much for your money.
Read moreChorizo sausage rolls with honey
One last hurrah.
I realise many folk will feel this is perhaps the worst time ever for me to blog these naughty delights, but... in my world, January doesn’t really, properly kick off until the first full week of work. And that means as far as I’m concerned, we’re all free to scoff with abandon until Monday. Or that’s what I’m telling myself anyway.
Read moreSmoked tomato soup
A reciprocal arrangement.
I spied these little mugs in a charity shop last week, at £3 for the 4 of them I picked them up immediately. Mathew eyed me with that ‘we have no space for those’ look, but I didn’t let that stop me “Look how cute they are!” I said, clutching them, and before he could reply I hurried to the till.
Read moreRustic French fish stew
I’ve been called a magpie once or twice over the years.
I’d like to say it’s purely on account of my eclectic taste and ability to locate interesting finds. But it’s also been said because of my light-fingered mits.
Read moreItalian style meatloaf and rich tomato sauce
Not all food memories are fond.
I’ve fancied making a meatloaf for a while, but having been traumatised by a few sorry versions of it as a child I was determined to cook one that was delicious and juicy, rather than dense, dry and dull (apologies to any of my former school dinner ladies that are reading).
Read moreBasque lamb stew
Seasons eatings.
One of the best things about winter is the chance to chow down on melt-in-the-mouth meats cooked long and slow. I am of course talking about the stew.
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