Thrifty lamb leg steaks make a delicious meal.
And they’re quick to cook, unlike roasting a leg of lamb — though far be it for me to try to separate anyone from their Sunday dinner.
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 moreKeema aloo
It’s obviously dead easy to call in a takeaway when you’re short on time.
Especially when you’ve got a craving for Indian food, which I always think of as taking a while to prepare. But, spending a little time making your own Indian spice blend means you can easily and quickly put together family friendly dishes, even in the middle of weeknight madness.
Read moreLarb gai — minced chicken salad
In pursuit of perfection.
This is my favourite Thai salad. I love it more than the seared beef noodle one and more than the green papaya one, which means it is utterly delicious.
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 moreLazy lamb tagine
My favourite form of R&R.
The simple truth is I feel most at home and happiest when I’m in the kitchen, and I love nothing more than spending my spare time in there (invariably while wearing my pyjamas, which I find helps cultivate a state of relaxation).
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 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.
Read moreCajun turkey meatballs on rice
Adventures in meatballs continued.
I refuse to believe there’s a single soul around that dislikes meatballs. You like juicy flavoursome bite-size morsels made from all kinds of meats or even fish? Spiked with herbs and spices? Crispy fried or simmered gently in sauce? I know I do. In fact, it’s a wonder I manage to eat anything else.
Read morePancetta and vintage cheddar béchamel pastry turnovers
Hangover management.
Despite my strict no drinking on a school night rule, sometimes getting squiffy is unavoidable. And fairly recently following a boozy one in London with colleagues and clients, I found myself feeling a little peaky at Euston the next day.
Read moreSous vide sticky Asian pork cheeks
Hey there sweet cheeks.
Rich, sticky, unctuous, thrifty. Sous vide pork cheeks are a thing of absolute delight.
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Rum and lime chicken cigarillos with coriander salsa
A few years ago I found myself at Bestival.
And in-between the fancy dress, champagne cocktails, sleeping in a beach hut with a proper bed (I was glamping, you might be sure), I could be found staking out a particular Caribbean food stall, the name of which my mind lost in the Hidden Disco on the last night.
Read moreMinced Chinese chicken in lettuce cups
Many moons ago I lived in a rough and ready part of town.
What it lacked in beauty it more than made up for in spirit and food, and there I got to experience flavours from far flung places like Jamaica, Kurdistan and Pakistan.
Read moreCarne cocida — shredded Basque beef cheek
Favourite places, new discoveries.
Earlier this year Team Food assembled in the beautiful Basque capital of San Sebastián. Those of you that read regularly will know this is one of my favourite cities, and I love nothing more than a long weekend away sampling its delights (see picture reels below as evidence).
Read moreSous vide salt beef with pickled cucumber
Those close to me know I’m a bit of a ham-snaffler.
This love for the charcuterie board began at a young age. It started at grandmas house with good old fashioned turkey slices (I’d eat them by the packet full) but I quickly graduated cold meats school and now proudly scoff all manner of cold cuts, my favourites including Sopocka, salt beef, air dried Parma ham, mortadella and last but not least, crumbly Yorkshire ham carved off the bone.
Read moreCajun BBQ ribs
The ribs of kings.
Hot, smoky, sweet, rich, spicy, juicy, tender. Prepare yourself, for your neighbours may well be scaling your garden wall and stealing them straight off the BBQ bars. Nuff said.
Read moreFresh rocket and walnut pesto with taglierini pasta and sausage and fennel sauce
Pesto is a great kitchen staple, whether homemade or from a jar.
It adds a dash of Italian sunshine to all it touches and is an easy and fast way to inject flavour into mealtimes.
Read moreSous vide coq au vin
The daddy of old school chicken dishes.
Coq au vin is simple, homely and hearty, great for lazy rainy days and boozy Sunday afternoons with friends. And the homemade article beats the shop bought variety by a country mile, whether sous vide or conventionally cooked.
Read moreBourbon and hickory smoked baby back ribs
No BBQ is be complete without ribs. Fact.
And having now tried the sous vide variety I think I could be facing a new food addiction. Move over noodles.
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