Remember that childhood rhyme “Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man”? This cheeky chap with a broad smile embodies the spirit of the festive season for me, especially the night before Christmas, when kids are running around with cheer and excitement for the surprises to come. It’s a time when families spend quality time together and…
The first thing you’ll notice about piccalilli is the colour. But the flavour is what you’ll remember long after your stained fingers have returned to normal. Made up of chopped vegetables and spices, piccalilli is delightfully tart, with a distinctive psychedelic, electric yellow colour, brought to life by the turmeric in the sauce. It’s normally served as an accompaniment to…
Potatoes are such a versatile vegetable, delicious no matter which way they’re cooked. From baked – for a quick, satisfying meal when you don’t have much time – to mashed potato, that tummy-hugging side dish, to rosti or gnocchi to duchess potatoes and still many more ways to explore. Someone once said that a meal is not a meal without potatoes. They must’ve been…
This plum pudding is easy to make and even quicker to eat. Slightly sweet, a little tart, and altogether very moreish, the mix of the nutty almond flour and the sour plums is a perfect match. Heavenly even, if you add a dollop or two of double thick cream. But the hardest part – and absolutely essential if you want to enjoy this pudding at the right texture – is to let it cool for a…
Slow-roasted lamb shanks must be one of the most satisfying meals. Cooked right, there’s nothing better to warm the soul on a cold winter’s night. As it bubbles away, roasting in its own juices, the flavours intensify while the sauce reduces and the meat gently softens. But you don’t have to wait until winter. This is a dish that’ll stick to your ribs any time of the year.
Madeleines are small, dainty, delicate, fluffy and delicious little butter cakes shaped like little seashells. They are so easy to eat and will disappear like magic once you serve them. They are best served just out of the oven and will only stay crisp on the outside for a day or two, if they last that long. Madeleines can be made in many different flavours, like Earl Grey tea, blueberry, orange…
Chicken liver pâté is one of those dependable standbys that’s quick to rustle up the day before, leaving you more time to be with your family or guests. It’s a really affordable brunch meal or snack for the weekends, served with some melba toast, and goes a long way with toasted ciabatta, matzo biscuits or thinly-sliced fresh baguette. For some reason, many shops these days only…
There seems to be a glut of plump little roma tomatoes at the moment. These beauteous oblong red globes are sweet as plums and it’s tempting to just stuff a couple into your mouth when you walk past the fridge. But besides slathering a salad with these scarlet gems, you might not realise how perfect they are for preserving too. Put in some time one weekend and you’ll be rewarded with…
This is one of those drinks that was born to soothe our souls on a hot day. Thick, decadent, thirst-quenching and filled to the brim with the same coffee kick you’d usually be sipping from a flat white or long black. But with a rich coco twist that makes it something really special. Best of all, it can be made in minutes. So if the first one doesn’t touch sides, just rinse and…
Ah, sauce! The secret weapon of cooks everywhere, with the power to make or break even the tastiest of meals. They’ve been used since cooking began to add flavour, moisture and visual appeal to a dish. Just think how integral they are to famous pairings: Eggs Benedict and hollandaise sauce, lasagne and bechamel, pasta and tomato sauce, lamb with mint sauce, and peri-peri chicken. The list…