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Sourdough Bread

Sourdough Bread

Ingredients 200g Sourdough Starter 350g bread flour 250ml water 1 ½ tsp salt 3 tbs vegetable/olive oil Process Prepare your starter a few hours before and ensure that it is active and bubbly. In a stand-mixer or in a large bowl, combine the starter, flour, 

Classic Carrot Cake

Classic Carrot Cake

This is a classic versatile recipe that makes a single loaf or 12 individual cupcakes. Ingredients 225g self-raising flour 250 ml vegetable oil 225g golden castor sugar 3 large eggs 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp ground nutmeg 250g peeled and grated carrots 

Dark Chocolate Brownies

Dark Chocolate Brownies

Decadent dark chocolate melted with butter creates the gooey pudding consistency in this easy one bowl recipe for brownies. Add chopped nuts, marshmallows or chocolate chips for texture.

Makes 12 brownies

Process

Preheat the oven to 170° celsius.

Butter and line a square baking tin with baking parchment.

Melt the chocolate and butter with a pinch of salt in a double boiler over low heat and once melted, set aside to cool slightly.

Whisk the eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale, thick and doubled in size.

Pour in the melted chocolate and butter.

Sieve in the flour, cocoa and flour then gently fold the mixture into itself until just combined. If you’re adding nuts, fruit or sweets, now is the time to toss them in for a final fold.

Pour into the baking tin and bake for 20 minutes. The centre should be still gooey.

Cool in the baking tin until ready to be cut into squares or whatever other shape you fancy.

Ingredients

  • 200g dark chocolate (>75%)
  • 250g butter
  • 300g castor sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
  • 4 large eggs
  • 80g self-raising flour
  • 80g cocoa powder

Optional additions:

  • 25g chopped nuts
  • 25g chocolate chips
  • 25g mini marshmallows

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Electric/balloon whisk
  • Silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Baking parchment paper
Custard ice-cream

Custard ice-cream

An indulgent treat made even more creamier with the addition of double-cream. Serve over malva pudding, waffles or just on it’s own in a cone?. Process Ensure that the ice-cream machine bowl has been frozen from the day/night before. Whip the double cream and powdered 

Creamy coconut & butternut soup

Creamy coconut & butternut soup

Comforting and nutritious…this soup will have you satisfied in just a few simple steps. I keep my soups simple and fuss free for quick lunches and dinners that will ensure more free time not spent in the kitchen. Ingredients 350g chopped butternut 2 tbs olive 

Creamy chicken pasta

Creamy chicken pasta

Comfort food at it’s best with a rich fresh cream and cheese sauce that coats the penne.

Ingredients

  • 500 g chicken strips
  • 250 ml fresh cream
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp egg yellow food colouring
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • a handful of fresh fenugreek leaves
  • 1 tsp mixed dried herbs
  • 2 tbs chickpea flour
  • 500g fresh or dried pasta
  • 100g parmesan or mozzarella cheese
  • chopped parsley or coriander for garnishing

Process

Marinate the chicken strips for 45 min – 1 hour before you intend making this pasta dish.

Place the chicken strips, salt, pepper, chilli powder, garlic, herbs and chickpea flour in a bowl and mix until the chicken is completely covered in the seasoning. Cover and leave in the fridge.

Bring 3 liters of water to the boil and season well with salt. Add in the dried pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes, until just under-cooked. If you’re using fresh pasta, boil for 1-2 minutes, also until just under-cooked.

Meanwhile, in a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil gently over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and fry until golden brown on all sides.

Pour in the fresh cream and lower the heat to a slow simmer, toss in the pasta and a little pasta water and let the pasta soak up some of the pasta sauce. Stir in the cheese and serve.

Chocolate cookies

Chocolate cookies

These chocolate cookies are soft and buttery, much like the consistency of chocolate cake but in cookie form. I usually toss in chunks of whatever chocolate or sweets I have in the cupboard to use up last bits. Ingredients 100 grams butter 50 grams dark 

Cornbread

Cornbread

Ingredients 1 can creamed corn 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme leaves 80g melted butter 1 egg 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1/4 cup polenta 1 cup self-raising flour Process Preheat the oven to 190°C and brush the baking pan 

Hummus

Hummus

Made with creamy chickpeas, sesame paste and spices, hummus is a savoury dip often used in Mediterranean tapas feasts. Make your own hummus with this simple recipe and add your favourite toppings.

Ingredients

  • 350g peeled & cooked chickpeas or 1 large can of chickpeas, drained
  • 2 tbs tahini
  • 2 tbs lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch of crushed pepper
  • 6 tbs olive oil
  • 1/2 clove garlic
  • pinch chilli powder (optional)
  • mixed dried herbs (optional)
  • mixed nuts (optional)
  • mixed seeds (optional)
  • pomegranate jewels (optional)
  • capers (optional)

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Sieve
  • Silicone spatula
  • Serving bowl

Process

Put all the ingredients, reserving 2 tbs olive oil into a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy.

Pass the mixture through a sieve to remove any bits of peel and to ensure a smooth hummus.

Pour into a serving bowl and drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne.

Any leftover hummus can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Serve with Flatbread.

Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala

Process Melt a tablespoon of ghee in a pan on low heat and gently fry the onion paste for a few minutes. Add in the ginger and garlic pastes and fry for another minute. Add in the ground spices (turmeric, chilli powders, cumin, coriander &