Self Saucing Chocolate Pudding

self-saucing-chocolate-pudding

Sometimes one needs a highly indulgent pudding with little effort, and this is one of my all time favourites. Its easy to prepare, is a sauce and pudding combined, and everyone I have served it to have raved endlessly. Many chefs have their own version of this recipe - Nigella - but here is mine, and its slightly lighter than hers [but no less delicious]. I prefer it casually served with just a dollop of cream. Ingredients 125g/4½oz plain flour pinch of salt 120g/4¼oz caster sugar 3 tsp … [Read more...]

Cottage Pie

cottage-pie

On these cold nights it is sometimes nice to have a warming, easy to prepare dish such as Cottage Pie. This is my favourite, and has a nice little twist [especially suited for those kids who won't eat their veggies]. I tend to add plenty of very finely chopped vegetables to the mix - not only in the base, but in the mash as well. Thats not just potatoes topping that cottage pie! Its a combination of root vegetables and potatoes, for that extra healthy twist. No child (or adult for that … [Read more...]

Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

vegan-cauliflower

For the lactose intolerant, vegans or even those following a low fat eating plan try replacing cows milk with soya milk in some of the more dairy rich recipes. I guarantee that nine times out of ten you won't be able to tell the difference. I rarely use cows milk these days - tending to prefer Soya, Rice or Oat Milk. My recipe for Cauliflower Cheese for example is just as good when several key ingredients are replaced :- 40g butter - replace with a good quality vegan subsitute 300ml milk … [Read more...]

Milk Chocolate Cake

milk-chocolate-cake

I love my milk chocolate cake. Its immensely simple and yet so very gratifying. Because it is such a light cake I find it especially good for kids - and if you really want to hide a hidden and healthy twist try adding a touch of wholemeal flour to the mix - not only does it add a lovely nutty texture but its so good the kids will never know its there - for this recipe check my wholemeal milk chocolate cake recipe. Ingredients:: 200 g (7 oz) Self Raising Flour 225 g (8 oz) caster sugar 1 … [Read more...]

Fabada

fabada--x

Today I am attempting to introduce a little of Spain into my house by cooking a traditional fabada. Fabada is probably the second most famous Spanish dish after Paella, and I was taught by my ex amigos mama - the scariest women I have ever met. She was however a fantastic cook and I will forever be greatful for giving me this recipe. It is wonderful served on the day, but I do find that a second portion warmed up the following day has a wonderful depth of flavour. Ingredients : 4/6 … [Read more...]

Albondigas [Meatballs in Tomato Sauce]

spanish-albondigas

I am on a roll here - spanish foods in all their glory. Whenever I cook these dishes I always recall a women at a hotel I stayed at gasping in horror as we mentioned we love Spanish food "but its all greasy, and they eat anything that moves you know". This was as she shovelled down fork after fork of Albondigas. It was ashamed to be English in that room. But Spanish food is at it best in recipes like the above. I love these served with just a piece of barra de pan...or rustic spanish … [Read more...]

Arroz con Leche [Rice Pudding]

arrozconleche1

Rice Pudding has to be one of the ultimate comfort foods, and while I will always defend the great British rice pudding I do love "Arroz con leche". I should get therecipeblog.co.uk up and running really. I like it warm or cold depending on the season. I remember late evenings meals sat out on the terrace overlooking Lake Iznajar munching Arroz con leche from little terracotta bowls. When in Spain you can buy versions of this ready made in most supermarkets, but it is never quite the same as … [Read more...]

Sangria

sangria

I have been enjoying exploring Spanish cuisine so much of late that I thought I would give you alcoholics a little treat today - my recipe [stolen from many many people] for Sangria. There are actually many variations of this recipe, which vary in fruit, type and quantity of alcohol or soda. Whichever one you chose remember one thing - it must be chilled. This recipe makes 2 pints 1 bottle dry full bodied red wine 1 can fizzy orange, chilled 1 can fizzy lemon, chilled Spanish … [Read more...]

Tip of the Week

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Next time you have a barbecue try soaking wood [the sweetest smelling the better] in water and placing them on the coals. The soaking of the water slows down the burning, and allows the wood to work its magic on your food. Place some peaches or any fruit you fancy on the griddle and cook as normal. You will find your fruit has a wonderful vanilla flavour when done. Why? The molecular and chemical structure which gives Vanilla its flavour also exists in wood. By soaking your wood … [Read more...]

Yorkshire Parkin

yorkshire-parkin

Like Yorkshire Parkin, except its my very own recipe. I love Parkin, it holds a special place in my heart from childhood when I would have a supper of Yorkshire Parkin and a glass of milk. Something that remains with me to this day when I am in need of comfort. Of course, these days, I tend to team it with a glass of Soya Milk, but thats not the point. The aromas help to relax me just as much of the familiar taste. This is especially good served at a traditional Bonfire Night - back when I was a … [Read more...]