Recipes from a passionate cook & foodie
Yorkshire Teacakes. I remember these from when I was young. They would always be available, stored in a large wooden breadbin. I´d have one on a morning with a cup of tea (Yorkshire of course), it would be spread thickly with butter and my Mum would always joke if I´d like a bit of teacake with my butter (as opposed to the other way round). We had a visiter once who asked if he could have one of those fruit breadcakes! To which was retorted "Dun't tha knaw t' difference a'tween … [Read more...]
Olla Gitana is a typical soup of Murcia in the South East of Spain. Its combination of ingredients makes it practically a meal in its own right - and it is absolutely delicious and extremely filling. It can be served with or without the addition of pork - and although many of the more traditional ingredients rule out this rich stew for vegetarians - with some careful fiddling it could be made suitable. Packed with beans and vegetables it is truly one of the best spanish stews / soups I have … [Read more...]
One of the things I believe I will miss most about Spain is the Roscon de Reyes - a rich sweetbread served on the night before or morning of the last day of christmas - the day of the kings. It has now become traditional to fill these wonderful christmassy treats with sweet cream, custard or "trufa". All of which are delicious when served with traditional hot chocolate. My personal favourite is a slightly crusty version filled with crema de trufa - a chocolatey cream that can add inches with … [Read more...]
Ingredients:: 8 oz smoked streaky bacon, in one piece 8 good quality sausages 1 onion, peeled and thickly sliced 8 large potatoes, peeled and quartered Chicken or vegetable stock, as needed To garnish - freshly chopped parsley Method: Place a frying pan over a medium heat, add a little oil and fry the bacon When the bacon is cooked, slice it into chunky pieces and place in a casserole dish sufficiently large to hold all the potatoes and water so that it doesn´t boil over Brown the … [Read more...]
A Greek friend of mine told me he made this yesterday ready for New Year, and I have to admit I was immediately intrigued. I absolutely adore Greek food. I have only been to Greece once, but always intend to return. It was such an gourmet inspiration, and I sampled some absolutely delightful dishes. On New Year's Day families cut the Vassilopita to bless the house and bring good luck for the new year. A coin is wrapped and hidden in the bread by slipping it into the dough before baking. A piece … [Read more...]