True Blood: Eats, Drinks, and Bites from Bon Temps Hardcover Book

True-Blood-cookbook1

I was challenged sometime ago to put together a collection of recipes for a True Blood inspired theme party and it was a lot of fun. As a result of this I am very excited to see what HBO turn out as their official recipe book! Item description: True Blood, HBO’s blockbuster paranormal drama, enthralls a diverse audience of 13 million viewers (and counting). Menus at the now-famous Fangtasia and Merlotte’s Bar and Grill play a key role in the series, providing sustenance for its human … [Read more...]

Lindt Chocolate Easter Carrot Cake

carrot cake

Bring back the traditions of Easter with Lindt Easter is almost upon us so, naturally, our attention turns to chocolate. But Easter is about much more than chocolate alone - its about taking time to celebrate life and, in this case, to spend time with your loved ones. Research by Lindt has shown that in 2012, only half of UK parents think it’s important to spend time with their loved ones during the bank holiday. So to reinvigorate Easter traditions Lindt, and the Lindt Gold Bunny, are … [Read more...]

Review: Extra Thick Easter Eggs from Hotel Chocolat

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I am not religious by any stretch of the imagination but I do enjoy a celebration which encourages the consumption of mass amounts of chocolate such as, just for an example, Easter. For me the chocolate always tastes infinitely nicer than at any other time. Up until discovering Hotel Chocolat a year or so ago I must admit my favourite Easter Eggs usually came from Thorntons. But this weekend changed all that when I got to try the extra thick Easter Eggs from Hotel Chocolat - the one I got to try … [Read more...]

Video Recipe: Roast forerib of beef

roast

A beautiful roast forerib of beef with goose fat roasted potatoes, traditional gravy and horseradish cream. … [Read more...]

Video Recipe: Beef Wellington

recipe03

I havent had Beef Wellington in years because, to be perfectly frank, my current diet wont permit it - but it is a wonderful dish. I like my beef to be medium rare - and this recipe promises to be a real treat. I will be trying it out myself when my diet permits but would welcome the opinion of my readers in the interim period! Is is worth trying? … [Read more...]

Video Recipe: Flat iron steak with parsnip

recipe02

Steak and Chips, I have to admit, is one of my favourite dishes when I am wanting a quick and simple steak dinner. The parsnip is a great replacement for traditional chips - lending the dish a lovely sweetness. Even so, done medium to medium rare, this steak recipe is great. … [Read more...]

Video Recipe: Spanishy lamb and chorizo

spanishy

This is a slow cooked shoulder of lamb with chorizo recipe. The chorizo lends the lamb a wonderful depth of flavour so typical of Spanish cuisine. An absolutely marvel! … [Read more...]

Fred Ponnavoy’s Chocolate Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Poached Lemon

Fred Ponnavoy’s Chocolate Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Poached Lemon

I have previously featured recipes by Fred Ponnavoy - a black forrest fondant and a delightfully original hot chocolate. Both of which, I have to say, were an absolute delight.  He is now turning his attention to Easter and reminding us all that Easter chocolate delights are not just for children. This is a lovely recipe and one I cannot recommend highly enough if you are planning parties! Easter isn’t just for children. It’s the ideal time of year to indulge in all things chocolate and … [Read more...]

Walnut Coffee Cake

coffee-cake

One of my favourite afternoon treats (assuming I am not on a diet at the time) is a slice of coffee and walnut cake taken with a rich dark expresso coffee. This recipe is one of my personal favourites. Its unashamedly rich and delicious - a lovely dark walnut cake topped with espresso infused butter cream. A sure fire way of impressing your friends, most especially if you serve them the traditional large wedge This particular cake is perfect when prepared using Coffechino Coffee … [Read more...]

Sponsored Video: Mr Kipling – Grandma’s Tin

kipling_0

One of my fondest memories as a child is of my Grandmothers baking. It was usually full of the most wonderful homebaked cakes and biscuits. This tin was always something which would greet us upon arrival and, usually, would remain open for the duration. I cant always say Mum approved of the sugary sweets eaten in abundance during these visits - but they came to represent the love and affect Grandma always felt for us. Its one of the reasons I love the new Mr Kipling advertisement. I will … [Read more...]