The British Larder Inspirational recipe diary

Cod Cheeks; A Cheeky Sandwich

Cod cheeks; what an incredibly interesting and intriguing ingredient! Seen as a waste product by fishermen and a a little gem for a chef. They are literally the cheeks of …

Gills Baked Gooseberry and Ginger Nut Cheesecake

Dear Gill,

A big apology for not replying to your letter and saying thank you for sharing this remarkable recipe with us. Your cheesecake recipe will be one that I …

Pan-Seared Scallops with Cauliflower, Horseradish and Apple

Scallops are one of my favorite foods and are bang on in season right now. Scallops are sweet and meaty; delicious! They are not only a delight to eat but …

White Onion and Pecorino Tarts

Onions in general are one of my favourite vegetables. I love all the different varieties and seldom cook without onions. I love the natural sweetness and flavour trapped in each …

Venison Shank and Chestnut Mushroom Suet Pudding

We are nearing the end of the game season and the last of the game still available is venison and wood pigeon. I’m excited that spring is upon us and …

Marshmallow, Cardamom and Bitter Chocolate Naughty Dunkers

These marshmallow, cardamom and bitter chocolate naughty dunkers are a bit of fun! It’s very simple and easy to make, but the guilty pleasure it provides is irresistible.

I dunk …

Rhubarb Melting Moments for My Valentine

I cannot believe that its the end of January, the year is off to a flying start. It’s already that time of the year to get romantic and treat the …

Sautéed Cod with Textures of Jerusalem Artichokes

Crisp, crunchy and soft; cold and warm describes the textures of this dish. Cod is a flaky soft but fairly neutral flavoured fish and goes very well with vegetables with …

Prawn Coconut Laksa

Recently I inadvertently came across Rick Steins Far Eastern Odyssey but to be honest I do not like watching him cook as I find it a bit cringe worthy at …

Strawberry Arctic Roll

This recipe epitomises a trip down memory lane, and a touch of nostalgia. Creating recipes and dishes to serve at the British Larder is something we take seriously. I try …

Fine Pear Tart

I’m very excited about this fine pear tart.Firstly I had made a fresh batch of rough puff pastry and was very pleased with myself. Secondly I have finally followed a …

Venison Carpaccio

We had great fun last season with the Wild Meat in a day Food Safari events. It’s popular and everyone seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. Ray Kent and Robert Gooch …

Damson and Bramble Plate Pie

I love this concept, Mr.P told me a lovely story a while ago after he had visited a chef in the Newcastle who made plate pies. I liked the idea …

Mandarin Sorbet

With the summer predicted to be a scorcher it’s best to be prepared. It’s time to sift through the recipes, select the winners and be ready to move when the …

The Perfect Partnership for Quality Cheese: Roasted Grape Puree and Caramelized White Onion Bread

There is nothing better than a good full bodied red wine and a deliciously fragrant cheese to enjoy on a cold lazy evening in front of the crackling fire surrounded …

Milk Tart

This recipe takes me back to my childhood. South Africans would know the name of this dish as Melk tert and not surprisingly the English translation is Milk Tart. There …

Oven-Roasted Rump of Lamb with Baby Artichokes, Beet and Fennel Puree

Lamb has done well on our menu. We do try and implement a good carcass balance to use most of the animal and not only the prime cuts, but this …

Damson Parfait with Olive Oil and Thyme Sable

This recipe is dedicated to UK  Thermomix as featured in the Yes Chef Magazine October 2009.

I have had the privilege to use the previous models of the Thermomix in …

Russet Apple Compote

Russet apples are a naturally highly scented apple with a leathery skin. The scent of the russet reminds me of toasted hazelnuts. The Victorians liked to use the russets in …

Bite Size Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

Doughnuts could be described as devils food; you simply just can’t get enough of them. Or shall I say that’s my excuse!

As these Bite size cinnamon sugar doughnuts  limit …

Mango and Orange Blossom Pudding, Orange Polenta Biscuits

With the summer looming it’s time to get creative with salads and cold puddings. I love finding new ingredients, not necessarily new in the true sense but could be those …

Dingley Dell Smoked Ham Scotch Egg

This scotch egg is not just any scotch egg, no… it’s a Dingley Dell Smoked Ham Scotch Egg. For us it has a lot of meaning. Our customers call it …

Chilled Pea Soup With Parmesan Cream and Soft-Boiled Gulls’s Egg

The season for peas is short and preserving the flavour and colour is very important when creating a dish like this. My top tip is to work as fast as …

Wild Boar Bacon and Lemon Thyme Popcorn – My Tribute to Partick Swayze

This recipe is a bit of fun and yummy at the same time! The perfect Saturday afternoon recipe when you have  time on your hands, the weather is uninspiring and …

Clementine Sherbet Verrines

I cannot believe its already December and we are heading for Christmas full steam ahead. I get great satisfaction  when my colleagues start asking for ideas and hints on how …

Roasted Butternut Squash, Pomegranate and Chickpea Salad

With the darker days looming and the seasonal colours bursting into shades of burnt orange and gold, this dish is the perfect recipe to conquer the gloomy days of Autumn …

Gorgonzola and Smoked Bacon Polenta Breakfast Muffins

The warm aroma  of melting cheese mixed with smoky bacon is enough to make anyone salivate. There is something magical about these Gorgonzola and smoked bacon breakfast muffins. The tiny …

Tamarind Pears with Creamed Tapioca and Toffee Pear Lollipops

It’s incredible how certain foods have certain meanings for different people. For example I like tapioca, it reminds me of my Mum, Sundays and happy family time spent together, whereas  …

Slow Cooked Duck Leg with Sweet Tamarind Pickled Rhubarb

The outdoor rhubarb season is in full swing. The combination of rhubarb with duck is a match made in heaven.

I have made the pickled rhubarb twice ,once with forced …

Asparagus, Keens Cheddar Brûlée

Early summer, new life, beautiful lush coloured flowers and the taste of asparagus. Mmm What a wonderful time of the year!?

The king of vegies and best of all it …

Roasted Woodpigeon Breast with Pickled Morel Mushrooms and Watercress Emulsion

Everyone has probably used the old cliche of ‘ not judging a book by it’s cover’ more than once in their lifetime. I used to cast this judgment on pigeons. …

Brioche

The aroma of freshly baked bread is very hard to beat. It does remind me of home, the congregation of family and happy days around the kitchen table; chatting away …

Raspberry Jam

My newly planted garden is one year old and contains a multitude of plants. I am incredibly impatient and cannot wait to fill the baskets with raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, gooseberries, …

Cookies for Nanette; Planning for Our Alice in Wonderland Tea Party!

This recipe has been  specially developed, designed and made for Nanette aka Gourmet Worrier. I have only recently met Nanette via the internet, however it feels as if we …

An Elegant Tea Party for The Royal Wedding

Twinings has combined the wonderful aromas of White Earl Grey, Rose and Bergamont, to develop this amazing Royal Wedding Commemorative Blend. These flavours are as elegant as one would …

Orange and Cardamom Soaked Brioche Buns

Credit goes to Valentine Warner for inspiring me to make these fabulous orange and cardamom soaked brioche buns. I was watching Val on telly a few months ago making something …

Fishworks! Pan-Fried Brill with Creamed Caper Vermouth Sauce

A few weeks ago I hosted a Fishworks cookery and skills course for a group of chefs. The day was sponsored by M&J Seafood. Their generosity was astounding as …

Cheddar, Apple and Pickle Pasties

With a few warmer days thoughts turn to picnics and informal outside dining. Steve has been busy preparing for our famous grazing platters and made these cute dinky cheddar, apple …

White Chocolate and Ginger Cheesecake, Ginger Brittle and Rhubarb

The outdoor rhubarb season is in full swing. Piers from High House Farm Suffolk is supplying us with the most glorious rhubarb. We worked hard this season to build the …

Camomile Smoked Pear Pastilles

I love a visit from Lin. She brings us baskets filled with wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables from her allotment nearby. This week she brought me a baskets filled to …