Harvest Festival on a Plate -Butternut Squash and Hen Egg Salad with Saffron Mayonnaise

This last weekend  we went to the annual Aldeburgh food festival. It has become a family affair and we have been going for the past three years. As Suffolk is…

Sous Vide Belly of Pork with Soy Bean and Udon Stir Fry

Thanks go to James who has kindly reminded me of this sous vide belly of pork dish that I’m always going on about. He called last week in search for…

Classic Tart Tatin with Velvety Crème Anglaise

I’m known as the Queen of Tart Tatins….even if I have to say so myself!

I’m looking for perfection when it comes to this classic dish and these are the three…

Pan-fried Chicken Livers and Cobnuts on Toast

This is what I call a typical wholesome autumn breakfast/brunch dish. Perfect on Sunday morning after nipping out to buy the paper, hopping over the frosty front lawn and in…

Omelette in One Minute…Dedicated to Julie and Julia

This recipe is dedicated to Julie and Julia the movie. I was very inspired to cook and write after watching the movie at the cinema, it’s a feel good movie…

Old Fashioned Jam Tarts

This recipe gives me that lovely and overall warm feeling. It’s simple and easy to make but brings back priceless memories of my Grandmother.

We went to visit her during most…

Healthy Brown Rice and Hemp Seed Salad

Its time for me to focus on eating healthier, it was wonderful having my Mum staying but my poor and carefree eating habits has taken it’s toll. Too many sweet…

What To Do with a Glut of Tomatoes

I have been harping on all summer about my fantastic kitchen garden. We have taken full advantage of a small space and grown as many different fruits and vegetables that…

Greengage Jam

Roy called this week saying that Dennis’s greengages and damsons were ready to be picked. We had finished our chores so we wasted no more time and we departed post…

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…

Courgette, Goats Cheese and Garden Herb Pesto Bread

I’m really excited about this recipe. I planned baking this bread in my dream. You might find that seriously bizarre but then I’m thinking of food all the time, even…

Chilled Courgette Soup with Goat’s Milk Yoghurt

The ultimate courgette supper is on the table and and it looks absolutely divine. Chilled courgette soup with goat’s yoghurt, courgette and garden herb pesto bread and finally borlotti bean…

Hedgerow Fruit Pastels

Working as a chef in a top Michelin stared restaurant you get to learn the tricks of the trade. The chances are that you will make pate fruits, as we…

Borlotti Bean and Courgette Hummus

My borlotti beans  have finally produced a few pods which can now be harvested. Last year I was very impatient and picked them too early and ended up with only…

Healthy Bran, Conference Pear and Bullace Breakfast Muffins

It was Mums birthday the first week of August and on the Saturday before she returned home we took Mum, Roy and Linda to Borough market, followed by a delicious…

My Organic Garden Courgette Fritters with Home Made Kumato Ketchup

You have heard me speaking about a glut before but you have not seen anything yet! I think the courgette monster is about to suffocate me and take over my…

My Farewell Celebration Cake for Mum; Lemon, Polenta and Almond Cake

This lemon, polenta and almond cake recipe has been with me since I was a young commis chef working in a London restaurant. This is another one of my recipes…

Picnic in a Jar, Orzo Pasta and Greek Style Meatball Salad

First of all a big apology to everyone that  received a version of this recipe which had  lots of spelling and grammar mistakes, it was ugly and unforgivable!!. I have…

Sweet & Sour Pickled Green Beans

Summer is the season of plenty. Surely there must be a few keen gardeners that will have a glut of something whether it’s beans, raspberries, plums or even courgettes. I…

Roasted Strawberry Scones

This recipe is inspired by Shuna a pastry chef working in London. We do not know Shuna at all, however the fantastic world of Twitter and food blogging has brought us…

Warm Organic Carrots with Puy Lentils and Summer Savoury

My garden has been fruitful this summer. I have now harvested all my carrots, beetroot, spinach, mulberries, radishes, broad beans and peas. The courgettes, onions, garlic and raspberries are still…

Stem Ginger Ice Cream

The sticky sweet but strong distinctive flavour of stem ginger is a taste that you either love or loathe.

How amazing is it that your taste, likes and dislikes change as…

Roasted Corn on the Cob and Mix Bean Salad

I have used this fabulous salad as an accompaniment to two dishes but as it is so good it deserves a feature of its own. I love corn on the…

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 they…

Plum Upside Down Cake

The plum season is about to start and it’s amazing how many different varieties of plums are available. I like each for different reasons, some are sweeter than others, some  juicier…

Gooseberry and Bay Leaf Preserve

I love the summer, even though as I get older I learn to appreciate each season for it’s own beauty and seasonal gifts from nature. There is still something magical…

Neal’s Yard Goats Curd Marrow Bakes

A trip to London is not complete without stopping at Borough market. I set off with the cool box and ice packs in the back of the car knowing that…

Home Made Blackcurrant Cordial

For some strange reason I can’t drink neat water so I always need to flavour the water with something slightly sweet and tasty. After another trip to the local PYO…

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…

Gooseberry Flapjack

A few weeks ago we went on a Food Safari trip with Polly Robinson, on arrival we were greeted with freshly brewed coffee and home made flapjacks that she had…

North African Couscous and Pomegranate Salad

The glorious sunshine has finally made it’s appearance, the barbecue got a dusting and so did my salad bowl collection. Strolling through Borough market early on a Saturday morning my…

Beetroot Tart Tatin with Frozen Broad Bean Crème Fraîche

It’s a gardener and foodies delight in my back yard.I  had great fun this morning pulling the beets and harvesting the broad beans. The courgette flowers are amazing too. I…

Gooseberry Polenta Slice

Gooseberries and rhubarb never used to excite me. Only recently did I start to appreciate the British love affair with these tart seasonal delights. I have never thought that I…

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…

Gooseberry Ginger Ale, Memories of My Grandmother

Last week we went to Cammas Hall Farm to pick strawberries and gooseberries. Once we got home it was all systems go and we were fired up to make as many…

Confit Carrot Arancini Canapes with Roasted Carrot Houmous

Congratulations to Maria Elia for writing The Modern Vegetarian cookbook. It’s beautiful and truly outstanding. A few weeks ago I went to a cooking demonstration hosted by Maria to promote…

Elderflower Cordial

I have been on the elderflower watch for a few weeks and finally this week they were in full bloom. There were a few bushes by the road side with…

Early Hertfordshire Pea and Feta Crush

It’s Saturday morning and the high street is buzzing with lots of people going about  their normal Saturday business.  I was dashing about to complete all the tasks on my…

Loquat Iced Tea Smoothie

When I received loquats in the  box of wonderful inspirational goodies last week I could hardly contain my excitement. Loquats ,also known as nispero fruits, are medium size oval-round milky…

Lime, Almond and Strawberry Chutney

When Richard phoned and asked me to make one kilo of strawberry chutney, I was confused and slightly sceptical.

Wow was my scepticism put to bed once I got started. This…

Wild Asparagus and Opal Basil Risotto with Chilled Green Tomato Jelly

I love the textures and flavours of this dish. The cold fragrant tomato jelly against the warm carnaroli risotto pearls laced with the highly perfumed opal basil. It’s simply a…

Sesame Toasted Basmati Rice and Broad Bean Salad

Believe it or not I have already purchased new season broad beans from Borough market this week.

I was amazed to have found them. I immediately enquired where they came from…

Slow Cooked Hens Eggs with Crispy Bread Sticks

The perfect breakfast to savour on a bright Sunday morning with the morning paper and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. What better way is there to start the day?

Have…

New Season English Asparagus, Salt & Pepper Roll, Sauce Gribiche

On Friday morning I received a box with amazing looking seasonal vegetables. It was a real treat for me to discover two bunches of the finest looking English asparagus from…

English Garden and Giant Pearled Couscous Salad

When   Garden or chopped  salads are listed on a menu the words are vague enough to mean anything. It could convey  that it includes minimal ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes and…

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…

Curly Kale and Mung Bean Slaw

I have eaten and made lots of coleslaw in my life but so far have not made cabbage taste so good as this recipe. I’m pretty pleased with myself. I…

Wild Garlic and Goats Cheese Frittata

Driving through the Cotswolds  the smell of wild garlic smacks you in the face. I have this love hate relationship with wild garlic. It reminds me of the days when…

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 rhubarb…

Fig and Sour Cherry Hot Cross Buns

It’s a lovely sunny day; all my spring flowers are in bloom. The smell of hyacinths is in the air and my bunny Elly is hopping over the grass. It’s…

Warm Pickled Beetroot and Heirloom Tomato Salad

I have had these pickled beetroots in my fridge since autumn of last year.

They came from our garden and it’s quite a surprise as we love beetroot and they normally get…

Warm Ginger, Tamarind and Lime Flu Beater

I’m feeling pretty rotten this week. I have been struck down with the dreaded flu for four days and cannot stand it much longer.

My mum was kind enough to tell…

Crusty Bread Sticks

This recipe is a follow on to the farmhouse white loaf recipe inspired by Richard Bertinet. I have used exactly the same bread dough and the same method, however I…

Creamy Butternut Squash and Butter Bean Salad

I was inspired to make this salad after visiting Ottolenghi in Notting Hill. If you have ever had the opportunity to visit any of the Ottolenghi shops you are seriously…

Saffron Clam and Corn Chowder

I love spring, today is a bright and sunny day, a bit chilly but its great as long as its sunny. I even noticed the daffodils popping up everywhere. The…

Mulled Plum Sorbet

“Sugar and spice and all things nice. That’s what little girls are made of”. You might think that I have now completely lost the plot!? Perhaps I have, but this…

Crispy Celeriac Gnocchi with Watercress Cream

Making Gnocchi like an Italian mama is an art in itself. I have gone one step further and used celeriac instead of traditional potatoes. I guess that the Italian Mamas…

Corn on the Cob and Celeriac Fritters

There is a lot of love in our home for corn on the cob. These Corn on the cob and celeriac fritters are just one of many recipes that we…

Roasted Fennel Salad with Ras-el-Hanout Dressing

Walking through Borough market is truly inspirational. The different cultures, seasons and aromas draw you into this wonder world of food, it spits you out at the other end half…

Silky Butternut Squash and Parmesan Soup

The vibrant  bright yellow colour of this silky butternut squash and Parmesan soup is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face, especially on a cold and grey winters day.

It…

Sautéed Wild Salmon with Macerated Beetroot

I can only describe this dish as healthy and sophisticated. The nuttiness of the wholesome pearl barley salad complements the fresh wild salmon. To add to the earthy taste I…

Maple Glazed Parsnip and Israeli Couscous Salad

The vibrant colour of this maple glazed parsnip and Israeli couscous salad attracts a lot of attention around the dinner table. Israeli couscous might be an unusual ingredient for some…

Garden Pea Soup

For years it has always been a hassle and a half to make a successful and vibrant green Garden Pea Soup. It does not matter if you use fresh or…

Cracked Wheat, Walnut and Pomegranate Salad

Packing a lunch box to work is something of the past. Most work places have a lunchtime offer on site and if  not there’s enough expensive temptations on the high…

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…

Banana and Date Loaf

Inhale a deep breath of air; the aroma of freshly baked Banana and Date Loaf caresses your nose and all your senses. My mouth starts to water and the memories…

The Celebration of the Pigs Cheeks

Ever thought of eating pigs cheeks? If the thought ‘oh no not for me’  enters your mind then I advise you to think again. Once we cooked this dish, Ross’s…

Funky Bircher Muesli

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Oats and whole grains are perfect as they release energy slowly. The attraction for this recipe is that there is no…

Wholesome Pearl Barley and Beetroot Salad

Warm or cold;starter,main course or accompaniment, this recipe ticks all these boxes. It’s one of my favourite salads, it’s healthy and absolutely delicious. I make this dish in the summer…

Swiss Chard and Feta Cheese Cigarillos

One Friday morning Konstantina, a Greek lady that worked with me, came into the kitchen and asked if I would like to try a bit it of her mothers Spanikopita.…

Spelt Russet Apple Slice

The nutty wholemeal rich spelt shortbread base is a pure melt in the mouth delight. I spent a cold grey Friday wandering the streets of London looking for inspiration. I…

Spelt and Semolina Shortbread

I love the nutty sweet taste and aroma of spelt. It’s only recently that we have found spelt flour produced by Sharpham Park at Borough market and to my delight our…

Spiced Apple and Olive Oil Cake

This Spiced Apple and Olive Oil cake is a tribute to an Egyptian chef who used to work with me. Using olive oil instead of butter makes this cake interesting.…

The Bilbao Breakfast

This recipe is a memory of last spring when we went to the Basque country, Northern Spain for a pure stuff your face weekend. We had a table booked for…

Cinnamon Baked Plums

This recipe is one of the very first recipes that I specially produced for The British Larder.This website has been a dream in the making for a long time. The…

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…

Mini Cinnamon and Apple Whirls

Breakfast or afternoon tea will be a perfect time to enjoy these Mini Cinnamon and Apple Whirls. The Russet Apple Compote is a recipe that I have prepared and kept…

Tamarind Pickled Rhubarb and Redcurrants

Sous-vide cooking has brought a lot of joy to me. I love to discover and experiment with new ingredients and equipment.I received the water bath as a gift from Ross …

Cumin Roasted Butternut Squash and Cracked Wheat Soup

Choosing the right butternut squash has always been an important and precise task for my mother. It has to be elongated with the smallest seed cavity as possible. She believes…

Spiced Red Lentil Soup

The fragrant but subtle tones of the spices and herbs make this soup incredibly moreish. I love the natural vibrant orange red colour which is bright enough to make a…

Date and Rum Bon Bons

Naughty but nice comes to mind when I make these Date and Rum Bon Bons. They do remind me of Christmas with their alcoholic kick and the fruity fudgy texture…

Star Anise and Cinnamon Pickled Beetroot

Growing vegetables has been a new and humble experience for me.It has given me a new found respect for the food we eat. I had a good harvest last summer…

Cauliflower and Shallot Piccalilli

Piccalilli is the king of the pickles. Once a year in a rather ceremonial fashion there is an official piccalilli making date in our household calendar.This occurs just before Christmas…