Autumn Leaves are Falling As the trees turn their gorgeous shades of golden, red and deep, deep orange and the debates about when to put the heating on are fully underway (another jumper is surely the first step?), it’s time to make the most of the abundance of autumn fruits. I’m lucky to have a…
Foraging at home and beyond This was a bit of a triumph and one of my most successful fridge forage sessions. Veg box leftovers (chard, leeks and courgettes in this case), the last of the wild garlic pesto I’d made with some bounty from Hampstead Heath, a bit of somewhat “vintage” cheddar and cream that…
A Risotto for Spring Time I love risotto and at when spring arrives, it has to be risotto primavera for me. A classic Italian dish, using seasonal spring vegetables – asparagus has a short season in the UK, so I love to let the it take centre stage for this recipe, along with some broad…
Aubergine Season There’s an abundance of aubergines around now and I just LOVE them. I know some people who don’t care for them so much – I hope this recipe might help convert at least some of the doubters. Aubergine Parmigiana is truly an iconic Italian dish, literally meaning “aubergine Parmesan”. You’ll find it served…
Salad days I love this middle Eastern salad and to be honest I could tuck into it any time of year. Now that spring is upon us, it’s definitely a good time to start serving this crisp, fresh dish. It originated in northern Lebanon and always featured some leftover toasted bread, often pitta. Fattoush will…
Burns Night Delight Cranachan is a Scottish dessert, traditionally made to celebrate the raspberry harvest in June. It’s also often served as part of a Burns Night supper, which would be in January, long before the Scottish raspberry season, but these days you can from time to time stray from what is strictly seasonal. It’s…
Mushroom Stroganoff I love this recipe – it’s quite quick and easy to put together and it’s so luxurious, with that cream and brandy (or wine if you prefer). Stroganoff is a Russian dish, traditionally made with sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce made with sour cream. It’s often made with beef and…
The classic French soup This is one of my favourite dishes – perfect for these chilly winter evenings. I was without a proper kitchen when I last made this, so I got to work in the Kitchen in the Lounge. I had the chopping board perched on a chest of drawers and a single induction…
Greek feast anyone? This is a welcome dish at any time as far as I’m concerned – a big bowl of rich and delicious butterbeans. Project new kitchen is finally under way, so for now I have just a single hob and a mini-fridge to work with in the Kitchen in the Lounge. It certainly…
Fairly Quick, Very Easy and Utterly Delicious This is a great salad for an easy weekday dinner. Of course, you can have it for lunch if you prefer, or even dinner. It’s perfect at any time of year: a little bit cold, but with a bit of warmth. If you’ve got time on your side,…