Goose Egg on Springstep Dairy Smoked Goats Cheese Potato Rosti

I was harping on about my great find, the Great Garnets Farmers Market a few weeks ago and I have promised to make something rather delightful with the goose eggs and…

Rhubarb and Custard Pie Pudding

I can draw inspiration from anywhere. I think it’s perhaps my strongest quality and truly beneficial to my career as a chef. It does not matter to whom I speak…

Mushroom and English Chorizo Minestrone

A Tribute to Rose Gray ……

Oh! the wind is cutting through my bones today! It’s grey, miserable and very wet. Well I know what you…

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…

Braised Beef Rib Stroganoff, January King Cabbage and Carrot Crush

There is something really warming about eating good old classic recipes. I almost feel  nervous and get sweaty palms when I set myself the task of cooking an old kitchen…

Poppy Seed and Blood Orange Sticky Cake

I’m not one to give up on a recipe. In fact I will repeat making it until I get it right. Ok. it may have been perfectly fine the first…

Broccoli and Chestnut Mushroom Salad with a Subtle Heat

Browsing through the vegetable display at Saturdays Farmers Market, held every second Saturday at Great Garnets Farm, I saw these beautiful looking heads of broccoli. Next to them…

Pancake Day, The British Larder Way! Raspberry, Lime and Coconut Pancakes

Where is the year going!?! Well it’s nearly  Shrove Tuesday, which is the last day before Lent and known to everyone as Pancake Day.

We love a good pancake, there…

Roasted Heritage Carrot Soup

I do not often get the chance to visit London. I miss it and sometimes regret moving to the country, well you can’t have it all. When I do get…

Two Lentil Makhani Dal with Freshly Baked Peshawari Naan Breads

I absolutely loved the movie Slumdog Millionaire.I not only  appreciated the mechanics on how the movie was made but also  how it highlighted the way we allow children and other…

Spelt, Honey and Walnut Bread

One of my “new years resolutions” is to bake fresh bread more often. I find it therapeutic and it actually helps me to collect my thoughts and just simply calm…

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…

Exquisite Lamb Moussaka

Cooking is my life but it does not necessarily mean that I have to reinvent the wheel every time I get the pots and pans out. As part of my…

Cauliflower Soup with Morbier Air Profiteroles

I have always loved the combination of cauliflower and cheese. However I do have a rather sad memory of a cauliflower cheese incident. Dad was accustomed to having his food…

Lemon Curd Tarts

This luxurious and velvety lemon curd recipe is very close to my heart. I have had this recipe for nearly 15 years and it’s been used in many of the…

Makin’ Whoopee…Salted Peanut Whoopie Pies…

I have not been this excited about mastering a recipe in years! Reading the news paper and Delicious magazines predictions on what’s  ”hot” this year in the line…

Rescue Remedy; Oaty, Peach and Pear Smoothie

Right I’m ready for the new decade! Christmas and New Year have gone and there is no more reason to indulge in the unhealthy foods. My body feels a bit…

Raw Salad of Fennel, Seville Orange, Chicory and Kohlrabi

It’s a new year and after lavish celebrations for both Christmas and New Year, it’s time to think twice about what I put on my dinner plate.

This raw salad…

Coconut Panacotta and Passion Fruit Eggs

Happy New Year!! Wow it’s nearly 2010, the end of a decade and time for an extra special New Years party.

This  is the perfect party recipe, it raises the…

Reminiscing About El Bulli Menu 2009…Salted Peanut and Corn Snow Wafers

I have a special affection for Spain, I feel truly at home when I’m there. They have exceptional food, brilliantly jaw dropping innovative chefs, fantastic architecture, art, produce and wine.…

Elderflower and English Wine Jelly

The short elderflower season is drawing to an end.

I’m feeling a bit sad as it means that this wonderful gift from Mother Nature is not going to be around…

Rare Roast Lamb and Lebanese Cucumber Delights

I used to live in Fulham for many years and North End Road was my local foodie heaven. The attraction for me was the different cultures and influences.

I moved…

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.…

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…

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…

Restaurant Sat Bains presents a “Sweet Curry”

I’m going to tell you about my visit to Restaurant Sat Bains again and again…! We had a brilliant time and experienced the warm glowing feel that you…

Golden Beet and Samphire Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Friday was a joyful day for us as we received our Christmas present -a Rocket Garden.

Last year was the first year that we had planted fruits and vegetables. It…

Coconut and Coriander Half Roast Chickens

It’s nearly the barbecue season or braai weather, as my family would say.

Cooking the chicken on the bone is the best way for me as the bone helps keep…

Pink Peppercorn Strawberry Jelly and Thyme Infused Honey Custard

Wow did I have fun making this dish today!

Thanks to Great British Menu last week featuring the Welsh heat with Stephen Terry and James Sommerin. Both their desserts reminded…

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?…

Grilled Madras Razor Clams with Sautéed Rainbow Chard and Cornish New Potatoes

I have a lot of love for Borough market and make a point of visiting regularly. My obsession has got to the point that I make a checklist of things…

Restaurant Sat Bains, Organic Salmon, Miso Caramel, Nettle Juice

There is no place like home! My place is in the kitchen. I like eating in restaurants and enjoying the beauty of a well designed dining room but when given…

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…

Chocolate Salami

It’s just a little bit of fun!

There is no raw meat and no baking involved. It’s a fairly simple recipe and I’m sure you would have tried something similar…

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…

Restaurant Sat Bains presents Beef Cheeks, Seaweed, Oyster, Sprouts and Radish

Last year,for my birthday, Ross took me to Nottingham to stay and dine at the Restaurant Sat Bains. We were given one of the beautifully furnished and very…

Date and Earl Grey Tea Madeleines with Muscavado Dip

I love Madeleines and always call them mini Me’s. Fabien my pastry chef friend always makes lemon Madeleines for me as a little treat.

I’m pretty pleased with this date…

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…

Crispy Quack Eggs with Radish Mayonnaise

The inspiration for this dish came from Stephen Williams,the chef at the Harwood Arms. We went there last week to take photos of the pub and Stephen served…

Soufflé Orange Tapioca Cream

I was horrified to hear the  negative comments from the general public on tapioca pudding.

Last week I was doing a cooking demonstration to a group of ladies who all…

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…

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…

Giant Cocoa and Cinnamon Meringues

These giant meringues take me back to the Millennium when I lived in Fulham. Most Sunday mornings I used to walk down Fulham Road towards Sloane Square to have breakfast…

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…

Slow Cooked Shoulder of Lamb, Greek Style Salad and Warm Lamb Vinaigrette

Shoulder of lamb is level pegging with belly of pork when it comes to my favourite meat rankings. I simply love the flavour of the shoulder when cooked slowly for…

Date Slice with Earl Grey Tea Bananas and Stem Ginger Ice Cream

Sticky toffee pudding is as British as British could be.

I have eaten many sticky toffee puddings in my lifetime and have found that more than once the texture is…

Organic Salmon ‘mi-cuit’, Spiced Lentils, Foie Gras

One Friday morning in March I went to the Vineyard at Stockcross where chef John Campbell(two michelin stars) is at the helm.

Head Chef Peter Eaton cooked this amazing dish…

Mixed Spiced Ice Cream

The best kitchen gadget and the number one must have for 2009 is the phenomenal Thermomix. There is very little that this machine wonder cannot do in the…

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…

Buttermilk Pudding with Blood Oranges

When I received an invitation to spend a morning in the pastry section of Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair with head pastry chef Fabien Ecuvillon I was delighted. Fabien…

Farmhouse White Loaf

Baking bread is nothing new to me. My aunt lives on a farm and bakes bread everyday. As a child I loved visiting the farm, one of the very familiar…

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…

Roasted Cardamom Panacotta with Stewed Rhubarb

This roasted cardamom panacotta with stewed rhubarb is exactly what the British Larder is all about. The combination of flavours, textures and unusual methods is a sheer delight.

Sophistication with…

Sweet and Sour Pigs Cheeks

Yum yum is the thought that spring to mind when thinking about these lip smacking delicious little gems. Packed with natural gelatine, and when cooked for a few hours they…

Pot Roast Pork Belly

I love pork and only buy British pork. It does make me angry when I see supermarkets stocking pork from alternative origins. I can’t understand the reasoning behind it as…

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…

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…

Ham and Egg Salad

Eggs, ham and chips is one combo that makes Ross a very happy man. As my digestive system does not appreciate this combination I took the challenge to refine Ross’s…

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…

Coq-Au-Vin with Parsnip Cream

Coq-au-vin is an old classic and one of my favourites. The beauty about this  dish is that it can be cooked in so many ways and  presented in various styles…

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…

Celeriac Espuma with Ras-el-Hanout Steamed Tiger Prawns

This delightful Celeriac Espuma with Ras-el-Hanout Steamed Tiger Prawns makes a perfect amuse bouche or canapé to tickle your taste buds and keep your guests very happy. I love every…

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…

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…

Conference Pears Under Pressure

The inspiration for this recipe came from the book ‘ Under Pressure’ by Thomas Keller. I love this recipe for many reasons, one of which is that the pears do…

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…

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…

Individual Square Rhubarb Tarts

Square is funky and fun. I love making these gorgeous looking rustic tarts. They always look attractive and catch the eye but I must confess the pretty pink forced rhubarb…

Vanilla Sous-Vide Rhubarb

Tender stem forced Yorkshire rhubarb is definitely recommended for this recipe. The soft pastel pink colour is trapped in the young skin of the forced rhubarb. If  the rhubarb is…

Catherine’s Ultimate Very Chocolaty Brownies

Chocolaty, gooey, deliciously rich is the only way to describe Catherine’s ultimate very chocolaty brownies. A few months ago the whole support team at work took part in a cooking…

Vinegar Air and Salty Crispy Potatoes

The inspiration for this recipe came from Daniel Clifford the chef at  the Midsummer House restaurant in Cambridge. We went there  for  lunch and were served a delicious…

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 …

Chocolate Fudge Spread

Yum, yum I love this recipe!! It’s brilliant, no additives or preservatives. This chocolate fudge spread recipe takes pride of place amongst my recipe collection. Mum gave it to me,…

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…