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…

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…

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…

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…

Pheasant Ravioli with a Chestnut Sauce and Curly Kale Pesto

It’s amazing the lovely colours that we can still achieve even in the heart of winter. I always used to  imagine and think that winter food was dull, heavy and…

Duck, Onion and Date Pastilla

When it’s cold and miserable outside, my body does not seem to want to co-operate and function as it should. It feels as if I want to go into hibernation,…

Firecracker Roasted Pumpkin and Coconut Soup

It’s the beginning of  both a new year and decade. It’s certainly time to have deep clean, throw away the hoards of scrap paper with nonsensical squiggles, magazines from the…

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…

Beetroot Stained Salmon Gravadlax

The inspiration for writing and making this dish came from Jamie Gorman. Jamie is a full blooded foodie and wine connoisseur, like me he takes every opportunity to chat about…

Slow Cooked Pheasant Breast with Griddled Leeks and Pickled Mushrooms

A few weeks ago, the two of us took a week out from work with the aim to relax and try and do as little as possible….well that was a…

Hay Baked Jerusalem Artichoke and Smoked Cream Salad

This recipe is dedicated to John Lawson, Abi’s dad and a Lincolnshire farmer. He sent me a couple of large bags of freshly dug Jerusalem artichokes and I found it…

Pear, Quail, Walnut and Stilton Salad

Well what can I say, Pear, Blue Cheese and Walnuts, the height of food fashion in the 60’s and 70’s. I deliberately pushed myself (or  alternatively tried to antagonise myself) …

Momofuku’s Pork Buns Recreated by The British Larder

I have not been this excited about a book for a very long time! I always try to be enthusiastic and promise myself to read them as soon as they…

Schezuan Pear Broth with Mackerel Dumplings

This dish is different and rather unusual. Combining pears with mackerel might not sound like an obvious pairing but it works remarkably well.

I made a broth using British conference…

Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Fermented Black Beans and Soba Noodles

With the colder days all I want to do is eat, which is definitely no good for the waistline nor for my wardrobe. To stay away from the temptation, I…

Forest Cappuccino with Beefsteak Mushroom Croustades

This recipe is made from the leftovers from our wild food foraging day with Food Safari. It’s amazing how much free food there is actually  to collect out…

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…

Jerusalem Artichoke and Roasted Garlic Soup

When Abigail Lawson joined our chef’s team I was sceptical at first as she had just recently graduated from Leiths. I have old fashioned views on how a cook should…

Hearty Cavolo Nero, Borlotti Bean and Smoked Bacon Soup

The combination of cabbage, bacon and beans is very familiar to me. I actually hated it when I was younger working in a top London restaurant. The cabbage hearts along…

Sauteed Cavolo Nero and Caramelized Chervil Root with Ewes Milk Cheese Shavings

Warm winter and autumn salads are a terrific substitute for the lighter leafier ones that we loved so much during the summer. I can eat salad all year long and…

Creamy Parsnip Soup with Red Leg Partridge Sausage Rolls

The game season is now well under way and so is Autumn. It’s a fantastic time of the year especially the combination of game,the earthy root vegetables and the amazing…

Venison and Butternut Squash Canapes with Fried Quails Eggs

This recipe is another Aldeburgh Food Festival inspired dish and utilises the leftovers from the venison mince that I bought that day. I love the Aldeburgh food festival…

Turkish Inspired Aubergine Soup with Dry Toasted Almonds

It’s a sombre grey wet and grim looking day, secretly I’m very pleased that the rain has finally arrived. The forest is dry and my garden is suffering too.

My…

One £10 Chicken Three Meals – Part Three

Chicken Noodle Soup

There is something rather magical about chicken noodle soup, a feeling that’s it’s all going to be just fine. Did your mum give you chicken…

One £10 Chicken,Three Meals – Part Two

Chicken and Mushroom Ballotine with Pan Roasted Figs and Crushed Cobnuts

It’s day two of my posh chicken challenge which was to cook three meals for…

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…

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…

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…

Fresh Borlotti Bean, Tiger Prawn and Chorizo Horneado

Eating the produce from my garden this summer has been a wonderful experience. The fruits of our labour are swiftly coming to an end. I harvested the last of the…

Crispy Mackerel Wontons

It’s the height of the mackerel season and there is nothing more satisfying than going fishing and coming home with a healthy catch. Mr.P went fishing a few weeks ago…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Char-grilled Balsamic Rump Steak with Heirloom Tomato and Bobby Bean Salad

It’s a pretty miserable  rainy day, not much to look forward to considering it’s supposed to be mid-summer.

However I  should look on the bright side,at least my tomatoes and…

Barbecued Pomegranate and Coriander Lamb Kebabs

The summer is good! Good for my garden and good for my soul. I like pottering outside in the garden, plant a few vegetables, herbs, fruits, shrubs and trees. If …

Potted Pigs’ Cheeks with Pea Custard

The inspiration for this dish came from the Great British menu. I liked  both Nigel Haworth’s approach to create a taste of home with a slight twist and the little…

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…

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…

Pea and Slow Cooked Ham Tarts

As you have most probably gathered, we are pea fanatics, especially fresh new season garden peas from our own garden. Here is another pea delight that is delicious and perfect…

Lightly Smoked Lobster with Sea Purslane and Suffolk Samphire

Before I launched the British larder I would have not looked twice at social networks, I thought that Twitter was a waste of time and Facebook…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Flame-Grilled Mackerel with Smoked Eel and Shiso

When Brett Graham invited me to visit him at the Ledbury in Notting Hill to share one of his signature dishes , I was truly honoured and incredibly…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

Pork Belly Croquettes with Roasted Corn Cream

Pork Belly is food for the gods in our home.

I use the sous-vide cooking method for this recipe of Pork Belly Croquettes . It does take 12 hours but…

Jerusalem Artichoke and Haricot Bean Soup

This Jerusalem artichoke and haricot bean soup is rich, velvety and highly perfumed. The distinctive perfume of the Jerusalem artichoke is not everyone’s cup of tea but it certainly makes…

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.…

Green Chilli Chicken Wontons with Avocado and Lime Dip

Call me tight or stingy, but I do not like to waste food as there are too many hungry mouths in this world.

I make these green  chilli chicken wontons…

Hog Shank and Savoy Cabbage Terrine

Boiling ham is time consuming but nothing beats the taste and flavour of freshly boiled ham. Working in restaurants I have had my fair share of making terrines of all…

Semi-Dried Tomato & Comté Cheese Scones

Comté cheese is one of my favorite cheeses with a mild, distinctive fragrance and slightly sweet taste. These semi-dried tomato & Comté cheese scones are ideal for breakfast or as…

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…

Oxtail and Roasted Onion Broth

Oxtail is a classic old British favourite and I found a recipe from 1922 in Mrs Beeton’s  New Edition cookery book. It is one of the forgotten cuts that should …

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…