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) …

Goji berry and Yacon Muesli Muffins

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but one I ignore most of the time…completely! I’m normally way to busy and it’s pretty early,…

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…

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…

Fresh Cranberry and Chestnut Cantucci

I cannot believe it’s already November, where has the year gone? I have to start making plans for Christmas and have actually been developing Christmas recipes for months but  this…

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.

Last…

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 pears…

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…

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 the superb professional…

Banana and White Chocolate Cupcakes with Magical Glittering Cream Cheese Frosting

Four lonely bananas have been lying in the fruit bowl for two weeks now. I’m feeling way too guilty to throw them in the food bin so I  had better…

Orange and Honey Caramelised Brussels Sprouts

You might have thought that either Christmas has come early this year or I have completely gone crazy. No, no, neither is correct. I thought it’s about time that we…

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 there, but…

Pheasant Forestiere with Wilted Wild Watercress

Saturday the 24th October 2009 was marked in my calendar with big red letters. A few of us like minded foodies booked a day’s wild food foraging with Polly from…

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…

Pulled Pork and Pumpkin Pies perfect for Halloween

It was a bright and beautiful autumn day, perfect for a walk and picnic in the forest. I made these delicious pulled pork and pumpkin pies, packed my metal lunch…

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…

Kitchen Classic – Aubergine Parmigiana Made With My Own Home Grown Aubergines

I’m taking a serious risk today posting this traditional kitchen classic recipe Aubergine Parmigiana. As you all know I have had an exciting summer producing spectacular fruit and vegetables, some…

Guinea Fowl with Cep Butter and Creamed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted guinea fowl, sauteed ceps and creamed Brussels sprouts…..that’s what dreams are made of! We are in the heart of autumn, the trees  have the most glorious colours of burnt…

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…

Twice Baked Quince and Hazelnut Crumble with Quince Custard

This is a pretty humble dish in itself  but the kind of dessert  that would be perfect to round off a lovely family Sunday roast with all the trimmings. It’s…

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 as it has…

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 tomato…

Chocolate and Amaretti Torte with a Divine Chocolate Frosting

The recipe for this chocolate and amaretti torte with a divine chocolate frosting could not have come at a better time than during the national Chocolate Week 2009. I am…

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…

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…

Venison and Smoked Pancetta Meatballs with Curly Kale and Parsnip Mash; Red Onion Gravy

Autumn is well and truly upon us and it’s time to indulge in the hearty and homely dishes that makes this season that little bit more interesting.The Game season has…

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 noodle soup when…

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 two adults with one £10…

One £10 Chicken, Three Meals – Part One

Sunday Roast with Butternut Squash Anna

Doing the weekly shop has become significantly more expensive and  sometimes  I almost feel forced to purchase meat that has been reared against my principles…

Fig and Pine Nut Tart

I feel incredibly privileged to live in Britain, especially close to London as we are the “food  capital” of the world, well that’s my opinion. You can buy nearly anything…

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…

Classic Beef Wellington

The classic Beef Wellington, what a stunner of a dish! It’s almost like a complete meal as you have the carbohydrate, protein, sauce and vegetable all in one, I think…

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…

Celeriac and Potato Gratin with Cobnut Gremolata

How good does cooked cream taste? My mouth is watering just writing about it, but the moment of weakness over the lips and the lifetime of regret over the hips…

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…

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…

Victoria Plum and Blackberry Frozen Ice Cream Slices

The signs of autumn are in the air. The mornings are crisp and the sun is reluctant to show it’s face. I definitely feel the change in the season as…

Mr.Punch and Lady Priscilla’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

All credit for this recipe goes to Kim and Graham, Roy and Linda’s egg suppliers and neighbours. A few weeks ago when we went fruit picking in Dennis’s back yard,…

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…

Julia Childs’ The French Chef Talking Chickens…

With the movie Julie and Julia out in the cinemas this week I thought it would be a bit of fun to watch a old classic video by French chef…

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…

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…

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…

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 have…

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 the…

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…

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…

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 at…

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…

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 and…

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…

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 heavy,…

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 of…

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 terms of…

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…

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…

Plum Tart Tatin with Mulled Plum Sorbet

Making tart tatin used to be my “party piece”. I love the wow factor which I still get  after all these years. It’s a warm fussy feeling and a sense…

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…

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…

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 excited.

Brett cooked for…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Ultimate Cottage Pie

The inspiration for this dish came from my very first couple of weeks working in contract catering. At first, the change  from restaurants to the contract catering world was fierce…

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…

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…

Quince Brule Tarts

Quinces were introduced to Britain during the late 16th century from the Mediterranean. It made its appearance at the end of a large banquet, as it  helped with the digestion…

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…

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 is…

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…

Velvet Chocolate and Beetroot Cupcakes with Chocolate Fudge Spread

The rich chocolate with a hint of beetroot is enough to suppress the guilt of indulgence. The fibrous beetroot enhances the richness of the chocolate and makes this recipe truly…

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.…

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 canape of vinegar…

Quince Curd

Quinces are one of those rather romantic fruits, it’s speculated that these fruits were used as an aphrodisiac in the early days and with its appearance one could see why.…

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…

Mango & Blackcurrant Espuma

Who would have thought that the old-fashioned Cream Whipper would have become fashionable again? Squirty cream had been at the forefront of Gastronomy during the 60’s and 70’s. They then…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Strawberry Crunch and Pomegranate Marshmallows

I learned how to make marshmallows at college and the memory of the sticky mess has stayed with me for many years. So one day,when my good friend Fabien and…

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,…

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…

Pheasant, Aegean Prune, Girolle & Chestnut Pie

The Game season and autumn is in full swing. The joys of walking in the woods on a crisp autumn day, seeing the chestnuts falling from the trees and a…