Cookbook challenge – From the markets of Tuscany: Savoy cabbage with sausage – new recipe

Savoy cabbage with sausage This Savoy cabbage with sausage recipe is straight out of Tuscany, and Tuscany has a special place in my heart. Last year, we went on an amazing holiday to Tuscany, and stayed in a gorgeous villa with our friends and their kids. I have been on holiday with few friends, but […]

Cookbook challenge – Nathan Outlaw: baked rice pudding – new recipe

Andrew loves rice pudding. When I make one I usually use skimmed milk, sugar, vanilla extract, grate fresh nutmeg on top, and bake it in the oven whilst my roast dinner is cooking. I stir in a little fresh cream when I take it out of the oven, and serve the rice pudding cold (Andrew, […]

Cookbook challenge – Rick Stein: poule au Riz

Sometimes you come across a recipe which you know is going to be a keeper. You might tweak it a bit and make it your own, but it’s made it onto your list of favourites to make again and again and again. I have a few core recipes like that: easy, reliable, minimal washing up, […]

Cookbook Challenge – Rick Stein: Mexican inspired beef tortilla wraps

I recently made a delicious recipe from Rick Stein’s The Road to Mexico, called ‘chargrilled beef tacos with spring onions and guacamole’. I call them Mexican inspired beef tortillas. As usual according to the rules of the Cookbook Challenge, I followed the recipe exactly, despite having doubts about it, because I might learn a new […]

Cookbook Challenge – Jamie Oliver: pork and mash gratin

Jamie Oliver’s pork and mash gratin is a fantastic quick and easy recipe, using just five ingredients. We really enjoyed this tasty meal. I am sure I have mentioned before that I really like Jamie Oliver’s books and TV shows, and even Andrew (who normally gets irritated by him) enjoyed Jamie’s ‘5 ingredients’ series. In […]

Cookbook Challenge: Marcus Wareing – hot smoked salmon eggs Benedict (new recipe)

I love Marcus Wareing’s new book of ‘New Classics’ – a Christmas present from Andrew. I have already made a couple of recipes from there, including cod goujons in parmesan crust (Ioan adored them), but I ate them too quickly to photograph for a write up. I have previously mentioned our delicious hot smoked salmon […]

Cookbook challenge – Nadiya Hussain: lamb bhuna with garlic naan

It is AGES since I wrote my last Cookbook Challenge – naughty me, I am so behind with blog posts. But it’s great to do, as the rule with the Cookbook Challenge is that I have to follow the recipe. Because I am such a confident cook, I often use recipes as a guide rather […]

Cookbook challenge – Anthony Bourdain: roast chicken with lemon and butter

Andrew and I love Anthony Bourdain. His TV shows are a perfect mix of travel and cooking, so that they appeal to us both, and although I don’t think he’s the kind of person I’d want to know (man, he’s scary), he is entertaining, witty, and writes a great book. His latest book is ‘Appetites: […]

Cookbook challenge – The Sopranos Family Cookbook: Braciole

Andrew and I have always loved cuddling up on the sofa to watch a tv show or film, usually with a cat or four on our laps demanding our attention. In the olden days when Netflix and Amazon Prime didn’t exist and we had to watch DVDs (yes, I do also remember VHS), Andrew and […]

Cookbook challenge – Nigel Slater: beetroot and goats cheese, pork and lemons, rhubarb marscapone tart

I am writing this just after watching the first episode of a new cookery programme by Nigel Slater. As always I am struck by how genuinely nice he seems, and how much I’d like to go around to his house for dinner. In fact, years ago we used to live near to him in Highbury […]