Autumn

Nature's Larder It's about this time of year in Somerset that Bramley apples have a habit of appearing on doorsteps .. less cherry knocking, more apple knocking. You certainly can't walk through a Somerset village at this time of year without tripping over a box of Bramley apples. Left hopefully outside a gate with a little handwritten note inviting you to take a few, they're one of my favourite signs that the seasons are beginning to shift. This hearty potato salad is my wa

A crisp caramel brittle for scattering over ice cream, cakes and puddings. There always seems to be a handful of nuts left in the cupboard. Half a packet of hazelnuts, a few lonely walnuts, the last spoonful of pumpkin seeds. Not quite enough of anything to make a recipe ... but together? They're perfect for nut brittle. This is one of those wonderfully forgiving recipes that changes every time you make it. Use whatever nuts and seeds need using up, provided they roughly fil

A rich no-churn ice cream with toasted brown butter, a splash of bourbon, maple syrup and homemade brittle. There are recipes you set out to make ... and then there are recipes that simply appear because your curiosity gets the better of you. This one began with a pan of butter, not for toast, not for baking. Just because I wanted to watch it transform. As it melted, the butter slowly turned from pale yellow to liquid gold. Tiny milk solids settled on the bottom of the pan

This Italian Sausage Kale and Tortellini Soup is hearty, comforting and apparently capable of converting kale sceptics ... There are some recipes that receive a warm reception when they arrive at the table. This was not one of them ... When I announced that dinner was Italian Sausage, Kale & Tortellini Soup, my husband looked deeply suspicious. He has long suspected that many of my recipes are simply elaborate vehicles for getting more kale onto the table ... To be fair, he i

My eldest is home from university for the summer, which means I'm back in vegetarian cooking mode. Like most students, she's become remarkably adept at surviving on whatever happens to be available, but there are still a few home comforts she looks forward to when she comes back. This creamy garlic mushroom pappardelle is one of them. The funny thing is that while she loves the rich, savoury flavour mushrooms bring to a dish, she isn't keen on their texture. So every time I m

If you love the cosy flavours of autumn, this apple custard tart will quickly become your go-to dessert. Imagine sweet, juicy apple slices nestled in a smooth, creamy vanilla custard, all resting on a buttery, crumbly crust. It’s a treat that combines the best of textures and tastes, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet moment at home. Just a quick tip before you start: make sure your tart bakes on a level shelf in the oven, unlike my last effort which res

My daughter is home from Uni and there is just not enough time this weekend to cook everything I want to make for her this weekend. So, where to start? ... I always say this is the home of the messy sandwich and I know she absolutely loves them, and wanting to pack as much flavour in as possible, I knew this Peruvian roast chicken sandwich with a creamy sour cream green sauce would be perfect. It’s a messy, flavourful meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold tastes

Ever been told off by your kid for missing Taco Tuesday? Well, that happened here. My little boy gave me the side-eye last night because I skipped making White Chicken Chilli Tacos on Tuesday. So, I’m embracing the new tradition: Tardy Taco Tuesday —because sometimes, good food just can’t wait. These soft tacos are loaded with a hearty white bean chilli and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, then baked until crispy and melty. If you love tacos but want something a little different,

I in no way claim this to be an authentic white chicken chilli recipe, but it's one that I've adapted over time to create a really hearty, flavour packed dish. To give this chilli it's deep flavourful base, I like to start by roasting a whole small chicken, then cook the onions, garlic and pickled chillies in the chicken drippings to give the base a really rich and flavourful depth. The added combination of spices, tomatillo salsa and pickled chillies adds a smoky, tangy kic

Braised red cabbage is a classic side dish that always makes an appearance around this time of year in our house. Its natural sweetness and tangy notes balance beautifully with rich, savoury meats like pork belly. Why Braised Red Cabbage Works So Well Red cabbage has a firm texture and a slightly bitter edge when raw. Braising softens the cabbage and allows it to absorb the flavors of butter, sugar, port, and vinegar. The sweetness from the brown sugar and grated apple cuts t

Generally for me, nothing beats a goof tiramisu as the ultimate coffee-flavoured dessert, in fact my love with tiramisu is a well known thing, I've even got a dedicated Tiramisu shelf in my fridge, but just recently I've started a little side dalliance with this creamy Expresso Martini Mousse heaven-ness. It’s creamy, rich, and has just the right kick of espresso and chocolate to make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it one of those quick easy p

On those chilly autumn days, nothing beats the warmth of a serving of Creamy Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin. It’s not just food; it’s a feeling of cosiness, bringing together family and friends around the table. With layers of soft potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish offers comfort in every bite. Creamy Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin - The Recipe Ingredients 1 kg potatoes, thinly sliced 2 tbsp unsalted butter 180 g bacon lardons 1 red onio

As autumn leaves drift and the air gets chillier, the pumpkin spice lattes firmly take over their seasonal annual reign, but perhaps controversially I will never be convinced that pumpkin spice has any place in my latte. I believe another comforting flavour deserves your attention: spiced apple juice donut cake! This apple juice donut cake is more than a treat; it’s an experience. Each moist bite bursts with the tangy sweetness of apple juice, perfectly matched with warm

Are you craving a fresh and vibrant salad that is both healthy and packed with flavour? Look no further! The Persian Style Carrot and Fresh Herb Chutney Salad is a colourful dish that is easy to make and sure to delight your taste buds. With the perfect mix of sweet carrots, zesty chutney, and aromatic herbs, it shines as a light lunch or a standout side dish for any gathering. I love to serve this alongside my herby Pea & Feta and Giant Couscous Salad Persian Style Carrot a

If you're ready to take your breakfast or brunch to the next level, look no further than Turkish eggs, a classic dish that combines creamy yogurt with perfectly poached eggs. Recently, I found an exciting way to enhance this beloved meal by pairing it with a vibrant Persian herb chutney, a recipe heavily inspired by my new foodie crush, Sabzi's Deli. This condiment adds a burst of fresh flavour that beautifully complements the richness of the eggs. What Are Turkish Eggs? Turk

I am in a full on foodie crush at the moment and it's been inspiring a lot of the dishes I have been making over the last couple of weeks....

As autumn arrives and the leaves change colour, it’s the ideal time to embrace the season's flavours. Every month I like to showcase a trending flavour in the cocktail world in my monthly newsletter. As we slip into Autumn, the flavour on the tip of everyone's tongue for 2025, are elegant Pear and the warming, spicy herbaceous notes of rosemary. I decided to waste no time in trying this gorgeous sounding combination in a Pear and Rosemary Gin Fizz, to bring a refreshing and

If you're searching for a way to enhance your salad experience, you’ve come to the right place! I'm so excited to share a recipe that has...

Sometimes, the most delicious recipes arise from a dash of spontaneity and a sprinkle of creativity. This is how this Butternut Squash...

After a long day, we all want a meal that is both satisfying and simple to make. That's where Creamy Green Chilli Chicken comes in—a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with a rich, creamy sauce that has just a warming hint of spice. Perfect for those cosy nights, this recipe will impress your family or guests without requiring hours of prep. Let’s explore the ingredients and straightforward steps to prepare this delightful dish, great for pairing with pasta o