Summer

Some recipes begin with a shopping list ...This one began with a bucket of blackberries. The sort that arrive in a neighbour's hand with a smile and the words, "I thought you might like these." The sort that stain your fingertips purple before you've even reached the kitchen .. and those very blackberries became a delicious homemade curd, rich with a gentle sharpness and gloriously jewel coloured ( When Life Gives You Blackberries ... Make Blackberry Curd.) Generously spooned

They say when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade ... But every now and then, life has other plans ... Not long ago, I mentioned to my husband that we really ought to go blackberry picking. I had a craving to make a blackberry curd and imagined an afternoon spent wandering the hedgerows, returning home with purple-stained fingers and enough berries to fill a basket. About twenty minutes later, there was a quiet knock at the door, and on the doorstep sat a generous

A silky tomato soup made with cupboard staples ... There are recipes that are planned for days, and then there are recipes that appear because it's lunchtime, you're hungry, and the cupboard happens to be well stocked. This Creamy Vegan Tomato & Butter Bean Soup belongs firmly in the second category. A tin of tomatoes. A tin of butter beans. A squeeze of tomato purée, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a generous shake of spicy garlic Italian seasoning and enough vegetable stock

A Somerset Fairy Tale (With a Cocktail at the End) Are you sitting comfortably? Then we shall begin... Every fairy tale contains an element of truth. As with all stories handed down through the years, however, they have a habit of acquiring a little extra sparkle in the retelling. Such is the tale of the Fig Leaf & Gooseberry Spritz. And like every good story ... Every recipe has a beginning. Sometimes it's a scribbled idea in a notebook. Sometimes it's inspired by a memora

The drink I nearly didn't make ... This drink almost never existed, but then ... While making my Blackberry & Mangelwurzel Jelly ( Deliciously Unique Blackberry and Mangelwurzel Jelly Recipe to Try ), I found myself standing over a pan of the most beautiful ruby-red juice I'd ever made. It seemed almost criminal to watch every last drop disappear into the preserving pan. So I quietly poured 100ml into a jug. No plan. No recipe. Just curiosity. What followed was one of those

How an old-fashioned root vegetable became my favourite preserve of the summer ... Some recipes arrive with months of planning. Others arrive in the hands of a neighbour carrying a rather extraordinary vegetable. When I was given mangelwurzels ahead of village Mangelwurzel celebrations, I'll admit I wasn't entirely sure where to begin. Most people know them as livestock feed, not something destined for toast or afternoon tea. But curiosity has always been my favourite ingre

"Sometimes the best recipes begin before you've even stepped into the kitchen." When I arrived to collect a basket of mangelwurzels for our village's Great Polden Mangelwurzel Off, they were spread out across the lawn waiting to be admired. Some were red, some golden yellow, all wonderfully wonky and full of character. Standing there, I expected to be planning soups, salads or something savoury. Instead, my first thought was... Orange. White chocolate. Hazelnuts. I couldn't e

"Sometimes the most interesting ingredients aren't the ones shouting the loudest." When I first brought home a basket of mangelwurzels for our village's Great Polden Mangelwurzel Off, I have to admit, I was a little underwhelmed. They weren't the jewel-like reds of beetroot or the sunshine yellows of squash I'd imagined. They were... quiet. My first instinct was to chase colour. How could I brighten them? Should I add the red stems? The leaves? More herbs? More drama? Then,

What started as a simple tray of tortilla chips quickly became something altogether more interesting, I give to you my Smokery Nachos Topped with Apple Sage and Smoky Onion Chutney ... These aren't delicate nachos. They're generous, slightly over-the-top, and designed for sharing ... Smoked chicken, smoked sausage, melted brie, smoky onion chutney, crisp apple and fresh sage may sound like unlikely companions, but together they create that magical balance of sweet, savoury, s

Fig Kale & Goat's Cheese Salad ... A salad that proves leafy greens can be the star of the table There are some recipes that are planned meticulously, and others that come together because a few good ingredients happen to cross paths at the right moment. This salad falls firmly into the second category. The idea began with fresh figs and a bunch of kale that needed using. The addition of creamy goat's cheese felt obvious, but it was the savoury granola that transformed it fro

There are some meals that start with a recipe and others that start with a craving. These tacos fall firmly into the second category. I wanted something colourful, comforting and packed with flavour, but still fresh enough for a warm evening. Roasted sweet potato brings sweetness, cauliflower adds a little bite, black beans provide substance, and kale brings a welcome earthiness. Tucked into soft tortillas and drizzled with a smoky chipotle sour cream, they're the sort of tac

If you find yourself with an abundance of courgettes and want a fresh, light dish that captures the essence of summer, this goats cheese and courgette tart is an excellent choice. It combines a crisp, buttery pastry with a creamy, tangy filling and tender, golden courgettes. The subtle heat from red chilli and the aroma of fresh thyme add layers of flavour that make this tart a standout at any meal. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a versatile dish that works well for casual

Courgettes seem to have a life of their own in the garden. Just like the seemingly never-ending football season on TV in our house, the courgette harvest keeps going, surprising you with new arrivals every time you glance away. While it’s great to have fresh vegetables on hand, it can get tricky finding fresh and exciting ways to cook with them. If you’re tired of the usual ratatouille or simple stir-fries, this recipe for Ratatouille Topped Cauliflower Cheese will help you m

Sometimes the best recipes come from unexpected moments. This Mascarpone Spelt Apple Crumble Tart was never meant to exist. What started as a simple plan to bake an almond-based apple crumble tart with mascarpone and cream cheese filling turned into a kitchen adventure fuelled by a sudden rainstorm and a missing ingredient. Yet, this twist of fate led to a delicious discovery that I’m excited to share. The Unplanned Beginning The original idea was straightforward: create a ta

Discovering a local smokery can transform your meals, especially when you find smoked belly pork that tastes exceptional. This Smoked Belly Pork with Braised White Beans in Cider dish combines the rich, smoky flavour of belly pork with tender white beans braised in cider and stock. The result is a comforting, hearty meal that brings out the best of both ingredients. Whether you live near the Somerset levels like us, or elsewhere, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive way

Tomato curry is a beautifully fresher dish that brings warmth and vibrant flavours to your table. This quick tomato curry recipe is perfect for those who want a fresh, tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it on its own, paired with steamed jasmine rice, or alongside a spiced rack of lamb, this curry delivers a satisfying experience with minimal effort. Why This Fresh Tomato Curry Works This fresh tomato curry recipe stands out because it uses fr

Minestrone soup is a classic dish that brings together a colourful mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich, comforting broth. It’s a perfect way to enjoy seasonal produce while creating a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. This recipe highlights the natural flavours of the ingredients without overwhelming them, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste. Minestrone soup is a timeless dish that celebrates fresh

Giardiniera is a classic Italian garden pickle that brings a burst of tangy, crunchy flavour to any meal. This vibrant mix of pickled vegetables is perfect as a condiment, appetiser, or snack. Making giardiniera at home lets you control the freshness and customise the flavours to your liking. This recipe uses simple ingredients like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, olives, and courgettes, combined with a flavourful brine that preserves the vegetables and enhances their taste.

Beetroot risotto offers a stunning way to add colour and flavour to your meal. This dish combines the earthiness of fresh beetroot with the creamy texture of risotto, creating a meal that is both comforting and visually appealing. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cosy night in, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Why Try Beetroot Risotto? This recipe is a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing taste or texture. Beetro

When summer calls for a dessert that is both light and indulgent, Lemon Tres Leches Cake stands out as a perfect choice. This cake from The Kitchn is a delightful twist on the classic tres leches, infused with bright lemon flavour that adds a refreshing touch. While I would normally take some convincing to make a cake that requires a bit more effort than a simple mix-and-bake cake, I will absolutely make the delight the exceptions, the results are well worth the extra effort.