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Welcome To
Friends & Entertaining
Good food, good company, happy days ...
There's nothing quite like getting friends together around a table laden with good things to eat. Whether you're hosting a proper dinner party, putting together a few nibbles and drinks or throwing open the doors for an impromptu gathering, the best entertaining is all about making people feel welcome.
Here you'll find recipes to share, dishes to impress without spending all day in the kitchen, and little extras that make an occasion feel special.
So pour a drink, bring out the plates and let the good times roll.
Let's get everyone together ...
From sharing platters and crowd pleasing favourites to dishes that make entertaining feel effortless, these recipes are made for good company and happy gatherings. Find something delicious, pour another drink and let the evening take care of itself.
Quince Cheese & Brie: A Little Kitchen Twist
You know when you make something and then start wondering what else you can do with it? That's where we are in my kitchen with quince cheese ... Now, quince cheese is perfectly happy doing its usual job on a cheeseboard. A little square alongside a lovely sharp cheese, a few crackers and some pickles, and everyone's perfectly content. Nothing wrong with that at all ... But where's the fun in leaving well enough alone? Because if you've got a batch of homemade quince cheese si
2 min read
Sherry, Chorizo & Quince Terrine
There are certain things that mark the changing of the seasons for me. The smell in the air of the first fires in the grate. The hedgerows turning from green to gold. The sudden appearance of enormous pumpkins ... And, perhaps my favourite of all, the moment one of the neighbours down the road announces on Facebook that her quinces are ready. There is something wonderfully exciting about that little message appearing. The quinces are ready ... And I'm off! Yesterday, howeve
6 min read
Honey Roasted Quince Custard Tarts
Honey-roasted quince, nestled into crisp buttery pastry and baked beneath a silky vanilla custard ... There are some things that are worth taking your time over, and quince is very definitely one of them. These little Honey Roasted Quince Custard Tarts started with a handful of quinces and the idea of roasting them slowly with honey and thyme until they became soft, golden and sticky. Once I had them, putting them into a custard tart seemed almost inevitable. The quince bring
4 min read
Blackberry & Pink Peppercorn Cassis: Because Blackberry Bushes Have Ideas Too
Now, I know that technically, there is no such thing as blackberry cassis ... Cassis is traditionally made from blackcurrants, and I am perfectly aware that blackberries are not blackcurrants. But I rather like the romance of it. Blackberry liqueur sounds like a perfectly sensible name for Blackberry Vodka, but Blackberry Cassis sounds darker somehow. A little more mysterious. Like something you might find in an old Somerset kitchen, written in faded ink in the back of a rec
3 min read
Bramley Apple Potato Salad - A Somerset Orchard Potato Salad with Dill, Warm Cheddar Jalapeño Hot Links & Creamy Dressing
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
3 min read
Orchard Iced Tea – A Refreshing Pear & Elderflower Cider Cocktail
A refreshing taste of summer beneath the apple trees ... There are some places that quietly become part of your story. For us, Wady's Cider Orchard and Taproom is one of them. On warm summer afternoons, it's one of our favourite places to escape for an hour or two. Sitting beneath the apple trees with a chilled drink in hand, watching the light filter through the orchard, you can't help but slow down. There's something wonderfully simple about it all ... the scent of apples
3 min read
Easy Kitchen Cupboard Nut Brittle
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
2 min read
Decadent Brown Butter & Bourbon Ice Cream
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
3 min read
The Black Nebula Spritz - A Heritage Carrot Cocktail
The Black Nebula Spritz ... An elegant aperitif inspired by a heritage carrot, an old family recipe and a neighbour's garden. Some recipes begin with a carefully planned shopping list, The Black Nebula Spritz begin with a message from a neighbour ... Whenever Beverley invites me round to try something from her garden, I know I'm in for something a little out of the ordinary. This week, she shared a photograph of freshly pulled Black Nebula carrots on Facebook and casually ann
3 min read
Hearty Beef and Red Wine Stew with Horseradish Dill Dumplings
When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm, comforting meal that fills the kitchen with rich aromas and satisfies the soul. This beef and red wine stew with horseradish dill dumplings is exactly that kind of dish. It’s a hearty, rib-sticking stew that combines tender beef shin, robust red wine, and a whole head of garlic cooked slowly to bring out deep, mellow flavours. The addition of horseradish and dill in the dumplings adds a fresh, slightly spicy twist that lift
3 min read
Delightful Festive Clementine Curd Pavlova Recipe for Christmas Celebrations
Christmas gatherings call for desserts that impress with both flavour and presentation. This festive clementine curd pavlova combines the light, airy texture of meringue with the bright, tangy sweetness of homemade clementine curd. It’s a perfect centrepiece for any celebration, offering a refreshing twist on traditional citrus desserts. This recipe is straightforward, reliable, and sure to become a favourite for your holiday table. Why This Clementine Curd Pavlova Recipe Wor
3 min read
Heavenly Parmesan and Truffle Oil Fries to Elevate Your Christmas Feasts
When it comes to holiday meals, the side dishes often steal the show. Among them, theses fries hold a special place in our house, especially when they are crispy, flavourful, and a little bit indulgent. These skin-on fries topped with parmesan and truffle oil bring a luxurious twist to a classic favourite. They pair beautifully with rich mains like my Christmas Ginger & Mustard Ham, adding texture and a burst of savoury goodness to your festive table. This recipe focuses on a
3 min read
Elegant Christmas Dinner for Two: Prosecco & Tomato Spaghetti with Langoustine and Scallops
A special dinner for two deserves a dish that feels both intimate and elegant. This recipe for Prosecco & Tomato Spaghetti with Langoustine and Scallops brings a festive touch to your Christmas table. It combines the delicate sweetness of shellfish with the light sparkle of Prosecco, creating a meal that feels luxurious without being complicated. The secret to deep flavour lies in cooking the langoustine heads and claws in butter, which forms a rich base for the sauce. This d
3 min read
Elevate Your Lunch with This Gorgeous Middle Eastern Vibe Pea and Feta Salad
Perhaps you will permit me a petite pause on your post perusals ... Presently I am prone to ponder pourquoi the unpretentious pea is perpetually passed over rather than promoted as the prevailing performer in our principal meal, when perhaps precociously on my part, I perceive the plain pea can pack the perfect palate punch ... Particularly in this Pea & Feta Salad! But in all seriousness, there's something captivating about discovering a dish that delights both your eyes and
3 min read
Irresistibly Purple No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe for Effortless Indulgence
I'm not going to lie, it's the vivid purple-ness of this cheesecake recipe that drew me in at first, but also when it comes to desserts, few options are as satisfying as a rich and creamy cheesecake. This no bake blueberry cheesecake recipe is a true standout, blending the luscious flavour of fresh blueberries with the delightful crunch of a gingernut biscuit base. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is not only simple to make but also delivers indulgence in every bite. No
2 min read
Indulge in Flavour: Perfecting Greek Style Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb in White Wine
When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few dishes can compare to a beautifully prepared leg of lamb. The Greek style of cooking, in particular, brings out the flavours of the ingredients in a way that deliciously transforms a simple piece of meat. This recipe calls for slow roasting a leg of lamb in white wine and lots of herbage, that is not only flavourful but also perfect for your next special occasion or family gathering. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and citrus will
2 min read
Indulge in Creamy White Wine Garlic Mushroom & Purple Sprouting Pasta
A hearty bowl of creamy white wine garlic mushroom & purple sprouting pasta ... This dish will fill your kitchen with mouth watering aromas. And as I am a complete sucker for a pretty shaped pasta, today we’re serving this with Mafalda Corta, a pasta shape that is not just visually appealing but also perfect for capturing this creamy sauce. With its ruffled edges, this pasta ensures every forkful is packed with flavour. Why Mafalda Corta is a Game-Changer Mafalda Corta is n
2 min read
Indulge in Summer's Bounty with this Irresistible Blackberry & Whiskey Lemonade Recipe
There's something absolutely delightful about blackberry season that brings a smile to my face. As the summer sun shines bright, the arrival of fresh, juicy blackberries means it's time to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavours these berries offer. Pair them with a robust whiskey and zesty lemonade, and you have a cocktail that captures the essence of warm, sunny days. In this article, we're going to explore how to make a vibrant Blackberry & Whiskey Lemonade cocktail that will b
3 min read
Indulgent Weeknight Delight: Creamy Drunken Sweet Roasted Pepper & Vodka Fusilli Lunghi Recipe
Do you sometimes get tired of that all too familiar daily "What's for tea Mum?" question too? Even though, we all know I love to cook, it still has to be one of the biggest bores of being a grown up, choosing what what everyone is having tea every night ... Especially when they are hungry, but can't decide what they want ... So after a quick cupboard and fridge rummage last night, I bring you fresh inspiration ... Creamy Drunken Sweet Roasted Pepper & Vodka Fusilli Lunghi. It
2 min read
Breaking the 'R' Rule: Indulging in Green Thai Curry Mussels Regardless of the Month
There are rules in cooking, and then there are rules that I'm not entirely convinced we need to follow ... Take the old advice that you should only eat mussels and other shellfish in months containing the letter ‘R’. It's a tradition rooted in a time before modern refrigeration and reliable shellfish farming, but I'm not one to let a calendar dictate what I'm having for supper. Especially when supper looks like a steaming bowl of mussels swimming in a fragrant, spicy green Th
3 min read
What's Cooking? Dodo's Banging Beef Short Rib Chilli Recipe
There’s something incredibly rewarding about sharing a beloved family recipe, especially when it’s filled with memories and love. This week, my niece has been staying with me, and she has been persistent in asking for my famous Beef Short Rib Chilli recipe. I have been reliably informed by several of my daughters friends that my chilli is "banging" and many have asked for the recipe, yet I've always resisted sharing it, because the ingredients tend to change a little each tim
3 min read
Heavenly Garlicky Parmesan Fries: Indulge in Decadence, A Fries Recipe You Must Try!
Are you ready to elevate your weekend snacking game? Dive into a world of flavour that goes beyond the ordinary with Heavenly Garlicky Parmesan Fries. These fries are more than just a side dish; they are a celebration of taste and a treat for your senses. Just picture crispy, golden fries drenched in rich buttery garlic oil and topped with creamy Parmesan cheese. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, I don’t know what will! Garlicky Parmesan Fries A Treat Worth Savouring Tr
3 min read
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