Sharing a love of good food - recipes from my kitchen - eating out - great producers & suppliers
The George at Alstonefield, on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire looks like the quintessential country pub. Inside I found top notch modern and creative British cooking featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Highly recommended. THE GEORGE AT ALSTONEFIELD My first attempt eating at The …Read more
These Double Chocolate Muffins are the ultimate sweet treat. Rich, moist chocolate cake, studded with chunks of dark chocolate and topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate. Whipped up and in the oven with just 15 minutes prep, this recipe is fuss-free too. I like …Read more
Roasted Beetroot Hummus is a great variation on the classic Middle Eastern dip. The sweet earthiness brings a new dimension without overwhelming the chickpeas and tahini of the original. Roasting both the beetroot plus a head of garlic (which becomes beautifully mellow) will add even …Read more
Pork Rillettes are a rich treat for unashamed meat lovers. Made with tasty, free-range pork, slowly cooked in home-rendered pork fat, the soft spread is wonderful on toasted bread with homemade, quick-pickled vegetables on the side. FRUIT & VEG ARE NOT MEAT (YES, THAT …Read more
I found this recipe for Homestead Eggs in an old booklet produced by the British Egg Information Service. Onions, apple and bacon are sauteed in butter, then eggs cooked on top. Although egg and apple may sound like a strange combination, I think it’s a …Read more
Opened less than three months ago, Larder is set to be one of Lichfield’s top spots for foodies. On my first visit to this relaxed restaurant, I loved the bold flavours showcased in their imaginative, seven-course tasting menu. LICHFIELD From where I live in …Read more
Thai Peanut Dressing is great to have in your recipe repertoire. Whizzed up in a matter of minutes, in this post I pair it with a big, crunchy vegetable salad that can provide ALL of your five a day. But the creamy, salty, hot, sour …Read more
I’d first visited The Bank House Hixon, near Stafford, at a preview following its refurbishment by new owners. Liking what I saw, and tasted, I recently returned to see how they were doing. In this friendly and traditional country inn I found quality pub food …Read more
Homemade Digestive Biscuits are the latest result of my efforts to replace palm oil-laden, store bought products with delicious, easy homemade versions. Crunchy, crumbly and with a satisfying wholemeal, oaty flavour, I think these are miles ahead of the packet versions. Not too sweet, they’re perfect …Read more
Smoked Salmon Paté can be whizzed up in minutes. Flavoured with lemon and made smooth with cream cheese, it’s an easily made treat. Serve with vegetable crudités, bread sticks or on toast. Impressive as a topping for canapés too. SUPER-FAST SMOKED SALMON PATé Smoked …Read more
Baba Ganoush is the lesser known cousin of hummus, with aubergine replacing the chickpeas. An earthy dip or spread made creamy with tahini sesame paste, it’s vibrantly flavoured with lemon and garlic. In this post, I show you how to add extra depth by roasting …Read more
Easy Homemade Crackers are perfect for those of us wanting to avoid the palm oil found in so many packet crackers. In this post I’ll show you how simple, and good, a homemade cracker is. I’ll also give you ideas for different toppings and flavourings. You can …Read more
Smoky Lentil & Vegetable Soup is a tasty, warming dish for Autumn and Winter. Or any other time you want a hot, comforting bowl of goodness. The soup is full of smoky flavour whether you make the original with bacon, or follow my tip for …Read more
Smoke & Rye restaurant and bar is a meat lover’s paradise. Serving up authentic, American classics like pulled pork, burgers and dogs, ribs and aged steaks, this is bold food. On my first visit, the place was packed. Read on to find out why. I’d …Read more
With the growing popularity of Veganuary, now seems a good time to share a round-up of some of the plant based recipes I posted last year. Many years ago I was vegan, and before that a vegetarian, based on animal welfare concerns. However, I’m now …Read more
This Smoked Salmon Frittata can be on the table in about twenty minutes. But despite its simplicity, the rich flavour is one you’ll love. Perfect for a special weekend breakfast or brunch, or serve with a big crunchy salad for a quick evening meal. Great …Read more
I don’t claim authenticity for my version of Caesar Salad. But if you love robust flavours, it tastes divine. My quick, delicious version of the dressing combines mayo with plain yogurt to lighten it. Flavoured with anchovy, garlic, and Parmesan, it’s a knockout over lettuce …Read more
Spiced Split Pea Soup with Apple & Coconut is wonderfully light and refreshing. Nutritious split peas are enlivened with spices and are given a nuttiness with coconut. Tangy apple gives a welcome sharpness. Try topping with my crunchy, fried potato matchsticks for perfect textural contrast. …Read more
Beef Short Rib Ragu must be one of the best things I’ve made this year. The meaty ribs are cooked with garlic, wine, tomatoes and a few other goodies until meltingly soft. The beef is then shredded and added to the semi-pureed sauce to make …Read more
Seed Chocolate is one of only a handful of ‘bean to bar’ chocolate makers in the UK. Importing cacao beans directly from family farms and cooperatives, they make their unique, award-winning chocolate from scratch in my home county of Staffordshire. In this post I’ll tell …Read more
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a nutritious, easy breakfast with all the flavour of a spicy carrot cake. Great for when you know you’ll need a quick breakfast in the morning, or for a grab and go breakfast to take to work. CARROT CAKE …Read more
I’ve called my Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry Pad Thai-style because its flavouring is very similar to the Thai original. But the big difference is that instead of the traditional rice noodles, I use thin julienned vegetables like courgette and carrot. Not only does this taste …Read more
Venison Stew is rich, comforting, warming and utterly satisfying. In short, it’s just what’s needed at this time of year, with Autumn turning to Winter. Even better, cook some traditional, fluffy Suet Dumplings on top of the stew and let them soak up all that …Read more
Now we’re well into November, I think it’s OK to mention the ‘C’ word. Christmas, that is. In this post I tell you about some of my favourite local, independent food and drink businesses that can help you have a wonderful indie Christmas. Whether you’re …Read more
Split Pea & Ham Soup is a fabulous warming dish for Autumn or Winter. Packed with nutritious, fibre and protein-rich dried peas, plenty of vegetables and tasty ham, it’s top-notch comfort food. SPLIT PEA & HAM SOUP: A BRITISH CLASSIC Versions of …Read more