Sharing a love of good food - recipes from my kitchen - eating out - great producers & suppliers
Elaf Lebanese & Syrian Restaurant in Macclesfield is perfect for both fans of Middle Eastern food and those looking for an introduction to authentic dishes. On my first visit, I found a great range of small plates to create a mezze feast, tender and juicy …Read more
Cheat’s Saffron Aioli, mayonnaise flavoured with garlic and saffron, is a superfast way to add flavour and richness to all kinds of foods. Vegetables, meat, seafood, potatoes, and rice dishes. Starting with jarred mayonnaise, you need just five to ten minutes to transform it into something …Read more
Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Bread has an intense tomato flavour with background notes of cheese, herbs, and garlic. Perfect for tearing into chunks to dip into olive oil and Balsamic vinegar, equally good alongside soups, salads, or made into sandwiches. After a couple of days, …Read more
Genoa Cake Muffins have all the dried fruit, almond, and lemon flavours found in one of Britain’s favourite cakes. But they can be ready in a fraction of the time. Just like a good homemade Genoa cake, these muffins are light with a delicate flavour. …Read more
The Grosvenor Restaurant in the Staffordshire Moorlands offers a winning combination of popular favourites plus imaginative dishes in a modern British fine dining style. Located in Hales Hall, a restored Grade II listed country house, rather unusually it sits in the grounds of a caravan …Read more
Roasted Apricot & Almond Ice Cream has a sophisticated flavour, but this egg-free recipe is so easy. The ice cream base of milk, double cream, and sugar is flavoured with almond extract and crunchy pieces of toasted almond. Swirled through is a fruity and tangy …Read more
I’d love to be able to write full blog reviews of all my eating out recommendations. But, timewise, it’s not possible. So, here’s the latest of my occasional round-up posts featuring some of the independent cafes, pubs, restaurants, and takeaways I’ve enjoyed recently. Among this …Read more
Tuna Pâté is delicate and light, blending tinned tuna and butter enhanced with a hint of lemon and black pepper. The simple but delicious pâté is perfect for spreading on crisp toast or crunchy crackers or dipping into with vegetable crudité. Easy for a quick …Read more
The Hammersley Restaurant at Stoke-on-Trent College is staffed by hospitality and catering students gaining experience in a real work environment. But even if it wasn’t such a fantastic project, I’d still urge you to eat there. Because there aren’t many restaurants where you can eat …Read more
Homemade Rye Crackers are thin, crunchy, and full of flavour. Inspired by Nordic knäckebröd, you can eat them as an open sandwich piled with tasty toppings, or enjoy as a simple cracker with cheese, pâté, dips, and savoury or sweet spreads. EASY HOMEMADE …Read more
Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream brings together two favourites: sweet but tangy rhubarb crumble and vanilla ice cream. Cooked and pureed rhubarb is rippled through an easy, egg-free ice cream along with nuggets of crunchy, oaty crumble. Delicious whether you eat scoops from a bowl or enjoy in …Read more
STOCK by Feasted, Newcastle-Under-Lyme’s newest bar and restaurant, takes traditional local dishes in a modern but accessible direction with competitively priced broths and small plates of outstanding flavour. FEASTED Feasted was created in 2017 when Cris Cohen, a former teacher and head chef, was …Read more
Homemade Italian-Style Seasoning is made in just a few minutes. But it will add flavour to so many of your dishes, and not just Italian. Try it in burger mixes, meatloaf, vegetarian bakes, soups, stews, marinades, and more. Buying dried herbs in bulk and making …Read more
Cinnamon Raisin Oat Bread is delicious sliced and spread with butter for breakfast, at teatime, or as a snack. A few days after baking, try it toasted to bring out even more flavour. Soaking the raisins before adding to the dough ensures they’re plump and juicy. …Read more
Hummus Soup is a delicious, easy way of using up leftovers of the ever-popular chickpea and tahini dip. Light and refreshing, but so tasty, it can be ready in just five minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or unusual first course, I like to top …Read more
The set menu at the 2 AA rosette and Michelin recommended Flintlock at Cheddleton offers affordable modern British fine dining. At £35 a head for three courses with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce, plus fantastic homemade bread, it’s not to be missed. THE …Read more
Simple White Bread or Split Tin Loaf is a classic that’s perfect for sandwiches and toast. In this recipe, the dough is enriched with a little butter to add flavour and aroma to this tasty bread with a soft crumb and lightly chewy exterior. With …Read more
Filipino street food has come to north Staffordshire. Popular country inn and spa The Three Horseshoes is currently serving up a range of tasty plates created by their team of Filipino chefs. Choose one of six dishes to enjoy as a starter, three as a …Read more
Wild garlic, in season from March to June, is a wonderful (and free!) ingredient. Found in most of Britain, it’s probably the most easily recognisable foraged food, making it perfect for beginners. In this post I’ll tell you where to look for wild garlic, how to identify …Read more
Savoury Oat Bake makes an easy and satisfying vegetarian main course, packed with vegetables, nutritious oats, nuts, seeds, plus cheese and eggs. Serve with salad or cooked veggies, plus a baked potato if you like, for a healthy and surprisingly delicious dinner. Leftovers are great …Read more
Hash Brown Waffles are golden brown on the outside, soft, and tender within. So easy, but so delicious, enjoy them for breakfast or brunch with eggs, bacon or sausage, or as a side to your favourite meals. I use my mini waffle maker to cook …Read more
This Chilli Bean Cheese Toastie is inspired by the flavours of a Tex-Mex chilli but is put together in minutes. The warmly spicy bean, corn, onion, and melting cheese filling is a great contrast to the buttery, crunchy and crispy golden bread. Perfect on its …Read more
This selection of meatless dinner recipes will satisfy both vegetarians and omnivores alike. From comforting, creamy risottos and stews, veggie curries, main meal salads, to spicy delights and hearty bakes, you’ll find lots to enjoy. CREAMY MUSHROOM RISOTTO Risotto is classic comfort food, but …Read more
Soft White Baps with an attractive floury top are a British favourite. Whether you call them rolls, buns, or baps, these fluffy breads are perfect for simple, traditional fillings like egg, ham, cheese, burgers, or breakfast goodies like bacon or sausage. Enriched with a little …Read more
Chickpea, Chorizo & Kale Soup, simple but hearty and delicious, is inspired by the cocidos and caldos of central and northern Spain. Smoked paprika intensifies the chorizo flavour of a garlicky broth that’s subtly spiced with cumin and chilli. Add in chickpeas, potatoes, kale, or …Read more