Sharing a love of good food
The Jervis Arms in the Staffordshire Moorlands village of Onecote has recently reopened under new owners. I went along last Saturday night and enjoyed great flavours in their competitively priced, generously portioned dishes. Like many others, I was so pleased to hear, earlier this summer, …Read more
Sausage Plate Pie is easy, economical, and so tasty! With sausage meat and softened onions flavoured with a few dried seasonings baked in a simple shortcrust pastry, this homely pie makes a comforting, filling meal. Great served with mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy, or chips …Read more
Ham, Olive & Cheese Quick Bread is inspired by French cake salé or savoury cake. Easy but delicious, it’s made with self-raising flour and eggs so there’s no kneading and no proofing. Just mix up the ingredients and bake. With a moist and soft, cake-like texture, …Read more
Quick Dumpling Soup, based on frozen gyoza and inspired by East and Southeast Asian flavours, can be made in fifteen to twenty minutes. With store cupboard ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chilli oil, a handful of aromatics (garlic, ginger, spring onion) plus your …Read more
Chickpea and Oat Bake is inspired by the classic flavours of falafel but in the form of an incredibly easy bake. So simple to make, all you do is stir up the ingredients, pack into a loaf tin or baking tray and cook in the …Read more
Homity Pies are rustic open-topped pies with a generous, chunky filling based on potatoes and cheese. In this extra tasty version, the boiled potatoes are mixed with sauteed leek, garlic and spinach, butter, a little cream cheese, plus grated cheddar. Top with more cheddar, and …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, takeaways, and restaurants I’ve enjoyed recently. Among the highlights …Read more
Soupe au Pistou is a simple vegetable, bean, and pasta soup from the south of France. Traditionally based on seasonal summer vegetables like courgette, beans, and tomatoes, the highlight is the punchy basil and garlic pistou from which the soup gets its name. A stripped-down version of …Read more
Smoked Salmon Smørrebrød or Scandinavian-style open sandwich has a perfect combination of flavours and textures. Nutritious, wholesome rye bread, cream cheese with lemon, chives and/or dill, topped with crunchy fresh cucumber and rich smoked salmon. Embellish with a garnish of tangy quick-pickled onion, piquant capers, …Read more
Italian Tuna Loaf or polpettone di tonno is a light and delicious seafood variation on the classic meatloaf. With the everyday staples of canned tuna, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, plus a little garlic and parsley, the result is a subtle savoury flavour. Wrapped then gently simmered …Read more
Green Bean, Tomato and Potato Salad with Aioli contains simple ingredients. But eaten in season when beans, tomatoes and new potatoes are at their best it feels like a real treat. The light dressing is based on cheat’s aioli or jarred mayonnaise flavoured with garlic, …Read more
Multigrain Seeded Bread Rolls, with a flavoursome combination of different grains and seeds, are both tasty and nutritious. With a substantial but not heavy crumb plus a crispy crust with nutty toasted seeds and oats, they’re perfect with your favourite fillings or to eat alongside …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, takeaways, and restaurants I’ve enjoyed recently. Among the highlights …Read more
Jam and Cream Biscuits are a homemade version of the British favourite. Two buttery biscuits sandwiched together with vanilla buttercream and fruity jam, finished with a sprinkle of sugar. Simple but delicious biscuits and perfect with a cuppa – whether you’re a dunker or not! …Read more
Chickpea and Spinach Pasta uses tinned chickpeas, frozen spinach and dried pasta to create an economical but tasty dish. Flavoured with garlic, lemon, parsley, hot chilli or mild red pepper flakes, the sauce ingredients can be prepped and cooked in the time it takes the …Read more
Mokissos restaurant, meze, grill and bar recently opened on the outskirts of Leek. Serving tasty traditional Greek and Turkish dishes, both familiar favourites and lesser-known delights, after my first visit I think this great addition to the Staffordshire Moorlands food scene deserves to do well. …Read more
Rice and Vegetable Salad is a versatile dish you can adapt to whatever veg and herbs you have. Perfect as a side to a range of different foods and ideal for your buffets, picnics, and barbecues. Following this easy recipe, the salad will keep in …Read more
Egg and Ham Pies are perfect as a snack, part of a salad meal, or for your lunch boxes, picnics, parties and buffets. Individual cold pies of crisp shortcrust pastry are filled with ham (you could swap in cooked bacon), sweetish onion, and fresh parsley, all …Read more
The Restaurant at Hotel Rudyard, like the rest of the business, has recently undergone a major refurbishment inside and out, with its food offering now including quality local suppliers. Returning after many years away, I was pleased to discover that the current management seem set …Read more
Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes & Mint has been described as both exquisite and simple. And I have to agree. Cherry tomatoes and chilli flakes are briefly cooked in olive oil subtly flavoured with garlic, then tossed with capers and mint. Light but full of flavour, …Read more
Courgette, Cheese & Basil Quick Bread is a simple but delicious savoury loaf. Instead of yeast, it’s made with self-raising flour and eggs, so there’s no kneading and no proofing. Just mix up the ingredients and bake straight away. With a moist and soft, cake-like …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, and restaurants I’ve enjoyed recently. Among these highlights from …Read more
Jam & Coconut Traybake, featuring soft and fluffy coconut sponge topped with jam and more coconut, is a simple but delicious treat. Whether you remember it as an old school favourite or you’re looking for a quick and easy sweet bake, I think you’ll love …Read more
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