When I first decided I wanted to have a go at writing, and that food would be the central theme running through it, there was one person who inspired me above all others. To read anything by Nigel Slater is to be led into a world where every flavour sparks a memory. Every new taste …
Tag Archives: #baking
Tomato & cheese muffins
There’s something strange about my relationship with tomatoes. They’re one of the items I cook with most often. Chopped, diced or pureed, they find their way into so much of what I make. I’ll happily hunt out cans of San Marzano, tinned tomatoes so good you can use them as a sauce without really needing …
Cardamom, apple & nut cake
When I first started to bake, the recipe was everything. I had to have each stipulated ingredient, I had to adhere to every step of the process and the oven time couldn’t be a minute more or less than what was stated on the page. But things are different now Partially it’s down to experience, …
Not So Blue Monday
It’s #BlueMonday. I didn’t know there was such a thing, and as with all these sorts of days, I’m not sure who designated it so. Probably someone trying to sell you something to cheer you up. Rest assured, I’m not going to do that. All I will say is if the weather is as rotten …
Fyriskaka
As much as I admire the sentiment and applaud those taking part, Veganuary and Dry January are passing me by again. I know there’s been the inevitable overindulgence during the holiday period, not helped in my case by having a January 1st birthday. All of this followed by a week where ‘we better just finish …
A bread to brighten your day
I don’t think there’s ever been a time when the urge to shut myself away in the kitchen and bake has been stronger. The world feels as if it’s going to hell in a handbasket, the UK is reduced to changing Prime Minister every few weeks, even the Great British Bake Off is proving to …
Beetroot, caraway & goat’s cheese bread.
First of all an admission. Under any other circumstances than this recipe, I don’t like beetroot and I certainly wouldn’t expect to find it cropping up here again in a hurry. For a long time now we’ve subscribed to a regular organic veg box service. Great at the best of times and an absolute godsend …
Carrot & Mango Cake
It would’ve been my Mother’s birthday today and I’ve no doubt at all if she was still here there would have been cake. The sweet things were always her favourites, I’m sure that’s where my indulgent streak comes from. She was one of those people who always looked at desserts first on a menu, making …
Unexpected flavours
One of the things I most enjoy when baking is dropping in unexpected flavours. Flavours that on paper probably shouldn’t be there. But when you eat them you’re glad they are. It’s great to watch the look of surprise on someone’s face when what you’ve served them turns out to be more than they expected. …
Back to baking
After a few weeks of chaos, things are slowly getting back to normal here. The kitchen refit is done, all that’s left now is to sort out some decorating for the few areas of the wall not taken up with cupboards and units. It was always destined to be a lengthy project and discovering halfway …
David in the kitchen. 