Eileen's soda bread - We discovered this fabulous bread on a trip to Ireland - egg, buttermilk, plain flour, wholemeal flour, bicarbonate of soda, wheat bran, wheatgerm, oatmeal, salt, Sesame seeds, PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 200˚C/180˚C FAN/GAS 6; Mix the two flours, bicarbonate of soda, bran, wheatgerm, oatmeal and salt together in a bowl.; Beat the [...]
Italian apple torte - A moist apple cake for a special tea or as a dessert - Gala apples, eggs, butter, lemon, demerara sugar, plain flour, baking powder, Greek-style yogurt, PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 180˚C/160˚C FAN/GAS 4; Leave the butter to soften at room temperature.; Lightly grease a 20cm round, loose bottomed cake tin. Line the [...]
Mince pies - Heavenly morsels of light pastry and aromatic mincemeat - orange, unsalted butter, A little milk for glazing, highest quality mincemeat, plain flour, Sea salt, Icing sugar, Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl. Dice the butter and, using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs . Chill [...]
Perfectly easy pancakes - This simple batter is the base for sweet or savoury pancakes - large eggs, semi-skimmed milk, plain flour, groundnut oil, A little oil for frying, Pinch of salt, Lemon juice and sugar or maple syrup/ice cream/mascarpone to serve, Break the eggs into a blender. Add the milk, flour, groundnut oil and [...]
Strawberry and mascarpone Italian sponge - Three light layers sandwiched with fruit and creamy mascarpone - fresh strawberries, mascarpone, plain yogurt, large eggs, lemon, plain flour, corn flour, xylitol or caster sugar, vanilla extract, salt, icing sugar for dusting, Toasted almonds (optional), PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 180˚C/160˚C FAN/GAS 4; Grease a round 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin [...]
Italian chocolate sponge with berries - A simple, easy and utterly moreish dessert - fresh raspberries, fresh blueberries, large eggs, chocolate custard, Sprig of fresh mint (optional), plain flour, cornflour, raw cacao powder, xylitol or caster sugar, salt, PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 180˚C/160˚C FAN/GAS 4; Grease a round 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin and set aside. Sieve [...]
Apple crostata recipe - Apple crostata is a simple, melt-in-the-mouth Italian pastry stuffed with apple and marsala-soaked sultanas. Delicious hot or cold. - Bramley apples, lemon, egg, butter, A little milk, plain flour, caster sugar, demerara sugar, sultanas, ground cinnamon, baking powder, marsala wine, salt, Dice the butter. Place the flour, caster sugar, butter, egg, [...]
Slow-roast lamb, shallots & balsamic vinegar - This rich and delicious roast leg of lamb takes all the stress out of entertaining. The cooking juices turn into a velvety sauce. Perfect for Sunday lunch. - leg of lamb, sprigs fresh rosemary, sprig fresh laurel or 3 dry laurel leaves, shallots, butter, red wine, vegetable stock, [...]
Mediterranean veggie tart - A delicious vegetarian feast of tangy feta cheese and sweet roasted peppers and tomatoes with griddled aubergines all in a crumbly shortcrust pastry case. - baby plum tomatoes, romano peppers, aubergine, sprigs thyme, butter, crème fraiche, large eggs, feta, olive oil, cloves garlic, onion, wholemeal flour, plain flour, Sea salt, black [...]
Plum clafoutis - This comforting delicious batter pudding is impressive but so easy to make. Perfect for entertaining. - soft plums, large eggs, full fat milk, plain flour, ground almonds, caster sugar, vanilla extract, salt, Butter for greasing, icing sugar for dusting, PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 180˚C/160˚C FAN/GAS 4; Wash, stone and quarter the plums. Grease [...]