People are always asking what the secret is to the perfect risotto, and the answers vary significantly. Some say it’s the variety of mushrooms you use. Other swear by butter, cream and parmesan cheese.
For me it’s patience.
Homemade Plum Jam
I’ve always wanted to make my own jam and this autumn I decided to just jump in and do it. The markets are packed with plums of all varietals, but I chose the Blackamber. Not too sweet, with a deep burgundy skin and light-yellow flesh.
See full Recipe...Pear Pastry Roses
The joy of pastry is something to be cherished; in all it’s forms. From my savory, signature Tomato Tartlet to these super easy Pear Pastry Roses, pastry is one of the most versatile things you can use. Cheryl Love wrote: ‘Bakers bake this dish from the heart; Adding pastry bits on top for art…’, and […]
See full Recipe...Butternut Soup
“Autumn is the hardest season. The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like
they’re falling in love with the ground.”
― Andrea Gibson
A smell can transport me to a time spent with friends on holiday, or sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table. It really is the most incredible sensation.
Charred, Chestnut Mushroom Gnocchi in Herbs & Balsamic
Gnocchi is centuries old and made it’s first appearance in Italy after potatoes from South America were introduced to Italian kitchens by Spanish explorers as far back as the 1500s.
This simple potato dumpling is a staple in our home and I make it with a variety of toppings and sauces. Since it’s a little on the heavy side I keep the portions smaller than with pasta, or serve it as a starter. I most often choose vegetarian ingredients when cooking a gnocchi dish and I pack it with flavor.
See full Recipe...Ginger, Orange & Cinnamon Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce
The original poached pear was created in 1864 by French chef and restaurateur, Auguste Escoffier. He named the dessert Poire belle Hélène after the operette La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach, and there has been hundreds of variations of this classic dessert since.
I’ve always used red wine as a poaching liquid and served it with vanilla cream, but it had never occurred to me to pair the pear with ginger until I stumbled upon a post from Instagram sensation @truchocolatesnacks the other day.
The very same day (as if by grand design) my mother-in-law sent us a case of pears from Hale Groves in Florida for Christmas and with much excitement I took to our kitchen to create this interesting new twist on a classic dessert.
See full Recipe...Spinach and Basil Frittata
It’s weekend and you have friends coming over for brunch. It’s been a crazy week and you think: Why can we not just go out for something to eat?!
Here is a recipe that takes minutes, is very delicious and can be customized to whatever you have in the fridge. It works beautifully with left-overs too and you can easily make it kiddie friendly.