The Arabs brought this dessert to Sicily and the name “cassata” is said to come from the Arabic meaning bowl. The dessert was adapted in the sixteenth century by nuns, who were fabulous pastry cooks, from the many convents on the island. I visited Sicily a couple of years ago with my sister Estella onRead more
This simple and delicious dip came about when I was sent some Za’tar from Steenbergs Organics. I had some girlfriends coming for an alfresco supper and I wanted to make some dips to go alongside some crunchy vegetables and pita bread. I had purchased some Wootten White feta style cheese from Frome Independant Market andRead more
Some of you will know that it has been my birthday this week. I celebrated with an awesome crowd on Sunday. I had planned a picnic at a little spot a short walk from my house and had my fingers and toes crossed for fine weather. I woke early on Sunday and made my wayRead more
I love it when my week starts with sunshine and friends. This is just what happened last Sunday when I had lunch with my two besties Sarah and Chloe at The Pig at Combe. Our lunch date had been in the diary for months and it was so exciting that it had finally come around.Read more
I was recently asked my Spiller And Tate to sample three of their coffee roasts. Of course I jumped at the chance to try them out and create a few alternative ways of using coffee. Devon based on-line coffee business, Spiller & Tait, announced the launch of its e-commerce website with a no questions askedRead more
My tea parties just keep getting better and better! I am so proud of my achievements and really enjoy sharing my love of entertaining with my guests. My 6th Tara’s Busy Kitchen Presents Afternoon Tea was held a week or so ago on the most beautifully warm early spring day. I threw open the patio doorsRead more
Now, most of you out there will know my love for tea and cake. I love, love, love afternoon tea especially when I can share the experience with my friends. This cake combines the two. I was recently sent some rose and bergamot tea from Steenbergs that I wanted to use in a different way andRead more
I have done a lot of baking with tea recently. I think my love of a good old cup of char is making me branch out into baking with it. I’m always looking for ways of incorporating the comforting flavour of tea into healthy treats. This recipe fits the criteria with the use of IndigoRead more
A week or so ago I opened my house up to 13 lovely like-minded foodies for my latest Tara’s Busy Kitchen Presents pop up. My fifth afternoon tea event presenting the wonderfully abundant produce that we have in the south west and in particular, Devon. Styled to perfection using my vintage china collection alongside someRead more
Taking inspiration from my local farmers market here in Devon and using Asian ideas and flavours, I wanted to create some bright flavours to nudge my senses awake in the cold dark month of January. As you can imagine, my local farmers market is still very much in its roots and pumpkin phase with itRead more