In case you haven’t noticed, the leaves have started falling from the trees and the mornings are turning distinctly chilly. Autumn is upon us and that means only one thing. It’s pumpkin season and it’s in full swing. This means you may well be inundated with pumpkin recipes over the next few weeks. Sorry inRead more
My love affair with English Wines continued when I was lucky enough to visit Brickhouse Vineyard a week or so ago. Brickhouse Vineyard is situated just outside Kenton at Mamhead, about a 20-minute drive from Exeter in the beautiful Devonshire countryside. The views from the vineyard are outstanding and you can even see the seaRead more
I recently made this Sicilian aubergine stew for a dinner party. My guests loved it so much I decided to share the recipe. Caponata is a traditional dish from Sicily. Full of wonderful aubergines, tomatoes, oregano, capers and olives. It has a sweet and sour vibe going on with the addition of vinegar and sultanas.Read more
Happy Birthday Tara’s Busy Kitchen & Other Stories! Can you believe that it’s been three years since I first put pen to paper so to speak? I couldn’t possibly celebrate a birthday without cake and this Banana and Jujube Fruit Cake with a Honey and Walnut Glaze fits the bill very well in my eyes.Read more
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
I am a big fan of spending time with friends and family especially if there is the opportunity to incorporate a big slice of cake into the equation! Isn’t the Easter holiday a perfect opportunity to get your bake on? With a couple of extra days off, take the opportunity to bake something delicious toRead more
Who doesn’t enjoy a classic Victoria sponge? I can’t name one person I know who would turn their nose up at a slice of this buttery, light sponge. The combination of good quality jam and clouds of whipped cream is a winner in my book. The perfect celebration cake. With Mothers Day and Easter celebrationsRead more
My rose petal obsession has completely taken hold and I seem to be scattering them on everything! Pancakes, yoghurt, salads, in cocktails and of course cakes. Don’t you think they make everything look better? I sure do! That beautiful flash of pink and the subtle rose flavour just pleases me no end. I am luckyRead more
Sundays. My one and only true, full day off. Goodness me, how I love them. Waking up knowing that the day is mine to do with as I please. This particular Sunday, after a walk around the quay and a stop off at March for hot chocolate, was dedicated to lunch making. I had friendsRead more
Initially inspired by a conversation with my chum, Serena, whilst talking about our next girls night which happens to fall on Burns Night. Although neither of us is Scottish we do like a theme and any excuse to throw a little celebration. I started thinking about dishes I could cook for supper and then myRead more