After all the festivities, pockets and pantries are bare, energies are at a low ebb, and it is time for some quick and easy – and cheap – dishes. And here’s where Peppadew piquanté peppers really come into their own. Even something plain and practical can have a whole new lease of life with that magic tang. Continue reading
It is sod’s law that whenever you have a supermarket trolley full of rubbish, that’s when you bump into your doctor or nurse or that very skinny woman who looks like she lives on lattes. You can see their horrified expressions as they clock the packaged pizza, the pork pie, that jumbo bag of chocolate jaffa biscuits and the slice of lemon tart you just couldn’t resist. When you’ve got nothing in your trolley but raspberries, green vegetables and bottled water you don’t meet a soul. Continue reading
My last blog featured recipes for a traditional Christmas. This time I’m taking a more leisurely approach, with dishes that take less time and effort but still look stylish and sophisticated. Turkey is a good choice for the larger family, but if there are just a few of you, do try the glazed poussins. They cook in an hour, are easy to serve and taste wonderful. The cheese puffs can be served as a starter or as a snack with drinks. I’ve made them with a newcomer on the dairy counter – mature Cheddar studded with Peppadew piquanté peppers. Continue reading
My friends love Peppadew. Not just because of the taste and texture of the product but also because when I am developing new recipes, they get to eat the results. Having suddenly realised that Christmas is just around the corner (the mild weather fooled me, as it did so many others) I decided to devote this week’s blog to some traditional treats, with, as always, a spicy twist. I cooked up a storm this weekend and six of us sat down to a festive feast on Sunday. I am happy to report that everything was delicious. The stuffing balls were a bit crisp on the outside, as I forgot them in the oven. This may have been due to the two glasses of mulled wine I drank while cooking, but they still tasted great. Continue reading
What sort of a cook are you? Do you set out all the ingredients in advance and follow a recipe closely, or do you sling things into a pan and cook as the spirit takes you? I guess most of us are a bit of both. I have to be very organised and precise when I am testing recipes for publication, but when its just the family, there’s nothing I like more than to raid the refrigerator and follow the ready, steady, cook method. Continue reading