Spring

Moussaka

Moussaka

Moussaka is a bit like a Greek version of lasagne but instead of pasta layers and beef mince, you use aubergine layers and lamb mince. I had always imagined that moussaka was really difficult to make and had been putting off doing it for quite some time. But after looking through various different recipes I [...]

Fudge Cookies

Fudge Cookies

Thorntons have sent another handy recipe and they say “These are so easy to make that you can enlist the help of the kids. Be careful that they don’t eat the Thorntons Fudge Cubes whilst your back is turned! We love today’s recipe… it’s a yummy, scrummy picnic box treat! This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies”.

Ingredients

225g [...]

White Chocolate Mousse

White Chocolate Mousse

Another recipe courtesy of Thorntons.
Ingredients

100ml single cream
1 vanilla pod split length ways and seeds scraped
250g White Belgian Chocolate
284ml double cream
3 medium egg whites
1 tbsp lemon juice

Method

Put the single cream, vanilla pod and seeds in a pan over a medium heat.
Bring to just below boiling, then set aside for 15 minutes to infuse.
Discard the vanilla pod.
Meanwhile, gently melt the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl [...]

Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes

I got this chocolate cupcakes recipe from Thorntons. Chocolate cupcakes are great for children’s parties and for bringing as presents for hosts.

Ingredients for Cupcakes

40g of Thorntons Dark Chocolate Block
55g salted butter
110g light muscavado sugar
100g self-raising flour
1 medium egg
70ml evaporated milk
70ml warm water

Ingredients for Icing

100g of Thorntons Dark Chocolate Block
100g soft butter
125g icing sugar

Method for Cupcakes

Pre-heat the oven to 180°c/gas mark 4
Melt the chocolate to a runny consistency (approx 1 minute [...]

Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is relatively easy to make, but it does involve a long time spent stirring to stop the rice sticking. However, it is filling, tasty and a great alternative once the usual old recipe get boring.

Ingredients

Arborio rice
Stock (I just used a stock cube)
Handful of chopped mushrooms (any sort will do)
Seasoning

Method

Following the instructions on the packet, fry the rice in [...]

Basic Pizza Base (no yeast)

Basic Pizza Base (no yeast)

This is one of the most basic pizza base recipes I could find. It doesn’t contain yeast, which can be fiddly – especially when helping children to cook. I haven’t tried it out yet, but will do so soon and let you know how I get on.

Ingredients

200g Self Raising Flour
50g Block Margarine
1/4 Pint Milk
Pizza Topping

Method
1. Preheat oven to Gas 6 or 200°c [...]

Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are traditional fare for Easter. The white crosses represent the cross on which Jesus was executed, the dried fruit represents the crown of thorns which was placed upon his head and the spices represent the embalming oils which the two Marys used when burying him. On a more positive note, they are [...]

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

I took part in Fairtrade Fortnight with all the best intentions – I bought Fairtrade Wine from The Wine Blokes, tried some Fairtrade Chocolate and included Fairtrade bananas in my weekly shop. However, I didn’t finish all of the bananas and they are now waaay overripe. All is not lost, though, as this simple banana bread recipe [...]

Homemade Truffles

Homemade Truffles

Homemade truffles make a really good present – especially for Easter or birthdays when you want to give something with a personal touch. The truffles can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for at least a week. Sprinkle them with a little extra cocoa powder from a sieve or tea strainer at the last [...]

Fondant Fancies

Fondant Fancies

Perfect treats for Mums and Grans at this time of year (Mum’s Day, Easter etc) – how to make Fondant Fancies!

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