Recipes
THE Brownies
The brownie recipe has officially arrived.
This quest all started when I tried to make a batch of gluten-free brownies for my Auntie, who’s a coeliac. I spent a good couple of years tweaking the recipe until I arrived at this one; different chocolates, sugars, cocoa powder – the lot!
Five years later, here’s the recipe that has well and truly stood the test of time.
Quick Irish Soda Bread
In my eyes, this recipe is great for when you want to impress dinner guests with fresh bread, but when you also don’t want to spend years kneading the sh*t out of it.
I timed how long it took me to make this, and from start to finish it was 1 hour (and 4 minutes), pretty quick when you compare it to a standard loaf time of 2+ hours . The only downside is – like most homemade breads – it won’t keep for longer for a day or two.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
I think my enthusiasm with pumpkin pie started around the same time I started binge-watching Desperate Housewives. My inner housewife was woke, and she too was obsessed with buttery pastry.
I like to think this recipe is a British take on an American classic: toned down in sweetness and amped up in spice.
Traditional English Bread Pudding
When I was about eight-years-old, my Dad used to drive me to school and stop-off at the Post Office in Great Totham. They had the usual stuff, sandwiches, crisps etc, but they also had a small bakery section which sold fresh bread pudding.
I was hooked; so much so that I could probably blame my sweet tooth entirely on this baked delight.
One simple nostalgic bake that brings me right back to my childhood, sitting with my Dad, listening to Chris Moyles on the radio.
Quick Pickled Onions
You can blame Nigella for this one.
I say blame… you can thank. Because let’s face it, she is a goddess. Anyone who disagrees can go and give themselves a bloody good talking to.
The onion needs to be chopped into really thin slices. If you’re brave enough to do this on a mandoline then go for it. I prefer to have my fingers firmly attached to my body.
Tortilla de Bilbao
There are Spanish omelettes, and there are Spanish omelettes.
My foxy Bilbaíno auntie made this for the family about two years ago. I came downstairs and she was there flipping that tortilla like only a true Spaniard could.
This is her recipe. Straight outta Bilbao.
Buttermilk Chocolate Fudge Cake
The buttermilk in this recipe is crucial and it makes such a gorgeous light sponge. Just be sure that you only add the ½ cup required in two quarter cup measures – I once added two half cups by mistake and out came a rather dense torte like sponge!
I specify galaxy chocolate in this recipe, because it really has to be. Other chocolates tended to be too sweet or bitter.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Remember a few years ago when the world went mad for salted caramel? I’m still not over it.
I think my addiction started at uni, when a caramel macchiato was the only thing that would revive my cold, tired, literature-filled heart. But hey, I digress.
Just a quick note: dark soft brown sugar is a must. If you use caster or light soft brown sugar you just won’t get that dark caramel flavour from the molasses.
Ultimate Houmous
Houmous makes the world go round. Fact.
You’ll need a food processor for this recipe. I used my NutriBullet, which worked fine, but be careful not to over-blitz it.
Three Cheese & Onion Quiche
As we approach the one weekend that will see temperatures rise above tepid, otherwise known as ‘summer’, I figured I’d jazz up your conventional cheese and onion number and give you a three-cheese beauty that is fit for any summer fête. Limp bunting is, of course, mandatory.
Philippa’s Lemon Drizzle Cake
I spent many a weekend at Philippa’s residence with her joyous offspring in my teenage years. Whether it was a party, music night, or a rehearsal for a show, one thing was guaranteed – Philippa’s lemon cake.
Forget your crispy sugar top, this bad boy is drenched in sticky lemon syrup. Though it’s a petite loaf cake, it’s perfect – trust me.
Fluffy American-style Pancakes
Though crêpes make for a more sophisticated breakfast, these fluffy American style pancakes are the perfect for stacking and sharing.
Plus, this basic recipe can easily be customised with different flavours. Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to the flour mix for cinnamon pancakes, or pop a few blueberries into the batter while the are cooking.
Super-easy Halloumi Fries
The world has gone mad for halloumi – and rightly so.
If you don’t love it for its squeaky, salty taste, then you’re in it for the puns. Because, let’s face it, nothing is funnier than a cheese which sounds like it is greeting itself.
These take about 10 minutes from start to finish, cost little to nothing, and don’t require any specialist equipment. The only downside is these have to be eaten straight away, don’t leave them to cool otherwise they’ll turn to rubber.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
This soup is incredibly low in fat but still bursting with flavour. It’s perfect for a weekend lunch, as the base for a vegetable curry, or as a batch-cook recipe for your weekday lunches.
Classic Cheese Scones
It’s a well-known fact that the best cheese scones are made by Perrywoods Garden Nursery in Tiptree, Essex.
Not only are they the size of your face, the scones that is, not the nursery, but they are laced with tangy cheddar cheese . Plus, they gained the approval of my Nanny, which trust me, was not easy.