If I could pick just one flavour to capture the essence of summer it would have to be elderflower. The weather can be a washout but these creamy white clusters don’t care, they appear anyway and fill the air with their heady scent. Lemon is a perfect partner with this floral flavour, so here is…
Pastry
Apple & Cobnut Frangipane Tart
This morning I woke to autumn sunlight pouring through the bedroom window, and mist rolling over the fields. It felt chilly when I opened the back door to let the dogs out. I adore this time of year when the days are still warm but the nights are drawing in, it’s a cosy feeling. Last…
Wild Garlic & Nettle Tart
Wild Garlic and Nettle Tart – a wholegrain pastry base, with a creamy, savoury custard filling and foraged greens. As regular readers may have noticed, I go through obsessive periods with either certain dishes or ingredients. So, you’ll be unsurprised to see that you’ve had two different wild garlic recipes from me recently. However, unlike…
Nettle & Pine Nut Parcels with Whipped Feta
This recipe for Nettle and Pine Nut Parcels with Whipped Feta marks the start of the spring foraging season. They’re relatively quick and easy to make, using some store cupboard ingredients. Bronzed and crisp flaky pastry bites, filled with new season nettles, sautéed onion and garlic, with a hint of spice from the smokey paprika….
Elderberry & Pear Frangipane Tart
I’ve taken this classic French tart and added a delicious flavour twist. If you read my last post you’ll know that I prepared Elderberry Poached Pears, a simple and delicious dessert. However this takes them to another level. Crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry filled with almond cream and those glorious deep magenta pears. It’s an enticing…
Berry & Lemon Custard Tart
Autumn is almost upon us, August brings a softer golden light and a slight chill to the evening air. I seized every opportunity I could this last week to forage for blackberries as they are so incredibly sweet this year. This dessert was inspired by my love of lemon tart. I adore the citrusy, creamy,…
Herby Courgette & Feta Tart
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reacquainting myself with my vegetable plot this year having given it a wide berth for a while, why you ask? Frustrated to say the least with the battle of copious slugs and French partridge! Time is a great healer and a little more giving these days which has definitely helped. Courgettes are…
Tomato & Mascarpone Tart
Last week was rather higgledey-piggledey and a little stressful, it felt like I hadn’t stopped. That is why I decided Sunday was a complete day of rest, spent in the garden. I popped to my local artisan food market and bought the most amazing tomatoes, along with a few other locally produced delights. When tomatoes…
Spanakopita – Greek Spinach & Feta Pie
This spinach pie, is a Greek classic: made from dark leafy greens and salty feta cheese, enclosed in several layers of perfectly crisp, flakey filo pastry. If you’ve never tried it before you’re in for a treat. Delicious hot or cold, perfect to serve vegetarians and suitable for lunch or a light dinner. I like…
Rhubarb & Blood Orange Frangipane Tart
Time both flies and stands still when you’re looking forward to something. I have a holiday booked and I’m happy to say it’s now imminent. Lots to sort out before we depart though so my desk is littered with list upon list. When we do have the opportunity to travel we endeavour to explore somewhere…
