In 2015 I had the privilege of staying with my Japanese friend's family in Tokyo for two weeks in February/March. They were such kind and generous hosts and I took away so many amazing memories from that experience. My trip happened to coincide with the Japanese festival of Hinamatsuri, also known as the Doll Festival … Continue reading Hinamatsuri – Celebrating Japan’s Girls’ Day
Today is PANCAKE DAY! Traditionally a day of indulgence before the long fast of lent, but nowadays just an excuse for...creative pancake toppings! I've road-tested a few new ideas this year and some of them worked brilliantly so here's a few ideas you can borrow to spice up your pancake day and impress the family … Continue reading Pancake toppings you really should try
I’m in a bit of a baking mood right now for some reason, perhaps it’s the bitingly cold but sunny weather we’re getting here in London this week? Or perhaps I’ve been cake-bribing people at work more than usual…? Aaanyway, last night I rustled up this pear and cardamom loaf cake for work as a … Continue reading Pear and Cardamom Cake
It's January detox bandwagon time! Only with this recipe you can enjoy a flavour-filled bowl of love rather than limp, tasteless and frankly depressing dishes of despair! This salad is one of my favourites - it packs in some seriously nutritious ingredients like kale, broccoli, cranberries and seeds - and it is just so green! I … Continue reading Super green salad
You know how Christmas goes: you buy loads of food and cakes to enjoy over the festive period, you eat some but you probably overbought, then friends and family buy you even more or you host a party and end up with more than you started with. One thing we've often ended up with is … Continue reading Panettone Breakfast “Panzanella”
Yes!! It’s Saturday 23rd December, and I am officially off work for the holidays! I’m having a blast at my new(ish) job and looking forward to what’s coming in the new year, but it’s a welcome rest. I first made this Christmassy take on crostini (or bruschetta) last year when Mark and I were using … Continue reading Panettone Crostini
I can’t believe we’re already well into December! It has crept up on me like a thief in the night this year – it’s amazing how you can go from feeling like you’re well ahead with planning and have loads of time (being the huge Christmas fan that I am, it won’t surprise you that … Continue reading Coconut Mint Snowballs (with vegan option)
Happy Thanksgiving to our friends across the pond! I hope you’re having a lovely day and enjoying some time with family and a lot of food, of course. Inspired by the incredible food of this American holiday, I decided to try my hand at making some mini versions of a good old pecan pie. These … Continue reading Mini Pecan Pies
Frost! Frost and I have quite the love/hate relationship. We’re not the greatest of friends as my garden struggles through winter and I do my best to take extra care of my plants, sometimes to no avail. But the first frost also signals the time for the sloe harvest. And, in our house, the sloe … Continue reading The Sloe Harvest and Making Sloe Gin
We’re coming into the season now where persimmons start to appear in the supermarkets. These little bright orange orbs are sweet and delicious with no obtrusive seeds or stones, making them easy to prepare and versatile. I love to chop them into a salad with shavings of hard goats cheese, eat them fresh on their … Continue reading Frozen Persimmon “Sorbet” with Maple, Almond and Cinnamon Crumb
A Year in Dinners 