It would appear that the way to my boyfriend’s heart is through chorizo. Simple as that. So it was a stroke of luck (and crafty genius?) that the first meal I ever cooked him was a chorizo and butternut squash risotto…and proof in my book that cooking can influence the course of things! Chorizo is … Continue reading
Konnichiwa! Yesterday I was sitting on the bus on the way home craving Japanese food. So I decided to make gyoza. There is something exceedingly satisfying about eating dumplings. Chopsticks in position, chasing your slippery target around the plate, you finally get a firm grip. The tension is palpable. Quivering, you dunk it into the dipping sauce and … Continue reading
This is my go-to tomato sauce – quick and easy to make and simply delicious spread on homemade pizza bases. The flavour is surprisingly intense given the speedy cooking time so it’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to go big on flavour! Any leftover sauce screams out to be stirred into a bowl … Continue reading
This heatwave is causing me to become mildly unhinged. Heat-induced insomnia is sweeping across Britain, leaving us to limply negotiate the morning commute thirsty and grumpy, a scrum of clammy hands and moist shoes. And last night the thermostat was showing 28°C in my flat. I found myself huddled over my stove in my swimsuit, … Continue reading
C’est La Fête Nationale! Wherever you are in the world, I hope you have donned your beret, slung a string of onions round your neck and celebrated Bastille Day in style – I spent the scorching afternoon sweating it out at the Bastille Festival at Borough Market, grazing on treats, stocking up on stinky cheese … Continue reading
The weather is continuing to treat us and, judging from the past week, most of the country is subsisting on cider, sunshine and barbecued meat alone. Last weekend, I was in deepest darkest Norfolk for a wedding. On our ‘day off’ we zipped along the country roads, the lanes thick with rolling sea mist and … Continue reading
How amazing is this weather?! The windows are wide open, the winter quilt has been packed away and I have no interest at all in hot food (unless it’s from a barbecue of course – invites welcome…). So now is definitely the time for making ice cream, frozen yoghurt, granita etc before the weather breaks … Continue reading
A blanket on the floor, a spread of mismatching nibbles and treats, and a chilled glass of wine…all in the comfort (and warmth) of your own home – the indoor picnic is the ultimate in faux al fresco dining. It’s a bit like watching outdoor tennis on Centre Court at Wimbledon with the roof closed. Whatever … Continue reading
Another sweet treat today! It was one of my best friends’ birthday a couple of days ago and I’m baking him a cake. This is usually an excuse for me to bake something new that I’ve been plotting or to use a flavour combination that I’ve been craving but the slight twist in this tale … Continue reading
I have just come back from a rather wonderful holiday in Ibiza (apologies to those of you who remain subjected to the British ‘summer’). The weather was glorious and the music banging but the surprise highlight was the excellent food – lively and fresh, it showcased the island’s best produce and culinary imagination with flair. … Continue reading
pip & little blue 