“And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.” It’s been raining and raining and raining for days here, almost without pause, and I’ve been cowering inside like a sad damp cat for as much of it as possible. It’s the sort of weather that makes you want to curl up and eat … Continue reading
Okay, so the trip to Sardinia, coupled with the sudden drop in temperature, means that I’m having an Italian (read carb) phase. That and bikini season is over and Italian food is just so damn tastilicious. So here we are again and today’s treat is spaghetti alle vongole. It sounds fancy and yet it really … Continue reading
Mmmm, steak. Steak and salad is one of our staples at home and it regularly crops up as a quick and satisfying midweek supper. Today’s variation is a take on the classic Italian tagliata, beef steak sliced into ‘ribbons’, which featured heavily on the menus in Sardinia when we were there. It was often served with a … Continue reading
We’re moving to our new flat on Friday so we are currently living amongst boxes and bubblewrap and the kitchen looks like a small controlled explosion has occurred. The drawers have been emptied, the cupboards are all but bare and I am left wondering how lonesome rice grains and tea leaves have snuck unnoticed into … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
Sometimes simple is simply perfect: a white t-shirt paired with navy jeans; steamed mussels in white wine; a G&T; bread and cheese…this tart is one of those times. If you use good ingredients (buy the best quality tomatoes you can find), there is no need to fuss over them and truss them up – these … Continue reading
Sometimes simple is best and I feel my midweek supper posts would be missing something if there wasn’t a stuffed chicken breast rolling around somewhere. Whilst not wildly adventurous, this dish is so quick, (almost embarrassingly) easy and darn tasty – you could serve it to last-minute guests and you’d have clean plates and smiling … Continue reading
pip & little blue 