Monthly Archives: November 2010

Christmas marmalade

After really enjoying getting into making jam this year, I’m planning a trio of preserves as Christmas pressies for various relatives. My mum has given me a fabulous book by Midge Thomas called Best-kept Secrets of the Women’s Institute, Jams, … Continue reading

Posted in Jam and chutneys | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Review: Waitrose Mince Pie Ice Cream and Heston’s Christmas Pudding

There’s been a lot of buzz around about Heston’s limited edition Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding with the candied orange inside. They sold out pretty swiftly – apparently the must-have dessert for foodies. I always associate Christmas puds with old people. … Continue reading

Posted in Desserts, Product reviews, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Feeding kids on the move: Festive Cookies

I’ll be honest, the thought of packing up the car and hitting the road with the kids for the Christmas holiday tour of the relatives does not fill me with festive joy.  Being stuck in a car with a screaming … Continue reading

Posted in Baking, Days out | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Birthday cupcakes

I was really excited and chuffed to be asked to bake 50 cupcakes for my friend’s little girl’s 5th birthday party. Being the mum of boys I LOVE getting to do girly things every now and again. Thankfully my mum … Continue reading

Posted in Baking | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cake stall classic: Lemon drizzle cake

The weekly school cake stall has swung into action and it’s Sam’s year group’s turn to provide the yummies. Mobilise, mobilise – baking alert, baking alert! I’ve been meaning to bake this recipe for ages, so what a perfect excuse … Continue reading

Posted in Baking | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Home made gifts – cookie mix in a jar

Cooking with children is a lot of fun so the ready-made mixes you can get in boxes from the supermarket are often a lifesaver when you need a rainy day activity. I saw a posh version of these mixes while … Continue reading

Posted in Baking | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

Potato rosti

I have a deep affection for all things potato. Chips, mash, roasties, baked, boiled, crisps…. mmmmmm so good! But one potato product i’ve never tried to make are rosti. The divine potato cakes originate in Switzerland where they were commonly … Continue reading

Posted in Side dishes, Uncategorized, vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Chunky meatball soup

We had Sam’s new school friend over for tea this week, so I decided to make a one pot supper so I could concentrate on entertaining the boys. I always try and do as much of the dish in advance … Continue reading

Posted in Mince and red meat, One pot suppers, Pasta dishes, Speedy suppers | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Banana cupcakes with honey and cinnamon frosting

I often have leftover bananas at the end of the week, and normally turn them into a comforting loaf cake. However this week there was a coffee morning at Sam’s school to bake for, so I decided to broaden my … Continue reading

Posted in Baking, leftovers | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Bonfire night fodder

After an oddly warm week the chill factor definitely crept in this weekend. So I planned a weekend supper to warm the cockles and nourish my allotment workers before they headed out for firework action. My dad, aka allotment guru, … Continue reading

Posted in One pot suppers, Sausage suppers, Side dishes | Tagged , , | 4 Comments