Monthly Archives: December 2010

mmm… a truly North Eastern foodie gem

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Katie Bryson

While I was up in Newcastle with the in-laws over the Christmas holidays I was let loose for an afternoon of child-free shopping in town. Did I head for the sales? No, I actively avoided the sweaty scrum of the clothes … Continue reading →

Posted in Days out, Product reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Children’s cutlery review and competition

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Katie Bryson

Trying to get young children to sit at a table and eat properly is a daily challenge. Sam my four year old is a pretty good eater. I put it down to his going to daycare nursery from 11 months … Continue reading →

Posted in Product reviews | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

Christmas Cranberry scoffins with cream cheese frosting

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Katie Bryson

I had some cranberries left over from my chutney making sesh, so I decided to make some festive and fruity cupcakes. Their texture is kind of a hybrid between muffins and scones – and after Matthew took them into the … Continue reading →

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

A jar of Christmas cheer: Cranberry and Apple Chutney

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Katie Bryson

My trio of Christmas preserves is finally complete! The last instalment is a chutney to liven up a plate of cold meats or transform a cheese sarnie into something a little bit special. Cranberries are such a jolly looking fruit, … Continue reading →

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Review: Sweet Spiced Chicken in the Miele Steam Oven

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Katie Bryson

I’ve had the Miele DG 1450 Steam Oven on trial at home in my kitchen for the past month in a test to see how useful it’d be to a family cook. I’ve used a plug-in Tefal steamer before, plus … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicken recipes, One pot suppers, Product reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The power of cake – a cupcake decorating masterclass

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Katie Bryson

The reward for being a judge for Tesco Real Food‘s Christmas Cupcake Decorating competition was to attend a masterclass with top cake guru Mich Turner MBE of The Little Venice Cake Company. Matthew kindly took the day off to look … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking, Days out | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Sweet Christmas gifts: Chocolate Almond Buttercrunch Toffee

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Katie Bryson

When Sam started Reception in September, nothing prepared me for the level of organisation you need as a parent. It’s like some kind of mental agility test on a daily basis. Today you need to remember to dress your child … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking, Desserts | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Plum and Mulled Wine Jam

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Katie Bryson

Having waited long enough to hoard a few more empty jars after my last marmalade-making episode somewhat depleted my stocks, I’ve now embarked on producing some festive-themed jam to add to my home-made Christmas present stash. My family are being … Continue reading →

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Winter entertaining – cocktails and curry

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Katie Bryson

I had my university friends over for dinner at the weekend – it was originally meant to be festive drinks in town, but I suggested a cosy dinner at my place would avoid the seasonal mayhem and expense of central … Continue reading →

Posted in Mince and red meat, One pot suppers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Warming goulash – defy the chill!

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Katie Bryson

Cold snap or is this the way winter manifests itself these days? Whatever it is, the UK loves to grind to a standstill the minute a flake of snow appears. Well really I mean London, coz hardened Northerners are quite … Continue reading →

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