Growing up, it was tradition that every October half-term my mum would make the Christmas cake. My siblings and I would gather around to stir the mix and make our wishes. Then there was the obligatory licking the bowl, and subsequent fighting over who’s had the most. Fond childhood memories, probably because I was always…
Category: Recipe
Zebra & Cognac Tasting Night @ Rare, Leeds
The tasting night was my first visit to Rare Steak House in Leeds, tucked away almost unnoticed in the busy city centre Call Lane area. I came across the tasting night whilst searching online for an alternative food related present for my friend Fiona. A series of tasting nights were on offer at Rare throughout…
Spicy Pumpkin Stew with Lamb Cutlets
I’m not going to lie to you, preparing a pumpkin is messy & hard work, but once you’ve remove the flesh from the skin and scraped out all the seeds, you do feel a sense of accomplishment. Make sure you have a big, sharp knife and ensure you carve carefully to avoid losing a finger…
Pumpkin & Pea Samosas
Wondering what to make with all the pumpkins in the supermarkets at the moment? Try my Pumpkin & Pea samosa recipe. Although I’ve used more woody herbs in this version, you could spice them up a bit and alternatively use some chilli flakes & cumin. Ingredients: – 1/2 Medium Pumpkin, flesh removed and cubed –…
Sweet Potato, Feta & Beetroot Bake
I’ve been cooking this dish for so long now that I can’t remember which of my wonderful friends gave it to me, but thank you! You don’t really need anything else to accompany the dish, but grilled salmon and chicken both go really well. It’s also a great addition to any buffet table or BBQ….
Apricot & Cashew Chicken Ballotine with Cumin Fondant Potatoes
Served with roasted Cauliflower florets, crispy Chicken skin, Asparagus & spicy Gravy The idea behind my new recipe was to mix together two of my favourite dishes; the classic roast dinner and a good old curry. I’ve made this dish twice now, experimenting on my ever willing friends & family. I like the combination of…
Chocolate Chilli Fondant with Raspberry & Lime Coulis
With all the hype around the notorious Chocolate Fondants I nervously attempted this for the first time for some willing subjects, my parents! After developing a recent love of the chocolate, chilli & lime combo, I decided to add a dash of chilli powder into my fondant mix and a twist of lime to my…
Perfect Mid-week Almond Pesto Pasta
Make your pesto in advance and this dish is a super quick & tasty mid-week supper. In this recipe I substitute the usual Pine Nuts with Almonds, although any of your favourite nuts would also work e.g. cashews, peanuts. Make a large batch and this will last around a month stored in your fridge. The…
The Messy Cook Travels 