This drink is exceedingly Autumnal, and exceedingly easy to both make and drink. As with all drinks containing the suffix ‘tini’ you’ll want this to be as cold as possible – yes you’re going to shake it up with ice, but if you keep your vodka in the freezer that’ll help too. Another step would… Continue reading Appletini
Author: jo_tofts
Sausage + bean stew
I can’t remember how I came across this Hairy Bikers recipe, but I’m really glad I did – it’s wonderful, warming, simple, filling, and we’ve had it almost weekly for a while now. Omit the bacon and use veggie sausages & stock and that would work too. Did I mention that I once danced with… Continue reading Sausage + bean stew
Nibbly nuts
This recipe is from my brother-in-law, hence in my mind it’s actually called David’s Nibbly Nuts, and suffice to say they go down a treat when accompanied by a cold glass of something (see photo below, with a Margarita). The key is to remember to add the dressing to the nuts after you’ve cooked them,… Continue reading Nibbly nuts
Banana Muffins
In the name of sending The Teen to school with something homemade and tasty for her mid morning snack, I’ve made a batch of these muffins every single Sunday for the past 6 weeks. They keep really well in an airtight tin and are incredibly easy to make, plus you don’t need to wait for… Continue reading Banana Muffins
Cosmopolitan
Having a Friday night cocktail to mark the end of the week has long been something I’ve enjoyed, there’s nothing quite like it. A Cosmo is a classic cocktail, and as it contains both lime juice & cranberry juice it surely counts as one of my five-a-day right? RIGHT? Ingredients (easily enough for 2 with… Continue reading Cosmopolitan
Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil
After watching ‘Julie and Julia’ for the millionth time I really wanted to munch on the tomato bruschetta that features in one scene, but having found the recipe I decided that I needed to amend it a little as I’m not the biggest fan of cold tomatoes, esp when paired with something warm. So I… Continue reading Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil
Potato salad, Turkish style
Best. Potato. Salad. Evs. It turns out that when potatoes, tomatoes, red onion, herbs, and vinaigrette get together they have a party, and this is the only variety of potato salad that I thought existed until I tried the mayonnaise version when I was in my teens. Funnily enough I still don’t eat said mayo… Continue reading Potato salad, Turkish style
Halloumi with honey + lemon
This could not be simpler to make, and is seriously the best way to start an evening in the sunshine. Or an afternoon BBQ. Or when you can’t find anything in the fridge bar a block of halloumi, a lemon, and some salad. Or just because. A bit of marinating, a bit of frying (in… Continue reading Halloumi with honey + lemon
Swedish meatballs
The Teen took one bite of this meatball and gravy combo and looked at me with delight – no longer will we have to drive an hour to satisfy her cravings for this meal which only comes from a particular Scandinavian blue and yellow furniture retailer, because I’ve pulled together this recipe from a number… Continue reading Swedish meatballs
Baked feta pasta
No, I don’t use TikTok, but yes, this is the viral pasta dish that was seemingly everywhere last year. I resisted for a while then caved in and gave it a whirl after it chased me around Instagram for months and months – turns out it’s excellent, super easy peasy, and has become a mid-week… Continue reading Baked feta pasta
From My Kitchen 