Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies (with vegan option)

It's the WEEKEND and nearly DECEMBER CAN YOU BELIEVE! And we are celebrating with these fluffy and moist Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies. Carrot cake has always been one of my favourite go-to cakes to make (and eat obviously) but I kinda fancied something a bit different for a change and so why not combine a cookie with a cake spin on things, sandwiching them between deliciously light and creamy, festive spiced buttercream. 

Easy Egg-free Chocolate Cake (& vegan option)

Hello strangers, it's been awhile...again, I know, but I'm back and here to help you in this time of need when I think we all need a bit of cheering up with being stuck indoors at the moment, with CAKE OF COURSE!!! 

Cauliflower Puree with mushrooms, wilted spinach and cashews (vegan)

I thought I'd start off my 2019 in the right way with getting back to a bit of blogging whilst I still have the time in my 2 week Christmas holiday from uni placement. I feel like I've somewhat neglected this blog recently and I'm not going to stress myself out over it as I've been more focused on doing what I love, working in food development full time (just thought I should explain, I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth or anything!) But when I got back to food styling this weekend, I did forget how much I enjoy this too so it's great that I can still manage to do an odd recipe here and there, (and not completely forget that this does still exist!)

Pandiramerino (a.k.a Rosemary and Raisin Buns)

It's been a good while since I've made a bread recipe on here, mainly because they just take that little bit more time to muster up between proving, and with uni life, well, it can 'prove' rather tricky to fit in with studying (yes, the word play was intended there.) However, with semester two not commencing till February (yeah, it does seem a long break with Christmas as well) but I'm not gonna complain cuz it means I now get to do this.... make bread again! Wooooo. 

Hasselback Apples with Nutty Streusel Topping

I don't quite know how I came about baking this because really, out of everything, it's rather an Autumnal recipe... with the sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting out of the oven, it completely juxtaposes to this lovely Summery weather we've been having in the UK recently. 

Beetroot Cake [gluten and refined sugar free - vegan, dairy free option]

I've never tried using beetroot in baking before. I'd heard of chocolate beetroot cake before and last week's Sport Relief Great British Bake Off also reminded me of it. But given the fact that I'm not a big chocolate cake lover myself (I know how could I?) when I came across Twigg Studios' just beetroot cake, I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Avocado Hummus

Ever wanted to know what a mix of guacamole and hummus tasted like? Well this is exactly it! It's dreamily smooth (but a little bit chunky here and there, because who wants a paste? That's just weird.) AND it's unbelievably creamy thanks to the avo, also making it incredibly light.

Wild Mushroom and Thyme Risotto

Risotto is essentially at the essence of comfort food. Now it's September and getting towards that time of year again when the books are out and pencil cases at the ready for college, it all reminds me that Autumn is well on its way and what better way to eat than with a warm and reassuring bowl-full of all things good with this season to come. Mushrooms! 

Chocolate Fruit n' Nut Flapjacks

Whenever I go abroad I always forget how England are pretty much in a league of its own when it comes to cake. I mean let's be honest afternoon tea anywhere else just doesn't live up to the high standards us Brits like to set. I would say it's not really that hard to create an average victoria sponge or simple layer cake but it seems not even the 4* hotel I went to could pull this off. It was a real puzzler for me and my family because every savoury dish we had tasted amazing. Patisserie skills was perhaps not as matching shall we say. 

Glazed BBQ Pork with Cajun-style Pepper Rice

I helped my mum make this the other day for a tasty midweek meal. It was really good so I thought I'd share it with you. We adapted it from a recipe in the book: 'Jamie's 15 minute meals by Jamie Oliver'. I wouldn't say it was exactly that said amount of time, but it was reasonably speedy considering we did have to cook our rice first, whereas Jamie says to use cooked rice which will obviously save yourself a lot of time as your not having to pre-cook it first hand. 

Easy BBQ Flatbreads with garlic herb butter

I'm back! I didn't forget my blog existed or anything, I've just not been able to post for awhile due to several reasons. 1. I've been getting some work experience at Laurence Hudghton Photography, I learnt loads of food style'y tips and tricks and helped out on various shoots. 2. My kitchen is in a right old state at the minute and has been for a few weeks but the good news is it will all be back to normal soon and I will have an oven to work with again. Phew!

Cookie-Dough Truffles

I've always been one for licking the bowl and tasting (as all good chefs should) along the way, even when there is raw egg involved it doesn't seem to stop me. (I know I probably shouldn't but it hasn't harmed so far!) 

Milk chocolate and salted caramel pots

You don't realise how much you rely on your oven until it stops working. 

Guest Post: Chicken, chorizo and butterbean stew

Hello, I know I haven't been posting much just recently but I'm ultra delighted to be guest posting over at The Diary of a Jewellery Lover blog today (a lifestyle blog about all things travel, fashion, home, food and beauty) written by Mellissa Williams, with this hearty wholesome one pot dish - perfect for students on a budget. 

Simple Speedy Mocha Tart

I think it's fair to say that chocolate tart can be a bit blah! And as good as it can be, because yeah of course it's good...it's chocolate for goodness sake, sometimes I just want that little bit of extra something to take it to that next - not so ordinary level. (Cringe...just realised that sounds so cliche soz guys.) 

Pimped Up Cauliflower Cheese

I defy anyone to not like cauliflower cheese. Especially my luxe 'pimped up' cauliflower cheese. I hear you ask why...well I'll tell ya. First off the cauliflower is roasted to get rid of all that unwanted sogginess. Next the addition of broccoli. Garlic in the white sauce. Then we have leeks, pancetta and 3 cheeses. Not forgetting that crunchy, golden 'breadcrumbiness' topping! 

Chocolate Orange, Malteser Cookies

I haven't done a cookie recipe on the blog yet so I thought now is the time! There's something a little Christmas'y about these cookies too, the flavour combination of chocolate orange reminds of that familiar little box stuffed in your stocking (you know the ones). I also really love the crunchyness of maltesers and of course more chocolate...as if whole chocolate chunks were not enough!? 

There's more to pumpkins than pumpkin pie...

Well as promised here's mine and my mum's combined creation  for spiced pumpkin soup. It's not spiced as in hot, hot fiery! But more a subtle warming hint and adds to the lovely flavour of the pumpkin. We've also added a can of chopped tomatoes and a couple of potatoes...to make it interesting. 

C is for Cinnamon

We are officially in October guys! I love this time of year, when the leaves turn golden and drench the paths, making a crunch noise as you walk over them...you know that Autumn is finally here!

Courgette glut anyone? I have the answer!

             

I'm all for using seasonal ingredients...and as it's summer time - it can only mean one thing - an abundance of courgettes! We used to grow courgettes in our little vegetable patch; they were easy to start off and a pleasure to just watch them bloom without huge amounts of nurturing.