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!)

Creamy Avocado, Tomato and Pine Nut Courgetti (Vegan)

Spiralizing. Just the word gets so many people excited. The somewhat 'clean eating' trend attracts those health-conscious, carb cutters who want to feel like they're enjoying a big bowlful of pasta or noodles when in fact it's merely just a heap of vegetables. 

Crispy Avocado Wedges and Sweet Potato Hummus Flatbreads

You may have noticed I've been able to post a bit more frequently on here now, that can only mean one thing...summer is here! I've moved out of my uni digs in Birmingham and I'm back living at home, it's great to be back in the comfort of my own kitchen once again and get back to regular blogging in between days out and enjoying the lovely sunny warm weather we've been having here in the UK. 

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. 

Sweet Potato, Cheese and Chorizo Muffins

These muffins are so delicious and filling for breakfast. I make a batch of  12 and enjoy 2 per portion, just warming them up in the microwave as and when I have them.

Spinach, Watercress and Rocket Pesto (with pasta and toasted almonds)

Hey pesto! I love the green stuff, it's just so handy to have a jar of it ready and waiting in the fridge when you want a simple accompaniment to your pasta (or even some fish, couscous, or rice dish.) It's fast becoming a student staple for me due to it being so quick and versatile. I had a salad bag looking rather sorry for itself in my fridge drawer...all soggy and wilted, and as I have mentioned before in my previous post - I absolutely hate throwing away food! It's such a bad habit to get into and I've noticed now I'm at university it is harder for us lot to use up everything when we're only cooking for one. 

Mediterranean Vegetable and Goats Cheese Couscous Salad

Now that I am a university student, I'm slowly beginning to learn how to cook in smaller portions. Discovering and adapting recipes to save money but also how not to waste food. One of my biggest pet hates! I have to confess it is rather tricky to shop for one when the supermarkets these days like to cater for a whole household rather than for just one person. However, I am sure that bit by bit I will pick up tips and learn to love my freezer, (which, by the way is absolutely rammed full to the point of no return!) 

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.

Prosciutto and Vegetable Bake

I’d just like to start off by saying this; I know, I know… admittedly it has been a good while since I did my last post. Unfortunately with coursework deadlines (plus other exciting work experience opportunities which you’ll hear about in posts to come within the next new year. I wish I could show you now but I’m not allowed yet. It’s all very secretive I know, you can’t handle the anticipation can you?) 

Speedy Pappardelle Pasta with Parma Ham, Mushrooms and Peas

Helloooo! Guess what; this is the first time I've ever had pappardelle pasta. It was fresh egg pasta too. I don't know why but that somehow feels like a treat from the regular dried cupboard companion. It's weird to think that the only thing different is the fact that it is fresh...how does fresh equate to special nowadays? (Now that's a question.) 

Roasted Carrots + Crispy Chickpeas with Goats Cheese, Spinach, Pine Nuts and Herby Dressing

Let's talk about these beautiful carrots?! I was recently given these beauties and straight away I knew I couldn't just pass them as any old supper veg to simply just be overlooked and pushed aside like usual. These carrots called for a dish on its own to take pride of place as the star ingredient! 

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! 

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. 

Goats Cheese, Garlic, Parma Ham and Thyme Couronne

When it comes to savoury bakes I immediately turn to bread. I'd seen Paul Hollywood make a sweet version of this couronne (crown) with mincemeat and marzipan on The Great British Bake Off Christmas Masterclass and it just looked so fun and inviting to make, with the cutting and twisting (it's really quite easy) but looks impressive enough to be straight out of an artisan bakery. 

My Sunday Brunch - Eggs in Pots (oeufs en cocotte)

I think Sundays has to be the ultimate lazy day! I love Sundays, especially when I have nothing better to do than lie around knowing that I don't have somewhere to be, or something to do, which only means one thing...spending time doing what I love the most - cooking.

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. 

Jamie's Salmon Fishcakes recipe

Fishcakes can make for a tasty tea time meal. Crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside- they're easy, relatively quick to make and involves getting your hands messy which is always fun! My mum first introduced me to this recipe from Jamie Oliver,  and I have loved them ever since.

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. 

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.

Smoked Salmon, Broccoli and Cream Cheese Quiche

I'm very affected by the weather - I wish I wasn't but I am. As soon as it starts heating up outside I really can't be doing with big heavy meals (a.k.a casseroles uughh!)