Spiced Apple Strudel

The summer warmth lingered longer than usual this year and November saw days brightened by a lemon sun hanging low in the sky. I enjoyed its presence, spending time sitting out in the garden, opening the windows to let the…

A Touch of Spice for a Winter’s Chill

Once again a cold snap has descended and I’ve become surgically attached to my hot water bottle of an evening. Anything that offers warmth and cosiness is what I want to have around me right now: freshly laundered blankets; bowls of hot porridge; thick woollen scarfs. It’s forecast to get even colder with snow on its way so I shall continue to cocoon myself. Read post.

Feasting at the Witching Hour

As darkness fell over Saturday evening and cats with knowing eyes prowled the hushed street outside I closed my blinds and retreated into to my kitchen. It was time to stir up a little black magic for my Halloween Feast.

A deliciously wicked goulash (or, forgive me, ghoulash) was what I had in mind, followed by spooky meringue ghosts, all washed down with blood-red wine. Read post

Baked Figs with Maple Syrup, Vanilla Ice Cream and Toasted …

You know how I posted earlier in the week about enjoying a few more summery dishes before summer disappears completely? I think I jinxed us. Read post.

Sweets for my Sweet

I’m not quite sure at what point in time it was that the things I grew up with became retro. Perhaps it was around the same time that I realised that I was now at that age I’d always considered to be ‘really old’ when I was child. Read post.

Toffee Popcorn

We’ve had sunshine and showers this bank holiday weekend but no matter what the weather, weekend afternoons are perfect for watching old movies, and popcorn is the perfect accompaniment. I remember watching my Mum make popcorn when I was a…

Swirling Caramel

I’ve been making lots of delicious caramel lately, whilst testing recipes for my forthcoming book. Caramel is made by heating sugar until it melts and takes on a deep amber colour. There are two ways of making it: wet and…

Sticky Fingers

Yesterday I got to do the thing I’ve been looking forward to doing ever since my little god-daughter Hannah was born: bake fairy cakes with her. I love the child’s play element to baking; the puff of the flour, the…

The Guardian Word of Mouth Chocolate Tasting Event

Last week I joined a group of Guardian Word of Mouth readers for an ‘Easter egg taste test-cum-festival of chocolate-celebration’. Like the children who followed the pied piper we followed the call of chocolate and the scent in the air…