By JAN MAIN Stir Up Sunday was an English tradition based on the church calendar, the last Sunday before Advent, the end of November, when family members got together to stir up the Christmas pudding in readiness for the Christmas celebrations. Everyone from the youngest to the oldest would give the rich mixture a whirl […]
Ratatouille, a vegetable stew from the south of France, is perfect for the harvest season. A cooked mixture of eggplant, zucchini, onion, garlic and basil simmered together in olive oil, it is a tasty example of Mediterranean flavours. Ratatouille can be served many ways: hot as a vegetable side dish or cold as a salad. […]
An early summer morning, complete with sunshine, birdsong and warmth is a treasured moment- requiring the best breakfast ever to be savored and saved in memory but best of all enjoyed in the out of doors – be it terrace, garden, park or balcony. Prepare the best breakfast ever and enjoy every sensual moment! Mint […]
March, one of the dreariest times of the year, requires spice to add zest, life and hope to the wintry-yet-spring-like month. For that reason, choose Indian cuisine. It is sure to get your taste buds tingling and adds pizzazz to a cheerless period. These recipes are streamlined to make sure you can get them ready […]
Many recipes are improved by the taste of citrus – especially in the depths of winter! Lemon is my all-time favourite flavour but orange is lovely as well. Mother Nature must have known that we Northerners needed orange during the long, hard winter. Remember the limeys, those English sailors of bygone years who had a […]
February 14th, Valentine’s Day, always comes in the deep mid-winter. Sometimes a freezing cold period, sometimes a winter thaw, but usually dreary and much in need of warm loving thoughts. Let these recipes rejuvenate your spirits and give cause to celebrate with the people in your life dear to you. Chocolate is often the flavour […]
Winter is upon us. We yearn for sun, blue skies and warmth. While some of us can make an escape to warmer climates, the rest of us can only create a sunny environment from our kitchens. Last November, I had the pleasure of a first trip to Mexico. The climate, culture and people exceeded my […]
Soups are always on the menu in January because they are hearty, soothing, easy to prepare, tasty and cheap. There’s a soup to suit every taste bud. However, this year there is an additional bonus: they are perfect for the freezing cold temperatures we are having. Cheers for the best winter soups ever – you […]
Choosing Christmas gifts for people, especially those who have specific tastes, can be stressful. Remember, everyone has to eat. When in doubt, give food or a food related product. They are always appreciated. Here is a list of suggestions to make everyone happy, the giver and the receiver: Gifts for the Cook If you have […]
Recipes that can be used a number of ways are a great addition to your Christmas file – their versatility will stand you, as a host, in good stead. These three recipes can be used three ways: as an appetizer – always popular and necessary during the season, especially if easy to prepare and doubly […]
