Stilton and Fig Tart
170g (6 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, I use canola 6 tablespoons water 1 ½ tablespoon sugar ¾ teaspoon salt 320g (11 oz, literally 2 scant rounded cups) all-purpose flour
Pantry Staples – Apple, Pear and Cheese Stuffed Muffins
Ridiculous!! This is a feel good treat. I categorized it as "Pantry Staples" because you can use really any type of fruit you have in the kitchen. The aroma while it bakes in the oven - the cinnamon and brown sugar topping - is what sells homes. So if you are a real estate agent, [...]
Pantry Staples – Everyday Dal (lentils) – Vegetarian – (Baked Chicken Curry Part 2)
Whenever I get involved in a conversation on cuisines, I always poke fun of the number of ingredients it takes to make authentic Indian food. No matter the region, if there is a spice, it’s in the curry - blending, merging, enhancing, dancing with the other spices, no matter how little is used. It’s fiddly [...]
Pantry Staples – Vegetarian – Red Lentil, Ginger and Apple
A delightful tasting lentil (dal) dish that is vegetarian and tasty enough even for the carnivores to enjoy. It's a meal on it's own or can be a side to a meal. I’m using my favorite red lentils for this but you could use any type of lentil, just adjust the cooking time. You can [...]
Mother’s Love – Salt Cod (Bacalhau)
Mother's Day is approaching fast! We knew it would feel different this year with the loss of parents, but with the virus, it will be almost spooky. We always celebrated this day together with the all the mothers in the family. It was always a special meal where everyone (it was supposed to be just [...]
Pantry Staples – Minestrone
I've been cooking and baking and experimenting and blogging - and loving it, for the last 2 months. My waistline has benefited most from all of this. So time for something on the lighter side - in calories but not in taste. This is my minestrone soup recipe. Pantry staples of course and ideas for [...]
Pantry Staples – Sweetly Spiced Cauliflower – Vegetarian
If you have ever attended any of my classes, you have heard me make the disclaimer that "I don't follow recipes, even if they are my own". There are exceptions, classics like Julia Child’s Provencal Gratin or a cookie recipe from Dorie Greenspan – I mean really, these are classics and need no tweaking to [...]
Pantry Staples – Leek and Bacon Quiche
When you go shopping next, pick up some leeks and then try this recipe, the video is posted on my Instagram account (IGTV – foodinspires, look for the chili pepper logo). My wife loves leeks, so whenever I see a healthy looking bunch of leeks, I will pick some up for a meal. Leeks are [...]
Pantry Staples – Sunshine Veggies
A really quick and easy recipe, with loads of suggestions for additions and substitutions as well. Again use up what is in your pantry or fridge. Today I'm using sweet potato, yellow and orange peppers, onions, garlic, jalapenos, fresh basil and thyme. Below are some substitution/addition suggestions if you need them. I made this to [...]
Pantry Staples – Sweet and Sour Beans – Vegetarian
I will try and send out some recipes to make with items from your pantry. I'll create a section called "Pantry Staples" and will populate it with recipes as I make them. Here's the first recipe. I don't think I know of anyone who doesn't have a can of kidney beans in their pantry. Whether [...]