Friday, 17 May 2019

Pompano Martini


One might think this cocktail has a fruit flavour however it does not. Slightly citrus with a straight up classic dry martini taste.  

Pompano
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makes 2 cocktails

5 oz Gin
1 oz Dry Vermouth
2 oz Ruby Red Grapefruit juice
1 oz Bitters

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with an orange twist if you wish.


Have a lovely long weekend everyone! - JD 

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Hari's Lime & Green Chilli Pickle

When the jar states "award winning producer" one has to raise an eyebrow however when one tastes said award winning producer lime pickle, like Hari's, both eyebrows will be raised. Flavours unite in this exceptionally made lime pickle and fabulous with a cheese board. I am so glad we brought a jar back with us. I only wish we had brought back more from Ouse Valley. A lovely treat to remember and reminisce our summer vacation.

To find out more about Ouse Valley visit their website... www.ousevalleyfoods.com

Hope everyone is having a good week. - JD 

Monday, 13 May 2019

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies


Classic recipes always have a honourable rotation in my baking. That is why sprinkling additions here and there breaks the familiar expectation one often has when baking a classic recipe. Pecans give a slight maple flavour, complimenting the semi sweet chocolate.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
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3/4 cup caster sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened 
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 1/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 bag (2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips


Heat oven to 375ºF.

In a large bowl beat together the sugars, butter, vanilla and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed, or you can mix with a wooden spoon.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and pecans. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture. The dough may be stiff. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto to an uncreased baking tray.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. Not to worry the centres will be soft. Cool 1 to 2 minutes then remove from baking tray to wire racks.  



Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Plenty of sunshine with a easy spring breeze to be shared. - JD 

Friday, 10 May 2019

Imperial Martini


Strong however a little bit bitter. Certainly a slow sipping cocktail. 

Imperial Martini
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makes 2 cocktail 

6 oz Gin
2 oz Dry Vermouth
1 oz Maraschino liqueur
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into chilled martini glasses.. Garnish with a lemon twist, if you wish.  


Plenty of bright sunshine to go around. Have a great weekend everyone! - JD 

Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Curry Vegetable Strudel


Maybe one would think that curried vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese would not go together however, to me, it does. Roll it up in filo pastry to create the perfect main or side dish, that is absolutely flavourful. An easy delicious savoury meal worth every bite. 


Curry Vegetable Strudel
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1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
1 courgette (zucchini), chopped
350g/12oz potatoes, chopped
1 can of corn, drained
5 tablespoons/2 1/2oz/65g, butter
2 teaspoons/10ml mild Curry paste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2/3 cup/150ml/1/4 pint, water
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons/30ml single cream
2 oz/50g Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
8 sheets of filo pastry
sesame seeds, for sprinkling


1. Fry the onion, carrots, courgette and potatoes in half the butter for 5 minutes until they are soft; add the corn, then add the curry paste and cook for a further minute.

2. Add the thyme, water and seasoning. Continue to cook gently, uncovered for another 10 minutes.

3. Allow the mixture to cool and mix in the egg, cream and cheese. Chill until ready to fill and roll.

4. Melt the remaining butter and lay out four sheets of filo pastry, slightly overlapping them to form a large rectangle. Brush with butter and fit the other sheets on top. Brush again.

5. Spoon the filling along one long edge, then roll up the pastry. Form it into a circle and brush again with the last of the butter. Sprinkle over the sesame seeds and set on a baking sheet.

6. Heat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC/Gas 5 then bake the strudel for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to stand for 5 minutes or so before cutting.


Hope everyone has been having a lovely week. - JD 

Friday, 3 May 2019

Clear-Coin Martini

This unique tasting cocktail is smooth and mellow. Perfect when you want something different. 

Clear-Coin Martini
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makes 1 cocktail

1 oz Vodka
1 oz Campari
2 oz Orange juice

Rinse chilled martini glasses with Campari. Pour remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with an orange twist, if you wish. 


Have a lovely weekend everyone! - JD 

Thursday, 2 May 2019

Food Photo of the Day ~ Greek Salad

We have had a run of warm weather and bright sunshine only to be handed overcast skies and snow however that doesn't mean we can enjoy a crisp salad. I crave salads year round and like to make easy additions to a classic one such as this. Romaine lettuce is a great way to add to the abundance of a Greek salad. Keeping it crisp and fresh!