Recipes (my own and from reviewed recipe books), reviews of cookery books and cookery classes, food and kitchen equipment product reviews – if it’s about cooking or eating at home, it’s here!

DIY Graze box

A couple of months ago, I signed up to try Graze, a company who send out tasty fruit, nut and seed-based snacks, conveniently packaged into handy little packets that can be enjoyed throughout the day. graze box It’s a nice idea and appeals to those looking for a healthier, more interesting alternative to that mid-morning ... Read more »

Mango & Lime Jam

It’s always nice when friends show both imagination and an understanding of what you’re about when choosing gifts for you, so I was touched by the gift of a box of 6 fat red-green mangoes as part of an anniversary present last weekend. (Don’t worry, these friends know us both well, the present included a ... Read more »

Pete’s “Courgette ‘Saka”

During my August trip to Dusseldorf (for work), Pete was keen to find new ways to use some of the beautiful courgettes we’ve been growing in the garden. When he told me of about the moussaka-like dish he made one night (using courgettes instead of aubergine) I insisted he make it again as soon as ... Read more »

The Ultimate Pong Cheese

Anyone who knows me well knows how I feel about cheese! I adore it. The riper, smellier and stronger the better! Soft cheeses so ripe they are practically oozing their way off my plate. Blues that are pungent, sharp, creamy and piquant. Delicious rinds containing flavoursome cheesey goodness that makes me grin with delight! So, ... Read more »

A Natural Grazer (+ Free Trial Code for Graze)

ForagingHumans evolved, so I’ve read, as foragers. Eating a predominantly fruit, vegetable, nuts and seeds diet, our ancestors ate little and often. Whether they turned to meat because we couldn’t find sufficient edible flora or simply by watching and learning from predators, it’s clear that the ratio of meat to non-meat we eat has steadily ... Read more »

Quick Puff Pastry Tart

Having some leftover fresh mozarella balls and proscuitto slices in the fridge, not to mention a third of a home-grown yellow courgette, I sent Pete off to buy some ready-made puff pastry, fresh tomatoes and fresh basil for a quick and tasty evening meal. After scoring a border around the edges, I layered slices of ... Read more »

Petetree’s Cheesy Potato Bake

One one of our numerous trips to France Pete & I enjoyed some wonderful meals at Baud et Millet, a cheese and wine restaurant in Bordeaux. On getting home, Pete attempted to recreate one simple dish we ate there and this is his rather tasty result! It’s a dish we both love so we have ... Read more »