Amazing how things can change in just a few short months. When I last posted months ago the world was only just starting to hear news from China about a thing called Covid-19. Roll forward a few months and now the whole planet is facing a global pandemic. Lock downs have become the new norm, and we are learning a new lexicon of terms like flattening the curve, social distancing, and PPE’s (personal protective equipment).
Read MoreWeekend Waffles.....?
Loving the abundance of citrus at this time of year, with so many options for recipes - both sweet & savoury. Last weekend’s brunch is one of my favourites recipe for combining a few different citrus flavours together. You don’t have to stick with orange, grapefruit, and mandarin, but mix it up with what ever is available. I’ve also used blood oranges, limes, tangelos and cumquats in this recipe. But just make sure the syrup balances out the tartness of the citrus.
There’s only ever clean plates after serving this dish to the hungry hordes, so you can’t go wrong!
Enjoy!
Read MoreAre you ready for Mothers Day.......?
This week I have another recipe from fellow foodie Jen Pomeroy (www.themodernmess.com).
Jen’s created a lovely brunch option for special mothers on Mothers Day, you can’t beat this Crispy Agria & Chorizo with Eggs, Smokey Tomato Sauce, Labne & Herb Salad. This recipe is equally good as a weekend brunch option for a crowd. With a little bit of prep before hand brunch can be ready in no time at all. I’ve also made this recipe for a light Sunday supper kind of meal, when you don’t want a big meal!
The labne and tomato sauce can be made the day before along with cooking the potatoes. Then simply crispy up the potatoes, warm the sauce and poach the eggs to serve. Omit the chorizo for meatfree and perhaps season the potatoes with smoked salt or add a little smoked paprika
Enjoy!
Read MoreStarting the day right.......
This week I have another recipe from fellow foodie Jen Pomeroy (www.themodernmess.com).
This has become a favourite breakfast at my place after Jen introduced me to hemp hearts. It’s an easy recipe and great for busy mornings as there’s minimal prep. You can change the fruit topping, depending on what is around at different times of the year.
Jen tells me Hemp hearts are nutritious hulled heart of the hemp seed, that look a bit like sesame seeds. They taste nutty and are a high quality protein containing omega 3 and 6, plus an excellent source of good fats. They’re great sprinkled on breakfast dishes, salads and you can even add them to smoothies. Available at organic grocers, health shops and online direct from the grower. Just remember to keep them in the fridge so they don’t go rancid.
Enjoy!
Read MoreFig Celebrations......
In past years I’ve struggled to get any ripe figs off my established fig tree (Fig Brown Turkey) in the garden. Living in the south island of New Zealand and having to put up with the vagaries of our summer weather, most years I end up with plenty of figs that never ripen before the end of autumn.
So this year I thought I would try an experiment and plant a new fig tree (Fig Mrs Williams) in my garden. I’ve positioned it against a north east facing fence (southern hemisphere sun is best in this direction). When it gets a little bigger the plan is to espalier the fig tree along the fence to maximise the amount of sun the new fig tree gets. Fig Mrs Williams is an earlier fruiting variety than Fig Brown Turkey, so fingers crossed it comes up with the goods.
Well surprise surprise - we’re only half way through January and already I’ve had ONE ripe fig off my small fig tree. So I can’t wait till early autumn see what this little tree comes up with next.
With a single perfectly ripe fig to play with, what dish to make? It has to be something simple and tasty, so I’m thinking a Fig, Apple & Walnut Salad will be perfect! And yes it was Ç’est Magnifique or Awesome for the non francophiles out there!
Enjoy!
Read MoreFresh Cherry Frangipane Brioche......
This week I have another recipe from fellow foodie Jen Pomeroy (www.themodernmess.com). This is Jen’s version of Bostock or Brioche Aux Amandes, and she’s used fresh cherries as they are fantastic at this time of year. Also included are another couple of favourites a marmalade version and a Christmas mince version. Best eaten warm straight from the oven, and it’s a lovely brunch option or great with coffee.
Prepare the frangipane and orange syrup the night before, and assemble the brioche in the morning and bake.
Enjoy!
Read MoreCalling all Lovebirds.....
For all those lovebirds out there in blog land, Valentines Day is just around the corner so time to spoil that partner, husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, special friend etc! How about starting the day right with breakfast in bed? A little waffle and rhubarb berry magic could be a perfect Valentines treat.
Bon appetit!
Read MoreWho's counting the calories...?
Look away now if you have an aversion to calories or sugar. This recipe is NOT for you! It might be slightly healthy with the addition of bananas but the rest of the ingredients don't appear on any healthy eating guide I've ever seen.
I love cooking this recipe for Sunday brunch, or in fact brunch any day of the week. It has all the ingredients I love.....
- Caramel sauce - check.
- Bananas - check.
- Whipped cream - check.
- Chocolate - check, check, check.
And all put together in one scrummy dish - who could want for more? But be aware you may need a lie down after to deal with the sugar comma that will follow! Enjoy.
Read MoreChampagne Breakfast for Show Week
In Canterbury we have Show Week at this time every year, which is fantastic excuse to get dressed up in your fancy clothes complete with fascinator (for the girls - google it if you haven't heard the term), and go watch the horse racing. As part of Show Week there are a myriad of Champagne Breakfasts and sponsored events to attend, which by the end of the week most people need to followup with some extended couch time and a quiet weekend.
I'm always on the lookout for something slightly different to serve at a champagne breakfast - and as many foodies say "always start the day right with a good breakfast", particularly if there is some alcohol involved! This Herb Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Fennel Cucumber Salad caught my eye and is perfect for any early summer breakfast or brunch. It's super tasty and a great stomach liner for all that early morning champagne. Enjoy!
Read MoreBrunch anyone...?
Why don't you give these zucchini fritters with hot smoked salmon a test drive for brunch this weekend? Well worth the effort & a good way to get your greens. Enjoy!
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